For children exploring big life questions or questioning beliefs, this historical tale follows a preacher's son navigating faith, family expectations, and the end of the world.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is questioning family beliefs or feels immense pressure to be perfect. In 1899 Vermont, ten-year-old Robbie, the local preacher's son, is tired of being good. Convinced the world will end with the turn of the century, he decides to have as much fun as possible, which means breaking a lot of rules and questioning everything he's been taught about faith, God, and family. This poignant and often humorous story addresses complex themes of religious doubt, personal integrity, guilt, and the search for identity. It's ideal for readers ages 9 to 13 who are beginning to grapple with their own beliefs. The historical setting provides a safe distance to explore these sensitive topics, making it a great conversation starter about what it means to be a good person, with or without a specific faith.
A subplot involves the mistreatment and eventual death of a beloved horse.
ViolenceMild
Depictions of schoolyard bullying and a brief fistfight between boys.
Sensitive Topics
The book's central theme is religious doubt. The approach is direct and character-driven, set within a Protestant Christian context but with universal questions. The resolution is hopeful and realistic: Robbie doesn't find all the answers, but he finds a more personal, compassionate faith that works for him. Animal abuse is a subplot (a horse is mistreated), and there are themes of poverty and bullying.
Ideal Reader
A 10 to 12-year-old who has grown up in a religious household and is starting to have questions or doubts. Also for a child who feels burdened by expectations (from parents, teachers, or themselves) and is looking for permission to be imperfect. It's for the "good kid" who secretly wants to break the rules.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared for direct discussions about God, faith, and doubt. The subplot involving the mistreatment of the horse, Violet, could be upsetting for sensitive readers; previewing Chapter 9 ("A Horse Named Violet") may be helpful. The book can be read cold, but parents should be open to the conversations it will likely spark. The parent hears their child say something like, "Why do we have to go to church?" or "I don't know if I believe in God anymore," or "It's not fair, I always have to be the good one." The child might be testing boundaries in new ways.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will likely focus on Robbie's adventures, pranks, and the injustice of being a "PK" (preacher's kid). An older reader (11-13) will connect more deeply with the existential angst, the wrestling with theological questions, and Robbie's evolving understanding of morality and compassion.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many books that tackle faith, this one is neither an evangelizing tool nor a cynical critique. It masterfully explores the middle ground of doubt as a natural part of developing a personal belief system. The historical setting of the turn of the 20th century adds a unique, high-stakes backdrop to a universal childhood experience.
Read plot summary
Robbie O'Connell, a 10-year-old preacher's son in a small Vermont town in 1899, rebels against his faith and family expectations. Believing the world will end with the new century, he decides to "live for himself," engaging in pranks and misbehavior. His journey involves dealing with a town bully, caring for an abused horse, befriending a troubled new boy, and grappling with the consequences of his actions, ultimately leading him to a more personal and nuanced understanding of faith and goodness.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Robbie decides to stop being a Christian because he thinks the world is ending and he wants to have fun. Do you think his reasons were good ones? What does he learn about what 'being good' really means?
2
Robbie is very afraid to confess to his father about the fire. Why do you think he was so scared? How does his father's reaction surprise him, and how does it change their relationship?
3
How did Robbie's friendship with Will and his desire to help the horse, Violet, change his ideas about faith and caring for others?
