Resources

Adventist Girl - Set 1

by Jean Boonstra

The Adventist Girl Series

A new series of long-ago stories for young girls

Author Jean Boonstra takes children back in time to the days of William Miller between 1842 and 1844, and introduces them to Sarah Barnes, a plucky eight-year-old who lives on a New Hampshire farm with her Ma and Pa, and little sisters Katie and baby Emily. Even as Sarah's family accepts the message of Jesus' soon return, Sarah must keep up with her daily chores and schoolwork, and deal with the good and bad of being an "Adventist girl."

Each book in this four-book historical series will entertain and educate children about the Adventist heritage and hope.

Titles are:

1. A Song for Grandfather

Sarah Barnes is an eight-year-old who lives on a New Hampshire farm with her Ma and Pa, and little sisters Katie and baby Emily in 1842. Sarah is excited about her grandparents coming for a visit. But Grandfather surprises the whole family with some startling ideas he heard William Miller preach from the Bible. Jesus will return very soon, and the world will come to an end!

2. Miss Button and the School Board

Sarah and her best friend, Pam, love school—except for those annoying boys and that mean girl, Nickie Cooper! Their beloved teacher, Miss Button, is the best teacher in the world. Then one morning, Miss Button announces she will be leaving the school! The school board doesn't think she's fit to be a teacher so Sarah and Pam cook up a plan to save Miss Button's job.

3. A Secret in the Family

As the Barnes family looks eagerly for the return of Jesus, Ma and Pa surprise Sarah with an unexpected announcement: Ma's going to have a baby! But if the world is coming to an end, how does a baby fit into the plan?

In July, the new baby is born! This joyful event helps Sarah and her family to be thankful, in spite of the fact that they must leave their church. All they have now is each other—and their loving Jesus.

4. Sarah's Disappointment

It is August 1844. The entire Barnes family is frustrated by the "tarrying time." Pa suggests they go to the Exeter camp meeting. Sarah hears Samuel Snow preach that Jesus will definitely return on October 22, 1844. As the appointed day approaches, excitement builds. On October 22, family and friends gather to look for the appearing of Jesus. Will Jesus really return and take His children home?