I bought two books as well as the unit study for my two girls. I read it first on e book while we were waiting for our parcel. I loved it and couldn't wait for my girls to read it. When they got their own books, they couldn't put it down. They read it through within days. The younger of the two is not a natural reader. She loved reading "seekers". The content of the book is well thought through and discusses a whole lot of relevant topics such as forgiveness, humility, love and then also covers subjects such as geography, history, biology in the South African environment. The book also gives a good insight into a homeschooling environment and definitely shows the reader the amazing opportunities and different ways to approach the wonderful world of homeschooling your child. "Seekers of the lost boy" is truly a heartwarming story which will definitely have you thinking about very important life questions. A must read for all ages.
Reading this aloud to children who range in grade age from 4th to 10th grade was a wonderful experience! We loved learning about some of the people of South Africa through a story that kept us on the edge of our seats.
I can see this book becoming a classic in South African homeschooling families, and even overseas where families want to get to know South Africa a little better! Seekers of the Lost Boy gives a view of modern life in the Cape Town area, and gently exposes children to South Africa's history as the book's characters discover it for themselves. Beautiful, truthful, reconcilatory and full of hope. The book's characters are well developed and leave the readers wanting to follow their lives more! The unit study gives homeschoolers a chance to dive deeper into the themes that the novel brings up - including oceans, geography, history, social studies. Well worth getting both!
Grade levels used
4
5
6
7
Pros
This was a brilliant way for us to talk as a family about South Africa's history. It is a well written book that my hubby and I both enjoyed reading before we gave it to our kids, who have reread it a few times!
Cons
Needs a sequel!
Do you recommend?
I have bought a few copies as gifts - brilliant for our many expat friends!
I have read this great book twice! The first time I read it rather quickly because I was anxious to see what happened next. The second time because I was asked to review it for our church newsletter so I wanted to make sure that I hadn't missed anything. It's really a brilliant read for both young and old (I am 66).
It was both nostalgic (remembering Cape Town in the apartheid era) and encouraging ( Cape Town today)
I also appreciated the "gospel" thread running through the entire book.
Can't wait for another "seekers" book by Taryn
I really enjoyed Seekers of the Lost Boy, so much that I have already read the book twice!
The story was very well written. I particularly enjoyed learning more about the history of the apartheid era and that the family was lead back to God through the adventure. Having visited Cape Town several times after reading the book I enjoyed recognising a few of the landmarks mentioned. As a homeschooler, it was refreshing to see how other homeschoolers live. I could relate to them.
This is a great novel and I look forward to a sequel.
Grade levels used
5
6
7
8
9
Pros
An encouraging story of faith and Gods unconditional love
What a great book! We found ourselves reading "just one more chapter" after our nightly chapter reading before bed. The characters were easy to relate to, the moral lessons were quickly recognized, and the history is great! We especially loved the "What's real and what's not" part at the end. Thank you, Taryn! We can't wait to see if you write another book!
