Thick as Thieves

My daughters and I had the privilege of reviewing a book for Kregel Publications, Circle C Milestones series entitled, Thick as Thieves. Author Susan K. Marlow has been bringing Andi Carter, the main character, to readers through her books and continues to share her love for writing by introducing, Thick as Thieves, Book 1 in her newest series "Circle C. Milestones".

What is the book about
Thick as Thieves is about a teenage girl, Andrea (Andi) Carter, growing up in the 1880's. Andi lives on the Circle C Ranch in California. She faces many challenges but perseveres amidst trials both at home and at school. Andi is over the moon when she finds out that her beloved horse, Taffy, is having twins. This rare event has the whole town buzzing. If you want to know more, you will have to get the book and read it for yourself.

The theme for Thick as Thieves is:

Friendship

Unselfishly Giving Support And

Expressing Compassion To Another

Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another,
love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.
I Peter 3:8

Who read Thick as Thieves

Two of my daughters, ages 8 and 12, read this book. I also had to get in on their excitement by reading the book for myself. When the book first arrived, my daughter's argued about who would get to read the book first. Neither could wait for the other to get done with the book so they ended up reading it at the same time. It didn't take either of them long to read the book. Believe it or not, one particular day I had to set a timer because they both wanted the book at the same time. 

My 12 year old's thoughts on the book

The book was so good and it was hard to put down.
I asked my daughter to write a small report on the book and this is what she wrote,

"The book, Thick as Thieves, is about a girl named Andrea (Andi) Carter who just wanted to ride her palomino, Taffy, and hang out with her newborn colts, Shasta and Sunny. When she goes to school she finds herself seated next to a roughneck named Macy. Later in the book Andi somehow tames Macy so that instead of punching people and stealing dolls she rides on Taffy and plays with the colts. 
There's a cattle rustling problem on the Carter family ranch. It turn out that Macy's crude brothers are the culprits. When they steal Shasta and Sunny, Andi is forced to trust Macy to help her. During the rescue mission Andi twists her ankle and is forced to send Taffy and the colts home without her. Andi gets caught by Macy's brothers but when they are sleeping, Andi and Macy make it out and are rescued."

My 8 year old's thoughts on the book
My daughter said, "Of course I loved the book because I love horses. Is this book in a series because I need them all?" 
I had my daughter write a report and this is what she wrote, 

"I loved this book because it is a great book. I liked it because at first when there was a new girl at school she was really mean and then Andi stood up to Macy and they became friends. At the end of the book someone started taking their cattle then they stole the colts!!!!!! The next day Macy came to warn Andi because her mean brothers were the cattle rustlers. And had to save her colts at Rock Canyon. After that her life was changed."

My thoughts
Do you want to know a secret? I enjoyed reading this book. The book was well written. Each chapter begins with one of Andi's diary entries which gave the book a more personal feeling. Marlow brings to her books a Christian worldview that teaches great lessons and is WHOLESOME for the whole family. Andi is definitely a no-frills tomboy that will keep even boys satisfied. Thick as Thieves is filled with adventure and valuable lessons.

Here is an excerpt of one of Andi's journal entries.

"How can you be a friend to someone who doesn't want to be your friend?"

Thick as Thieves Study Guide with Enrichment Activities
Wow, where do I even begin. The study guide is AMAZING!!! I worked through the guide with my 8 year old daughter. My 12 year old daughter worked through the guide on her own. Some of the great things included in the guide are:

• character sketches
• digging deeper questions
• vocabulary and grammar
• crossword puzzles
• scripture memory
• story questions
• timelines
• snippets from Andi's journal
• activity suggestions
• historical background 

Both of my daughter's enjoyed the activities. My 12 year old loved the extra Historical Background Readings that were included in the guide. She also had a lot of fun writing "A Lousy Poem" about lice. 

One lice, two lice. Finding them is not real nice. 

A half-grown nit was once a fit. 

If your head starts to itch, you know you've been hit.

My 8 year old learned many new words such as concoction, quipped, capricious, stifling, limpid, and impudent. My daughter also like the cutting and pasting, Foal Training Timeline activity. 

Illustrating the barn sense with Taffy and her colts. 

Learning can be fun!!

Final Thoughts
If you are looking for wholesome reading for your child or children definitely check out the listing of all of Susan K. Marlow's books here. You can also visit Andi's Blog to read about Ranch News, Andi's Family, and much more. 

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To read more reviews click HERE.