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Three Go Searching
Everyone knows a person like Waffi -- mischievous, willful, and having a knack for getting others into trouble. David, whose father is a missionary doctor in Africa, is Waffi's friend. Although Waffi occasionally gets David into some difficult situations, David is learning to be a witness for God. When Waffi and David find a sick servant girl and a mysterious boat, an exciting adventure begins for them.
128 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1966
About the author
Patricia St. John
98 books260 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 31 reviews
August 27, 2018
I had read every other book we own by this author, but somehow this one had slipped by. I'm glad I found it and read it.
Well told as all of Patricia St. John's books are, this story takes place in North Africa and follows three children on their journey to Christ. While each child needs the same thing–David, the son of a missionary doctor, Waffi, a native boy, and Lela, an orphan servant–each one is unique and different. There is a bit of excitement in this story and some tender moments.
Well told as all of Patricia St. John's books are, this story takes place in North Africa and follows three children on their journey to Christ. While each child needs the same thing–David, the son of a missionary doctor, Waffi, a native boy, and Lela, an orphan servant–each one is unique and different. There is a bit of excitement in this story and some tender moments.
September 6, 2017
What a delightful vintage little paperback this is. Of course, I should expect a touching story from Patricia St. John, and it has certainly been a few years since I've read one of hers, but I'm sooo glad to have picked this one up. It has EVERYTHING that a good moral story should, and it touched my heart generously.
The spiritual content is largely based on being sons of God, and shining as a light in the darkness (from a memory verse that David learns, Philippians 2:15). This added a lot of depth to the plot, as David, a missionary doctor's son, keeps finding himself in trouble, or being persuaded to do things he shouldn't, yet he tries so hard to please the Almighty
Really, it's a simple story, but has an engaging plot. It imparts a lot of biblical truth on the reader, even a young reader can see it. David is trying to be a good son of God, Waffi is kicking against the pricks, and Lela just wants to find out who God is. All three are in a different place in their spiritual journey. But the orchestration of Lord's hand is clear; these children will be loved by Him as He guides them in the right direction.
Excellent quality vintage fiction. It can touch hearts young and old.
The spiritual content is largely based on being sons of God, and shining as a light in the darkness (from a memory verse that David learns, Philippians 2:15). This added a lot of depth to the plot, as David, a missionary doctor's son, keeps finding himself in trouble, or being persuaded to do things he shouldn't, yet he tries so hard to please the Almighty
Really, it's a simple story, but has an engaging plot. It imparts a lot of biblical truth on the reader, even a young reader can see it. David is trying to be a good son of God, Waffi is kicking against the pricks, and Lela just wants to find out who God is. All three are in a different place in their spiritual journey. But the orchestration of Lord's hand is clear; these children will be loved by Him as He guides them in the right direction.
Excellent quality vintage fiction. It can touch hearts young and old.
April 26, 2017
Three Going Searching is really about how three different children find Jesus as their Savior - a missionary’s son, an island boy and a village girl.
The story focuses on salvation, not giving in to temptation, and being a light in the darkness. And there’s definitely some adventurous chapters that are real page turners!
Ages: 8+
Content considerations: all bad behavior is correctly resolved. Two boys are taken captive and there is talk of killing them/drowning them but they’re released. May be tense for some children.
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The story focuses on salvation, not giving in to temptation, and being a light in the darkness. And there’s definitely some adventurous chapters that are real page turners!
Ages: 8+
Content considerations: all bad behavior is correctly resolved. Two boys are taken captive and there is talk of killing them/drowning them but they’re released. May be tense for some children.
**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!
August 5, 2026
I read this book for a friend who wanted to know if she should recommend it to her kids. I was not super bought in to the story at first because I find a lot of Christian fiction books cheesy. Is this story cheesy…a little bit, yes. However, it actually has a pretty good plot that kept me reading.
The main point that the author is making is that a Christian should look different by the way they live. Throughout the story the main character, David (of course because what other strong biblical name would be better), wrestles with temptation and how to live as a Christian around people who aren’t. By the end of it, two of his friends come to know Jesus. How sweet is that.
There is honestly a crazy plot twist that happens that had me shocked. The plot is definitely for 5th grade-middle school age readers. Not sure I knew what smuggling was in early elementary school.
Overall I thought this book was sweet and did a good job explaining the Gospel and giving an example of how to be a light in a dark world. I would recommend for kids. Also, I read in one sitting haha.
The main point that the author is making is that a Christian should look different by the way they live. Throughout the story the main character, David (of course because what other strong biblical name would be better), wrestles with temptation and how to live as a Christian around people who aren’t. By the end of it, two of his friends come to know Jesus. How sweet is that.
There is honestly a crazy plot twist that happens that had me shocked. The plot is definitely for 5th grade-middle school age readers. Not sure I knew what smuggling was in early elementary school.
Overall I thought this book was sweet and did a good job explaining the Gospel and giving an example of how to be a light in a dark world. I would recommend for kids. Also, I read in one sitting haha.
August 5, 2008
One night last week I couldn't sleep and I sat in my house in the dark, looking out the window and watching people on the roof of the apartment across the garden from me inspecting a chimney with their flashlights. When I was sure they weren't going to do anything more exciting than that I turned a light on and read this book. I've read it a lot of times. It's about a little missionary boy named David living in what seems to be north Africa, I would guess Algeria, but it never says. He makes a friend and they discover a smuggler's rowboat filled with rifles, they find a hunchbacked orphan girl sleeping under a grapevine with flies on her face, they dive into shallow water, break things, etc. They are also taught many bible lessons by shepherds (LOL) and by David's parents. A few months ago I reread another one of Patricia St John's books and was kind of horrified by it. She's a christian writer writing for christian children, and her treatment of christians and non-christians is extremely condescending and adorably simplistic. But she's good at evoking the confusion/anger/loneliness/despair and eventual comfort of being a little kid (or, uuhhhh, a 31 year old) and, especially in THREE GO SEARCHING, she gets the mild mystery and adventure that I want in a children's book really right. I'll probably read it a lot more times.
August 5, 2018
Patricia St. John is not only one of my favorite writers, she's also one of the only ones who can refuse me (or her characters) the comfortable, perfect, all-loose-ends-tied-up ending that I want and still leave me not only satisfied but knowing it's for the best.
The thing that I love more than anything about every Patricia St. John story is the honesty and reality that goes so much deeper than just relatable characters. She knew people, and it shows on every page. But she also knew God, and He shines through this story with amazing clarity. The Christian message is front and center through the whole book, but it never feels forced. Better yet, we're not left with vague platitudes and examples to follow; we're led directly to the fountain of strength and encouraged to drink deeply and let Him perform His work in us. There's never any question that the children's lesson of shining like stars in the darkness is only possible through God's grace and help, and the naturalness of the story just emphasizes the fact that these are real-life truths to be lived out by real people in a real world. Another gem from this author. <3
Content--lying, stealing, keeping secrets from parents, all dealt with appropriately; a man kicks a sick girl; boys are threatened by gun smugglers
The thing that I love more than anything about every Patricia St. John story is the honesty and reality that goes so much deeper than just relatable characters. She knew people, and it shows on every page. But she also knew God, and He shines through this story with amazing clarity. The Christian message is front and center through the whole book, but it never feels forced. Better yet, we're not left with vague platitudes and examples to follow; we're led directly to the fountain of strength and encouraged to drink deeply and let Him perform His work in us. There's never any question that the children's lesson of shining like stars in the darkness is only possible through God's grace and help, and the naturalness of the story just emphasizes the fact that these are real-life truths to be lived out by real people in a real world. Another gem from this author. <3
Content--lying, stealing, keeping secrets from parents, all dealt with appropriately; a man kicks a sick girl; boys are threatened by gun smugglers
January 3, 2026
一些摘录：
「《腓立比书》2章15节：“使你们无可指摘，诚实无伪。在这弯曲悖谬的世代作上帝无瑕疵的儿女。你们显在这世代中，好像明光照耀。”」
「要是大家都待在英国，就好比很多很多蜡烛，扎堆在一间大黑屋的一个角落，屋子的其他角落依然一片漆黑。越是黑暗的地方，越需要光明。我们也不希望你离开我们，但爸爸和我很庆幸，被差派到一个黑暗的地方。在这儿，成百上千的村镇里，人们不识字，从未听说过耶稣。正是因为这个，爸爸和护士们才那么努力地工作。要是没有医院，人们不会来，他们不来，就听不到福音。”
“很多很多蜡烛！”大卫开心地重复了一句，“这挺像昨晚默里背的那句经文。你读过吗，妈妈——在这个扭曲的世代中，如明光照亮世界？爸爸昨晚教我和默里的。妈妈，小孩子能当传教士吗？”
“当然可以！”她回答，“传教士最重要的工作就是展现一个基督徒的正直：如明灯照亮世界。当你和其他孩子玩耍时，记住这一点。让他们看到，当其他孩子残忍自私时，基督徒孩子温和善良；当其他孩子撒谎时，基督徒孩子诚实坦诚；当其他孩子暴躁易怒时，基督徒孩子沉稳自控。他们很快就会感到惊讶，那时候你就有机会告诉他们原因，但先要展现给他们看。明灯就是要被人看到的。”」
「《腓立比书》2章15节：“使你们无可指摘，诚实无伪。在这弯曲悖谬的世代作上帝无瑕疵的儿女。你们显在这世代中，好像明光照耀。”」
「要是大家都待在英国，就好比很多很多蜡烛，扎堆在一间大黑屋的一个角落，屋子的其他角落依然一片漆黑。越是黑暗的地方，越需要光明。我们也不希望你离开我们，但爸爸和我很庆幸，被差派到一个黑暗的地方。在这儿，成百上千的村镇里，人们不识字，从未听说过耶稣。正是因为这个，爸爸和护士们才那么努力地工作。要是没有医院，人们不会来，他们不来，就听不到福音。”
“很多很多蜡烛！”大卫开心地重复了一句，“这挺像昨晚默里背的那句经文。你读过吗，妈妈——在这个扭曲的世代中，如明光照亮世界？爸爸昨晚教我和默里的。妈妈，小孩子能当传教士吗？”
“当然可以！”她回答，“传教士最重要的工作就是展现一个基督徒的正直：如明灯照亮世界。当你和其他孩子玩耍时，记住这一点。让他们看到，当其他孩子残忍自私时，基督徒孩子温和善良；当其他孩子撒谎时，基督徒孩子诚实坦诚；当其他孩子暴躁易怒时，基督徒孩子沉稳自控。他们很快就会感到惊讶，那时候你就有机会告诉他们原因，但先要展现给他们看。明灯就是要被人看到的。”」
April 1, 2025
This was a really good one from Patricia St.John.
It's a regular boy book with themes of faith, courage and adventure all the way through. Can't wait to give this to my boys.
It's a regular boy book with themes of faith, courage and adventure all the way through. Can't wait to give this to my boys.
June 10, 2025
DNF. I was looking for a short audio book listen while I waited for other books to become available. I think this was an attempt at a parable of a parable? Not sure. Not for me.
April 22, 2025
Not necessarily my favorite writing but the kids in this book are so wholesome 💕
July 29, 2022
First and foremost: I did *NOT* read the ‘revised by Mary Mills’ edition and do not recommend it.
I read the UNrevised edition, 1980’s reprint from Moody Press. I know of two covers available that have the same 1952 unrevised contents, one has a charming color illustration wrapping from cover to cover, and the other one is unfortunately plain and somewhat tacky—simple typeface and a stock photo of a young boy with an open binder. That’s the one I read.
Annyywaayyss..as to the real book:
Can’t help comparing to “Treasures in the Snow”. In length, “Three” is vastly shorter in length. Therefore, much less nuance, much less character development, a lot more loose ends that are neither fleshed out with the nuance and care of “Treasures”, nor resolved or concluded. I read the moral point of the story as trying to impress the necessity for prepared Christians to be available to provide the answers of those searching. But I found support for that point somewhat lacking, with other plots diverting away from that theme fraying out unanswered. I do think it would be a successful read for young boys especially since it is about a little boy of a young age and has some very real life struggles they would identify with and relate to. For me, I was spoiled by the breadth and depth of “Treasures” and this one fell short. I am looking forward to St John’s other books, much more in line length-wise with “Treasures”, so my hopes are admittedly high.
Content considerations: a young girl is cruelly treated by other adults (she is ultimately rescued and rehabilitated). A young boy is an intentionally deceitful liar through most of the book (he ultimately is transformed, though not much fruit of it is portrayed or discussed). Two boys are kidnapped by criminal men, one wants to kill them, ultimately both boys are returned completely unharmed.
I read the UNrevised edition, 1980’s reprint from Moody Press. I know of two covers available that have the same 1952 unrevised contents, one has a charming color illustration wrapping from cover to cover, and the other one is unfortunately plain and somewhat tacky—simple typeface and a stock photo of a young boy with an open binder. That’s the one I read.
Annyywaayyss..as to the real book:
Can’t help comparing to “Treasures in the Snow”. In length, “Three” is vastly shorter in length. Therefore, much less nuance, much less character development, a lot more loose ends that are neither fleshed out with the nuance and care of “Treasures”, nor resolved or concluded. I read the moral point of the story as trying to impress the necessity for prepared Christians to be available to provide the answers of those searching. But I found support for that point somewhat lacking, with other plots diverting away from that theme fraying out unanswered. I do think it would be a successful read for young boys especially since it is about a little boy of a young age and has some very real life struggles they would identify with and relate to. For me, I was spoiled by the breadth and depth of “Treasures” and this one fell short. I am looking forward to St John’s other books, much more in line length-wise with “Treasures”, so my hopes are admittedly high.
Content considerations: a young girl is cruelly treated by other adults (she is ultimately rescued and rehabilitated). A young boy is an intentionally deceitful liar through most of the book (he ultimately is transformed, though not much fruit of it is portrayed or discussed). Two boys are kidnapped by criminal men, one wants to kill them, ultimately both boys are returned completely unharmed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2026
Three Go Searching by Patricia St. John was an engaging and moving book. It is set somewhere in Northern Africa; a specific city is never mentioned, but the author lived for years in Tangier, Morocco and this story seems to have that kind of feel to it. Also, based on references in the book, I believe the time period to be somewhere in the 1960’s.
David is an eight year old boy who wants very much to be good, to belong, and to not be afraid. As the son of a missionary doctor he must also wrestle with what it means for his parents to be called to serve in another country and he must figure out how (or if) that call applies to him. David and his friend Waffi — who is also searching to belong— discover an abandoned orphan girl and later an empty boat which accidentally entangle them in a very dangerous situation.
This story humanizes missionaries and the struggles they face in regard to educational decisions. For example, the very first chapter opens with David’s 10 year old brother leaving for boarding school. Throughout the story David wrestles with (grieves even) the fact that he, too, will be sent to boarding school the following year. Honestly, my kids and I really struggled with this aspect of the story. It feels heartless and unnecessarily painful for young children to be separated from their parents so that their parents can share the gospel. And as a homeschool family we had trouble understanding why the parents simply wouldn’t homeschool their children instead. This opened up conversations about how people do missions has changed, how missionaries in the 1950’s and 60’s chose to do things differently then we do them now but how every missionary makes sacrifices for the sake of the gospel. This story humanizes how hard those decisions must have been.
I do think that even with this hard part of the story, this book is still worth reading because this story teaches without moralizing. And it pulled our heart strings to think of children who are not wanted, of people who have no hope after death, and of whole villages who have no Bible in their heart language. It moved me to read of children who flocked around David’s mother longing to hear her read more from the Book about the kind Jesus is loves them. Even though the book was fiction, I know these parts are not.
David is an eight year old boy who wants very much to be good, to belong, and to not be afraid. As the son of a missionary doctor he must also wrestle with what it means for his parents to be called to serve in another country and he must figure out how (or if) that call applies to him. David and his friend Waffi — who is also searching to belong— discover an abandoned orphan girl and later an empty boat which accidentally entangle them in a very dangerous situation.
This story humanizes missionaries and the struggles they face in regard to educational decisions. For example, the very first chapter opens with David’s 10 year old brother leaving for boarding school. Throughout the story David wrestles with (grieves even) the fact that he, too, will be sent to boarding school the following year. Honestly, my kids and I really struggled with this aspect of the story. It feels heartless and unnecessarily painful for young children to be separated from their parents so that their parents can share the gospel. And as a homeschool family we had trouble understanding why the parents simply wouldn’t homeschool their children instead. This opened up conversations about how people do missions has changed, how missionaries in the 1950’s and 60’s chose to do things differently then we do them now but how every missionary makes sacrifices for the sake of the gospel. This story humanizes how hard those decisions must have been.
I do think that even with this hard part of the story, this book is still worth reading because this story teaches without moralizing. And it pulled our heart strings to think of children who are not wanted, of people who have no hope after death, and of whole villages who have no Bible in their heart language. It moved me to read of children who flocked around David’s mother longing to hear her read more from the Book about the kind Jesus is loves them. Even though the book was fiction, I know these parts are not.
April 3, 2020
I really liked this book because it talks about how we can be different from everyone as christians. And that we can be a light in the darkness. Another reasons is that it shows that God can help us through our temptions. In this book David learns that we can't decide we want to work for God unless he calls us. And that somtimes God calls us away from the mission to prepare us for the mission. On the whole, I really enjoyed this book!
Naomi Cuthbertson
Naomi Cuthbertson
July 8, 2026
lu en chinois
🦋 versets clés :
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
Mark 16:15
You are the light of the world . A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16
🦋 musique :
« What are we waiting for ? » - for KING & COUNTRY
🦋 versets clés :
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
Mark 16:15
You are the light of the world . A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16
🦋 musique :
« What are we waiting for ? » - for KING & COUNTRY
September 7, 2017
I liked reading this book a lot. It is about a boy whose parents are missionaries and he makes some friends along the way that he tells about the love that God has for everyone. It is a really good story for kids to read about how you might be tempted to do things that are wrong, but God can help you to overcome the temptations that come your way.
May 12, 2020
Perfect to read aloud to young ones as it explains the faith journey very well, from 3 different child's perspectives. The family are English missionaries in Africa, so it goes into the Great Commission as well. K and I read it at bedtime and plan to read it to N.
January 2, 2024
This story follows 3 different children in Africa: Waffi, a mischievous boy who has a knack of getting into trouble; David, son of the mission doctor; and Lela, an orphan girl who was mistreated and eventually escaped her difficult situation.
December 8, 2024
A sweet missionary children's story.
We listened to the Audible version, which was not well done - though clear and intelligible, the reader was awkward and intoned the voices wrong. But the story was good enough to hold attention and drew the mind to the beauty of knowing and serving Christ.
We listened to the Audible version, which was not well done - though clear and intelligible, the reader was awkward and intoned the voices wrong. But the story was good enough to hold attention and drew the mind to the beauty of knowing and serving Christ.
August 2, 2025
Not the author’s most memorable work, but this still is a sweet little story of obedience, honesty, courage, and God’s faithfulness. Gives a peek at missionary kid life and the sacrifices made even at young ages.
January 20, 2021
I wish i had read this sooner
May 2, 2021
I loved this as a child and it was just as good rereading it as an adult. Patricia St John knows how to tell a good story while getting kids (and adults) to think deeply about the world.
August 28, 2021
Beautiful story about how three children in very different circumstances come to faith in Jesus.
June 14, 2022
It was good. I appreciate the gospel message.
February 6, 2026
Another wonderful story by this author. Three children learn to trust Jesus and learn to live for Him and to tell others about His love for them.
August 2, 2026
A perfect blend of adventure and faith.
September 13, 2026
A wonderful book about trusting God and being a light! I loved it!
October 12, 2026
What a precious, precious book.
August 16, 2022
Number of pages: 128
Genre: Children’s fiction
Series: N/A
Age recommendation: Elementary School (6-12 if being read to, 8-12 if reading on their own)
Summary: David’s parents are missionaries in Africa, and when his brother leaves for boarding school, David doesn’t know what to do anymore. He starts spending his time with the neighbour boy Waffi. However, Waffi has a knack for getting the boys into trouble. Can David learn how to be a witness for God, or will he allow Waffi to drag him into his mischief?
My thoughts: this is such a cute little story. I really like Patricia St John’s books. They are definitely for younger children, so I found myself rolling my eyes at some of the antics of the children, but I still liked it. Lela is my favourite character, and her question challenges me: if there are so many people where you’re from who know about Jesus, why aren’t they telling the people who don’t know about Him? I don’t think that everyone is called to be a missionary in Africa, but it is a good point that everyone should be telling others about their faith. If it’s really that important to you, you should be sharing it with others.
I would totally read this book to my younger brother (he’s 9 years old) and he would love it, especially the part about the smugglers
My personal rating: 4/5 it was really good, but definitely not intended for teens.
Link to blog: https://wordpress.com/post/karinaschr...
Genre: Children’s fiction
Series: N/A
Age recommendation: Elementary School (6-12 if being read to, 8-12 if reading on their own)
Summary: David’s parents are missionaries in Africa, and when his brother leaves for boarding school, David doesn’t know what to do anymore. He starts spending his time with the neighbour boy Waffi. However, Waffi has a knack for getting the boys into trouble. Can David learn how to be a witness for God, or will he allow Waffi to drag him into his mischief?
My thoughts: this is such a cute little story. I really like Patricia St John’s books. They are definitely for younger children, so I found myself rolling my eyes at some of the antics of the children, but I still liked it. Lela is my favourite character, and her question challenges me: if there are so many people where you’re from who know about Jesus, why aren’t they telling the people who don’t know about Him? I don’t think that everyone is called to be a missionary in Africa, but it is a good point that everyone should be telling others about their faith. If it’s really that important to you, you should be sharing it with others.
I would totally read this book to my younger brother (he’s 9 years old) and he would love it, especially the part about the smugglers
My personal rating: 4/5 it was really good, but definitely not intended for teens.
Link to blog: https://wordpress.com/post/karinaschr...
November 13, 2015
Excellent little missionary story from the perspective of a 9-year old missionary kid. Read this to my 5-yr. old boy and he loved it, and it encouraged him that he can be involved in sharing Christ too. Phil. 2:15 is woven throughout the entire story, "that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."
March 26, 2011
Megan and the children just finished this book. It is especially good if you live in a foreign country or are missionaries. We'll read it again and again!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews