The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls {A Children’s Book Review}

We received Book Three, The Great Escape and Book 4, Journey to Jericho.  While my kids had not read books one or two, this didn’t seem to make much difference.  There is a prologue at the beginning of each book that gives the premise and enough background for each book to stand alone.

What makes this series unique is that it is a historical fiction adventure series that transports its reader back to biblical times.  The two main characters are siblings.  Nine year old Peter is a bit more adventurous and daring than his ten year old sister, Mary, who is more cautious and studious.  While visiting their Great-Uncle Solomon, an archaeologist, he shares with them the Legend of the Hidden Scrolls which would allow them to travel through time to important moments in the Bible.  Their dog, Hank, also joins them on adventures.

Of course, there are rules the children must follow, such as solving the clues within a specific time frame, not telling anyone they are from the future and not being allowed to change the past.  The children have occasional help from the angel Michael, who gives them their time frame and helps to keep them safe.  He also warns them to keep their eyes open for Satan, who is certainly causing trouble wherever he is.  Once they have solved the message on the scroll, they get sent back into their own time, where their Great-Uncle Solomon is waiting to hear all about their adventure.

The Great Escape takes place in Egypt, with Peter and Mary arriving just before Moses confronts the Pharaoh demanding he free the Israelite slaves.  Peter and Mary are met and befriended by the Pharaoh’s daughter.   The nemesis appears in the form of the Pharaoh’s adviser, the Great Magician, who tries to steal the kids scroll and convince them that there is no one true God.

Journey to Jericho transports the kids back in time to the fall of the Jericho wall, where they act as spies within the city along with Rahab and her family.  This time Satan appears as the man in black and again tries to take the kids scroll.  Just as the walls were beginning to crumble they solve the message on the scroll: God Always Keeps His Promises.

The books move quickly and are full of action, helping to keep kids attention.  My son, 8, read these to his younger sister, 6.  Both really liked the books.  My son was surprised after the first one because he didn’t expect it to be about the Bible and thought that was really cool.  He is an advanced reader, so these were below his reading level, but they were perfect for a quick read for him.  Since I had him reading to his younger sister, they lasted longer, but a strong reader could get through these in the same day.  The suggested age target for these is 6-9 years and I agree that this is the age group these will appeal most to.  Older kids could read them and would probably enjoy them, but they are lacking the depth that books geared toward an older reader would enjoy.

The back of each book gives the location in the Bible where kids can go to read the actual story, which I think provides a nice call to action.

Other member’s on the Crew also read books one and two, so be sure to check out more reviews.