Risking the Forbidden Game: Maude Cary

Trailblazer Books (Chronological) #36

by Dave Jackson, Neta Jackson

A Muslim boy, in Morocco, risks his parent's wrath when he accepts pictures of Jesus from a Christian missionary named Maude Cary.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Historical, Middle Grade, Christian Historical Fiction, Childrens

151 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Dave and Neta Jackson are a full-time husband/wife writing team who have authored and co-authored many books on marriage and family, the church, relationships, and other subjects. Their books for children include the TRAILBLAZER series and Hero Tales, volumes I,II, III, and IV. The Jacksons make their home in Evanston, Illinois.

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

A decently enjoyable read but it didn't explore much of Maude Cary's life within the story itself. There were a lot of interesting threads that were pulled out during the story but most were wrapped up in ways that felt flat.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is meant to be about the missionary life of Maude Cary. It contained scant details about her or her work. It is prodominantly a work of fiction within historical context. That aside the story was interesting for my children and we did learn about Morocco and when the Moroccan nationalists rebelled against the French colonial government.

[Grace Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Assigned to read this whole series in middle school, and I learned a lot. Great educational read!

[Mari · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a super cringe-y Christian missionary fantasy. A painful read and as a Muslim, I probably read the word 'infidel' more times than I have in my entire life. The authors seem to be obsessed with the word. The book seems to purposely associate Muslim characters with a lot of negativity and unrealistic ignorance. It also misrepresents a lot of Islam... just FYI to the authors: Muslims actually believe and revere Jesus as an esteemed prophet of God. We don't believe God let him be crucified on a cross and instead believe he was raised up to the heavens to be sent back to Earth one day. And just another small note (although there could be many more): we don't pay 'fidya' for a missed prayer.

I already have a negative view and poor experience dealing with Christian missionaries and this book didn't improve my feelings for them one bit.

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you begin reading this book in the Trailblazer series you will meet Jamal & Hameem, best friends who like to have friendly competitions with each other. On this occasion they decide to start a "Game" to collect as many "souvenirs" as they can from the invading French soldiers.
Read this book to see how the story progresses, how far they will take this "Game", & also how listening to Maude Cary's teachings affects their lives. Because sometimes you just might not know who to trust – the boys' eyes are opened up to new possibilities in life.

[TEENS Holmes County · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review by Joshua T.

A Christian missionary in with the Muslims

It has adventure in it.

I liked it because the missionary had enough patience to stay long enough that people could become Christians.