A Cry From Egypt

This book is such an exciting way to read about the Hebrew slaves in Egypt. The perspective really brings to life the story of the Exodus and how it would have affected the Hebrews. Brilliantly written! We loved reading it aloud as a family - kids are 9 and 11.

My son loved it. He's an early reader at 7 and this had more violence than anything he's been exposed to before but it sure gave him lots to think about and talk about. He was amazed when he realized that our God is the same as the Hebrew God in this book.

Age Appropriate For: All AgesBest for Ages: 8 - 15I have heard so much good about this book. Yes, it was meant for younger readers, and I knew that going in. However, I find books meant for younger readers often to be a way to unwind in the evening. They are less challenging (most of the time) to my brain and often very good.Biblical fiction can be difficult. After all, it is a balance not to have so much fiction that you forget what the Bible says, nor so much Bible you might as well have just read that instead of the fiction book. Auer nailed the balance in this book. She stuck to the biblical account while adding a personal feeling to the story.Historically, she also did a great job as far as I could tell. I am not an expert, but from everything I have studied about Egypt and the Israelites, the history was spot on. The little details of daily life made the story feel alive and will help readers get a clear picture.There were a couple of things that diminished my enjoyment of the book. First, the large cast of characters with many with similar names was a challenge even for me. I can see this being even harder for young children. Secondly, it was obviously written for much younger readers.I think that my favorite part was the family dynamics. Each member of the family was very different and had their own struggles. Much of the book was spent dealing with family issues in a godly way.I highly recommend this book for younger readers who enjoy biblical fiction, good stories, and solid faith messages.

My mom read this aloud to my siblings and me for our Egypt Unit Study. I greatly enjoyed it because it kept me engaged the whole way through. It had a nice smooth rhythm to it. I enjoyed being in a Jewish slave girl's shoes. I found that there was so much I never thought about life in slavery. For instance, Jarah's family had their own home to live in, time to talk at the table, took care of their own cows, lived in fear from guards, parents believing in different gods. It was also fun to imagine a family of nine.  I wouldn't recommend it for under 6 years old because it does have some very tense harsh moments of guard's punishing people. But my 6 year old sister was able to handle it. She enjoyed the book too.  I give A Cry From Egypt 5 stars. I wish I could give it 10 stars.It is a heart-stopping story that I didn't want my mom to stop reading.Worthwhile for reading with family and friends. - 9 year old girl

My 11 year old son loved this book, could not put it down. It was a great perspective of an Israelite family during the time of Moses visiting the pharaoh. It teaching about trusting in god no matter what and to pray in times of need. It also shows the beauty of love and compassion. Overall a great book