Heroes of History - Harriet Tubman: Freedombound from YWAM Publishing: A TOS Crew Review

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way

Heroes of History - Harriet Tubman: Freedombound from YWAM Publishing

I've been homeschooling for the past 17 years, and one resource I would never do with out has been  YWAM Publishing!  For this review - we are privileged to introduce you to Heroes of History - Harriet Tubman: Freedombound and the Digital Unit Study companion.

At our first homeschool conference...way, way back, someone gave us a free copy of Gladys Aylward: Life of Adventure. We took it home and we were hooked! The very next year, I went straight to YWAM Publishing and purchased their entire set of both Christian Heroes: Then & Now and Heroes of History My dear husband never recovered from the shock that I bought "one of everything on the table." It is the one of my best purchases!

These stories have been LIFE CHANGING. All 8 of my children have grown up reading and listening to amazing stories of how God used ordinary people to change the world! One of our family sayings is "Someday, you will have a YWAM book".

Heroes of History - Harriet Tubman: Freedombound is an excellent addition to your American History study.  These books are great for independent reading for ages 10 and up, but we love them as family read alouds.  All the titles are available in paperback or e-book format, or as well-done audio books on CD or MP3 download.

Harriet Tubman: Freedombound follows the life of a truly inspiring woman in history.  Harriet is born a slave but, later escapes and becomes the "Moses" of her people, leading many to freedom along the Underground Railroad.  Her courage and refusal to give up are great lessons for our children today.  

Her story is captivating, we could not put it down.  That's what I love most about these books - they introduce ordinary men and women that God uses to do extraordinary things.  The books have never failed to show us how God can use even just one person to change the world.  Children need heroes to look up to, and YWAM Publishing has provided an entire series of them!

The Unity Study that goes along with this book is fantastic as well!  It comes as a digital download full of great ideas that can help you use these books across your curriculum.  It combines science, history, geography and more that will help you expand the reading into more learning.

 The Unit Study is very easy to use - you can pick and choose what you want to include.  We love to use the Chapter Questions for vocabulary and reading comprehension.

Printing out the maps that are included makes a great geography review.  When I teach geography in my Coop classes - I always give each student a  Christian Heroes: Then & Now book to read and report on.

We especially love the quotes!  They make great handwriting practice.

I HIGHLY recommend the Christian Heroes: Then & Now & Heroes of History series. One quick warning...don't let your family read these if you want them to live an ordinary life!

Check out the other Christian Heroes: Then & Now & Heroes of History titles we have reviewed:

• CS Lewis
• Betty Green
• Louis Zamperini
• Gladys Aylward
• John Adams

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Venturing with God in Congo from Conjurske Publications: A TOS Crew Review

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way

Venturing with God in Congo from Conjurske Publications

Are you ready to be inspired? We loved Venturing with God in Congo from Conjurske Publications!


This beautiful, 290 page hardcover book is an adventure. The book is the written journey of Darrell & Louise Champlin and their family as they serve God as missionaries in the hard world of the jungles of the Congo.

I have to comment on how well done this book is - it has a captivating cover and quality pages.  I love a great hardcover book, it makes it a treasure right away (please tell me I'm not the only one...) It It has short, easy to read chapters that make it perfect for your children to read to themselves, or even better as a family read aloud.

I love showing my children REAL people that God uses to do EXTRAORDINARY things.  Darrell Champlin is one of those!  He obediently follows the call of God and goes to one of the hardest places on earth - the remote jungles of the Congo.

Each chapter is another memoir, written in first person, that shows us the reality and challenges of jungle living.  

We were fascinated by his accounts of encounters with animals.  From killing a rogue elephant to skinning a 16 foot python with an undigested antelope still in it...Darrell will inspire your young men with his tales of adventure.

Woven throughout this book is scripture making it not only just an adventure story, but a great devotional story to point us to God as well. 

As Darrell recounts their experiences, a entirely new culture is revealed to us as well.  We learn about what his beloved Nkole NKema natives eat, how they hunt, their social structure, how they give birth and even how they initiate boys into manhood (wow...).

One of our favorite stories was how Darrell accepted the challenge from the local witch doctor concerning what he and his family were willing to eat, telling Darrell that white men had "taboos" (foods with spiritual powers) too.  Darrell got the witch doctor to agree to eat the civet cat, which the natives considered taboo, if he and his family ate snake.  Of course, the point was to break through the spiritual darkness.  Darrell's family did eat the snake to prove God's power and goodness.  My sweet children's eyes were wide as we read this chapter, praying I wouldn't decide to make them learn this lesson firsthand. This book has inspired many great conversations!  

In addition, a Photo Gallery give us a peek at the real people behind these incredible stories.

We enjoyed this modern missionary story immensely. Darrell's courage and devotion to God will inspire you!

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Elizabeth Prentiss from Christian Focus: A TOS Crew Review

Elizabeth Prentiss from Christian Focus


I love reading biographies, especially of Christians.  I just finished Elizabeth Prentiss- More Love by Claire Williams from Christian Focus.  This 135 page, soft-cover book is part of the Trailblazers Series.  This series has over 50 biographies of Christians throughout history, including some modern day heroes and heroines.

Christian Focus has been publishing since the 1970's all around the globe.  Their focus is on "staying faithful" and "reaching out". The Crew is reviewing books from their Christian Education selection. Be sure to check out some other great books:

• Big Bible Science, RTM (Read to Me) 5-7; RM (Read Myself) 7-11 -  All the experiments are designed to be done in a home school environment, with materials and equipment that can be easily acquired. Learning about God's Word and learning about God's world go hand in hand.

• God is Better than Princesses & God is Better than Trucks, RTM 0-5; RM 5-6  - A-Z books, highlighting a vehicle or royal feature that starts with each letter of the alphabet, and explaining why God is better. Useful for learning ABCs while learning truths about God and his Word at the same time.

Elizabeth Prentiss- More Love by Claire Williams is recommended as a read aloud for ages 8-9, or an independent read for ages 9-14.  I decided to pick it up to preview it, and couldn't put it down.

Elizabeth Prentiss was a young woman, dedicated to God.  She married a Pastor, and had six children.  But her life was marked by tragedy.  She lost her father, two of her children, her sister, and her husband. In addition to all the losses, her health suffered as well.   Through all of the adversity and grief, she choose to turn toward God, instead of away from him.  What an important lesson for us all! 

Having just lost my husband, this book carried a very timely message for my family.  God is the one who gives us the strength to walk through difficult circumstances, if we will choose to trust him.  Elizabeth did just that.

Elizabeth used her gifts with her pen to write to inspire others.  She influenced many with her writing.  She wrote children's stories, poems, letters and beautiful hymns.  Her trials brought a blessing to others, what a testimony.

The book contains a selection of "Thinking Further Topics" at the end.  This is a great way to use the lessons of the book with your children.  They offer some great ideas to think deeper on, along with a "Challenge" to encourage the reader to put what they have learned into action.

My favorite part of reading this book, is seeing how we can turn toward God, and learn to love him more with our gifts, even in dark times. 

Elizabeth is just a normal woman, that God used to do extraordinary things.  If God can use her life, I'm sure he can use mine too.

I'll leave you with a beautiful hymn by Elizabeth Prentiss:
.

More Love to thee ~ Hymn

More love to Thee, O Christ,

More love to Thee!

Hear Thou the prayer I make

On bended knee;

This is my earnest plea:

More love, O Christ, to Thee,

More love to Thee,

More love to Thee!

Once earthly joy I craved,

Sought peace and rest;

Now Thee alone I seek, 

Give what is best;

This all my prayer shall be:

More love, O Christ, to Thee,

More love to Thee,

More love to Thee!

Then shall my latest breath

Whisper Thy praise;

This be the parting cry

My heart shall raise;

This still its prayer shall be:

More love, O Christ, to Thee,

More love to Thee,

More love to Thee!

Find Christian Focus on Social Media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianfocus/
Twitter: twitter.com/Christian_Focus
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Christian Heroes- Gladys Aylward from Christian Heroes: Then & Now by YWAM Publishing : A TOS Crew Review

Christian Heroes- Gladys Aylward from Christian Heroes: Then & Now   by YWAM Publishing 
Christian Heroes: Then & Now by YWAM Publishing is HANDS DOWN - my ALL TIME FAVORITE homeschooling resource! Warning...do not let your children read these books if you want them to lead a "normal" life. These best-selling biographies will open up a world of excitement, challenges, and will inspire your children to lead lives filled with extraordinary adventures for God and his Glory. I am so excited to introduce you to the book that started our adventure - Christian Heroes- Gladys Aylward and the Study Guide you can use alongside the book.

At our first homeschool conference...way, way back, someone gave us a free copy of Gladys Aylward: Life of Adventure. We took it home and we were hooked! The very next year, I went straight to YWAM Publishing and purchased their entire set of both Christian Heroes: Then & Now and Heroes of History My dear husband is still recovering from the shock that I bought "one of everything on the table." It is the one of my best purchases!

These stories have been LIFE CHANGING.  All 8 of my children have grown up reading and listening to amazing stories of how God used ordinary people to change the world!  They always say, "Someday, I want a YWAM book about me!".  Highest praise.
Christian Heroes- Gladys Aylward was our introduction to this amazing series.  I fondly remember snuggling up with my now 20 year old, and reading about this fascinating and inspiring woman.  My sweet boy insisted I keep reading, "just one more chapter".  THIS book started his love for missions, and today he is about to get on a plane to Equador (home of Jim Elliot - YES, you need to read his story too!) and is pursuing a degree in International Buisness to become a missionary!  That's the power of introducing your children to these Heroes...

Gladys Aylward is a story of a young woman told she was "not good enough to be a missionary".  However, Gladys was not stopped by that and with determination goes on to become one of the most influential missionaries in China in the early 1900's.  She boldly rescues hundreds of orphans, bravely stands up to government officials and truly changes her world.  All this from an ordinary woman.
 I love this quote from her,  "I wasn't God's first choice for what I've done in China...I don't know who it was...it must have been a man...a well-educated man. I don't know what happened. Perhaps he died. Perhaps he wasn't willing...and God looked down...and saw Gladys Aylward...and God said, 'Well, she's willing.'
These books are story-after-story of what God can do through someone who is willing.  I give each student in my Co-op Geography classes a book, and have them read and report on it.  I've had numerous students come back and tell me it was their favorite part of the class.  
The Study Guide is a downloadable 74 page PDF that complements the book.   The Study Guide offers a wide variety of activities you can use to create a full unit study with each book.  It incorporates -  History • Geography • Essay writing • Creative writing • Reading comprehension • Public speaking • Drama • Art    Here's a quick peek...

 Included are country fact sheets and printable outline maps.  The Study Guide is very well put together and offers a wide variety of themes you can use with the book.

 I HIGHLY recommend both of these series!  True Heroes will inspire your family to greatness. You can read our review of Heroes of History- Louis Zamperini here, this series is a great addition to your American History studies!

Find YWAM Publishing on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YWAM-Publishing-482973445102/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/YWAMpublishing Tag:@YWAMpublishing
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/YWAMpublishing Tag: @YWAMpublishing
BLOG: www.ywampublishingblog.com

Hashtags: #hsreviews, #YWAMPublishing, #ChristianHeroes, #ChristianBiographies, #Truebiographies, #HeroesofHistory, #HeroBiographies, #TrueStories, #ChristianHeroesThenandNow, #Homeschoolcurriculum, #Teachthemwell
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Brinkman Adventures Season 4 from Brinkman Adventures: A TOS Crew Review

Brinkman Adventures Season 4 from Brinkman Adventures

Another family favorite!  We have been listening to Brinkman Adventures Season 4 from Brinkman Adventures.  We spend plenty of time in our van, and what better way to spend those hours?  We love listening to these exciting audio adventures.

Brinkman Adventures come with 12 edge-of-your-seat audio stories.  It's 4 CD's with 5 hours of listening!  Each episode is around 30 minutes, so it's perfect for our drives around town. 

This series follows the adventures of the Brinkman family, a large, modern-day missionary, family that travels around the world.  They introduce you to many real-life missionaries along the way.  The Brinkmans are a big family, and many of the family members are the voices in the audios.  We love the idea of our family being travel the world as missionaries as well!

The audio is well done with excellent sound effects.  They really draw you into the story.  We began listening in Season 3 and couldn't wait for Season 4 (especially since our Season 3 set was stolen from our van...I pray they were blessed when they listened!)  This season takes you around the world - from the Congo to Russia to Cambodia. 

From heart warming family stories - births and weddings, to daring hippo escapes, witch doctors, and prison these stories captured our imagination and engaged our hearts.  The stories will inspire and enlarge your perspective on the world and make you want to get involved with what God is doing! 

One episode - "Heart Song" was very impacting.  The true life story of a Russian man imprisoned for his faith.  Our family had just heard this story at our church recently.  I love how these stories bring hope, and show us God's truth.  We have had many great discussions as a result of listening together.

They are a wonderful way to encourage your children's hearts and minds.  The mission of Brinkman Adventures is to "inspire, motivate, and promote the next generation of Christian world changers"  - exactly what I am working for as well!

In addition, their website is filled with information - you can read the Real Stories behind the audios, find curriculum to use with the audios, and even preview some episodes!

We can't wait for the next season, it's available now!


Find Brinkman Adventures on Facebook 

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Heroes of History- Louis Zamperini from the Heroes of History and YWAM Publishing : A TOS Crew Review

Heroes of History- Louis Zamperini from the Heroes of History series   and YWAM Publishing 
The Heroes of History series   and YWAM Publishing is HANDS DOWN - my ALL TIME FAVORITE homeschooling resource! We have been inspired by Heroes of History- Louis Zamperini along with the valuable Downloadable curriculum guide. 
  
Warning...do not let your children read these books if you want them to lead a "normal" life. These best-selling biographies will open up a world of excitement, challenges, and will inspire your children to lead lives filled with extraordinary adventures for God and his Glory.

At our very first homeschool conference...15 years ago, someone gave us a free copy of Gladys Aylward: Life of Adventure. We took it home and we were hooked. The very next year, I went straight to YWAM Publishing and purchased their entire set of both Christian Heroes: Then & Now and Heroes of History. My dear husband is still recovering from the shock that I bought "one of everything on the table!"

Years later, both of us agree - these books have had LIFE CHANGING effect on our family. Our children have grown up reading (and listening to) stories of real life men and women that have been used by God to do amazing things. It has profoundly impacted them. All 8 of my children have expressed the desire to be missionaries. These books are great for ages 10+ to read independently - However, our entire family has enjoyed them as family read alouds and loves listening to audios as well. 

Heroes of History- Louis Zamperini is one of the family favorites in this series (and that is quite an honor!)  His story is a life changing, true story of endurance and redemption.  Louis is an Olympic athlete that survives World War II as a Japanese Prisoner of War.  A best selling movie was made about his life as well.

The entire story is one of how God helped Louis triumph at the Olympics (he even meets Hitler) after escaping a very troubled childhood.  His story goes on to detail his life as an American Air Force serviceman during WWII.  Here is where his story is truly inspiring...  he not only survives being stranded at sea for 46 record breaking days, but he endures years of torture in as a Japanese Prisoner of War.  The strength of his will is even more amazing as we discovered that he was not even a believer at this point in his life!  It shows how God is able to work in every circumstance!!

He meets God after surviving these horrific events, and his life becomes a powerful story of redemption and forgiveness.  He is able to actually FORGIVE his Japanese torturer!  He becomes a beloved American Hero and points all of it back to God.

This is truly an unforgettable story. In addition to being a great choice for teaching character - these books are also a great choice for using as a unit study or even as a full curriculum.


The Downloadable curriculum guide contains valuable tips for using the books in classroom, group or homeschool setting.   

The Guide, which is a printable 88 page PDF, is filled with activities, quotes, questions, explorations, community ideas and plenty of extra themes to explore.   The Guide offers suggestions of how to use this series as full curriculum in your homeschool or classroom as well as in a small group setting.  This would make a great coop class too!  Here's a quick peek...

The Study Guide is very professionally done and makes the perfect compliment to the book.

One thing I love about this series is that history, geography, character and Biblical Worldview lessons are woven seamlessly into each and every book.  I always say "It's the one resource I would NEVER homeschool without."


 Find YWAM Publishing on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YWAM-Publishing-482973445102/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/YWAMpublishing Tag:@YWAMpublishing
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/YWAMpublishing Tag: @YWAMpublishing

Hashtags:
#hsreviews, #YWAMPublishing, #ChristianHeroes, #ChristianBiographies, #Truebiographies, #HeroesofHistory, #HeroBiographies, #TrueStories, #ChristianHeroesThenandNow, #Homeschoolcurriculum, #Teachthemwell
 

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