The Final Scroll

The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls #9

by M.J. Thomas

In the thrilling series finale, Peter and Mary return to Jerusalem, where they witness Jesus' crucifixion and Resurrection.  The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls series follows siblings Peter and Mary and their dog, Hank, as they discover ancient scrolls that transport them back to key moments in biblical history. In their ninth and final adventure, the trio travels back to Jerusalem during the height of Jesus' popularity. But as they follow Jesus and his disciples, they quickly learn that Jesus' popularity makes him a target. Soon the religious leaders -- led by a familiar enemy -- have hatched a plan that causes one of Jesus' disciples to betray him, and Jesus is killed. With Jesus dead and time running out, will Peter and Mary be able to solve the secret of the scroll before they get stuck in the past forever? Join Peter, Mary, and Hank as they attend the Last Supper, witness Jesus' crucifixion, discover an empty tomb, and face the Enemy for the last time. Readers will be on the edge of their seats as The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls hurtles to a close.

Genres: Childrens, Chapter Books, Christian, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Religion

144 pages, Paperback

Published January 12, 2021

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Mike Thomas grew up in Florida playing sports and riding his bike to the library and an arcade named the Cosmic Cowboy. He graduated from Liberty University, earning a bachelor's degree in Bible Studies. When his son Peter was nine years old, Mike went searching for books that would teach Peter about the Bible in a fun, imaginative way. Finding none, he decided to write his own series. Mike Thomas lives in Tennessee with his wife, Lori; two sons, Payton and Peter; and their dog, Hank.

Reviews

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This might have been my favorite in the series not only because of the Biblical story depicted but because the dialogue and the characters really added to vs distracted from the power of the account. I nearly cried viewing the crucifixion, death and resurrection through the eyes of others. We’re all sad this series is over.

[Nay Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful conclusion to the series for Peter, Mary, and Hank to not just return home with their mom and dad after spending time with their uncle, but to actually go to the time of Jesus' arrest, crucifixion, death, and resurrection. These children learned so much about their faith on their journey.

I am so excited to read the next series coming, Hidden Scrolls: The Mystery of the Ancient Map Series, with book one, The Brave Queen. I can't wait to see what other adventures Peter, Mary, and Hank go on.

I will definitely be getting these books in physical form for my kids to read.

[Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting Middle Grade Bible Adventure!

I appreciate how the crucifixion was kept age appropriate.
Page 107:
The soldier swung his sword and cut a thorny vine from the bush.
"This should work," said the soldier as he walked away.
Peter saw the soldier wrap the thorny vine into the shape of a crown and shove it on Jesus' head.
Peter squeezed his eyes shut.
"What are they doing?" said Mary.
"Don't look," said Peter.
Peter heard the crack of a whip. Hank whined.
Mary hung her head.
The soldiers led Jesus back to Pilate.

Nitpick:
Why take out Judas’s kiss?
Page 92:
Someone stepped to the front of the crowd. It was Judas. He stood face-to-face with Jesus.
"Hello, teacher," said Judas.
The Pharisee with the golden staff stepped forward and shouted, "Arrest that man!"

[Christine Barth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a cute series, there were some moments where it could have followed the Bible more closely while keeping the adventure of the time travel story, so that was odd. But otherwise, I liked it. And even my middle schooler who is likely too old for it enjoyed the adventure and the imagining and the solving of the puzzles. (I thought the puzzles could have been harder too, but maybe that's just me).

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a 2nd-4th grader, I am sure this would be a 4 or 5 star book. It was simple. The story lines easy to read, well executed. However, I felt there was some attention drawn to the graphic parts that seemed out of character for the age range. I would say this would be a good series for your 2nd-4th grader.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Marry and hunk they where sad because how the Roman soldiers beat up, Jesus with the whip and they make him to care the heavy cross up in the hill but Jesus falls in the street but another man help him.

[Emily Berlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this series to my boys ages 7 and 10. They loved all of them, but I found this one especially powerful. There's something very personal about the way the story is told - it's powerful to hear a well known story told a little differently: so simply and personally.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son and I both enjoyed this series so much.

[Erica Donoho · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved this whole series!

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read the whole series now to my 8-year-old, and we've both really enjoyed the books and had good discussions throughout.

[Kourtnie Neighbarger]

good

[Lanelle D. Stumf · Rating 5 out of 5]

great Series

Such a great series! What an ending adventure for all the kids. So excited to start it over again once my son can read.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kept putting this one off because I knew it would be intense and also I just don't like ending series but I'm glad I finally read it. Great ending to the series.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such an adorable series!

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect way to end this great little series of books for kids

[Allison Gerrish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Christian series that goes through major Biblical stories. I enjoyed reading with my son and he enjoyed them too. VERY similar to Magic Tree House books.

[Quincy Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first time I read this book, my kids confessed faith in Jesus at the ages of 4 and 5. These books are exceptional introductions to the Scriptural story.

[Frans Kempe · Rating 5 out of 5]

En bra serie med ett bra slut äventyr

[Megan Yuill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall a fun series with a great intent. Jasmine is sad there are no more.

[Ashley Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honestly sad this series ended because of the character qualities of God that are displayed throughout each story.

[Jen Immel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved by 3rd graders!

My class absolutely loved the adventures! The series followed along nicely with our Bible curriculum. M.J. Thomas is a new favorite author.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary, Peter, and their dog Hank have been on many adventures in the month they've been with their archaeologist Uncle. Mom and Dad are about to pick them up, but they have just enough time for one more adventure to Jerusalem. There's a whole bunch of excitement as people are announcing that the King is coming. As the week begins with Jesus entering Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, the kids follow Jesus through the next several days. They follow Jesus and the disciples to the last supper, the garden, Jesus' betrayal, capture, judgement, the cross, and the resurrection.

This was a great read and a page turner. The kids as narrators do a great job of commentary, bringing up great points and questions that help readers understand the biblical narrative that takes place. The violence of the garden and the time leading up to the crucifixion are well handled by briefly being mentioned without too much detail, yet not losing its impact at the same time. This is a great read for kids who have never heard of these events at all as well as those who are very familiar with them.

[liso]

Pretty formulaic but my son really liked them. I have to admit I’m glad the series is over! 😂