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The Stolen Years
David Durant and his younger sister must live with their grandfather. They find that he will not talk about their father, a missionary, because he feels that their father stole a set of heirloom pistols from him. David uncovers the secret of the lost pistols.
152 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
16 people want to read
About the author
Gloria Repp
47 books57 followersBedtime? Story time! Gloria Repp’s earliest memories center on the stories her father told at bedtime. “What kind of story would you like tonight?” he’d ask, taking her onto his lap.
She always had an answer, different every time: “About a princess. And a lion. And maybe a horse—a brave, kind horse.”
After she learned to read, Gloria found stories on her own, but the ones she told herself seemed the most satisfying. Her mother died, her father remarried, she was sent away to school, and on many nights she treated herself to another imaginary adventure.
She became an omnivorous reader as the years passed, and finally she recognized what she’d always wanted to do: write down her stories for children to read.
She studied the craft of writing juvenile fiction and then began. Her three children seemed to like her stories, so she took the long road to publication and found that others liked them too. Since then, she has taught creative writing, worked as an editor, and written more books—for children, teens, and adults.
Many of Gloria’s books reflect her love for wilderness, and she says that the oceans, mountains, and forests of her childhood in Hawaii and Canada provide an inspiration she has never outgrown.
Recently, she has been exploring the New Jersey Pine Barrens, an incomparable wilderness of woods and rivers, bogs and ruins. One memorable spring evening, she listened to its frogs and found them irresistible. Before long, the hours of tramping through abandoned cranberry bogs bore fruit, and she began to dream of stories about a tiny Pine Barrens Treefrog named Pibbin.
Pibbin’s adventures have taken shape, young readers enjoy them, and each year she goes back to the Pine Barrens for more. The Tales of Friendship Bog continue.
She always had an answer, different every time: “About a princess. And a lion. And maybe a horse—a brave, kind horse.”
After she learned to read, Gloria found stories on her own, but the ones she told herself seemed the most satisfying. Her mother died, her father remarried, she was sent away to school, and on many nights she treated herself to another imaginary adventure.
She became an omnivorous reader as the years passed, and finally she recognized what she’d always wanted to do: write down her stories for children to read.
She studied the craft of writing juvenile fiction and then began. Her three children seemed to like her stories, so she took the long road to publication and found that others liked them too. Since then, she has taught creative writing, worked as an editor, and written more books—for children, teens, and adults.
Many of Gloria’s books reflect her love for wilderness, and she says that the oceans, mountains, and forests of her childhood in Hawaii and Canada provide an inspiration she has never outgrown.
Recently, she has been exploring the New Jersey Pine Barrens, an incomparable wilderness of woods and rivers, bogs and ruins. One memorable spring evening, she listened to its frogs and found them irresistible. Before long, the hours of tramping through abandoned cranberry bogs bore fruit, and she began to dream of stories about a tiny Pine Barrens Treefrog named Pibbin.
Pibbin’s adventures have taken shape, young readers enjoy them, and each year she goes back to the Pine Barrens for more. The Tales of Friendship Bog continue.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 21, 2017
It’s an interesting plot and an admirable lesson.
Unfortunately, it’s very poorly written. It seems to be aimed at teenagers, but the reading level is lower. That was only one of several inconsistencies. For example, the narrator is 16 and talks about other kids around doing this and that, but later it turns out they are in their twenties. Then the mystery was confusing so many points were hidden that even the mystery wasn’t very clear. I just didn’t like it.
Unfortunately, it’s very poorly written. It seems to be aimed at teenagers, but the reading level is lower. That was only one of several inconsistencies. For example, the narrator is 16 and talks about other kids around doing this and that, but later it turns out they are in their twenties. Then the mystery was confusing so many points were hidden that even the mystery wasn’t very clear. I just didn’t like it.
August 31, 2015
A great Story about how a family once torn apart from I forgiveness ....
I really enjoyed this ebook with such a great and inspiring Christian mystery about forgiveness,etc. I highly recommend this ebook for young kids to even adults who enjoys a clean ,christian short mystery story. For all of the reasons I have just stated I feel this ebook needs five stars! I received this ebook free as a gift from this author. And here is my honest review in return for it. Great job Gloria! By Angela
I really enjoyed this ebook with such a great and inspiring Christian mystery about forgiveness,etc. I highly recommend this ebook for young kids to even adults who enjoys a clean ,christian short mystery story. For all of the reasons I have just stated I feel this ebook needs five stars! I received this ebook free as a gift from this author. And here is my honest review in return for it. Great job Gloria! By Angela
June 25, 2020
This book tackles two difficult subjects: the dangers of allowing bitterness to control your life and the affect drugs (marijuana) can have on your life. This is a well written mystery that incorporates Christianity and suspense. David, 16, and his sister Susan, 8, have just left New Jersey. They are now in St. Louis. Why? The aunt they had been living with has just died and now they are going to live with their grandfather who is an artist. Why have they never met him? Hoping for a warm reception, David is very surprised when Aunt Jeanne takes one look at him and the warmth is gone! What is the problem? Where is their dad?
As well as being an artist, Grandfather is also a pilot. As other characters come on the scene there is not only the mystery of why David is being shunned by his family but it appears a thief is somewhere around. Who is it? What happened years ago to cause Grandfather to allow himself to become bitter? How will things turn out? Will David solve the mystery of what happened to Aunt Jeanne? Will the thief be caught?
This was a GREAT read aloud that myself and the kids loved. Clean, good lessons and much more. I purchased this book for my Kindle. I was not required to write a review but chose to do so. Thanks, Liz
As well as being an artist, Grandfather is also a pilot. As other characters come on the scene there is not only the mystery of why David is being shunned by his family but it appears a thief is somewhere around. Who is it? What happened years ago to cause Grandfather to allow himself to become bitter? How will things turn out? Will David solve the mystery of what happened to Aunt Jeanne? Will the thief be caught?
This was a GREAT read aloud that myself and the kids loved. Clean, good lessons and much more. I purchased this book for my Kindle. I was not required to write a review but chose to do so. Thanks, Liz
June 17, 2022
This book is about a typical father and son argument which in turn broke the family apart. It is about a boy, David who wanted to reunite his dad with his grandfather. It is a great one-time read! And it has nice lessons. But unfortunately, it has a weak plot and it is not a very captivating book.
June 28, 2019
This book is just ok. It is very disjointed in its writing.
November 21, 2021
One extra star for nostalgia. Mention of drugs makes this not a good book for younger kids. David takes great care of his little sister, which is nice to see.
January 23, 2022
Its certainly unlike any books I've read before
June 8, 2013
The Stolen Years? What does that mean?
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews