His Banner Over Me

by Jean Little

Flora Gauld has lived in Taiwan for as long as she can remember, but now she is going home to Canada to stay with her uncle and aunt. She is given the special responsibility of looking after her younger brother, William—but who will look after her?

Genres: Fiction, Middle Grade, Childrens, Historical Fiction, Canada, Christian

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1, 1995

About the author

Jean Little is a Canadian author, born in Taiwan. Her work has mainly consisted of children's literature, but she has also written two autobiographies: Little by Little and Stars Come Out Within. Little has been partially blind since birth as a result of scars on her cornea and is frequently accompanied by a guide dog.

Reviews

[C. (Comment, don't blank click reviews). · Rating 3 out of 5]

I sample general fiction and cultural portraits, selecting angles interesting to me. I needed an immigrant book for the Canadian group. I like Jean Little, so this adaptation about her Mother is perfect. “His Banner Over Me”, 1995, reminded me of “Light A Penny Candle” by Maeve Binchy. Children are raised by relatives, long enough to love those families and return reluctantly where they belong. Her two eldest brothers served in WWI.

Flora, Jean's Mother, is the fourth child of a minister in Taiwan. Elder children attend school in Saskatchewan. Every five years they reunite for a sabbatical, called a furlough, living as a whole family the same amount of time. Flora was one of Canada's first lady medical school graduates, like her female cousin! Her elder brother, Harvey, was in her class and did not excel like she did. After marrying a doctor, they moved to Taiwan where half of Flora's family resided and knew doctors were essential. That is why Jean was born there.

In many books and films too, it is easy to exclaim that we would not make decisions like some did. I would consider no vocation worth separating me from my cats, my children. We want to accomplish goals but life is about sharing it with loved-ones. I dislike conversion-minded religion. A Jehovah's witness knocks even on our rural door, on a Saturday every few years. It irks me that we are highly spiritual but they declare themselves the measuring stick, wanting to check people's faith. Flora's Father seems very good and hard-working person. Of course spiritual faith is about about nourishment and balance in it; not religion. This book warmly demonstrates helping family and friends and love flourishing, no matter if some time elapses. Flora lived to eighty-nine and read the first five chapters.

[Sarah Coller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flora Gauld is a missionary's daughter living in Taiwan, when her family decides to go home to Canada for a time, ultimately leaving her and her siblings behind with her aunt and uncle to attend school. In time, Flora comes to love her adopted family---but then the Great War begins and everything changes. This book is based on the true life story of Jean Little's mother.

I really did enjoy this little book. It was interesting to imagine the perspective of a missionary's kid---similar to the "spotlight" of a pastor's kid, except having to deal with a different culture on top of it all. Little brings this to light with scenes like the one where Gorrie talks about hating to dress in the Taiwanese costume when her family would go around to churches asking for support.

I really had an issue with the family separating as they did. I don't know---I guess it was different times, but my understanding is that the call of God to other people shouldn't take priority over the raising of one's own children. I can see how resentments would build up in those children, being sent away so Daddy could minister to others. But, perhaps I'm just thinking selfishly...

I will be looking for the other biographical books by this author. I'm interested to hear more about her life.

[Rayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this and then did multiple reports for school in Grade 9. I then asked for it for Christmas and plan to read it multiple times throughout my life. Gorrie's life is fascinating and she is a strong young girl who provides an example of strength that everyone should strive for. Her faith is inspirational and her family's hardships take over a special place in your heart. Truly unforgettable.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the true story of Flora Gauld lives in Taiwan with her family but is heading home to Toronto for a vacation. She is anxious about meeting her cousins, but soon feels at home.
Her parents are leaving to go back to Taiwan where they work as missionaries but this time Flora will be staying behind with relatives she barely knows, and is asked to look after her younger brother William.
Her Aunt and family become her adopted family, but then the Great War turns her world upside down.
A wonderful read.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Jean Little's mother.

[Lisa Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the factionalized story of Flora, the author’s mother, and her life in a family of missionaries. From Taiwan to Canada, it depicts the impact of the parents’ choices on the children. I loved the lyrics to many familiar hymns and other songs.

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favourite books of all time. It highlights the joys and burdens of being the child of Christian missionaries. It's based on Jean's grandmother and her story from childhood to adulthood living with relatives while her parents served in Asia.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a fan of the whole religious part but it was a good story.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to read this book on my phone!!!!