Helen's Temper and Its Consequences

by George Gladstone

Helen and Betty could not be more different in their perspectives of the destitute people that live around them. When Helen, the old sister, hears the story of the Good Samaritan she is rewarded for her classroom achievements, while the other sister chooses to live the example of the Good Samaritan. As Helen lives for herself and is constantly worried about the opinions of others, Betty searches for ways to be a blessing to others. When faced with the realities of living the life of the Good Samaritan, Helen reveals the treachery of her own heart as she mercilessly withholds good from a dirty street urchin. This is a story that reaches the heart, especially when you read how Helen responds to unexpected mercy and forgiveness she did not deserve.

Genres: Christian, Childrens

123 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually started this book last week. Will be starting sense and sensibility with Hailey so this book will either be put on hold or read in between. This is another very good book from Lamplighter publishing. A must read to my kids! 2/1/15

Wow, just finished this book. Sad and yet happy ending. It really teaches about getting to the heart of our children and not just the surface of them looking like they are doing what's right. But to do what is right in the eyes of our Lord (and not others) from a willingness of the heart.

Read for our family summer reading program. Mom's pick...krb 6/22/20 Ellie and Jacob have informed me that they don't really care for Lamplighter books anymore! I am so saddened and hoping this is a phase that will change. Not all their books are the best but some are really good that I don't want them to miss.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It didn't blow my socks off, but the God-centered, heart-centered message for kids (and me!) gets it 4 stars. It's worth the time to read to your children for the godly conversation it will help spark.

[Stephanie Salyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

My boys and I did this over a month as a lunchtime read out loud. It's an older book so some of the words were harder for my youngest to understand in the beginning. Words like thee, thou, thine. I loved the emphasis on kindness, compassion, and honesty.

Plot: The sister's main character does have a temper problem and a lying problem. She's also very concerned about how popular she is and whom she is friends with. This causes problems when her little sister shows compassion to others who don't look the same and come from a poor neighborhood. The sister can't control her anger and ends up causing injury to another person who does end up dying. It's not graphic but on the last page, she says goodbyes to her family and friends. My oldest had to finish because she was so gracious with her words and so forgiving I was sobbing. Like really hard crying ... It's been a long time since a children's book made me cry that hard. Forgiveness is such a powerful thing and so important for people to learn how to accept it themselves and give it to others when they've been wronged or do wrong to others.

[Molly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has some very sweet moments. The overall theme is biblically sound and the sweet character of the impulsive betty is very compelling. However, the story was a little more intense, giving a slightly more morbid feel than I would have liked. In a sense, the black and white lines of good and evil was helpful, but it was almost a little too dramatic. Helen is extraordinarily wicked and her choices serve to escalate wildly out of control, defining the woman she is about to become. Her grandfather interferes and while her heart is tamed, her decisions have lasting consequences.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helen did have a temper, and she also despised those who were not blessed with beautiful bodies or worldly goods, this latter having much to do with the fact that she craved her peers' approval. Her younger sister Betty was not so smart as Helen, but she had a warm and compassionate heart and manner. When the girls encounter another young girl, who appears to be poor and crippled, Helen is rude, and Betty kindly helps her to find her way home. Betty's tender spirit becomes the means of helping improve the state of poor Louisa's family. She gives what she can to the struggling family, teaches the girls helpful skills, and shares the gospel, resulting in the salvation of more than one. Helen believes that Louisa is a bad reflection on her, and her anger leads her to a tragic behavior. There is one person, however, who sees a way to help Helen.

This is an excellent story for family read-alouds or independent readers. The sweet character of Betty is an inspiration for others, and Helen's is a warning, although the author never explicitly preaches at the reader. I heartily recommend it!

[✧*̥˚ Jordyn *˚✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰. ┈ ⋞ ★ Helen’s Temper & it’s Consquences ★ ⋟ ┈ ★★★★☆

╰┈➤ The first time I read this book was a read aloud with my Mom, so when I recently had the opportunity to reread it you betcha I took advantage of it.

Again, if you’re unfamiliar with the world of Lamplighter publishing you are missing out! Their book are amazing tales filled with whimsical words and stunning plots from times long past ;)
I will never cease to adore their books, and I pray that I may have the opportunity to share them with maybe my own kids one day.

But for Helen’s Temper in specifics I think this book is SO important. Not often do we find our temper leading to such extremes as Helen did, but I think it’s so important for kids (and adults) to be reminded what can happen.

Overall it’s a staple book for all of us with tempers. It’s filled with biblical truths, and gently but firmly points us to the only one Who can turn ALL things for good (even a temper 🙃)

[Helen Purdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

We enjoyed the writing style and my girls asked questions as we read. That calls for a high rating from me. I pray my 7 & 4.5 yr. olds feel this story, based loosely on the Good Samaritan story, in their hearts as they consider how we are to treat others and for what reasons.

[Amy Adelseck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a MUST READ!!! This is a story of two sisters with two different hearts and the consequences that come. I cried. It is a very fast read. A treasure.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really good.
It is a story but also has a lesson every one should learn