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Star of Light
Strange and wicked Morocco, a land without Christ. Young Hamid and his sister Rahma find life very difficult. Their little sister, because she is blind, is sold to beg in the market. Rest and hope come from the Saviour.
"Hamid rubbed the light from his eyes and looked again. He was not dreaming.
It was his stepfather! The man watched Kinza as a snake might watch a baby rabbit
at play, waiting for the moment to strike. And for one breathless moment Hamid was
sure that he would reach out and snatch her away."
Hamid does not want his little blind sister, Kinza, to be sold to a beggar by their stepfather, so he decides to rescue her. Together they escape from their mountain village to a town where there may be a new home for Kinza. But this is only the start of their adventures. Will Kinza be safe? What will happen to Hamid who dares not go back home? Set in North Africa, readers will be delighted by yet another of Patricia St. John's exciting, freshly edited novels.
"Hamid rubbed the light from his eyes and looked again. He was not dreaming.
It was his stepfather! The man watched Kinza as a snake might watch a baby rabbit
at play, waiting for the moment to strike. And for one breathless moment Hamid was
sure that he would reach out and snatch her away."
Hamid does not want his little blind sister, Kinza, to be sold to a beggar by their stepfather, so he decides to rescue her. Together they escape from their mountain village to a town where there may be a new home for Kinza. But this is only the start of their adventures. Will Kinza be safe? What will happen to Hamid who dares not go back home? Set in North Africa, readers will be delighted by yet another of Patricia St. John's exciting, freshly edited novels.
254 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1953
64 people are currently reading
1130 people want to read
About the author
Patricia St. John
95 books243 followersPatricia Mary St. John spent 27 years as a dedicated missionary to North Africa - and was also a prolific children's writer. Her books are loved and treasured around the world; some have been turned into stirring films. Gripping adventures which cover real life issues are her hallmark.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
November 8, 2023
Sniff. This is truly one of the best stories! I give it six stars.
I remember reading this as a kid and being deeply moved. Now, as a mother, I got choked up multiple times. Talk about a dire situation and a heart-wrenching separation. But the mother and brother throughout this entire story show such beautiful sacrificial love - which wonderfully demonstrates the love of our Savior for us, and St. John of course doesn’t waste amplifying this point.
Aunt Rosemary is sublime and the way she relates and handles Jenny is a great example to mimic. Notice that it’s her love mixed with upfront truth that got through to Jenny and lead her to salvation. In contrast, note what Jenny observers about her parents reactions to her wrong-doing. So good truths for the parent reading this book too.
Very touching, so beautiful and the gospel is laid out wonderfully. A must read for every family!
#Morocco
Ages: 6+
Content Considerations: it is known that a step father beats his new wife and her children. A toddler is kidnapped.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
I remember reading this as a kid and being deeply moved. Now, as a mother, I got choked up multiple times. Talk about a dire situation and a heart-wrenching separation. But the mother and brother throughout this entire story show such beautiful sacrificial love - which wonderfully demonstrates the love of our Savior for us, and St. John of course doesn’t waste amplifying this point.
Aunt Rosemary is sublime and the way she relates and handles Jenny is a great example to mimic. Notice that it’s her love mixed with upfront truth that got through to Jenny and lead her to salvation. In contrast, note what Jenny observers about her parents reactions to her wrong-doing. So good truths for the parent reading this book too.
Very touching, so beautiful and the gospel is laid out wonderfully. A must read for every family!
#Morocco
Ages: 6+
Content Considerations: it is known that a step father beats his new wife and her children. A toddler is kidnapped.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
September 18, 2021
We really enjoyed this one and the metaphor in it.
May 14, 2017
Ok, I confess - my five star rating is for the original book published in 1953.
When I was ten years old, a missionary to Algeria gave me Star of Light. It so captured my imagination that I read it over and over and over. I wanted my children and friends to read the book but wondered why it did not thrill them like it had me. WELL, somebody decided that modern children could not understand a book published fifty years ago and Moody Press revised it - took away much of the Moorish culture, the harshness, and the British langauge. I mean, what ten year old could understand that a "torch" is flashlight in the context in which it is used?? Seriously, the original Star of Light expanded my horizons and my vocabulary as well as giving me a heart for missions.
Blah for this edition but if you can find a rare, no longer published, original, get it and love it.
When I was ten years old, a missionary to Algeria gave me Star of Light. It so captured my imagination that I read it over and over and over. I wanted my children and friends to read the book but wondered why it did not thrill them like it had me. WELL, somebody decided that modern children could not understand a book published fifty years ago and Moody Press revised it - took away much of the Moorish culture, the harshness, and the British langauge. I mean, what ten year old could understand that a "torch" is flashlight in the context in which it is used?? Seriously, the original Star of Light expanded my horizons and my vocabulary as well as giving me a heart for missions.
Blah for this edition but if you can find a rare, no longer published, original, get it and love it.
March 7, 2022
A Kindle deal and public recommendation from 10ofThose founder, Jonathon Carswell, brought Patricia St. John’s work back to my attention. I have heard of St. John’s work from the homeschooling community, but I do not remember reading her as a child.
We read the following St. John’s historical fiction treatment of the Biblical book of Philemon in homeschool. It was okay, but I found Star of Light to be better.
Twice Freed, Patricia St. John, 1970
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I enjoyed the multilayered story of Star of Light, which explores the dissemination of the message of Jesus into a North African family. Firmly in context, there are no naive confrontations of cultural/ social systems. Rather, the focus is on individual hearts and lives, illustrating how the Gospel penetrates the soul. The narrative moves from young girl Rahma, to her brother Hamed, to their baby sister Kinza, to the English girl, Jenny. Each of these children carry the story forward as we see how events shape their lives and choices. Unpredictable plotting doesn’t feel forced because it is brought about by St. John’s allowance for her beloved characters to be weakened, make mistakes, act foolishly, or carry regrets. I appreciated the gentle tone of the writing, especially when dealing with heavy topics such as personal tragedy, recognition of sin/ failure, and spiritual transformation.
The story stands in marked contrast the vast majority of books published today for the young adult reader. St. John doesn’t flinch from the hardships, contradictions or realities of life in our world while exploring cultural norms/ contexts that may be unfamiliar to the English language reading young adult. Characters are earnest kids facing real difficulty, that seek survival and find something more precious. I can understand why so many view this book as a treasure. I’m thrilled to see this quality writing preserved for future readers through ebooks and the work of 10ofThose.com.
Moody Publishers has a brief biography of Patricia St. John, with links to six of her books they are currently publishing.
https://www.moodypublishers.com/autho...
Goodreads Reviewer Lydia Strickler states that Moody publishers has considerably altered the text of Star of Light. “…somebody decided that modern children could not understand a book published fifty years ago and Moody Press revised it - took away much of the Moorish culture, the harshness, and the British language (sic)…”
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This is the Patricia St. John set I am reading, it is a Moody Publisher’s set (see Goodreads Reviewer Lydia Strickler above):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The ebook set continues with:
The Tanglewoods’ Secret, Patricia St. John, 1959
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
You can purchase a set of nine Patricia St. John books through 10ofThose.com. I’m wondering if these are the original imprints?
https://us.10ofthose.com/patricia-st-...
We read the following St. John’s historical fiction treatment of the Biblical book of Philemon in homeschool. It was okay, but I found Star of Light to be better.
Twice Freed, Patricia St. John, 1970
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I enjoyed the multilayered story of Star of Light, which explores the dissemination of the message of Jesus into a North African family. Firmly in context, there are no naive confrontations of cultural/ social systems. Rather, the focus is on individual hearts and lives, illustrating how the Gospel penetrates the soul. The narrative moves from young girl Rahma, to her brother Hamed, to their baby sister Kinza, to the English girl, Jenny. Each of these children carry the story forward as we see how events shape their lives and choices. Unpredictable plotting doesn’t feel forced because it is brought about by St. John’s allowance for her beloved characters to be weakened, make mistakes, act foolishly, or carry regrets. I appreciated the gentle tone of the writing, especially when dealing with heavy topics such as personal tragedy, recognition of sin/ failure, and spiritual transformation.
The story stands in marked contrast the vast majority of books published today for the young adult reader. St. John doesn’t flinch from the hardships, contradictions or realities of life in our world while exploring cultural norms/ contexts that may be unfamiliar to the English language reading young adult. Characters are earnest kids facing real difficulty, that seek survival and find something more precious. I can understand why so many view this book as a treasure. I’m thrilled to see this quality writing preserved for future readers through ebooks and the work of 10ofThose.com.
Moody Publishers has a brief biography of Patricia St. John, with links to six of her books they are currently publishing.
https://www.moodypublishers.com/autho...
Goodreads Reviewer Lydia Strickler states that Moody publishers has considerably altered the text of Star of Light. “…somebody decided that modern children could not understand a book published fifty years ago and Moody Press revised it - took away much of the Moorish culture, the harshness, and the British language (sic)…”
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This is the Patricia St. John set I am reading, it is a Moody Publisher’s set (see Goodreads Reviewer Lydia Strickler above):
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The ebook set continues with:
The Tanglewoods’ Secret, Patricia St. John, 1959
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
You can purchase a set of nine Patricia St. John books through 10ofThose.com. I’m wondering if these are the original imprints?
https://us.10ofthose.com/patricia-st-...
February 12, 2018
I thought this was an amazing book with a powerful message of the love of Jesus Christ that is for young and old. I recommend anybody who does not know about Jesus, and even those who do, read this book. This could also open your heart to missions and going to the unreached areas of our world.
September 26, 2025
Well, it's official...four Patricia St John books in and I'm obsessed. I love the way she doesn't shy away from the gospel *and* that the hard things in life may remain even with a life transformed by Christ.
June 27, 2020
This book was very interesting and fun I liked the fact that it incorporated the lifestyle of the people and had a gospel message too
January 16, 2016
Star Of Light was a nice story and I enjoyed it, so my rating is 3.5 stars. The main characters are Hamid and Jenny. One thing I do not really like about the book is that the first half is about Hamid and then they kind of forget about him and then the main character is Jenny. I would have liked to keep reading Hamid's story. The main lesson in the book is about Jesus and learning about Him. It had a pretty satisfying ending. I recommend it to ages 8 and up.
September 27, 2019
At first I was surprised at how “heavy” this story started out. It opens with a 7 year old girl who is described as small because she never gets enough to eat. The reason for this is because her stepfather and his elder wife do not like her and not only do they not feed her enough but they sometimes beat her. This little girl, Rahma, wears clothes of rags and has to work very hard.
Then we find out that Rahma’s little sister, Kinza, is blind and Kinza’s mother who loves her, worries about her safety as she knows her husband will see Kinza as nothing but a burden. After Kinza’s stepfather finds out, he rents her out to the town beggar to beg with him as the adult beggar gains more sympathy with 3 year old Kinza next to him. When the beggar decides he is going to move to another town, he asks Kinza’s stepfather to buy her. When Kinza’s mother finds out that her husband plans to sell Kinza, she devises a plan for her son, Hamid to sneak her away and take her to another village far away where she has heard of a missionary who will not turn Kinza away. She knows Kinza will be safe and well cared for there.
This is a story where your heart is burdened for these sweet children and you can’t help but worry about them through the whole story. Then we meet Rosemary, who runs a medical clinic in her home to help the sick and poor. She uses these gifts and medicines to share the gospel of Christ. She doesn’t live for herself but instead for treasures in heaven. After reading this story, it sure makes you want to be more like Rosemary.
But along with theses poor siblings, struggling with an abusive home life, we have another type of child come on the scene and her name is Jenny. Jenny is Rosemary’s niece who is visiting with her parents. Jenny is spoiled and selfish. But she too falls in love with blind Kinza and God uses Kinza and Rosemary to slowly change her heart.
My favorite quote: (spoken by Rosemary)
“Your heart is like a little closed in circle with yourself in the middle, and every time something happens that hurts or annoys you, you think the world is coming to an end. As you get older, Jenny, you will find out that there are more and more things that will annoy and hurt you, and you are going to grow into a very unhappy, unloving person. You see, you haven’t really time or room to love anyone else properly because you’re too busy loving yourself.”
This was a powerful story that empowers our children to live for Christ and for others. My fifth grade son and I really enjoyed this book.
Then we find out that Rahma’s little sister, Kinza, is blind and Kinza’s mother who loves her, worries about her safety as she knows her husband will see Kinza as nothing but a burden. After Kinza’s stepfather finds out, he rents her out to the town beggar to beg with him as the adult beggar gains more sympathy with 3 year old Kinza next to him. When the beggar decides he is going to move to another town, he asks Kinza’s stepfather to buy her. When Kinza’s mother finds out that her husband plans to sell Kinza, she devises a plan for her son, Hamid to sneak her away and take her to another village far away where she has heard of a missionary who will not turn Kinza away. She knows Kinza will be safe and well cared for there.
This is a story where your heart is burdened for these sweet children and you can’t help but worry about them through the whole story. Then we meet Rosemary, who runs a medical clinic in her home to help the sick and poor. She uses these gifts and medicines to share the gospel of Christ. She doesn’t live for herself but instead for treasures in heaven. After reading this story, it sure makes you want to be more like Rosemary.
But along with theses poor siblings, struggling with an abusive home life, we have another type of child come on the scene and her name is Jenny. Jenny is Rosemary’s niece who is visiting with her parents. Jenny is spoiled and selfish. But she too falls in love with blind Kinza and God uses Kinza and Rosemary to slowly change her heart.
My favorite quote: (spoken by Rosemary)
“Your heart is like a little closed in circle with yourself in the middle, and every time something happens that hurts or annoys you, you think the world is coming to an end. As you get older, Jenny, you will find out that there are more and more things that will annoy and hurt you, and you are going to grow into a very unhappy, unloving person. You see, you haven’t really time or room to love anyone else properly because you’re too busy loving yourself.”
This was a powerful story that empowers our children to live for Christ and for others. My fifth grade son and I really enjoyed this book.
November 23, 2025
This one was a little confusing. 😕 I liked the first half and that’s where the three stars came from but there were a couple things that I did not appreciate. Like one of the main characters says that she doesn’t have a need to go to church because it’s just to meet Jesus which also doesn’t makes sense because a lot of people are not gonna go to church before they’re saved 🤔
Idk, that’s kinda the vibe it gave me 😫 which is so sad but it’s ok, it’s a good book to other people. I really like the writing style, super easy to read and to understand 👏
Idk, that’s kinda the vibe it gave me 😫 which is so sad but it’s ok, it’s a good book to other people. I really like the writing style, super easy to read and to understand 👏
January 17, 2024
The kids and I all loved this book. The story plot is engaging and we always wanted to read the next chapter. The author does such a great job of weaving in explanations about salvation that fit with the story. The story is fascinating and sad and hopeful all at the same time. It makes us so grateful for what we have and feel real compassion for those whose lives look similar to this.
October 11, 2019
One of my all time favorite children’s books. Read it aloud to my 13 yo and loved it all over again. Written by Patricia St John and based on true stories of her work as a missionary nurse in Morocco.
March 8, 2021
A beautifully written story. It feels like it is based on real experiences--perhaps the author compiled some of her experiences as a missionary. One of the main characters is a missionary in Morocco. Her life is a wonderful testimony. The writing itself can sometimes be a bit unrealistic or preachy, but the lessons are so good for children, it's worth it.
November 14, 2022
I love the way the author weaves the gospel seamlessly and beautifully into the lives of the young children in her books. It gives such great conversations with my kids as we read and enjoy wonderful depictions God’s grace and care for His children.
March 28, 2023
Read this one aloud to my kids. So good! Written with relatable characters and great conversations about faith and the christian walk. This author is a treasure. Follows the life of a missionary nurse in an impoverished mountain village and the children she serves. Gently presents the reality of how many children must live on the streets and in fear of hunger and survival.
October 14, 2023
After reading some other views, now I desperately want to get my hands on the original edition, but this one was good. There was one tiny piece of doctrine I'm not so sure about, lol, but it's not a hill I'm going to die on when I'm reading about the hope of God to my kids.
November 14, 2023
A poor Moroccon family is the object of this children's book. The step father is cruel, the baby girl is blind and the step father is ready to sell the little blind girl to an old beggar. The 9 year old and his siblings are beaten and so is the mother. This sounds like a horrible basis for a children's book and at times it is, but through the loving kindness of a missionary nurse things are set right. She teaches the children about Jesus and love and hope and it gives them strength and a good story ending....maybe.
October 17, 2025
Simple story of an English nurse in Morocco tangibly loving the destitute and outcasted in the name of Jesus. Patricia St. John writes with elementary ease and biblical clarity while sharing the gospel through everyday events within the story. Though a child’s book, adults will still find deep connection and inspiration with the story.
Kids say:
•Ezra (9)—“5 stars! I love how the English nurse cares for Kinza and the children how God cares for us.”
•Piper(8)—“I just liked it. Not one part but just the whole story was nice. And it’s good to not be self-centered.”
•Eliza(5)—“I liked when the boy went up to the mountain.”
Kids say:
•Ezra (9)—“5 stars! I love how the English nurse cares for Kinza and the children how God cares for us.”
•Piper(8)—“I just liked it. Not one part but just the whole story was nice. And it’s good to not be self-centered.”
•Eliza(5)—“I liked when the boy went up to the mountain.”
January 3, 2022
This was the loveliest little book. Patricia St. John tells a beautiful story that obviously comes with deep knowledge of her life experiences. It was so full of love and gospel hope.
February 27, 2017
It's okay doesn't have a lot of action or adventure, but great Christian based book
May 18, 2025
No, it is not well-written and things happen for the convenience of the story, but Star of Light truly speaks clearly of Jesus, the Light of the World, who is ready and willing to change the hearts and lives of anyone from the wealthy and pampered (Jenny) to the ragged little boys on the street (Hamid).
Patricia St. John, a missionary, combines the true stories of many children and faithful servants of Christ to tell her young readers about the love Jesus has for them, how to welcome Him into their lives, and to encourage them to share with and pray for others.
Patricia St. John, a missionary, combines the true stories of many children and faithful servants of Christ to tell her young readers about the love Jesus has for them, how to welcome Him into their lives, and to encourage them to share with and pray for others.
December 16, 2015
This is my 12-year-old son's book report on this book:
I thought it was a great book, which is a lot coming from me who really doesn't like most books. It was exciting because you never knew what was going to happen next. There were constant surprises, like the part in the garden where Jenny loses Kinza. There were even surprises in the ending. There were actually two endings. Each main character (Hamid and Jenny) had their own ending.
Hamid was my favorite character because he was always on edge and kept the story exciting. He was always running and hiding while also protecting and taking care of his sister. Jenny was very spoiled, but in the end she realized that she actually cared about other people than herself. She came to Christ and that changed her into a more caring person.
The story takes place in the middle east where Islam is the rule of law over most of the country. In Islam blind kids have no purpose, so Kinza was worth nothing except for begging. Her stepfather was going to sell her to an evil beggar. So, Kinza's mother was going to send her to live with a Christian (Jenny's aunt Rosemary) so that she could have a better life. That's the biggest difference between Islam and Christianity. Christianity teaches that every life has value and purpose in the eyes of God. Islam looks down on women, children, and people with disabilities.
I think the author wanted to teach us about how God can change our lives and make us more loving towards others.
I thought it was a great book, which is a lot coming from me who really doesn't like most books. It was exciting because you never knew what was going to happen next. There were constant surprises, like the part in the garden where Jenny loses Kinza. There were even surprises in the ending. There were actually two endings. Each main character (Hamid and Jenny) had their own ending.
Hamid was my favorite character because he was always on edge and kept the story exciting. He was always running and hiding while also protecting and taking care of his sister. Jenny was very spoiled, but in the end she realized that she actually cared about other people than herself. She came to Christ and that changed her into a more caring person.
The story takes place in the middle east where Islam is the rule of law over most of the country. In Islam blind kids have no purpose, so Kinza was worth nothing except for begging. Her stepfather was going to sell her to an evil beggar. So, Kinza's mother was going to send her to live with a Christian (Jenny's aunt Rosemary) so that she could have a better life. That's the biggest difference between Islam and Christianity. Christianity teaches that every life has value and purpose in the eyes of God. Islam looks down on women, children, and people with disabilities.
I think the author wanted to teach us about how God can change our lives and make us more loving towards others.
June 18, 2015
Barf.
Speaking as a Christian literature teacher, I would like to hold this book up as a prime of example of why so many "Christian" books suck. Bad missiology, bad anthropology, and bad writing, all in one slim volume: this is the kind of book that only survives in the Christian intellectual ghetto. May God forgive us.
Go read Deborah Ellis instead. She knows how to write the book this book is attempting to be.
Speaking as a Christian literature teacher, I would like to hold this book up as a prime of example of why so many "Christian" books suck. Bad missiology, bad anthropology, and bad writing, all in one slim volume: this is the kind of book that only survives in the Christian intellectual ghetto. May God forgive us.
Go read Deborah Ellis instead. She knows how to write the book this book is attempting to be.
Read
September 10, 2019What a beautiful tale told with such conviction however what was truly disappointing was the many stereotypical views expressed over and over and an unapologetic view of the second largest religion in the world that the circumstances and customs of the childs family were based on the parents faith which is so far from the truth. Unfortunately this wont make it to our family library.
March 1, 2019
This is such a lovely story! I forget how much I love P.M. St. John. She is so passionate about Christ and how much He loved the little children. Definitely worth reading again and again.
October 3, 2014
One of my favourite books at age 11. Inspiring, moving and pretty great for making you want to live out a real adventure.
September 22, 2019
Loved it!
May 17, 2025
I read this story in one day. It was so gripping! I have found this to be the case with Patricia St John's books. This was probably one of her darker novels that dealt with some pretty distressing things like child slavery, and polygamy (the main characters mom is married to a man with another wife), poverty, and children suffering. The setting takes place in North Africa.
Kinza is a toddler that is blind and when her step father finds out, he uses her to make money and then plans to sell her into slavery to make money. Her older brother loves her dearly and his mother tells him of a place he can take her to find refuge with a missionary woman. The story follows the children as they find refuge and learn about Jesus. There are some difficult things the children encounter, but there is a beautifully redemptive ending! This story shows the light of Christ shining in dark places. I absolutely enjoyed the storyline as it was so masterfully woven.
As with all of her stories, there are some theological differences I have with her, but will be easy to discuss with my children.
This story is sure to leave children on the edge of their seat as they read!
⚠️Content warning
Child abuse and neglect, polygamy, violence, poverty, suffering, and threats of human trafficking (stepfather intends to sell the blind girl).
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for my honest review.
Kinza is a toddler that is blind and when her step father finds out, he uses her to make money and then plans to sell her into slavery to make money. Her older brother loves her dearly and his mother tells him of a place he can take her to find refuge with a missionary woman. The story follows the children as they find refuge and learn about Jesus. There are some difficult things the children encounter, but there is a beautifully redemptive ending! This story shows the light of Christ shining in dark places. I absolutely enjoyed the storyline as it was so masterfully woven.
As with all of her stories, there are some theological differences I have with her, but will be easy to discuss with my children.
This story is sure to leave children on the edge of their seat as they read!
⚠️Content warning
Child abuse and neglect, polygamy, violence, poverty, suffering, and threats of human trafficking (stepfather intends to sell the blind girl).
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher for my honest review.
December 30, 2022
Christian fiction for ages 8-12 set in Morocco during the early 1900s. Hamid is a shepherd boy who takes his blind sister Kinza away from their abusive stepfather to a Christian nurse. The gospel (especially Jesus as the Light of the world) is a theme throughout.
Hamid is my favorite character because he displays God's common grace. A desire for freedom, love, safety, family, and forgiveness drives him to care for his sister and later his family left behind.
CRITICISM: The gospel message is from an "open your heart" and "show your love for Jesus by being good" perspective. There is an emphasis on Jesus making us good rather than forgiving our sins. There seems to be a lack of accountability where the nurse was doing her own thing with ministry, and when Kinza and Jenny returned to England there was emphasis on Jenny being taught by the Spirit and nothing about also being shepherded in a Christian church. I also couldn't figure out why the nurse was so gruff with Hamid, even when she knew he was Kinza's brother.
Overall a good, clean children's story, though parental discretion advised for the gospel message.
Hamid is my favorite character because he displays God's common grace. A desire for freedom, love, safety, family, and forgiveness drives him to care for his sister and later his family left behind.
CRITICISM: The gospel message is from an "open your heart" and "show your love for Jesus by being good" perspective. There is an emphasis on Jesus making us good rather than forgiving our sins. There seems to be a lack of accountability where the nurse was doing her own thing with ministry, and when Kinza and Jenny returned to England there was emphasis on Jenny being taught by the Spirit and nothing about also being shepherded in a Christian church. I also couldn't figure out why the nurse was so gruff with Hamid, even when she knew he was Kinza's brother.
Overall a good, clean children's story, though parental discretion advised for the gospel message.
December 12, 2023
The Star of Light by Patricia St.John starts the story with a boy named Hamid and his little sister, Kinza. Kinza is blind and her cruel stepfather is planning to sell her to a mean old beggar. But Hamid doesn’t want that kind of life for her. In this thrilling, action-packed book, Hamid will go to extreme heights to save her from a life of bondage, and in the process, he finds a way out of his own bondage. His bondage to sin.
Patricia St.John paints a gorgeous picture of what it really looks like to love God and love people people the way that Jesus would. The book has great moral values and clever analogies mixed into the story. It teaches true faith, love, and courage in a fun way!
The main characters are Hamid and Jenny. They are two children from different parts of the world, who’s lives overlap in a surprising turn of events. Both children learn to value others as better than themselves and to love Jesus with everything they’ve got.
Well, I don’t want to give away too much- but one thing is for sure: Star of Light is a beautifully written, thrilling, and faith-based book with an ending that is sure to make your heart happy! I hope you read it!
Patricia St.John paints a gorgeous picture of what it really looks like to love God and love people people the way that Jesus would. The book has great moral values and clever analogies mixed into the story. It teaches true faith, love, and courage in a fun way!
The main characters are Hamid and Jenny. They are two children from different parts of the world, who’s lives overlap in a surprising turn of events. Both children learn to value others as better than themselves and to love Jesus with everything they’ve got.
Well, I don’t want to give away too much- but one thing is for sure: Star of Light is a beautifully written, thrilling, and faith-based book with an ending that is sure to make your heart happy! I hope you read it!
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