Freedom Seekers Series - Book Review
Updated: May 24, 2023
Reviewed by: Shanea Rinn
Author: Lois Walfrid Johnson
Readability Age Range: 8 and up
PLEASE NOTE: These books pictured in this review, are OLD editions of this series. It used to be called, "The Riverboat Adventures". The covers have since been updated, and the series is now called "Freedom Seekers".
Book Summary - Escape Into The Night
"Twelve year old Libby Norstad isn't sure she's going to like her new life on the Mississippi River in 1857. After all, how many girls her age live on a steamboat? And life isn't any easier with Caleb, the cabin boy who's always on some mysterious mission and who seems determined to make Libby miserable.
When a fugitive slave comes aboard, Libby and Caleb find themselves tangled up together in the Underground Railroad, trying to help Jordan escape from the slave catchers. But many miles lie between the riverboat and the free northern states. With bloodhounds sniffing their tracks, will they ever bring Jordon to safety?"
My Review
The written quality of this series is very suitable for young readers from 8 years and older. The story is well done, full of adventure, suspense, and great themes of trust, loyalty, and standing up for right!
It is historical fiction, and the author does a great job of teaching the readers about this sobering time in history, through the eyes of the characters.
The reading level is simple, but still engaging enough for teenagers as well. The stories are clean, suspenseful, and very enjoyable!
Christian / Religious theme / Moral
The author writes this series from a Christian's worldview, and so common Christian themes are seen throughout the series.
Character/s Quality
The most important thing we look for in books, is that good and evil, according to the Bible, are clearly represented, and that evil is not presented as good.
Like any good story, there are both good protagonists, and evil antagonists. There are characters who are excellent role models but who also have real life struggles.
The author does a superb job of this in her series, and good and evil are clearly distinguished.
Violence / Fear / Gore / Horror
The persecution of the slaves is covered, and the fear and oppression they faced. But nothing is too graphic. This series will allow your child to understand the severity of this time, without disturbing them in an unhealthy way.
Fantasy / Magic
There is no fantasy or magic in this series.
Romance
There are teenage crushes between characters, but the author mainly presents the group of them as friends who care for one another and it does not advance beyond that.
There is a little romance between adults in this series, but again, very mild. There is brief touching, kissing, and it stops there.
Language
No foul, crude, or shady language in this series.
Drugs / Alcohol / Substance Abuse
None at all.
Final Thoughts
Another one of my personal favorite series as a young teenager! I devoured these books several times and would recommend them as a clean read to any young person.
Series List - In Order
Escape Into the Night
Race for Freedom
Midnight Rescue
The Swindler's Treasure
Mysterious Signal
The Fiddlers Secret
Where can I find these books?
This series is available individually across many different book stores. Formats include softcover, and kindle. A few of the book stores include Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christian Book.com or even from the author's own website which I have linked for you below.
We have also reviews another one of her series right here on our blog - The Viking Quest Series
If you are interested in learning more about Lois Walfrid Johnson, and the other series she has written, you can check out her website:
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