Sugar Creek Gang Series by Paul Hutchens

The original Sugar Creek Gang books are a series of 36 books written by Paul Hutchens. Paul Hutchens was an ordained Baptist minister in the early to mid 1900s. Each book in the Sugar Creek Gang series follows a young group of boys as they meet adventure and solve mysteries in their rural community. While these mysteries are discovered and then solved, the boys reconcile what they see the adults and other kids do with their faith in Christ. As the series moves along, the boys grow in their faith through these encounters with one another.

Reading Level: Ages 7-10
Read Aloud Age: 7+

These books are quick and easy reads. The author is straightforward with sinful behaviors right from book one when the boys are confronted with one of the dads abusing liquor and how that impacts that boy’s family. I think moments like that could be good talking points with your kids as they read and have questions. An area of concern however, is there is a lot of emphasis placed on morality in terms of salvation. Many times, the narrator equates either good or bad deeds with salvation. Many times it is noted that if a character is bad it is because they do not go to church on Sundays. This is true with adults and with kids. The way faith is discussed is a little misleading in that way. While I do like that the books are focused on good behaviors and habits, I do not like the way a saving faith is presented. I would hesitate to let my child read this series without having discussions about the gospel.

This review was written by Good Book Mom contributor, Tricia. To learn more about Tricia, click HERE.

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