Saving Home

by Judy Lindquist

Saving Home is an historical novel set during the English siege of St. Augustine in 1702. The story is told through the eyes of nine-year-old Luissa de Cueva and her friends, ten-year-old Diego de las Alas, and a Timucuan Indian girl named Junco. Based on meticulous research, Saving Home engages readers of all ages with descriptions of Spanish and Native American families seeking refuge for more than six weeks within the walls of the Castillo de San Marcos as St. Augustine goes up in flames and a battle rages around them. This exciting historical novel has messages about life, family, and what is important that will resonate with both the young and the young at heart.

119 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

I am a teacher who writes and a writer who teaches! My vocation is to get kids excited about reading, writing, and history.

Although I grew up in the northeast, Florida has been my home for more than 30 years. It did not take long once we moved here, to fall in love with my new home-state! The history, the architecture, the flora, the fauna, and the interesting people. What's not to love!

A book worm and a history buff, these two passion came together in my first two historical fiction novels. Both were published by the Florida Historical Society, and are on the recommended reading list for several Florida counties.

My first book was published just prior to my 50th birthday (clearly I am a late-bloomer) and I have had four books traditionally published to date.

I have been an elementary classroom teacher for 31 years were I teach Gifted students k-5. I have also been an adjunct professor at the University of Central Florida for more than 21 years where I teach Children's Literature, Writing Classes, and Social Studies to future teachers.

I am a frequent presenter at education and writing conferences and love connecting with teachers, writers, readers, parents, and kids.

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I have been married to my high school sweetheart for more than 46 years. We have a grown daughter and two amazing granddaughters.

When not teaching or writing, I love to cook, garden, travel with my husband, spend time with my granddaughters, and cheer on the UCF Knights!

Reviews

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Home brought to life the 1702 English attack of St. Augustine and provided some gripping, family-oriented moments behind the incrementally tougher challenges endured by the Spanish resistance efforts. A story like this can help make learning about history easier and more enjoyable for younger students, probably most appropriate for the 4th-6th grade range.

[Lisa Rickerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a teacher, I found Saving Home to be an excellent addition to our study of Florida history. My students were so engaged during our class reading of this book. The author, Judy Lindquist, did an excellent job with her detailed descriptions and use of dialogue between the characters. I intend to make Saving Home a permanent part of my curriculum. Not only did my students learn historical information, but they were also exposed to a valuable life lesson. I have also shared this book with family members and they enjoyed it as well.

[❀ hannah ❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi Mrs. Lindquist it's Hannah!! Thank you for being my gifted teacher and i miss you so much. Now im in 7th grade and its kinda hard because i have two honors classes in Algebra and Science and they give a lot of homework. But otherwise i am doing good! I go to Avalon middle school. How are you doing? :)
- Hannah

[Lacey Bourne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Read with my middle school girls for our FL history study. It was interesting and will help us remember what happened in 1702 in St. Augustine. I want to visit the fort in the fall and it will give us some good things to think about while we’re there!

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started to pre-read this as a supplement to KB's FL History Class... could not get into it.