The Chimney Sweep's Ransom

Trailblazer Books (Chronological) #7

by Dave Jackson, Neta Jackson

A young English boy is sold to be trained as a chimney sweep and is rescued by his brother with the help of John Wesley. Ages 8-12.

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

144 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1992

About the author

Dave and Neta Jackson are a full-time husband/wife writing team who have authored and co-authored many books on marriage and family, the church, relationships, and other subjects. Their books for children include the TRAILBLAZER series and Hero Tales, volumes I,II, III, and IV. The Jacksons make their home in Evanston, Illinois.

Reviews

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have fond memories of my mom reading these books to us over lunch. And we’d beg her to keep going when lunch was over too, because we just had to know what happened! Well told, engaging, adventuresome and you learn about a famous Christian in history.

Ages: 7+

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[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another free read for my 8yo. This one had lots of moving parts, but I liked how it dealt with anger and forgiveness and laid out the salvation message very clearly while keeping the reader interested in the storyline. The end was very redemptive, and I enjoyed the hour spent reading it.

[Lacrecia Carrillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thirteen-year-old, Ned Carter, injures himself and is unable to provide for his family. Ned's little brother is sent away as a chimney sweep to make up for the family's loss of income. The story takes place during the industrial revolution where John Wesley meets Ned and changes his life with his gospel message.

[Edy Gies · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Chimney Sweep's Ransom is a good story about John Wesley and the horrors of the industrial revolution in England. The fiction is easy to read and although it does sum up nicely in a way that real life rarely does, it's a good read for elementary/middle school readers.

[Rebekah M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this aloud to my 8 and 6 year old boys. The 6 year old was a little young, but he enjoyed and neither wanted to miss it once we started. Great way to help them think about everyday life in an 18th Century coal town and a good introduction to John and Charles Wesley.

[Grace Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Assigned to read this whole series in middle school, and I learned a lot. Great educational read!

[David Westerveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read aloud to the kids. Good page turning story for them that whet their appetite to learn more about John and Charles Wesley.

[Alenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I appreciated that the actual historical characters played more of a part in this book than they have in the past books.

[Tarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a wonderful and original story. I thoroughly enjoyed it & I would happily read the book again!

Ned Carter, a 13 year old boy, is where the story centers. He lives in England of the 1700s. His family is barely hanging onto life and then, when Ned gets injured, he can't work, which puts a damper on the family's income. To make up for the money loss, Ned's little brother is sent away as a chimney sweep. Ned tries his hardest, but it seems as though there is no loophole to get his brother back--That is until that traveling preacher, John Wesley, comes upon the family in their time of need and helps them the best he can. Will it be enough though?
Ned is taking on a life-changing experience....

[LeAnne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple writing, but consistent POV and unified theme.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

See the first book in the series (Spy for the Night Riders) for a full review.

[Cws]

JAR5-Jac