The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls: The Complete Series

by M.J. Thomas

The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls is an adventure-packed chapter book series for readers ages six to nine. The 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. There they find a world filled with wonder, adventure, and danger. They must search for clues to solve the secret of the scrolls . . . or they will be stuck in time forever.
The books include a rich cast of supporting characters, including Great-Uncle Solomon, the eccentric archaeologist who discovered the scrolls; the angel Michael, who guides the children on their quests; and key figures from the Bible stories. 
This boxed paperback collection features all nine titles in the complete series. Titles
The Beginning —the story of Creation
Race to the Ark —the story of Noah and the flood
The Great Escape —the story of the plagues and the Israelites' exodus from Egypt
Journey to Jericho —the story of Joshua and walls of Jericho
The Shepherd's Stone —the story of David and Goliath
The Lion's Roar —the story of Daniel and the Lions
The King Is Born —the story of the Nativity
Miracles by the Sea —the story of Jesus' teaching and healing in Jerusalem
The Final Scroll —the story of the crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus

Genres: Childrens

1168 pages, Paperback

Published October 5, 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

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls is a series of 9 books. For ages 6-9, reading level: grades 1-3.

In this series, the young reader gets to adventure through time with 2 children (siblings ages 9 & 10) via a set of mysterious scrolls their archeologist great-uncle had found.

I thought the author did a decent job of writing his stories as a fun way for kids to relate to the Bible. As a adult, I did notice a couple of factual errors (e.g. a typical cubit is 18 inches but in one book of the series a character says it’s 16 inches) but nothing truly problematic.

If you’re a parent looking for quality Christian fiction for your child, I would recommend this series. But as with any children’s fiction, I suggest you read the series first or use them as a read-aloud so you can know what your child is reading and address any questions or concerns.

[Samantha Raising Wildflowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by these books. It's like the Magic Tree House books but Christian based on exploring Bible stories. This has complemented our Bible readings very nicely as a fun way to reinforce stories. I actually like these better than the tree house books. I think there's a little more substance to the writing (not the constant back and forth he said she said of the tree house books). There's also some humor from Peter than the girls and I really enjoyed. I do find the concept of solving the words on the scroll a little lackluster though. My almost 6 year olds were begging to read ahead in our Bible readings to get to the next complimentary story from this series. Wish there were more!

[Kristiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to step back from my usual reviewing system for these. The writing is okay and the plot holes are large. These are not going to be classics by any means, but they are entertaining and clean. My 6yo loved them and now when we read Bible stories she eagerly refers back to this series. It definitely opens up the Bible in a different way. This is the only reason it gets 4 stars.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this series with my boys and we enjoyed them. There are just like magic treehouse or adventures in odyssey, but these kids go to a biblical story.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our 9 and 7 year old read this entire series and it remains one of their favorites!

[Tessa Aspey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I use these as read alouds & my daughter LOVEEEES these stories!

[Rhema Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

EEEEEK. I love it! I ready book 9 almost twice.