Little One, Maid of Israel

by Bill Harvey

Book by Harvey, Bill

Genres: School, Fiction, Biblical Fiction, Christian

189 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in grade school and remember enjoying it then. I've wanted to re-read it for a long time and was excited to finally be able to read it! The story is a historical/biblical fiction based on the little maid of Israel mentioned in 2 Kings 5. Because the Bible gives very little information about the little maid, the author clearly takes a lot of liberty in the story. It is a fun, thought-provoking story. The reading level is suitable for upper elementary or middle school ages.

[Beka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a lovely imagining of the story of Naaman. Even not knowing the Biblical account, this is a sweet story, but even better knowing that it is based in truth.

[Cecilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't remember what I learned but I remember I loved this book, had to read it for a class in high school (Christian).

[M.K. Aneal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Book.... Great Descriptive Writing!!! A+++++

[Tesh]

I think the last time I read this all the way through was a number of years ago. I did enjoy it, but I want to re-read it.

[Princess Remy15 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a really good book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading for CC1 wk2

[Carey Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another from the required school reading of my private school past. I loved this book when I was young. I'm not sure how I would feel about it if I re-read it.

[Melanie Tillman · Rating 1 out of 5]

I bought this at a homeschool curriculum sale and thought I might read it with my daughter when we study ancient history. I only read one chapter and already know we won't be using this. The writing is awful! The run on sentences are exhausting to read. I want to find a red pen to add commas because whoever edited this never learned comma rules. The sentence structure is awkward and the author repeats words over and over again. Like this sentence: "Yes, my Little One, you could if you had to. I hope you never have to, but you could. There are some that could not, but I just know you could . . ." Seriously? I'm appalled at people saying in other reviews that they read this in school. I would never have my kids or my students (former English teacher!) read something so poorly written. I think of what educator Charlotte Mason said about not giving children "drivel" to read. That's what this is.

On another note, the copy I own has random blank pages throughout. Just in the middle of a chapter! I'm glad I only paid 50 cents for this.

[F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-warming without being shmaltzy and very interesting. By the time I got half-way through the book I didn't want to put it down.
The author stays true to the Scriptural account and lets his sanctified imagination fill in the blanks. If this is the Bill Harvey I know of- he is a poet and song-writer and now I know him to have been [I think he has passed away] an excellent author.
The story builds into a convincing narrative of a possible way a Jewish slave girl could influence a Syrian General and his king.
The blurb on the back of the book is wrong [another character overhears not Little One] but that does not affect the story inside. Just be forewarned that someone was a little careless in production but the author had nothing to do with that.
I plan to get copies to use as gifts. Highly recommended. One of the best books I have read all year.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really "cute"? story .... The way the author imagined the little girl's story is very good, but I don't think it approaches the truth. Way too nice! The Bible says she was a slave captured by Syrians, so I imagine her real life story was a lot rougher than this book. But I did enjoy reading it! #brighter winter prompt: novella

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

So grateful for Biblical fiction for kids, though they are few and far between. My kids listen to this book read aloud before bed and definitely have a better idea of what the original story might have been. Gives me a much greater appreciation for God’s redemptive work through a young girl in the worst of possibilities.

[Helen Udoh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is quite interesting and there is a lot about her

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a surprise but great story

[Susan Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this Bible story of Namaan from the perspective of Mr. Harvey. Made me reflect on more of how I need to be. An easy read. Well written.

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is so nice

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for school. Liked it at the time. Probably wouldn't now, though.

[Dumpling · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a heartwarming book to read

[Clarance · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had to read this book for a school assignment… the worst book I have ever read.