Quest for the Lost Prince: Samuel Morris (Trailblazer Books #19)
Gr. 3^-6. In this latest addition to the Trailblazer Books series, a little-known Christian hero from the past is vividly brought to life, a young African prince named Kaboo, later known as Samuel Morris. Prince Kaboo, born in Liberia in 1872, is about to become king of the Kru tribe when the warring Grebo people capture him for ransom. For days he is severely beaten, but when it seems his death is imminent, a blinding light flashes across the sky and a voice booms from heaven. Kaboo's enemy is so stunned that Kaboo is able to escape. Survival in the jungle would seem impossible except for the strange light that surrounds him and leads him to a mission station. Eventually, Kaboo comes to the U.S. to study the Bible at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. Although he dies young, his dynamic story helps to preserve a foundering university and inspires countless students to travel to Africa as missionaries. In spite of the occasionally stilted language and unconvincing scene development, this winning story should appeal to young readers.Shelley Townsend-Hudson