Gideon's People

Rating:
Summary: Where I got the idea for this book
Review: I grew up in central Pennsylvania near a small Amish community. Amish families used to come to town on Saturdays in their buggies, and once a year my grandmother bought a goose from an Amish farmer to roast for Goose Day (but that's another story). Once, on a trip home, I ran into an old family friend, and while we swapped hometown stories, he told me about his grandfather, a Jewish peddler in Pennsylvania in the early part of the century. Something clicked, and I got the idea for GIDEON'S PEOPLE.

Rating:
Summary: Two youths struggle with culture and religion.
Review: Isaac, 12, is recuperating in the home of an Amish family in Pennsylvania Dutch country early in the 1900's. His Jewish background conflicts seriously with that of his Amish hosts. Of particular problem is diet, and observation of the Sabbath. He quickly learns of the conflict between 16 yr. old Gideon and his father.

Both young men struggle with the regulations and restrictions of their respective families. Gideon, however, is determinded to follow his dream of reading and playing music. This will mean he has to leave his family and his beloved sister, Annie. Annie seems to be a central character in this book, both for Gideon and for Isaac. She shows incredible insight and compassion.

This book deals with family conflict, religious traditions and the interactions of youth from different cultures. It might be more appropriate for the older child, since it does deal with some serious rejecting of the beliefs of the parents and needs to be discussed within a safe and informative environment such as the home first.

Rating:
Summary: Two youths struggle with culture and religion.
Review: Isaac, 12, is recuperating in the home of an Amish family in Pennsylvania Dutch country early in the 1900's. His Jewish background conflicts seriously with that of his Amish hosts. Of particular problem is diet, and observation of the Sabbath. He quickly learns of the conflict between 16 yr. old Gideon and his father.

Both young men struggle with the regulations and restrictions of their respective families. Gideon, however, is determinded to follow his dream of reading and playing music. This will mean he has to leave his family and his beloved sister, Annie. Annie seems to be a central character in this book, both for Gideon and for Isaac. She shows incredible insight and compassion.

This book deals with family conflict, religious traditions and the interactions of youth from different cultures. It might be more appropriate for the older child, since it does deal with some serious rejecting of the beliefs of the parents and needs to be discussed within a safe and informative environment such as the home first.

Rating:
Summary: Beware, these characters reject their religious upbringing.
Review: The book is good, but beware the message of the children's rejection of their religious heritage. Both the Amish and the Jewish religions are shown to be strict and both are rejected by boy's seeking freedom. Both boys find family or friends who support their decision.

Rating:
Summary: Beware, these characters reject their religious upbringing.
Review: The book is good, but beware the message of the children's rejection of their religious heritage. Both the Amish and the Jewish religions are shown to be strict and both are rejected by boy's seeking freedom. Both boys find family or friends who support their decision.

Rating:
Summary: This is a Wonderful Book, it is great
Review: This book shows are people of all different races can get along I think that it is wonderful book.