Kelly’s Search for Family by Bertha Schwartz is the second book in the series The Searchers. Although this is the second book, it is not necessary to have read the first novel before beginning this one. The book falls into the genre of juvenile fiction but brings in both historical and Christian aspects. The story is set in Massachusetts in the 1880s with a lighthouse as the backdrop. The main character, Kelly, is a young girl living with her Papa and Granny who begins to learn about her biological parents as the story progresses. There is plenty of action and suspense when Papa is kidnapped and taken away from his family. During their time apart, Kelly is shown the love of Jesus through the stories and life she lives with Granny.

Included in the back of the novel are four discussion questions for each chapter. Not only are there comprehension questions, but there are questions guiding the reader towards God. The reader is also asked to remember previous times they were in similar situations and what they would do if they were to experience what Kelly had. Scriptures are referenced and opinion questions, which lead to further discussion, are provided.

My daughter, age fourteen, read the book within a day. She was captured within the first chapter. It was a quite easy read for her, but she enjoyed the storyline. Although there were some moments of suspense, they were not scary, in her opinion. The discussion questions at the end of the book were thought-provoking and led to many conversations.

Overall, we would recommend this book for upper elementary age. However, if read aloud, we believe younger elementary would be engaged as well. The discussion questions at the back were a fantastic addition and lead to opportunities to discuss your own stories about how God has helped you.

-Product review by Kim Rodriguez, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, April 2019