Jumping to Conclusions

Brunstetter, W.E. (2009). Jumping to conclusions. Rachel Yoder, Always Trouble Somewhere Series, Book #7. Uhrichsville, OH: Barbour Pub.

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction/ Religious Fiction
Format: Chapter Book
Recommended Age: 8-12

Jumping to Conclusions is the 7th book in Brunstetter's charming "Rachel Yoder-Always Trouble Somewhere Series", yet don't let the fact that it's the 7th dissuade you from reading it. Having read none of the previous books in the series, I still found this book to be an absolute delight! Set in an Amish community, eleven year-old Rachel Yoder constantly finds herself getting into trouble. Within the pages of this particular book, Rachel gets into several predicaments after having eavesdropped on other's conversations and "jumped to conclusions." Although it takes several incidents of the same mistake, Rachel ends up learning many valuable lessons throughout the book, and despite her constant troubles, she is continually surrounded by a warm and loving family who aren't afraid to speak the truth in love.

This book is perfect for children ages 8-12, especially since children within this age group are typically drawn to series of books. Readers will laugh at Rachel's predicaments, learn about a different culture, learn bits and pieces of Pennsylvania Dutch, and find that they can even relate to an eleven year-old Amish girl. Just like most children, Rachel gets into arguments with her siblings, is prone to clumsiness, and at times says and does things that she knows are wrong. This book is a great starting point for discussion about areas such as family dynamics, eavesdropping, and gossip, yet given it's Christian background some parents might find it offensive as it includes Bible verses and lessons. Nonetheless, though, I deem it a wonderful addition to any library!

Tidman, M. (2010, January 1). Jumping to conclusions [A review of the book Jumping to Conclusions: Rachel Yoder-Always Trouble Somewhere Series, Book 7]. School Library Journal. Retrieved April 1, 2010 from LexisNexis Academic database.

Much to my surprise, Tidman's review of Jumping to Conclusions took on a flat tone and came across as thoroughly unimpressed. She did a wonderful job of recapping the story's main events, yet it seems as though that was all she did. If I were to read this review, I probably would not have wanted to read the book, despite the fact that she didn't necessarily give it a negative review. I of course agree that although "Rachel's adventures are set in a modern Amish settlement, young listeners will easily identify with her moods and mishaps", and I also agree to an extent that the events were somewhat repetitive, yet at the same time the repeated mistakes of Rachel are more true to life than most of us would like to admit. I also don't necessarily agree with Tidman's suggestion to purchase the book only wherever previous books are available, as it often refers to events in earlier books. While earlier events are mentioned, I personally did not ever feel like this detracted from the current plot, nor did I find myself confused about the mentioned past events. This book is by no means going to be an award winner, but I find the cultural Amish roots and moral values instilled in this book to be intriguing and thought-provoking, and would have no hesitation in reading it to my own children someday.