It can be tricky finding engaging, age-appropriate chapter books for emerging readers, looking for historical fiction can be even more challenging! Which is why I was so excited to receive two new books from WorthyKids (an imprint of Hachette book group) - “The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls” series by M.J. Thomas for review. We were not disappointed, both books took familiar Bible events and turned them into fun and easy to read stories my son devoured. We chose to use these two books as our bedtime read aloud.

The series

These books are the newest in the Secret of the Hidden Scrolls series. We have not read the first two books (yet, though we plan to) but we had no problems diving right in to these. They read great as stand-alone books.

The books follow the adventures of Peter, Mary, and their loyal dog Hank as they try to solve the Secret of the Scrolls - magic scrolls that transport them back in time to witness events in Bible history. The brother and sister duo, with the help of their dog and the angel Michael, have 14 days to reveal the hidden message on each scroll by experiencing God’s power and learning more about who He is through witnessing these amazing stories that unfold around them.

In each story they encounter problems to solve and work overcome the forces attempting to thwart God’s plans. They must solve the scroll in time to return home or they will be stuck in another time and place! The “secret” of each scroll reveals something foundational about God’s character.