Product ReviewsDear America Ser.: Standing in the Light : The Captive Diary of Catharine Carey Logan by Mary Pope Osborne (1998, Hardcover)

Ever wondered what it'd be like to be an alien?

Subtitled "The Captive Diary of Catharine Carey Logan," this DEAR AMERICA book gives insight into the lives of Colonial-American Quaker children. Set in the Delaware Valley, Pennsylvania (1763-64), at the end of the French and Indian War, this book recounts the thoughts and daily life of shy, often fearful, 13-year-old Caty.

Caty worries about Baby Will who's "just skin and bones after a bout of fever and diarrhea." The 2 babies born before him died before even cutting their first tooth. Now Will and 4-year-old Eliza are sick with worms and must eat rhubarb and pinkroot.

Fearing that she is not modest enough for a Quaker woman, Caty blushes when the bold, handsome Jess Owen pays her special attention. Drawn to the "wild" Jess, Caty fears "that in my deepest heart, I am a bit of a wild creature myself."

Caty and her father enjoy exploring God's creation together -- the stars and wildflowers "because no matter how small, each wears the mark of our Maker." Caty longs to share such thoughts with Jess.

Father also discusses with Caty many things, especially the mistreatment of the Indians and the recent war. After English encroachment on their land, the Indians have begun scalping settlers again, and families are leaving for the safety of Philadelphia. Father reminds her of their Quaker faith, "If thee stands in the light, Caty, thee will always know the right thing to do."

Believing that, if treated fairly and trusted, Father assures Caty that the Indians will not harm them. He insists that they not bar their door or draw their shutters at night and trust in God. For 40 years there had been peace with the Indians because of William Penn.

Although Mother reminds 7-year-old Thomas not to strike their pig because "God loves all His creatures, however humble," she feels only fear and hatred for the raiding Indians, knowing that they scalp even the youngest child. The settlers feel such relief when their Moravian neighbors give the welcome news that the Indians promise no more raids, and families can now prepare for their Christmas celebration.

Bent on revenge, a mob threatens a group of Indians at Lancaster. These Christian Indians are innocent but are forced to flee for their lives in the snow, leaving behind their harvest. Father's heart aches for the Indian women and children, and he prays for peace. A drunken mob attacks the Indians and murders them, even the small children.

Early in January, while walking to school through the lonely forest, Caty and Thomas are captured by 4 painted Indians. Dazed and paralyzed by fear, they trudge on and on, not knowing if they will be tortured or killed. Seeing the Indians' sorting bloody scalps causes Caty to vomit. Thomas just stares and soon is too weak and disheartened to go on. Caty, fearing that the Indians will scalp him, urges him on but knows that they are both too cold and weak to go on much farther. Still not able to speak, Thomas lies "curled like a wounded animal."

Will Caty and Thomas survive their ordeal? Will her father's teaching conquer the hatred and fear Caty feels? Will she ever see her family and Jess again? Read this thought-provoking book to find out.

Long interested in history, the author Mary Pope Osborne has written more than 40 books for children, including the historical series "Magic Tree House." She became interested in the Lenape Indians, Quakers, and the Delaware River Valley when she bought a summer cabin in the area.Read full review...

Standing In The Light

Unlike two certain books that came after, the Native Americans aren't stereotyped or portrayed one-dimensionally. Instead, they're humanized and the kidnappers in this story are given sympathetic reasons for what they did. Plus, for a good portion of the book, the date isn't listed due to the writer not knowing what the date is.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: juacervante56

Dear America - Standing in the Light

This book was purchased for use in a class I will be teaching on the Dear America book series. I have to read each book before decided to use them in the class. This book was great. It shows both the Quaker side of life as well as the Indian tribes way of life in the 1800's. I would recommend this book for young girls who love books with excitement. Once you start this book it is hard to put down. It is a great historical fiction book.Read full review...

Fun book for young readers

My granddaughter, an avid reader, will love it. It's in good condition, but it does have a name on the first page.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: second.sale

Standing in the Light - Great Book

This book was a very unusual book that I enjoyed very much! It was very detailed and included a plethora of facts that I continually found interesting. A book very much recommended!