A young boy, Ronnie, and his Aunt Martha agree to look after a lighthouse in early December, but as Christmas approaches and the keeper does not return, Ronnie begins to worry that they will not be able to spend their Christmas at home.
The Light at Tern Rock
by Julia L. Sauer
Illustrated by: Georges Schreiber
©1951
ISBN 0-14-036857-4
Type of book: Softcover, 62 pages
Reading Level: 6-8 years
Awards: Newbery Honor Award, 1952
Negative Elements
Ronnie shows some negative attitudes but his Aunt deals with them wisely and firmly. The keeper does something mean, but the characters forgive him.
Positive Elements
The Aunt is wise, patient and kind. The illustrations were a pleasure to study. The overall message is about forgiveness, acceptance, and the true meaning of Christmas.
Our Take
This book was beautifully written and my boys, especially, loved it. I personally was challenged by Aunt Martha’s calm wisdom and understanding. She is the type of parent I aspire to be. In researching a little about the author, I was quite impressed. It seems Julia Sauer was a champion for quality children’s literature. It is a shame that so little seems to be remembered about her, but then again, the least in this world have so much more importance in His eyes. I think that we will make this little gem a regular Christmas tradition in our house.
Rating
Buy it!
Learning Opportunities
This book, in addition to just be a pleasant read at Christmas, could be used as a jumping off place for a unit study on lighthouses.
About the Author
Julia Lina Sauer was born in 1891 in Rochester, New York, and died there on June 26, 1983. She spent her entire career as a librarian in the children’s department of the Rochester Public Library, during which time she wrote 3 books for children, two of which were Newbery Medal runner-ups: Fog Magic (1944) and The Light at Tern Rock (1952). She was a champion for quality children’s literature, writing: “The children’s librarian’s first obligation is always, I believe, to lead a child to the best there is for him, to help him, by what wisdom she may have, to appreciate the better and finally the best, and to keep him reading at the highest possible level.” (Taken from Pioneers and Leaders in Library Services to Youth: A Biographical Dictionary by Marilyn Miller, page 212)
Where you Can Buy It:
Sonlight
US Amazon
Reviewed by MrsPages
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