Anne wonders what secret her three older brothers are hiding. When she finds out they joined to fight with the Union Army and would leave the next day, she gives them each one of her favorite two-cent pieces and says, “I want you to take one of my new two-cent pieces. I learned these coins are the first to have the words ‘In God We Trust.’ I just memorized Psalm 91:2. ‘I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.’”
Out of a heart of love, Anne gives six of her special coins away hoping the message on the two-cent pieces will strengthen each person’s faith.
The Two-Cent Piece is a children’s picture book. The book is an American Civil War story about Anne, a young girl who collects coins. Anne’s three brothers enlist in the Union Army in 1864. To encourage their faith in God, Anne gives each brother a two-cent piece, the first coins with the inscription “In God We Trust.” One brother, Thomas, doubts his faith until there is a battlefield miracle involving his coin...
A beautiful story of faith, family and the power of prayer.
Young Anne gives each of her three brothers a treasured 2 cent piece before they go to fight in the Civil War, hoping that the words minted on the coins will be a reminder and encouragement while they are away.
A wonderful story that brings out the author's love of coins and their history, as well as a strong message of faith. A great story to share with the young ones in your life, accompanied by lovely illustrations. I was intrigued by the 2 cent pieces from the story and it inspired me to do some research of my own. Such a wonderful book, great for age 5-8 especially.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Seven-year-old Anne is at the general store buying her brother a birthday present. When she goes to pay the store clerk with two dimes and a two-cent piece. The kind shopkeeper notices the two-cent piece and tells her that it’s a brand-new coin type. He also shares with her that the coin is the very first one to have the inscription “In God We Trust”. Little Anne collected coins but didn’t know any of that. After purchasing her brothers gift the shopkeeper takes her remaining coins, he trades out them for five two-cent coins. He mentions a Bible passage from Acts 20:35. Her two-cent coins will have even more special meanings in the lives of others.
In this charming historical fiction picture book, you will see the faith of a child praying for her brothers and a stranger she gifted her two-cent pieces to as they go off to fight in the Civil War. She shares with them Psalms 91:2 as a reminder that God is our refuge and fortress when we put our faith in Him.
This is the first of a 7-part “In God We Trust” series for children. I was delighted to see a book that has a historical flare along with a message of our Savior and praying for others.
The book is appropriate for young elementary ages. The illustrations are done by Courtney Smith. The illustrations are lovely and eye-catching. The colors remind me of watercolor painting. There is a lot to explore on each page. Dennis Conrad also includes links at the back of the book on coin collecting.
The book was a huge hit for my 20-year-old special needs daughter who we graduated from homeschool recently. She has always collected state and nation park coins. With her disability she is limited in so many areas, but her mind is a steel trap with certain topics. The last 6 months she has really gotten into coin collecting. She loves sharing with me the facts and history with coins. Not to mention how many coins were minted with certain years much to my dismay. She has taught me a lot about coins, and I have enjoyed learning with her. She’s been enjoying learning and filling up her wheat penny, mercury dimes, and a lot of other coin folders. Not long ago she picked up a two-cent coin piece which made this book for her even more special. This was an enjoyable book for her, and she is hoping that the other books in the series include coins.
This a good book for a child who is a coin collector. Great book for homeschoolers who want to go deeper into the book. There are a lot of rabbit trails you can explore in this book.
Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I enjoyed the audio for this book. The narrator is really good and has a soothing voice. What a fun way for a child to experience this book as it is being read.
This short book is a great way for children to learn about giving and having faith. Sweet little Anne has treasured coins that she gives to her brothers and a boy she meets. They are going off to serve in the war. She wants them to know that God will protect them. N each coin it says, “In God We Trust.”
The time period in the book is during the civil war and is a good way to introduce children to history. I liked how the author had each boy that received a coin share what the coin meant to them. The book is beautifully illustrated and introduces the fun of coin collecting.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
“Did you know that is the first coin with the words, ‘In God We Trust?'” Anne is asked in Dennis Conrad’s children’s book, The Two-Cent Piece.
~ What ~ Part of the In God We Trust series, this fifty-two-page paperback targets children five to ten years old who like learning about and collecting coins. Containing no scary scenes, it does mention the Civil War, but no injury or death is included. With endorsements and a dedication at the beginning of the book, the ending has a Read Aloud Bonus, information regarding coin collecting, a brief history of the two-cent piece, and the author’s and illustrator’s biographies. While colorful detailed illustrations are on the left side of the pages, the easy-to-read font on a white background is on the right side.
In this tale set in the late 1800s in America, seven-year-old Anne has several coins in her possession, including several newly minted two-cent pieces. After learning the special new coins contain the phrase “In God We Trust,” she correlates it to several Bible verses as she gives the money lovingly to her brothers and a newfound friend who have joined the Union Army. After the boys return from the war, they all realize how the coin helped them remember God as well as protected one from harm.
~Why ~ Since my deceased mother-in-law and I collected coins for years, this story brought back memories and the value of coins and the history behind them. I appreciated the many Bible verses that Anne read and quoted from II Samuel, Psalm, and Acts. The book teaches young ones not only about a coin and the war but also about relying on God and prayer.
~ Why Not ~ Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like a book that promotes Bible verses and praying. Some may have no interest in collecting coins, but the ending has plenty of information and references to check out if interested.
~ Wish ~ I wish the plan of eternal salvation were somehow added to the story. Having the written-out Bible verses again at the end of the book may encourage memorization.
~ Want ~ If your child is fascinated about coins and their history, this is a marvelous way to learn about the two-cent piece while focusing on trusting in God.
Thanks to CIPA, Elk Lake Publishing, and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.
It isn’t often you see historical fiction for younger children. The Two-Cent Piece is an historical fiction picture storybook by Dennis Conrad. Set in the Civil War (although we don’t know that right away), it tells the story of a young girl whose brothers go off to the war. She gifts each of them with a two-cent piece from her coin collection. Not only is The Two-Cent Piece historical fiction, it also introduces the reader/listener to: a coin we do not have now, the history behind “In God We Trust” being on the coins, and a reminder that we should trust God (with scripture passages sprinkled throughout the text). Picture storybooks are often for preschoolers with a longer attention span and early elementary children. The content of the book seems more appropriate for older elementary or even middle school-aged children. With that said, it is the perfect book for a coin collector of any age. Each two-page spread has a one-page illustration by Courtney Smith. The illustrations are done in muted colors. They illustrate the text well but do not go beyond the text. Author Dennis Conrad closes the book with some read aloud hints (these are geared toward the youngest listener). He also includes some information about coin collecting and the history of the two-cent piece. The Two-Cent Piece is the first book in the upcoming In God We Trust series. I look forward to reading future books. The Two-Cent Piece could find a place in a K-12 Christian school library. Its biggest audience will be potential coin collectors. Unfortunately the book probably isn’t long enough to meet the book report requirements of most teachers. I received a complimentary copy of The Two-Cent Piece. This is my honest review.
Who says an adult can't enjoy a book for young people? I was captivated by this book from the first beautifully illustrated page! A little girl, a general store, the helpful storekeeper, and big jars of hard candy lined up on the counter are the perfect introduction to this story about a seven-year-old girl and her new two-cent coins. I loved learning the history behind these special coins and there's also a wonderful faith message woven into this sweet tale of little Anne watching her older brothers go off to fight in the Civil War. Can her willingness to share her coins with them be enough to bring them home safely? Will the words "In God We Trust" offer them the faith, strength, and encouragement that they need?
The Two-Cent Piece is the first book in Dennis Conrad's "In God We Trust Series" and it's a book that can be enjoyed by all ages. The text targets beginning or more advanced readers but younger children will love it also. The illustrations by talented artist Courtney Smith add the perfect touch and reading it as a family offers the perfect opportunity to discuss coin collecting, the Civil War, and the important role that faith and belief in God have played in our country's history. Conrad understands what children enjoy and he's created a series that entertains, educates, and inspires them. I look forward to more books in the 'In God We Trust' series!
I voluntarily accepted a copy of this book from the author via iRead Book Tours. There was no obligation for a positive review.
In this first book of a series, the author introduces the art of coin collecting with a two-cent piece. Although, the book written as historical fiction, it tells the tale of three brothers going to the civil war.The sister in the book gives them coins that are meant to protect them.
The story has large Christian overtones with verses, prayer moments, and the coins themselves. "In God We Trust" is the key to it all. This is extremely intentional on the author's part but also historically accurate.
I liked this book's story. Children can certainly relate to coin collecting and the missing and hoping for a loved ones safe return.
What is a nice little addition is a glossary of terms, scriptural passages, terms about the particular coin, and how to collect coins.
Do you have an up and coming coin collector? Or maybe you have a history buff? Or want books related to scriptural passages? If so,this is the book series for you.
4 stars.
Disclosure: The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. PLEASE NOTE: I do review all different groups, ethnic groups, religions etc. I attempt not to place my own ideas into reviews but base reviews specifically on the book I am reading. ~Michelle,Reading Authors Network
Children's Picture Books are an excellent way to introduce young ones to the wonderful world of reading. The Two Cent Piece by Dennis Conrad is a Faith Based Picture Book for young kids.
Anne is a little girl who enjoys collecting coins. Her 3 older brothers are leaving to go serve in the Civil War as part of the Union Army. Anne gives each of them a Two Cent Piece before they leave. She tells them “I want you to take one of my new two-cent pieces. I learned these coins are the first to have the words ‘In God We Trust.’ The brothers accept her gift, although one brother is grappling with his Faith. A life-changing incident happens for that brother on the battlefield and his faith is restored.
I really enjoyed this book. It tells a great story of History with a Faith and Fictional twist. The Civil War period was a very important time in History and this book is written in a way that helps the Young Ones understand the time period. I also LOVE that the book has a strong Faith Message. It is VERY well written and the Illustrations are just amazing. A Very unique Picture Book for kids and I HIGHLY recommend it! FANTASTIC BOOK!
🪙BOOK REVIEW 🪙 The Two Cent Piece is the beginning of this series, and definitely caught my interest! I used to be into collecting coins when I was a kid, and I’m also a person of great faith in our God. So I was really intrigued to read a children’s book that applied to both topics.
The storyline is heartfelt, and not cheesy in anyway. Anne’s gift to her brothers is sentimental, and the faith of a child is so strong and such a powerful thing. I was inspired by this book teaching things of this importance to young children, as there are plenty of books for kids out there, but not many that teach of faith and God in an easy to understand way.
The illustrations went great with the story, and it kept my interest the whole time. I couldn’t wait to see if the brothers returned safely and how things went after they left for the war. The ending is so pleasant and has a surprising twist that will leave the reader happy and satisfied! I think lots of kids would enjoy this of varying ages, and it would be great as a storybook to read aloud or use in Sunday schools as well!😌💕
The Two-Cent Piece has now become my favorite book of 2024! From the first image I get the Laura Ingalls feeling. The shopkeeper's first act is to give instead of pushing his products.
I enjoyed Anne's faith. The faith of a child is not yet limited by the boundaries we as adults have taken on, so she prays with simplicity and expectation.
I enjoyed how the author shows instead of tells that faith is to be a constant part of our everyday lives and how much better we are for it. This also helps those around us who have yet to believe.
I enjoyed how the author shows that faith can overcome color barriers so that we do what is right despite our differences.
I also enjoyed how the author piques my curiosity about coin collecting. I hope there are more books in the series because I will read every one!
Two key takeaways that resonated with me:
-God likes it when we give instead of taking all the time -We can trust God no matter how old we are
I highly recommend this book. I thank Dennis Conrad and iReadBookTours for the opportunity to read it. This review was written voluntarily.
This is a lovely little storybook about a young girl and the lesson she learns about giving and receiving. Living during the time of the Civil War, Anne finds out that all three of her older brothers are going off to fight for the Union, leaving just her and her widowed mother behind. Before they go, she gives each some of her precious coins hoping and praying they all come back safely.
After some time, she meets another young man who is also going off to fight. She shares her coins with him as well. Do they all come back safely? Well, that is something for the reader to find out as I don't want to spoil anything.
I did enjoy this story, the beautiful artwork of days gone by, and the message that was conveyed. At the end there is some information on coin collecting and the history of the two-cent piece.
I was provided a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
This historical picture book teaches children about money during the period of the Civil War. Anne collects coins and cherishes her special two-cent pieces. In the story she learns lessons such as generosity and trusting God. Authentic pictures accompany the text, showing what the world was like at that time. The tale comes across as a narrative rather than a more inviting piece that helps readers step into the drama and emotion. I think it could have been developed and polished a bit more to make it even stronger, but it is still worthy of reading and including in the library for the information it shares. Children will enjoy learning about a coin they have never heard of. It could also be used in the classroom. I would recommend it for grades two to four. It could be a stepping stone to further exploration about money and about US history. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
The Two-Cent Piece by author Dennis Conrad is a lovely Christian children’s fiction book. The story is rich in history and very interesting. There are beautiful illustrated by Courtney Smith throughout the book to help children visualize the unique story. I loved it!
This is set during the Civil War, but there are no battle scenes. It is the story of young sister, Anne, whose brothers go off to join the Union Army. She has some two-cent pieces that she shares with them because they are the first coins with the “In God We Trust” inscription.
The book has lessons of trusting God, hope, love, sharing, and joy. I learned about coins, too. It is the first in a series, and I am looking forward to the others. I highly recommend this book. It would be great for children. Adults will enjoy learning about the two-cent coin as they read it. It gets a well-deserved five star rating from me. A copy was provided by CelebrateLit, but these are my own words.
The Two-Cent Piece is a children’s picture book that is written by Dennis Conrad and illustrated by Courtney Smith. My children and I really enjoyed this book. It is set during the Civil War time and tells a unique story. Anne goes to the shop to buy her brother a birthday gift - and the shopkeeper talks to her about the two cent pieces. She selects the gift. Over dinner, Anne’s brothers tell her that they are going to fight for the Union. Anne gives them each a two cent piece to keep them safe. She tells them about how they have “In God we trust” and the verses that she has learned because of them. She tells them that she trusts God to keep them safe. This is a beautifully written and illustrated book that is about trusting God. It’s written perfectly for children. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
My daughter really loved the drawings in this book as the girl looks similar to her. This is the second book in the series of the coins and teaching children about coins from the past. My daughter loved that first picture of the little girl Anne in the candy shop. My daughter also loved how Anne is buying her brother a birthday present. She does that for her older brother and she loved that Anne did that too! I love how these books incorporate the bible and also the coin collecting and messages that are in this book, especially when Anne’s brothers decide they must fight in the civil war. So her brothers go off to war and fight in the war. Anne gives them a coin as a gift saying they must trust in God so they can return to her safely. She also meets Henry and gives him a coin as a gift also😉 This is our new favorite book series to read y’all and I can not wait to see the next ones in the book series!
I love the pictures in this book. They are beautiful! I also like the historical aspect of it; I had never heard of American two-cent pieces before. I remember two dollar bills when I was young, but never these coins, and I found it really interesting to learn that they were the first to contain the words “In God We Trust.” However, I did not appreciate that this book seems to promote Christians going to war. According to Matthew 5:39, Christians are not to resist evil, not to mention not going to war. For this reason, even though I like the portrayal of generosity, and the history included, I can’t recommend this book.
I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
“The Two-Cent Piece” explores the historical context of America’s rich heritage of placing faith in God and emphasizes the idea that money can serve a greater purpose beyond mere material purchases.
Dennis Conrad has crafted an engaging piece of historical fiction. The book successfully conveys that when given with love and purpose, money can play a meaningful role in strengthening one’s faith. “The Two-Cent Piece” is a delightful read for children, imparting valuable lessons about faith, love, and the power of trust in God.
I’d never heard of a two-cent piece. Have You? Your children can learn about it in this book. Do your children like to collect coins? Then this book is for them? Do they have an interest in history/civil war? Read how Anne helps to send her brother off to war with a special gift, a two-cent piece that says In God We Trust. Do you want to teach them about love, kindness and selflessness? This is a book that that does just that. Above all it teaches about the importance of our trust in God. What a great way, not only to interest your child in coin collecting, but to show them we can always rely on God and to know that what time I am afraid I can trust in Him.
This was a cute and enjoyable story. I was really touched and thought it was sweet how Anne gave her brother's the coins. Her faith shone through throughout the story. I loved seeing that and how much she loved her brothers.
It is completely obvious that the author enjoys coins and history. I liked learning some things here and there through the story. It's a good book to read with your kids so they learn a few things as well.
4/5
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
This was an adorable story about how it’s better to give than to receive. I loved the main character, Anne, and she had amazing faith for a little girl. I love how she chose to give her coins to her brothers as they went off to war. My kids are going to love it! I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to the rest of this new series as well.
**I received this book as part of the CelebrateLit blog team. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Young Anne sends her three brothers off to fight for the North with a special gift- a two cent piece proclaiming “in God We Trust.” Each brother has his own unique experience but all come to realize that they can in fact place their trust in God. I learned a bit about history and enjoyed the beautifully drawn coin images. I would recommend this book to coin collectors and enthusiast as well as parents of children interested in the Civil War.
The Two-Cent Piece is a lesson-filled story about Anne, a young coin collector whose brothers go off to fight in the Civil War. She gives each brother a coin with the inscription "In God We Trust" to carry with them. They return with surprising stories of how the coins changed their lives. Beautifully illustrated. Bonus information at the end about coins and collecting.
A touching story about a little girl who gives each of her brothers a two-cent as a reminder to trust in God while they fight in war. She prays for them daily and later gets to hear stories of how this remembarance coin helps them during tough times. With an extra sweet ending that you don’t want to miss, this picture book teaches the value of faith, family, friends, giving, and a bit of history for your child to learn. The illustrations are vibrant and gorgeous.
I really enjoyed this book. I had no idea that there had ever been 2 cent pieces. This was a great fact. The book left me wanting more of the story and the back story.
I loved reading this book. I learned something about the currency we used everyday. Equally my son loves this book as well. We read this book often. I would suggest this book to other families and other who live history.
The Two-Cent Piece Audiobook is a wonderful narration of the book by the same title. We loved reading the book and have enjoyed listening. It’s a really short listen at 15 minutes making it perfect for if you need a quick car ride listen. It’s also great to listen to while eating lunch and then you can have a discussion when you’re done listening.
Jenn Leigh Pengelly is the narrator and she did an amazing job in my opinion. I hope you take the chance to listen. My review of the book and audiobook contents is below.
Review of the Book:
This was a cute children’s story. I liked that it taught a bit of history while also giving a firm grasp on God and His love. A fun fact about me is that I collected pennies when I was younger. It was fun and I enjoyed it! Seeing a book for children about coin collecting was unique and I knew I was going to have to read it.
I liked that the book was set up in an easy-to-read format. The font was large and perfect for the target age range of 5-10 years old. I have two children in this age range and they both really liked the book. I have several children out of an age that also enjoyed the book. The illustrations were cute as well.
We are history lovers in our home and I loved being able to add another book that taught history to children.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
The Two-Cent Piece really blessed me. It is such a smart book that incorporates three Scripture verses to help share its powerful messages.
Young Anne loves to collect coins, and while purchasing her brother’s birthday gift, a shopkeeper comments on her two-cent coin. He tells her it’s the first coin to include “In God We Trust” and trades her 5 two-cent coins for a dime. She treasures these coins, yet she reflects on Acts 20:35: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” and decides to give some of them away. Later these gifts prove to be huge blessings.
This is a sweet, thoughtful, and faith-building story that teaches biblical principles and the promises of God. Includes a few helpful sections in the back of the book, one revealing a little history of the two-cent piece.
Audiobook: Audio Narration: Jenn Leigh Pengelly’s voice is pleasant and fitting for this children’s story. I wasn’t distracted by her fluctuating tones used for various characters.
Audio Production Quality: The production quality of this audiobook is clear with no distractions.
First Line: Seven-year-old Anne walked into the general store. Series: In God We Trust Series Genre: Children’s Historical Fiction Author: Dennis Conrad Page Count: 52 Reading Age: 6-10 Content: Mentions of war, death, fighting for the Union
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
The Two-Cent Piece Audiobook by Dennis Conrad is narrated by Jenn Leigh Pengelly. Having read and reviewed the picture book, I was excited for the opportunity to review the audiobook. As part of the In God We Trust series, The Two-Cent Piece by Dennis Conrad and illustrated by Courtney Smith takes place during the war between the states
This children’s picture book explores the faith of a child as she watches her brothers go off to war. As an audiobook, it truly shines. The narrator has a wonderful way of bringing history to life for the listeners.
You can read my entire review of the picture book here. Anne has just learned that coins have the message, “In God We Trust.” Because she just memorized Psalm 91:2. ‘I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.’” She gives each one of her brothers one of the coins to take with them.
One brother questions his faith because he recognizes Anne’s faith. During the story, another boy comes by Anne’s house on his way to join the Union Army, and she gives them one of the coins. This book illustrates the fact God saves those who believe in Him.
I loved including such powerful Scripture references and how the author developed this book’s story and characters. So, if you have children in your life, check out this audibook for yourself. The message of faith and how it is better to give than receive shines through this book’s pages. So check it out for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Dennis Conrad has written a great children’s book in his new release, The Two Cent Piece. It is, also, the start to his series called In God We Trust. Even though, this is for younger readers, I greatly enjoyed reading it for myself. I have been fascinated by old coins since I was a child and thought it was fun to read a story about the two cent piece. I thought Anne’s story was sweet and inspiring to read and I loved the lessons learned along the way.
The Two Cent Piece is beautifully illustrated by the talented artist Courtney Smith. I loved seeing the pictures on each page and getting the visual as to what is going on with the text. A wonderful addition to the book for the youngest of readers to follow along with the story and hold their attention.
The Two Cent Piece will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading inspiring historical fiction and are between the ages of five and eleven years old. I am looking forward to reading more books from In God We Trust series, including the second installment, Marcus and the Emperor's Coin, to see what else I would be learning about the coin.
I received a hard cover copy of Dennis Conrad's The Two Cent Piece from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.