Lamplighter Ministries is known for re-publishing high-quality literature, and the book Ishmael is no exception. Ishmael, written by E.D.E.N. Southworth, is the first book in a duology about his life. This book is set in rural Maryland in the decades prior to the Civil War. Ishmael is a poor orphan boy who grows up in the poorest of settings. Against everyone’s expectations, he survives and flourishes in his paltry environment. He does struggle with things as we all do, but the focus of this book is about Ishmael trying to succeed in educating himself in law and government. I appreciated the character qualities that Ishmael had and how his self-discipline led him through his life. He is a believer, and the Christian faith does come out through the story of his life.

Ishmaelis a very good read for middle school students and is a worthwhile book for all adults. I am finishing up my senior year in high school and read this book as a supplement to my study of American history. Because I have been homeschooled all my life, I really appreciated the emphasis on self-education and the importance and integrity that comes with discipline. Homeschooling has given me the tools to continue learning after my formal education, and seeing Ishmael’s determination to continue learning inspired me. I also really loved the details in the book. Originally published in 1876, books from that time period have a timeless way of bringing scenes to life with detailed and illustrative writing. I also really enjoyed the style of the book as well.

This book is sold for around $38. It is one of the longer Lamplighter books at 523 pages. I would highly recommend reading this, not just for middle school and high school students, but for adults as well.

- Product review by Kaitlyn Gochnauer, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, July 2017