I love to read. I have always loved to read. Unfortunately my children have not yet caught my extreme love of reading, but I’m working on it. One of my biggest concerns, especially when it comes to reading material for Stargirl, is finding age appropriate, yet interesting, reading material. I want her to love reading, but I also want her to read books that are morally uplifting.
Enter Salem Ridge Press. I was thrilled to be chosen to review this company, because they provide just the kind of material I have been looking for! Interested? Read on!
About Salem Ridge Press
In short, Salem Ridge Press is a publishing company that republishes books from the 1800s and 1900s. Their mission is to provide quality reading material for the whole family.
The founder of Salem Ridge Press, Daniel Mills, is a homeschool graduate and believes that wholesome reading material encourages strong character development. In choosing what to republish, he weighs the content of the book against Philippians 4:8:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
That doesn’t mean every book published by Salem Ridge Press is Christian, but their goal is that each book they publish will uphold good morals and values.
Our Experience with Salem Ridge Press
I was given two e-books and a print book to help me complete this review. Stargirl has been reading From Bondage to Freedom as part of her schoolwork, and I read through Marie’s Home and Gytha’s Message. Though these three books are geared toward ages 10 and up, Salem Ridge Press offers books for children as young as age 6.
After reading two of the books myself and discussing the third with Stargirl, I’m comfortable handing a Salem Ridge Press book to my children to read on their own. I’m confident that these books contain content that I am comfortable with as a Christian.
That’s not to say difficult subjects aren’t broached. Many Salem Ridge Press books are historical fiction, and the books contain struggles typical of the time period. For instance, From Bondage to Freedom deals with slavery and Islam, and it’s main characters struggle with man made religion versus the freedom of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
And to top it all off, even though she’s not an avid reader, Stargirl loved (and understood) From Bondage to Freedom! Score one for mom and two for Salem Ridge Press!
The Nitty Gritty on Salem Ridge Press
Pros:
- Run by a homeschool graduate (you have to love that!)
- Wholesome books
- Quality literature
- Historical fiction that plugs easily into a history curriculum
- Affordable
- Suitable for a wide variety of ages
Cons
- I’m stumped. I can’t think of one con. This is a great company!
My Overall Opinion
If you haven’t guessed yet, I loved the Salem Ridge Press books that I’ve read so far! I’ve put The Sign Above the Door on my wish list for reading this year, and I’m sure I’ll be ordering a bunch of books to read next year, when we study the Middle Ages. I’d love for Stargirl to read the entire Church History set, and I want Bug to get started with the Junior Church History set. I think it will be right up his alley!
Additional Information
- Website: www.salemridgepress.com
- Cost: About $11-$25, depending on the book and whether it’s a hard or soft cover. Discounts apply when you order an entire series.
- Age Range: Around 6-Adult, depending on the book.
For more opinions from the Crew, visit the official TOS Crew Blog!
*Disclaimer: I received one paperback and two e-books in exchange for my honest review.
I want the entire church history set too! All three of the books I reviewed were wonderful (including The Sign Above the Door).