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Skippack School
With his German family, Eli crosses the Atlantic on The Charming Nancy. From Philadelphia, oxen pull their wagon into Penn's Woods, where they make their new home in the Skippack area. Eli loves outdoor work and play, but Mom says he must go to school. Though Eli expects the teacher to be cross, Master Christopher Dock is kind, firm, and patient.
88 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1939
8 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
Marguerite de Angeli
80 books100 followersMarguerite de Angeli was an American writer and illustrator of children's books including the 1950 Newbery Award winning book The Door in the Wall. She wrote and illustrated twenty-eight of her own books, and illustrated more than three dozen books and numerous magazine stories and articles for other authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 17, 2018
Poor kid - it's not just that he prefers to be active and out-of-doors, and not just that he prefers to make things, but he also has poor impulse control, and these days would probably have been diagnosed and given Ritalin. And of course many adults would just assume that he's naughty and wilful. But wise Master Christopher, the teacher, knows how to bring out the best in the boy.
As always, de Angeli's art is even better than the story.
As always, de Angeli's art is even better than the story.
November 1, 2013
I have been making my way through all of the deAngeli books and I think that this one might be my favorite so far.
Eli and his family have come to America from Germany. When they are in their new home, he must start school. Eli doesn't like school. He likes to make things and play in the woods and help his parents. In Germany, his school master was mean and Eli never aspired to learn much. When he meets his new school master, who is kind and wise, he is surprised. Old habits die hard and Eli causes a bit of trouble even when he realizes he is being a wicked boy. When he is left alone to care for his younger sister and the cabin, Eli learns how to be responsible and good.
Eli and his family have come to America from Germany. When they are in their new home, he must start school. Eli doesn't like school. He likes to make things and play in the woods and help his parents. In Germany, his school master was mean and Eli never aspired to learn much. When he meets his new school master, who is kind and wise, he is surprised. Old habits die hard and Eli causes a bit of trouble even when he realizes he is being a wicked boy. When he is left alone to care for his younger sister and the cabin, Eli learns how to be responsible and good.
December 2, 2018
The first half of the book draws the reader in and introduces the Mennonite culture in Pennsylvania, including school. The second half involves a visit to Philadelphia and tells about the processes of papermaking and printing.
Christopher Dock, the schoolteacher, was a real person - a teacher who eschewed corporal punishment and tried to instill good behavior through other methods (including rewarding students with his fraktur artwork).
The illustrations are lovely, particularly the color ones.
I was puzzled by how the conflict was not clearly resolved - is the bench sold to pay for the glass? Why is there no talk of it after it is such a crisis for Eli? I kept waiting for an ending that would solve the problem without selling the bench, but then it wasn't spoken about again.
Christopher Dock, the schoolteacher, was a real person - a teacher who eschewed corporal punishment and tried to instill good behavior through other methods (including rewarding students with his fraktur artwork).
The illustrations are lovely, particularly the color ones.
I was puzzled by how the conflict was not clearly resolved - is the bench sold to pay for the glass? Why is there no talk of it after it is such a crisis for Eli? I kept waiting for an ending that would solve the problem without selling the bench, but then it wasn't spoken about again.
February 7, 2019
A German family migrates to America to enjoy religious freedom in a Mennonite community. Everyone is excited about the move, the new house and land, the neighbors. There's only one thing that is worrisome, and that is school. Eli is not looking forward to it but that is soon to change.
A good character development and character building book. It would also be an encouraging read for any child struggling with school - persistence does pay off!
Ages: 6 - 11
Cleanliness: a boy has a hard time paying attention and gets into trouble pinching the little children and pulling their hair - he changes. Mentions the zodiac.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!
Visit my website!
A good character development and character building book. It would also be an encouraging read for any child struggling with school - persistence does pay off!
Ages: 6 - 11
Cleanliness: a boy has a hard time paying attention and gets into trouble pinching the little children and pulling their hair - he changes. Mentions the zodiac.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!
Visit my website!
December 2, 2016
Absolutely delightful with all the Pennsylvania Dutch references including Shoo-Fly Pie. Stories about the "Plainsfolk" have great potential to be annoyingly preachy; Skippack School manages to describe the life and beliefs in such an enjoyable fashion that I almost forgot it was about Mennonites. The building of character in Eli is a wonderful coming-of-age story.
January 10, 2018
I really enjoyed this children's book about Eli Shrawder coming with his family to America from Holland. :) As Germans, the way they speak is so funny. I love all the lessons Eli learns throughout the book! Definitely a book any child can read! :)
December 9, 2023
What a wonderful little book about the early days of our country! Gives a great view of what education and colonial life were like in the mid-1700s, especially for German immigrants. Christopher Dock, the schoolmaster is based on an actual person. From Wiki: "Christopher Dock was a Mennonite educator who worked primarily in South-East Pennsylvania. His teaching techniques stood in contrast to the norm of the day, and emphasized character building and discussion in lieu of physical punishment. His legacy lives on in the Christopher Dock Mennonite High School, which bears his name."
As a new immigrant, Eli Shrawder is fascinated with life in the new colony of Pennsylvania, but he is not eager to go to school. He can remember the German schoolmasters of the home country; they were rough and easy to anger. And he hated being shut in. But as Eli learns, Master Christopher Dock is a different kind of schoolmaster - one who can help you want to learn and provide incentives for excellent work. Eli learns many lessons - some of them painful (although not physically). He grows and develops character because of the influence of his new schoolmaster.
As one with a German-Mennonite heritage, I loved that this book was written in the German vernacular. I could almost hear the words in the language of my grandparents. So if you read it aloud, be prepared!
As a new immigrant, Eli Shrawder is fascinated with life in the new colony of Pennsylvania, but he is not eager to go to school. He can remember the German schoolmasters of the home country; they were rough and easy to anger. And he hated being shut in. But as Eli learns, Master Christopher Dock is a different kind of schoolmaster - one who can help you want to learn and provide incentives for excellent work. Eli learns many lessons - some of them painful (although not physically). He grows and develops character because of the influence of his new schoolmaster.
As one with a German-Mennonite heritage, I loved that this book was written in the German vernacular. I could almost hear the words in the language of my grandparents. So if you read it aloud, be prepared!
Read
May 5, 2023Cute story. Reading practice for Tom 2nd grade
April 30, 2017
Skippack School is a 1939 historical fiction novella about a Pennsylvania Dutch boy named Eli. When Eli and his family arrive in Pennsylvania, Eli dreads going to school. When school begins, he is perplexed by Master Christopher (real historical figure Christopher Dock), who rarely hits the students, but still frequently disciplines Eli for acting out in the schoolhouse. Over time, though, Eli begins to mature and after being left alone for a day to care for his home and younger sister, and then making a special outing with Master Christopher, he realizes the importance of working diligently in order to reap the rewards he desires.
This little slice of life story is a nice introduction to the way Mennonites lived in colonial America, and also a relatable story about a child who is anxious about school. For such a short book, it includes a lot of information about the Mennonite religion, language, and style of dress, as well as the founding of Pennsylvania and day-to-day life in the Pennsylvania Dutch community. It also teaches good character-building lessons about hard work, humility, and good behavior, and it introduces readers to a real historical figure in Christopher Dock, for whom today's Christopher Dock Mennonite High School is named.
Like Sticks Across the Chimney, this book also includes some racially insensitive moments. The most egregious is a scene where an Indian named White Eagle states in broken English that it's fine with him that white men took his land. I am not someone who tries to apply 21st century understanding to old books, but this was really over the top and borderline comical. The Indian character speaks like Tarzan, and what he says doesn't ring true at all. There are a few other appearances by Indians as well, but none of these characters really have anything to do with the plot, and it's unclear exactly why they are included. I wouldn't just write off the book completely because of this - kids can learn something from these glimpses into outmoded prejudices - but I also wouldn't want to use this book to teach a child about Native Americans.
All and all, I didn't think this was a great book, especially compared with others of de Angeli's titles, such as Bright April and The Door in the Wall, but it was a solid three-star story. It's not a book I need to own, but it has made me want to read some of de Angeli's other books, including Thee, Hannah!
This review also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.
This little slice of life story is a nice introduction to the way Mennonites lived in colonial America, and also a relatable story about a child who is anxious about school. For such a short book, it includes a lot of information about the Mennonite religion, language, and style of dress, as well as the founding of Pennsylvania and day-to-day life in the Pennsylvania Dutch community. It also teaches good character-building lessons about hard work, humility, and good behavior, and it introduces readers to a real historical figure in Christopher Dock, for whom today's Christopher Dock Mennonite High School is named.
Like Sticks Across the Chimney, this book also includes some racially insensitive moments. The most egregious is a scene where an Indian named White Eagle states in broken English that it's fine with him that white men took his land. I am not someone who tries to apply 21st century understanding to old books, but this was really over the top and borderline comical. The Indian character speaks like Tarzan, and what he says doesn't ring true at all. There are a few other appearances by Indians as well, but none of these characters really have anything to do with the plot, and it's unclear exactly why they are included. I wouldn't just write off the book completely because of this - kids can learn something from these glimpses into outmoded prejudices - but I also wouldn't want to use this book to teach a child about Native Americans.
All and all, I didn't think this was a great book, especially compared with others of de Angeli's titles, such as Bright April and The Door in the Wall, but it was a solid three-star story. It's not a book I need to own, but it has made me want to read some of de Angeli's other books, including Thee, Hannah!
This review also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.
September 28, 2009
This is one of my favorite children's stories and one of my favorite children's authors. Of course there are all the connections to my life from spending a day at the Skippack School when in the 4th grade and experiencing education in a one-room school house, Master Christopher Dock-style to attending Christopher Dock Mennonite High School. Although it's a lower reading level than our typical read-aloud, it was good timing as we just visited the State Museum and learned more about colonial life in PA and we're studying fraktur in art.
October 26, 2011
Simple children's book about a German family who comes to PA in 1750. Eli loves working with his hands but must have discipline to sit still at school. His schoolmaster gently guides him. Eli also learns the arts of printing and papermaking. This book has been on my want-to-read list for years. It was very difficult to find.
March 15, 2024
It's 1750 and Eli Shrawder and his Mennonite family have left Germany on the ship called The Charming Nancy to move to colonial America and live near German Town, Pennsylvania. As he adjusts to his new life and school on the Skippack river, he discovers he has a gift for working with his hands and learns to bless others with it.
July 23, 2017
A fun book to read if you're new to the Philadelphia area. In addition to a good story, the book is well illustrated. The endpapers are a map that shows Skippack, German Town, Rittenhouse, the Wissahickon, Schuylkill in days when the area was known as Penn's woods. Now I'm tempted to draw a map of the neighborhood of my own childhood and see how many stories come back to mind.
June 8, 2008
i didn't like this book
September 9, 2011
I lOVED this book in the third grade!
March 6, 2015
good story of a child who wants to do well and eventually finds his way, in his own way.
December 24, 2014
Love this sweet family tale!
October 27, 2014
Great book to read to those reluctant about doing school work. It shows the importance of learning to read and do sums and what a little hard work can accomplish.
May 29, 2015
Read with my 7 year old son. Enjoyable read.
November 16, 2016
I read this in like 1 1\2 hours it was great!
January 24, 2025
Story of a young boy who doesn't like sitting still for school and how his new schoolmaster helps him become a better pupil and looks for the good in him.
Based on a real school teacher.
Based on a real school teacher.
April 25, 2018
the 4 stars are for the beautiful illustrations-that is the reason I chose to read this book. the story was maybe 2.5 or 3.
May 14, 2019
My 10yo boy liked the book until it ended and then he felt like there were too many unanswered questions and not enough closure.
April 19, 2020
It wonders me what kids these days would think of this book. My copy appears to be a cheap reprint for a Christian curriculum, and de Angeli's beautiful paintings are in black and white. This is fun, good, wholesome childhood stuff. Eli and his family sail from Holland to Pennsylvania, where he is made to go to school and gets into some mischief. The stupidest thing he does is play "throwing the ball over the roof of the school," as the ball naturally tries to go through the school and Eli is forced to sacrifice a bench he was making for his mother in order to pay for the window glass. I enjoyed this book thoroughly, although it really bothered me that Eli and his family disembarked from a three month boat journey across the Atlantic, had lunch at his uncle's house, and then set out for their homestead. Good heavens, uncle! Let them stay for a few days so they can get washed up! Let them stay with you until the ground stops swaying! Let mother and the children stay while dad goes on ahead and builds a building for the family to live in! Also, I don't know anything about growing flax, but going from an uncleared field to a good flax harvest in less than a season seems unlikely.
Master Christopher is a kind and learned example of a good schoolmaster, and apparently based on a real person. Eli wishes to please him and that intrinsic wish makes him learn his letters, culminating in Eli making a book after visiting Germantown, which is an unexpected turn and denouement.
Master Christopher is a kind and learned example of a good schoolmaster, and apparently based on a real person. Eli wishes to please him and that intrinsic wish makes him learn his letters, culminating in Eli making a book after visiting Germantown, which is an unexpected turn and denouement.
December 31, 2020
While Eli would prefer to play and be outside, his German-born parents have moved he and his younger sisters to the new world of Pennsylvania where he must attend school and learn to read. He has much encouragement from his school master and even the promise of a special reward if he can diligently study and learn to read. But for a young boy, life holds much fun and adventure and sometimes difficult consequences that challenge Eli to grow up.
A short story filled with illustrations that take the reader back to the colonial days of Eastern Pennsylvania.
A short story filled with illustrations that take the reader back to the colonial days of Eastern Pennsylvania.
February 11, 2025
We love Marguerite de Angeli's children's historical fiction and this one is no different. As with her other books, The Skippack School was well-written and adorned with de Angeli's beautiful illustrations. We were so fascinated by the story of a German Mennonite family settling in Pennsylvania, of the little school-age boy who had a habit of getting himself into trouble and how he found mercy, gentle discipline, and guidance at the local Skippack school.
January 19, 2026
This book haunts me.
I find it in my closet.
I find it in my bag.
I find it in my bed.
Someday I will be getting surgery and the surgeons will find it in my insides.
This book is everywhere. You will never escape. Run away, nothing will prepare you for the trauma you will experience.
On the bright side, it haunts my sister too.
I find it in my closet.
I find it in my bag.
I find it in my bed.
Someday I will be getting surgery and the surgeons will find it in my insides.
This book is everywhere. You will never escape. Run away, nothing will prepare you for the trauma you will experience.
On the bright side, it haunts my sister too.
August 4, 2021
Fantastic book about a German family coming to America and settling in a new community, building a new house, and attending school. Main character is a boy named Eli, about age 8-10 maybe. This book is written about 4-6th grade reading level.
March 6, 2019
I did not enjoy this book.
There is no adventure in this book.
Nothing that wants you to read more out of this book.
I would only recommend this book to children three to eight.
There is no adventure in this book.
Nothing that wants you to read more out of this book.
I would only recommend this book to children three to eight.
November 21, 2019
STAY IN SCHOOL .👨🏼💻👩🏿🎓👩🏾💻
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews