What do you think?
Rate this book
Adventures of the Northwoods #1
The Disappearing Stranger
If she told her new family what she saw, would anyone believe her?
Her Irish father having died in a construction accident, Kate O'Connell and her mother are left to struggle alone in the Minneapolis of 1906. Deciding her mother needs help, twelve-year-old Kate goes to pray with their pastor about getting her mother a new husband.
But when God answers their prayers, even Kate is not prepared for the changes. Her mother's remarriage involves becoming part of a Swedish family with two brothers and one sister on a farm in northwest Wisconsin. Such a big change is made harder when Anders, who is also twelve, gets mad at Kate and seems determined to make her life miserable.
As conflicts erupt with Anders, strange occurrences begin to happen around the farm. Kate is convinced she sees someone lurking about, but why? Are their lives in danger?
Her Irish father having died in a construction accident, Kate O'Connell and her mother are left to struggle alone in the Minneapolis of 1906. Deciding her mother needs help, twelve-year-old Kate goes to pray with their pastor about getting her mother a new husband.
But when God answers their prayers, even Kate is not prepared for the changes. Her mother's remarriage involves becoming part of a Swedish family with two brothers and one sister on a farm in northwest Wisconsin. Such a big change is made harder when Anders, who is also twelve, gets mad at Kate and seems determined to make her life miserable.
As conflicts erupt with Anders, strange occurrences begin to happen around the farm. Kate is convinced she sees someone lurking about, but why? Are their lives in danger?
144 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1990
15 people are currently reading
549 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
January 22, 2024
3 stars, personally, but middle-grade readers will probably enjoy it more!
About this book:
“If she told her new family what she saw, would anyone believe her?
Her Irish father having died in a construction accident, Kate O'Connell and her mother are left to struggle alone in the Minneapolis of 1906. Deciding her mother needs help, twelve-year-old Kate goes to pray with their pastor about getting her mother a new husband.
But when God answers their prayers, even Kate is not prepared for the changes. Her mother's remarriage involves becoming part of a Swedish family with two brothers and one sister on a farm in northwest Wisconsin. Such a big change is made harder when Anders, who is also twelve, gets mad at Kate and seems determined to make her life miserable.
As conflicts erupt with Anders, strange occurrences begin to happen around the farm. Kate is convinced she sees someone lurking about, but why? Are their lives in danger?”
Series: Book #1 in the “Adventures of the Northwoods” series.
Spiritual Content- A few Scriptures are read, remembered, & prayed; Prayers; Bible reading; Church going; Talks about God & prayers; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Before her father passed, Kate wouldn’t have thought about going to the church for help, but goes there at the beginning of the book to ask the pastor for help getting her mother a husband; Kate was very nervous talking to the pastor, but because he is kind, she becomes less nervous; Kate was angry at God after her father’s death & asked “If you love me, God, why did you let Daddy die?” and doesn’t think that God hears her prayers, but prays for a new husband to make her mother happy as directed by the pastor (her mother is very upset when she learns what Kate did, misunderstanding some of it); Kate wonders if her prayer is too big for God and gets upset when it’s answered in a way she doesn’t like; Kate’s mother says she’s asking God to put special guardian angels around Kate because of her getting into trouble; Kate wonders of God helped her in a dangerous situation, but brushes it off; When Kate is lost in the woods, she tries to trick God into helping her and adjusts it when she says “If you help me, God, I’ll believe you can take care of me. I’ll even believe you do good things!” and then wonders if God is getting back at her for the mean things she’s thought about Him; She tries to forget about her promise to God afterwards and then feels ashamed realizing that she only asks for help when she scared; Kate starts to enjoy hearing Scriptures read, bit won’t admit it of anyone asked; *Spoiler* ; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers, praying, & forgiveness; Mentions of churches, church going, services, hymns, sermons, & pastors/reverends.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: five ‘stupid’s and twelve ‘dumb’s; A bit of eye rolling; Being in a bad storm & being worried about parents (up to semi-detailed); Being stung by bees & pain (up to semi-detailed); Kate is almost ran-over by a horse (but is saved, up to semi-detailed); Kate has close calls with a bull & a bear (her mother is upset that Kate could have been killed, up to semi-detailed); Kate sneaks inside a wagon and accidental travels with a stranger; Some of the children at school & Kate’s new siblings play pranks on her (she wants to make friends, but doesn’t go up to them because of their whispering and pranks; Kate doesn’t tell the teacher at school because she thinks the boys will get meaner if she does); Kate gets lost in the woods (& Kate later lies that she wasn’t scared and then is honest and says she was scared); When Kate exclaims that she hates their landlord, her mother tells her to stop it (Kate still thinks negatively about the man though); Kate calls one of her new brothers ‘dumb’ because she’s upset that he’s paid no attention to her after she laughed at him (which she does feel bad about); Kate almost feels glad about someone burning his tongue because she doesn’t like him; Kate has a rocky start to a relationship with a new brother (he teases her a bit and also gets her muddy & she doesn’t take it well) There’s name calling of ‘stupid’, ‘dumb’, ‘country bumpkin’, and ‘scaredy-cat’ between Kate and one of her new brothers; At one point, Kate wants to hurt a new brother and call him the meanest word she knew (which was ‘country bumpkin’ and does call him that); Kate tells her brother that she hates him; Kate has a bad feeling about an adult when she’s near him; Kate wonders if her mother has enough love for her with their new family members & her mother assures her that she does; Kate wonders if she’ll ever feel part of the family; *Spoiler* ; Mentions of the death of Kate’s father & both her and her mother’s grief (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a thief, stealing, & stolen items; Mentions of gunshots & explosions; Mentions of a bad storm; Mentions of boys teasing Kate & others at school; A couple mentions of the construction accident that killed Kate’s father; A couple mentions of a wife and mother’s passing (scarlet fever); A couple mentions of smoking; A couple mentions of lying; A couple mentions of an injured horse (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of horses and buggies being struck by lightning; A couple mentions of jail; A mention of Kate’s mother saying she needs a spanking;
*Note: There are ‘dumb girl’ and ‘stupid boy’ comments from Kate & one of her new brothers (boys vs girls rivalry); Anders tells Kate to “stop acting like a woman” when she gets upset and crying (she responds that she is a woman—”well, almost”); Kate has her moments where she comes across selfish because of her reaction to having to move to Wisconsin and being unable to see her friends or learn to play the organ (she is anger and resentful at times & is also sullen on purpose to upset her mother); Kate doesn’t want to move to Wisconsin based on all the things her friend has told her about it (wilderness, bears, etc.); Kate doesn’t want a brother because of the teasing boys at her school and her friend saying that brothers are pests; Kate tells her new teacher that her last name is O’Connell, even though her mother asked her to use their new last name; Kate’s step-father is kind and though he knows that one of his sons is picking on her, he tells her that she’ll earn her way with him and they will get along (we do not see him talk to the son to be kind or knock-off his teasing, however); A mention of Kate’s mother reminding her about children being “seen and not heard”.
Sexual Content- Kate is concerned about her mother marrying a man without being in love with him, but her mother assures her that she will grow to love him; A mention of a boy being teased about being sweet on Kate (he gets red, but never denies it).
-Katherine “Kate” O’Connell, age 12
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1906
144 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Four Stars
New Teens- Three Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
This is a series I see here-and-there in used bookstores and thrift stores, so it’s always been on my radar to review. I’ve heard it compared to the “Mandie” series and I can see why. Stubborn, head-strong girls being thrusted into a new world for them, where there’s adventures, dangers and mysteries. Because I have a fondness for Mandie and her series, I do like those more, but I look forward to seeing how this series continues.
Kate was a bit of a stinker and I wasn’t a fan of the rivalry/teasing and name-calling between her and a new brother, but I expect it to be nearly non-existent in the next book…hopefully. The mystery doesn’t come in until the half-way mark, just a note for avid mystery fans.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
About this book:
“If she told her new family what she saw, would anyone believe her?
Her Irish father having died in a construction accident, Kate O'Connell and her mother are left to struggle alone in the Minneapolis of 1906. Deciding her mother needs help, twelve-year-old Kate goes to pray with their pastor about getting her mother a new husband.
But when God answers their prayers, even Kate is not prepared for the changes. Her mother's remarriage involves becoming part of a Swedish family with two brothers and one sister on a farm in northwest Wisconsin. Such a big change is made harder when Anders, who is also twelve, gets mad at Kate and seems determined to make her life miserable.
As conflicts erupt with Anders, strange occurrences begin to happen around the farm. Kate is convinced she sees someone lurking about, but why? Are their lives in danger?”
Series: Book #1 in the “Adventures of the Northwoods” series.
Spiritual Content- A few Scriptures are read, remembered, & prayed; Prayers; Bible reading; Church going; Talks about God & prayers; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Before her father passed, Kate wouldn’t have thought about going to the church for help, but goes there at the beginning of the book to ask the pastor for help getting her mother a husband; Kate was very nervous talking to the pastor, but because he is kind, she becomes less nervous; Kate was angry at God after her father’s death & asked “If you love me, God, why did you let Daddy die?” and doesn’t think that God hears her prayers, but prays for a new husband to make her mother happy as directed by the pastor (her mother is very upset when she learns what Kate did, misunderstanding some of it); Kate wonders if her prayer is too big for God and gets upset when it’s answered in a way she doesn’t like; Kate’s mother says she’s asking God to put special guardian angels around Kate because of her getting into trouble; Kate wonders of God helped her in a dangerous situation, but brushes it off; When Kate is lost in the woods, she tries to trick God into helping her and adjusts it when she says “If you help me, God, I’ll believe you can take care of me. I’ll even believe you do good things!” and then wonders if God is getting back at her for the mean things she’s thought about Him; She tries to forget about her promise to God afterwards and then feels ashamed realizing that she only asks for help when she scared; Kate starts to enjoy hearing Scriptures read, bit won’t admit it of anyone asked; *Spoiler* ; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers, praying, & forgiveness; Mentions of churches, church going, services, hymns, sermons, & pastors/reverends.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: five ‘stupid’s and twelve ‘dumb’s; A bit of eye rolling; Being in a bad storm & being worried about parents (up to semi-detailed); Being stung by bees & pain (up to semi-detailed); Kate is almost ran-over by a horse (but is saved, up to semi-detailed); Kate has close calls with a bull & a bear (her mother is upset that Kate could have been killed, up to semi-detailed); Kate sneaks inside a wagon and accidental travels with a stranger; Some of the children at school & Kate’s new siblings play pranks on her (she wants to make friends, but doesn’t go up to them because of their whispering and pranks; Kate doesn’t tell the teacher at school because she thinks the boys will get meaner if she does); Kate gets lost in the woods (& Kate later lies that she wasn’t scared and then is honest and says she was scared); When Kate exclaims that she hates their landlord, her mother tells her to stop it (Kate still thinks negatively about the man though); Kate calls one of her new brothers ‘dumb’ because she’s upset that he’s paid no attention to her after she laughed at him (which she does feel bad about); Kate almost feels glad about someone burning his tongue because she doesn’t like him; Kate has a rocky start to a relationship with a new brother (he teases her a bit and also gets her muddy & she doesn’t take it well) There’s name calling of ‘stupid’, ‘dumb’, ‘country bumpkin’, and ‘scaredy-cat’ between Kate and one of her new brothers; At one point, Kate wants to hurt a new brother and call him the meanest word she knew (which was ‘country bumpkin’ and does call him that); Kate tells her brother that she hates him; Kate has a bad feeling about an adult when she’s near him; Kate wonders if her mother has enough love for her with their new family members & her mother assures her that she does; Kate wonders if she’ll ever feel part of the family; *Spoiler* ; Mentions of the death of Kate’s father & both her and her mother’s grief (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of a thief, stealing, & stolen items; Mentions of gunshots & explosions; Mentions of a bad storm; Mentions of boys teasing Kate & others at school; A couple mentions of the construction accident that killed Kate’s father; A couple mentions of a wife and mother’s passing (scarlet fever); A couple mentions of smoking; A couple mentions of lying; A couple mentions of an injured horse (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of horses and buggies being struck by lightning; A couple mentions of jail; A mention of Kate’s mother saying she needs a spanking;
*Note: There are ‘dumb girl’ and ‘stupid boy’ comments from Kate & one of her new brothers (boys vs girls rivalry); Anders tells Kate to “stop acting like a woman” when she gets upset and crying (she responds that she is a woman—”well, almost”); Kate has her moments where she comes across selfish because of her reaction to having to move to Wisconsin and being unable to see her friends or learn to play the organ (she is anger and resentful at times & is also sullen on purpose to upset her mother); Kate doesn’t want to move to Wisconsin based on all the things her friend has told her about it (wilderness, bears, etc.); Kate doesn’t want a brother because of the teasing boys at her school and her friend saying that brothers are pests; Kate tells her new teacher that her last name is O’Connell, even though her mother asked her to use their new last name; Kate’s step-father is kind and though he knows that one of his sons is picking on her, he tells her that she’ll earn her way with him and they will get along (we do not see him talk to the son to be kind or knock-off his teasing, however); A mention of Kate’s mother reminding her about children being “seen and not heard”.
Sexual Content- Kate is concerned about her mother marrying a man without being in love with him, but her mother assures her that she will grow to love him; A mention of a boy being teased about being sweet on Kate (he gets red, but never denies it).
-Katherine “Kate” O’Connell, age 12
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1906
144 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Four Stars
New Teens- Three Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
This is a series I see here-and-there in used bookstores and thrift stores, so it’s always been on my radar to review. I’ve heard it compared to the “Mandie” series and I can see why. Stubborn, head-strong girls being thrusted into a new world for them, where there’s adventures, dangers and mysteries. Because I have a fondness for Mandie and her series, I do like those more, but I look forward to seeing how this series continues.
Kate was a bit of a stinker and I wasn’t a fan of the rivalry/teasing and name-calling between her and a new brother, but I expect it to be nearly non-existent in the next book…hopefully. The mystery doesn’t come in until the half-way mark, just a note for avid mystery fans.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
January 11, 2022
This was a wonderful mystery series for kids that I read as well when my then a tween daughter had enjoyed them. Great series for kids!
February 15, 2008
What a wonderful, wholesome, very readable mystery for young adults!
Certainly the fact that I am intimately familiar with the territory in this book has helped my appreciation for it, but the history researched is quite incredible as well.
The characters are strong and identifiable, the mystery appropriate for the targeted reader, the history seems accurate. All in all, a really fun read, and highly recommended.
Certainly the fact that I am intimately familiar with the territory in this book has helped my appreciation for it, but the history researched is quite incredible as well.
The characters are strong and identifiable, the mystery appropriate for the targeted reader, the history seems accurate. All in all, a really fun read, and highly recommended.
September 6, 2019
This was a light, fun read, which was just what I needed.
The characters were fun even if I wished I could have learned more about Lars and Tina, and not just Anders and Kate. I liked the setting and thought it was well done and easy to picture things. The ending of the mystery was pretty sudden and simple, which is okay for the age group this book was written for, I was just expecting a little more.
I was a little confused though as to what language Papa read the Bible in each morning. Kate only speaks English, but Tina only speaks Swedish. Still not sure on that one, but I was probably the only one who thought of it.
My one complaint is the unkindness between Kate and Anders. While I can understand some of it (learning to get along with a new sibling), and they do get along better later, they still say and do things that aren’t nice, and no one does anything about it even though it appears at least the father knows.
Overall it was a fun read, and if these books were at my library I might read more of them sometime, but because of the attitudes portrayed quite often, I don’t want to recommend them to younger readers.
The characters were fun even if I wished I could have learned more about Lars and Tina, and not just Anders and Kate. I liked the setting and thought it was well done and easy to picture things. The ending of the mystery was pretty sudden and simple, which is okay for the age group this book was written for, I was just expecting a little more.
I was a little confused though as to what language Papa read the Bible in each morning. Kate only speaks English, but Tina only speaks Swedish. Still not sure on that one, but I was probably the only one who thought of it.
My one complaint is the unkindness between Kate and Anders. While I can understand some of it (learning to get along with a new sibling), and they do get along better later, they still say and do things that aren’t nice, and no one does anything about it even though it appears at least the father knows.
Overall it was a fun read, and if these books were at my library I might read more of them sometime, but because of the attitudes portrayed quite often, I don’t want to recommend them to younger readers.
January 11, 2019
Lois Walfraid Johnson’s Disappearing Stranger is book 1 of the Northwoods series. It is about a girl named Kate whos father dies. Then her mother remarries and they move out of the comfort of Minneapolis to a farm in Wisconsin. On top of not getting along with her new siblings, she keeps seeing a strange man burying valuables in the woods near her house. Can she figure out how to get along and solve the mystery before its too late?
December 31, 2023
I read this book as a kid. Upon reading it as an adult, I realized there is a surprisingly deep focus on the main character’s inner turmoil, emotional struggle, and development of resilience. Beautiful little book.
June 18, 2022
I read this series when i was little and loved it. Reading it as an adult, it's not near as intriguing and one can tell it is an older book, but it still has sentimental value to me. :)
July 26, 2017
Reread of a childhood favorite!
January 11, 2026
Trying to read through books from my childhood this year🤩
April 12, 2022
This one got me hooked on the Adventures of the Northwoods series! I thought the brother-sister relationship was totally realistic.
NON-SPOILER REVIEW---When Kate-O'Conell sets out to find a new husband for her widowed mother, she doesn't count on the man living all the way in Michigan with his two sons(one older and one younger than Kate) and a daughter younger than Kate. Her new siblings can't even speak english, and her older step-brother seems to be out to make her life miserable. But when she starts seeing some strange things around her new home, she and Anders will have to learn to get along, or leave the mystery unsolved.
One of my favorite parts of the book was Anders and Kate's relationship. Thought it was pretty realistically done, reminded me of me and my brother's relationship. I also like how Kate didn't just get saved right at the first book because of a quick conversation, the author let her see how God works in people's lives first. Thought the relationship between Kate and her stepdad was sweet, and I did not guess the twist!
SPOILER-REVIEW---for all those weirdos like me who 'can't wait till the end to see what happens.'
This one really reminded me of the first Sugar Creek Gang episode, with the villain being disguised by a white wig and all. Still really suspenful, and although I've heard this reminds some people of the Mandie books, for some reason I liked these better. I just liked how the mystery was more of a side thing, since I really enjoyed reading about Kate's life. It's also great for a reread once you've read the other books and see what's happened to the other characters(make sure you pay attention to Erik....*evil laugh*). The only thing was, it almost seemed like LWJ was setting Kate and Anders up . . .which I think is really weird when it happens between stepsiblings in books, but I was anticipating it for book 2, so when Kate got together with Erik I was like "Whoa, wait! She's with who? When did this guy come into the picture?" But once I got my mind used to it, I really liked Erik and Kate together.
Eye-brow raisers---girl hides in a criminals wagon; girl fights a lot with her stepbrother.
Cover thoughts---I like the old edition better than the new one. Kate and Ander look more like how I imagine them, especially Kate's hair.
NON-SPOILER REVIEW---When Kate-O'Conell sets out to find a new husband for her widowed mother, she doesn't count on the man living all the way in Michigan with his two sons(one older and one younger than Kate) and a daughter younger than Kate. Her new siblings can't even speak english, and her older step-brother seems to be out to make her life miserable. But when she starts seeing some strange things around her new home, she and Anders will have to learn to get along, or leave the mystery unsolved.
One of my favorite parts of the book was Anders and Kate's relationship. Thought it was pretty realistically done, reminded me of me and my brother's relationship. I also like how Kate didn't just get saved right at the first book because of a quick conversation, the author let her see how God works in people's lives first. Thought the relationship between Kate and her stepdad was sweet, and I did not guess the twist!
SPOILER-REVIEW---for all those weirdos like me who 'can't wait till the end to see what happens.'
This one really reminded me of the first Sugar Creek Gang episode, with the villain being disguised by a white wig and all. Still really suspenful, and although I've heard this reminds some people of the Mandie books, for some reason I liked these better. I just liked how the mystery was more of a side thing, since I really enjoyed reading about Kate's life. It's also great for a reread once you've read the other books and see what's happened to the other characters(make sure you pay attention to Erik....*evil laugh*). The only thing was, it almost seemed like LWJ was setting Kate and Anders up . . .which I think is really weird when it happens between stepsiblings in books, but I was anticipating it for book 2, so when Kate got together with Erik I was like "Whoa, wait! She's with who? When did this guy come into the picture?" But once I got my mind used to it, I really liked Erik and Kate together.
Eye-brow raisers---girl hides in a criminals wagon; girl fights a lot with her stepbrother.
Cover thoughts---I like the old edition better than the new one. Kate and Ander look more like how I imagine them, especially Kate's hair.
July 27, 2019
There's a LOT going on in this book, one adventure after another that starts with a girl, Kate, trying to deal with a lot of changes, starting with her mother's new marriage and moving to the Northwoods of Wisconsin. This includes getting along with boys that don't seem to like our main character, don't even speak the language, and don't believe her initially when she finds a mystery. As Kate finds her way, and the puzzle is unraveled, everyone discovers how best to live as a family.
What I always loved about this series was the exploration of Swedish-American culture at the end of the 1800s, as this is where a lot of our own family history comes from. This feels like such an honest story. I liked the challenges, from cultural issues to the city vs. farm mentality, not to mention the gentle faith message throughout. Overall this was a great book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading for a second time.
What I always loved about this series was the exploration of Swedish-American culture at the end of the 1800s, as this is where a lot of our own family history comes from. This feels like such an honest story. I liked the challenges, from cultural issues to the city vs. farm mentality, not to mention the gentle faith message throughout. Overall this was a great book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading for a second time.
November 22, 2023
Oh I haven't read this series for a long time. A long time. Me and the sisters grew up with the Northwoods series and as I had an opportunity to pick them and up and re-read them recently, I couldn't pass it up! And you know what? These books seriously hold up. I'm reading these children's books (probably best suitable for 9-12 or so?) and I'm enjoying and finding them encouraging all at the same time. Bit of nostalgia helping there? Oh almost certainly. But I still think these are worthwhile reads for children today. Set in early 20th-century Wisconsin, the series follows Kate, a girl who is impetuous, curious and passionate...and someone who's desperately longing to be loved. This book (and series) starts with her living with her widowed mom in Minneapolis. Soon enough, her mom gets remarried and they move to his farm in the backwoods of Wisconsin...and her new dad has three other kids as well! Anders, Lars and Tina meet Kate and there is not exactly love at first sight. Kate and Anders have such a wonderful dynamic (their dynamic is so informative to the series that me and my sisters called these the "Kate and Anders" books when we were little!) and though it takes a little while for them to love each other as brother and sister, they do eventually get there. One of the best sibling dynamics I've seen in a book series. Also, something I didn't quite notice when I was younger, but these books are quite educational as well. You'll learn quite a bit about early 20th-century America, growing up on a farm, Swedish culture and just how life was different (yet somehow people never change!) back in the day. These books are also unabashedly Christian. But somehow it never comes across as over the top or saccharine. Simply, these characters have a real faith in a real God, and this faith weaves its way throughout the books. In this first book, Kate doesn't quite know what she believes or who God really is, but it's clear both her parents take God seriously. It's encouraging to see a family where the parents model their faith for their children. I haven't actually talked about the plot of this book as a whole. It's a standard, family growing together story bound up with a mystery. Most of these books have some type of mystery to solve, and while this one isn't exceptionally intriguing, it does keep the plot moving. Really glad to pick this one up and definitely made me smile to read again after so many years.
Read
November 15, 2020This week I read The Disappearing Stranger by Lois Walfrid Johnson. This is a story set in the early 1900’s. Kate O'Connell and her mother live in Minneapolis. Her father just died, and they are struggling to make ends meet. One day Kate decides to go ask her pastor for help in finding a husband for her mama. Then one day Brenden Nordstrom comes to visit from the woods of Wisconsin. Him and Mama start to court and it is soon announced that they will be married. All of a sudden mama and Kate are moving to a farm in the middle of nowhere. Kate will now have three step siblings: Anders, Lars, and TIna. Kate struggles to fit in both at the house and at school. Her new brothers enjoy teasing her and playing tricks on her. Then one day when she is walking home she sees a scary looking man hiding in the woods. She decides to tell Anders and friendship is born from the adventure of trying to solve the mystery. While Kate struggles with her relationship with her new Papa, she begins to help him take care of the family bees, with the promise that she can sell the extra honey. Kate really wants to buy an organ and learn to play. After much work Kate and Anders are able to help catch the disappearing stranger, who turns out to be a thief, Kate gets to buy her organ and she sees the farm as her new home with a new loving family. The main character is Kate, she is a 12 year old girl, she has long curly black hair and blue eyes. She speaks mostly English, even though she is Irish and Swedish. She is kind and loves her mother greatly. She has a bit of a jealous streak and can have a temper, but she always means well. The other main character in this story is her step brother Anders, he is also 12 years old and has blonde hair. He is mischievous and loves to make jokes. He is hardworking and is always willing to help on the farm. There are no illustrations in this book, but I don’t think it really needs them since it is a detailed story. I love this book because of the mystery, it makes it a fun read! I also love all of the lessons Kate learns throughout the story. One thing I think this book could be used for in a classroom is for enjoyment, it would be good to read outloud. I also think it could be good to offer to kids that are going through the struggles of a new family, they might relate easily to it. Overall I think this is a great book that students would enjoy!
July 13, 2023
Number of pages: 116
Genre: Mystery
Series: The Adventures of the Northwoods #1
Age recommendation: 10-14
Summary: Kate’s mother has been sad since the day her husband died, and Kate thinks the best way to solve her problem is to find her mom a new husband. So, she decides to ask her pastor for help. He introduces Kate’s mother to Mr. Nordstrom, and they fall in love. The only problem? The Nordstroms live in Wisconsin, which seems terribly far away to Kate. She’s not too happy about her plan anymore, but she’s stuck moving to live with her new family.
My thoughts: It’s a really well-written book for middle schoolers. I love the mystery; it’s a lot of fun and there’s enough clues given that the reader can make guesses about who the stranger is and what they’re doing, but at the same time it’s not super obvious.
I feel bad for Anders. I didn’t the first time I read this book, because I kind of thought he deserved everything Kate dished out to him. This time I realized how nice he was even when he was teasing. Plus, it’s not just Kate’s life that turned upside down when her mom remarried. I never really thought before about how having a new mom and sister might affect Anders and his siblings, but that would be hard on them too!
I love what Kate does with her last jars of honey. I think it’s really kind and thoughtful of her.
I think Kate is a pretty realistic character. She asks for something because it sounds like fun (like getting a new dad and sister), and then pouts when it doesn’t go her way (because she now has to move far away). It must be really hard to have a parent remarry. Especially when you’re blending two families and a bunch of kids. I can’t imagine what it would have been like for Kate, Anders, Lars or Tina.
I also feel bad that Kate is the only one who can’t speak Swedish. It makes her the odd one out in a new place and even harder to fit in or simply make friends and meet people.
The mystery is a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed this first Adventure in the Northwoods!
My personal rating: 4/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
Genre: Mystery
Series: The Adventures of the Northwoods #1
Age recommendation: 10-14
Summary: Kate’s mother has been sad since the day her husband died, and Kate thinks the best way to solve her problem is to find her mom a new husband. So, she decides to ask her pastor for help. He introduces Kate’s mother to Mr. Nordstrom, and they fall in love. The only problem? The Nordstroms live in Wisconsin, which seems terribly far away to Kate. She’s not too happy about her plan anymore, but she’s stuck moving to live with her new family.
My thoughts: It’s a really well-written book for middle schoolers. I love the mystery; it’s a lot of fun and there’s enough clues given that the reader can make guesses about who the stranger is and what they’re doing, but at the same time it’s not super obvious.
I feel bad for Anders. I didn’t the first time I read this book, because I kind of thought he deserved everything Kate dished out to him. This time I realized how nice he was even when he was teasing. Plus, it’s not just Kate’s life that turned upside down when her mom remarried. I never really thought before about how having a new mom and sister might affect Anders and his siblings, but that would be hard on them too!
I love what Kate does with her last jars of honey. I think it’s really kind and thoughtful of her.
I think Kate is a pretty realistic character. She asks for something because it sounds like fun (like getting a new dad and sister), and then pouts when it doesn’t go her way (because she now has to move far away). It must be really hard to have a parent remarry. Especially when you’re blending two families and a bunch of kids. I can’t imagine what it would have been like for Kate, Anders, Lars or Tina.
I also feel bad that Kate is the only one who can’t speak Swedish. It makes her the odd one out in a new place and even harder to fit in or simply make friends and meet people.
The mystery is a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed this first Adventure in the Northwoods!
My personal rating: 4/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
June 30, 2017
A fun read with my kids. Has some repetitive writing that annoyed me slightly, but a solid story and reasonable character development. I think if I'd been reading it for myself I would have given it three stars... but as a read-lout-loud with my kids, it was a fun romp with a good message. Also loved the actual history inserted into the story and the parallels they could draw, having recently moved to Wisconsin and dealt with a lot of the same sorts of emotions and struggles that Kate deals with during the story.
Anders is my favorite.
Anders is my favorite.
September 16, 2020
I chose this book because it looks very similar to my personal favorite series, the Mandie Series by Lois Gladys Leppard.
I was not disappointed! The characters are not only relatable, but realistic and complex. The book was also hard to put down, I just thought the story itself was very interesting, just get past the first few chapters and it gets better.
The only problem I found with this book was the abrupt ending. We never really did completely understand why the "Stranger" did what he did. But ya know.
I can't wait to read the next one!
I was not disappointed! The characters are not only relatable, but realistic and complex. The book was also hard to put down, I just thought the story itself was very interesting, just get past the first few chapters and it gets better.
The only problem I found with this book was the abrupt ending. We never really did completely understand why the "Stranger" did what he did. But ya know.
I can't wait to read the next one!
August 5, 2023
I absolutely loved this series growing up and was excited to share it with my 10 year-old during our evening read-aloud time.
The plot moves along quickly and is perfect for the 8-13 yo group. I enjoyed how well-researched the area is and how historical details, places, and people are woven into the story.
As an adult I would have liked more character development from the side characters, but my son didn’t seem to mind and was wrapped up in Kate, Anders, and the mystery. It really is perfect for that age-range and I appreciate how a good story can still keep a child’s attention without relying on magic, fantasy, or a different dimension, but just an old-fashioned adventure.
The plot moves along quickly and is perfect for the 8-13 yo group. I enjoyed how well-researched the area is and how historical details, places, and people are woven into the story.
As an adult I would have liked more character development from the side characters, but my son didn’t seem to mind and was wrapped up in Kate, Anders, and the mystery. It really is perfect for that age-range and I appreciate how a good story can still keep a child’s attention without relying on magic, fantasy, or a different dimension, but just an old-fashioned adventure.
January 13, 2018
I really enjoy this series, and how the author takes you into her characters world. She does a great job with the historical aspect of it. I also think she does a good job showing the challenges of merging two families. If I had to pick one thing about the series that I don't like, it would probably be all the girlfriend/boyfriend stuff. She does handle it well, and it's not inappropriate or anything, it's just that I prefer books without the romance aspect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2020
I read this several times growing up, so this read was a nostalgic pick. It is a junior chapter book and thus not a difficult read (of course), but really nice storytelling. Honestly, I think it is well written, and while I’ve read it several times it’d been so long I didn’t remember much of it - I was thoroughly engrossed in what would happen! Definitely recommended for younger readers, or those looking for YA Christian fiction. I look forward to rereading more in the series again as well.
June 1, 2021
When the author calls the series "Adventures of the Northwoods," she keeps her word. Having to move far from her home in Minneapolis to a farm in northwest Wisconsin was adventure enough, but soon Kate and her step brother stumble upon a truly scary and dangerous adventure that could cost them everything. The book (#1 in a 10-book series) is written for elementary-age children and has just the right amount of suspense.
April 22, 2024
An easy and interesting read. Definitely some very unrealistic stuff thrown in, such as draining a well to find a necklace. 🤭 But to be expected in this style book.
I was also disappointed that the theme of Kate's struggle to believe in God wasn't followed and developed better. This is only the first in a series though, so it might come later.
I was also disappointed that the theme of Kate's struggle to believe in God wasn't followed and developed better. This is only the first in a series though, so it might come later.
March 19, 2017
I enjoyed reading this book. It follows a girl named Kate. She moves from Minneapolis to northern Wisconsin. She moves with her mother who has recently remarried after the death of her father. Kate doesn't like the idea of living in Wisconsin. She wants to stay in Minneapolis with her friends. This book is about her adjusting to country living and getting along with her three new siblings. Kate and her brother, Anders, notice some strange objects around their yard and they also saw a strange man in the woods on the way home from school. This book all leads up to them finding the stranger, who is a salesman. This book is the first book in a series, I can't wait to read the next one.
March 14, 2019
I'm hooked I love that this book finds a way to involve religion mystery prepubescent struggles and how hard it can be to really feel like you belong in a new family I appreciate what it touches on good read for young adults!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2020
Ich hab es zwar auf deutsch gelesen, aber schon zum zweiten mal, weil ich es beim ersten mal schon so gut fand. Im ersten Buch lösen sie ein Rätsel, wo ein geheimnisvoller Fremder verschiedene Wertgegenstände stielt und Kath mit Anders und Erik versucht das Rätsel zu lösen.
July 14, 2022
A good story with an interesting plot.
The writing was decent and the character development was there, but I struggled with the attitudes/behavior of two individuals. A story is a powerful tool and I'd like to have seen it setting a better example for its readers.
This is the first in a series of 10 books and it is possible that the character development is intended to continue.
The writing was decent and the character development was there, but I struggled with the attitudes/behavior of two individuals. A story is a powerful tool and I'd like to have seen it setting a better example for its readers.
This is the first in a series of 10 books and it is possible that the character development is intended to continue.
March 1, 2019
Fun and educational page turner!
Read
March 14, 2020I read these books as a teenager and I thoroughly enjoyed them. I bought them for my oldest who is now in middle school, and it’s so fun to see her reading them, too. 😍
July 29, 2020
A good kid's mystery. Unfortunately I read number 2 before number 1. Oh, well.
March 8, 2021
Definitely one of my favorite Juvenile Fiction series. A light hearted read filled with mysteries and fun characters and friendships!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews