Off the Shelf -Shiloh Series

I'm sure my fellow book-lovers know the joy of finding a whole new-to-you book series.

I picked up the first book in the Shiloh series at a used book store simply because it had the Newberry  Medal sticker on the front. It sat on my shelf for a couple years until I needed another family read-aloud and pulled it off the shelf.

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Last fall we had read a number of books set in different parts of the world (the topic of another post), and when I read the first page of Shiloh I stopped and asked my children, "What do you know about this book setting already." They guessed correctly that Shiloh was narrated by a boy who lived in the country. We soon learn that Marty loves his West Virginia home even if no has ever heard for Friendly, West Virginia.


Shiloh is the first of a four-book series. Named for the dog that Marty finds on his Sunday afternoon walk, Shiloh tells the story of Marty's fight to save this dog from his owner, Judd Travers, who beats and starves his dogs. Marty will do about anything to save Shiloh from Judd.



In the second book, Shiloh Season, Marty now owns Shiloh, but he can't quit worrying that Judd will find a way to take Shiloh. With Judd drinking heavily and hunting season coming, Marty fears that Shiloh isn't safe.



In Saving Shiloh, Marty's parents think that Judd deserves a second chance, but Judd seems to attract trouble and the neighbors are quick to blame Judd for everything from burglary to murder. Is it possible for Judd to become a hero?



The series ends with Shiloh Christmas. We listened to this book on audio, which enhanced our pleasure in the book. I was a little worried about this book since the preacher is depicted in a bad light, but the conclusion wrapped up in a satisfying manner.

All these books are good for family conversation, but, this one, with its discussion on religion which may differ from your view, I think is important to discuss with your children.

I haven't read a series to my children that I've enjoyed quite as much as the Shiloh series. I highly recommend them if you want books that make even adults consider how they relate to others. Though these books are not necessarily "Christian," and I don't always agree with the characters' choices, I found them a valuable discussion starter. Plus they were warm-hearted stories that my children begged for "just one more chapter."

Have you found any great "new-to-you" books recently?