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Trailblazer Books (Chronological) #34
The Hidden Jewel
From the moment he and his mother arrived from England, everything about India shouted adventure to fourteen-year-old John Knight. Crowds of people swarmed in the streets, temple elephants paraded about, monkeys scolded at passers-by--this was easily the most exciting place John had ever been. If only his father, a British government official sent to south India in 1909, will allow him to explore it.
But John and his mother are not prepared for what they discover when they befriend an Irish missionary named Amy Carmichael. With a heart for justice, John is shocked to learn that a young Indian girl rescued by Carmichael is a "child bride" being legally forced by her wicked uncle to marry an elderly man! Is it possible that John's father might be called upon to uphold this horrible law?
What will happen if John does not act? Who will save Jewel?
Will all the fears mirrored in Jewel's eyes come to pass?
But John and his mother are not prepared for what they discover when they befriend an Irish missionary named Amy Carmichael. With a heart for justice, John is shocked to learn that a young Indian girl rescued by Carmichael is a "child bride" being legally forced by her wicked uncle to marry an elderly man! Is it possible that John's father might be called upon to uphold this horrible law?
What will happen if John does not act? Who will save Jewel?
Will all the fears mirrored in Jewel's eyes come to pass?
136 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 1992
About the author
Dave Jackson
245 books76 followersDave and Neta Jackson are a full-time husband/wife writing team who have authored and co-authored many books on marriage and family, the church, relationships, and other subjects. Their books for children include the TRAILBLAZER series and Hero Tales, volumes I,II, III, and IV. The Jacksons make their home in Evanston, Illinois.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 25, 2017
I have fond memories of my mom reading these books to us over lunch. And we’d beg her to keep going when lunch was over too, because we just had to know what happened! Well told, engaging, adventuresome and you learn about a famous Christian in history.
Ages: 7+
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Ages: 7+
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
March 4, 2025
Read this to Judson; he actually really enjoyed it! I remember this series being really impactful to me as a child so I’m excited to introduce my children to them as well.
Read
June 5, 2009Good thing whitey shows up to protect Hindu girls from child marriage, thank God for the British, pip pip, let's Save the Pagans.
The most glaring error was the Indian couple who wear white at their wedding, the color for mourning.
Stereotypical portrayals, although the writing style isn't bad.
The most glaring error was the Indian couple who wear white at their wedding, the color for mourning.
Stereotypical portrayals, although the writing style isn't bad.
October 14, 2015
Will start reading this chapter book early for CC1 wk7 our study on India..krb 10/14/15
July 26, 2024
I read this with my 9 year old as part of his missionary lit study on Amy Carmichael. We both enjoyed the book but agreed it should not be read as a sole focus on Amy Carmichael because the main storyline is a fictional storyline that runs adjacent to some factual portions of Amy's life. It was enjoyable for us as we've studied Amy but it would have felt confusing had this been our first introduction to her life.
July 24, 2015
We will be learning about Amy Carmichael during the first couple of weeks of school (which starts August 3 for us!) so Hannah and I pre-read The Hidden Jewel, a biography of sorts that mixed some fiction in with real events from Carmichael’s life in India. I didn’t try to read this one aloud because we’ve had mixed results from this series, but I thought it was fine from a personal reading perspective. The pictures, as with all of the books in this series of missionary biographies, are terrible. But the content is accessible and engaging and it’s a good introduction to Carmichael’s work, putting her mission to help children in context of the prevailing customs in that part of India at the time. I do think these authors do a good job of pointing out the ways that the missionaries they profile loved the people and cultures they served–dressing, acting, and speaking like their adopted cultures–while challenging the negative and dark aspects of that culture (in this case, selling small children into temple prostitution–don’t worry, this is glossed in the book–treating girls like chattel, etc). I like how this approach reinforces to kids that Christianity is not a western religion, and that all cultures, including our own, have good points as well as areas that need to be redeemed.
{Find more great read-alouds and books for kids at A Spirited Mind}
{Find more great read-alouds and books for kids at A Spirited Mind}
April 19, 2012
This is a fun series for the kids to read. They're short and provide some interesting information about some historical figures although it's a fictional story line. I think they're good read alouds if you're looking for something quick, interesting, and filled with situations to talk about faith and decision making. We'll continue with the series. I also like that each book in the series stands alone. No worries about having to read them in order.
Read
October 30, 2012I liked this biography, because it really focused on an event on Amy Carmichael's life and those that surrounded her. So it was not like reading the same stuff I had already read. It was an more of an in depth account of a certain period. I read it for a girls book club I am doing with my oldest and enjoyed the vivid picture it painted of India and her culture.
July 11, 2017
I enjoyed this story but I wish it had more real people in it rather than the fictional story of the boy as the narrator.
I will be looking for more information on Amy Carmichael as well as sharing this book with my children.
I will be looking for more information on Amy Carmichael as well as sharing this book with my children.
March 28, 2026
Page 60:
"Beats rubbing elbows with all the swamis, too,” snorted Jim.
John was puzzled. "Swamis? You mean swami, the Hindu holy men?"
Jim laughed. "Swamis, wamis, it doesn't matter.
All the native boys and their ugly gods. They give me the creeps. Never know what they're thinking."
John was silent, unsure how to respond. Finally he said, "Not all Indians are Hindu or Muslim; some are Christian."
Page 61:
"Or pretending to be," said Jim, "just to get on with the British."
"No, really," said John. "I have a friend-his name is Arul Dasan. He became a Christian and his family threatened to rub pepper in his eyes."
"There, you see?" Torry said. "Totally barbaric.
These people are not at all civilized."
John shut his mouth into a thin line. The conversation was going in a direction he didn't like. He busied himself lining up his books on the little shelf above his study desk.
"Hey, what about this Arul fellow?" Jim per-sisted. "He is actually your friend? How did you meet him?"
"At Dohnavur Fellowship," John said reluctantly, stuffing his suitcases under the bed. "My mother and I stayed there a month, helping to take care of a girl who was going to be married as a child-bride." The moment it was out of his mouth, however, John was sorry he said anything.
"Ooooh. A girl," Torry hooted.
"Not just a girl—a native girl," said Jim, rolling his eyes. The two boys flopped on their beds, laugh-ing.
John straightened up and marched to the door.
He had to get out before he said something he would regret.
"Hey, don't go away mad, old man," Jim laughed.
"It's just that we've never had a swami-lover for a roommate before."
Page 80:
“I grew up with the idea that 'God helps those who help themselves.”
That is NOT in the Bible.
Page 81:
"Lover boy must have had a good time with his native girlfriend over winter break," taunted Jim.
Page 82:
"Oooh, Johnny boy wants to become a swami-
when a teacher or
lawyer-" Torry started in, but Jim cut him off.
But everyone rer
"Really? Say, we don't know any Indian lawyers.
John brusher
Look, John, could you introduce us? I mean, maybe
club was differe
Mister-what's his name? Rabur?-maybe Mr.
Mr. Rabur, an
Rabur could come speak to us over at the school."
Page 83:
John brushed the uneasy feeling away. Maybe a club was different than the classroom. He introduced Mr. Rabur, and the Indian lawyer began speaking on law as a profession. He spoke of the many difficult legal issues created by the centuries-old caste system still existing even under the British Crown. He had just begun giving some case studies as examples, when suddenly all the boys rose silently as one person, turned their backs and filed out of the room.
Mr. Rabur stopped uncertainly in mid-sentence.
John was astonished. What was happening?
The Indian Cast system killed people throughout the book, but they made sure the one you FELT was white-centered.
Page 87:
The only way I could come see you and the bits was to sneak out. I talked one of the Muslim boys who works in the kitchen to loan me some clothes, so... here I am!"
“For all the world looking like a pagan! And acting like one, too!" Miss Carmichael said, shaking her head. "Fighting, indeed. Well, come on out to the garden. The girls are having a party."
The worst one:
Page 87:
He realized that in a year she had grown from a twelve
year-old girl-child to a thirteen-year-old young woman.
(SCREEEEEEEW THAT!!
In a book about the horrors of child brides, you do NOT get to call a thirteen year old child a woman!?!?
That is perpetuating the same harmful rhetoric that allows child brides in the first place!!)
The blond white boy smears coffee grounds on his face to pretend to be Indian, and all the Indian people are fooled.
Awkward???
Page 129:
“I had a dream. In the dream I saw Arul and Jewel getting married. When I awoke, I could not shake the feeling that God had shown me His vision for Jewel. So I talked to Arul. As you know, it is not uncommon in India for marriages to be arranged. But I didn't want it to only be my plan. I wanted it to be God's plan. So I prayed that if this is what God wanted, both Jewel and Arul would feel in their hearts that this was right."
Amy glanced fondly at the couple, each with an adoring child in their laps.
"Letters went back and forth between Jewel and Arul. And soon they both agreed: yes, they believed God would have them marry. But, even though Jewel is now of age, it seemed better for Arul to go to meet Jewel and be married in Ceylon, and then return, Now there is no question of her uncle's claim on her."
John nodded. Yes, it was right.
(So… you save her from one Arranged Marriage just to put her in another Arranged Marriage?? Ummmmm??)
Page 133:
Wilson became a great friend of the whole Carmichael family, who always referred to him as the Dear Old Man (“D.O.M. for short). When illness and overwork forced Amy to quit her work in Manchester, she accepted Wilson's invitation in 1890 to come to his home, Broughton Grange, as a daughter and com-panion.
Amy thought God's plan was for her to care for the D.O.M. until his heavenly home-going.”
(Uh… I get the nickname, back in the day. But a Dom means something different now — a sexual connotation— so I would have left that now-sexual nickname out of a kid’s book.)
"Beats rubbing elbows with all the swamis, too,” snorted Jim.
John was puzzled. "Swamis? You mean swami, the Hindu holy men?"
Jim laughed. "Swamis, wamis, it doesn't matter.
All the native boys and their ugly gods. They give me the creeps. Never know what they're thinking."
John was silent, unsure how to respond. Finally he said, "Not all Indians are Hindu or Muslim; some are Christian."
Page 61:
"Or pretending to be," said Jim, "just to get on with the British."
"No, really," said John. "I have a friend-his name is Arul Dasan. He became a Christian and his family threatened to rub pepper in his eyes."
"There, you see?" Torry said. "Totally barbaric.
These people are not at all civilized."
John shut his mouth into a thin line. The conversation was going in a direction he didn't like. He busied himself lining up his books on the little shelf above his study desk.
"Hey, what about this Arul fellow?" Jim per-sisted. "He is actually your friend? How did you meet him?"
"At Dohnavur Fellowship," John said reluctantly, stuffing his suitcases under the bed. "My mother and I stayed there a month, helping to take care of a girl who was going to be married as a child-bride." The moment it was out of his mouth, however, John was sorry he said anything.
"Ooooh. A girl," Torry hooted.
"Not just a girl—a native girl," said Jim, rolling his eyes. The two boys flopped on their beds, laugh-ing.
John straightened up and marched to the door.
He had to get out before he said something he would regret.
"Hey, don't go away mad, old man," Jim laughed.
"It's just that we've never had a swami-lover for a roommate before."
Page 80:
“I grew up with the idea that 'God helps those who help themselves.”
That is NOT in the Bible.
Page 81:
"Lover boy must have had a good time with his native girlfriend over winter break," taunted Jim.
Page 82:
"Oooh, Johnny boy wants to become a swami-
when a teacher or
lawyer-" Torry started in, but Jim cut him off.
But everyone rer
"Really? Say, we don't know any Indian lawyers.
John brusher
Look, John, could you introduce us? I mean, maybe
club was differe
Mister-what's his name? Rabur?-maybe Mr.
Mr. Rabur, an
Rabur could come speak to us over at the school."
Page 83:
John brushed the uneasy feeling away. Maybe a club was different than the classroom. He introduced Mr. Rabur, and the Indian lawyer began speaking on law as a profession. He spoke of the many difficult legal issues created by the centuries-old caste system still existing even under the British Crown. He had just begun giving some case studies as examples, when suddenly all the boys rose silently as one person, turned their backs and filed out of the room.
Mr. Rabur stopped uncertainly in mid-sentence.
John was astonished. What was happening?
The Indian Cast system killed people throughout the book, but they made sure the one you FELT was white-centered.
Page 87:
The only way I could come see you and the bits was to sneak out. I talked one of the Muslim boys who works in the kitchen to loan me some clothes, so... here I am!"
“For all the world looking like a pagan! And acting like one, too!" Miss Carmichael said, shaking her head. "Fighting, indeed. Well, come on out to the garden. The girls are having a party."
The worst one:
Page 87:
He realized that in a year she had grown from a twelve
year-old girl-child to a thirteen-year-old young woman.
(SCREEEEEEEW THAT!!
In a book about the horrors of child brides, you do NOT get to call a thirteen year old child a woman!?!?
That is perpetuating the same harmful rhetoric that allows child brides in the first place!!)
The blond white boy smears coffee grounds on his face to pretend to be Indian, and all the Indian people are fooled.
Awkward???
Page 129:
“I had a dream. In the dream I saw Arul and Jewel getting married. When I awoke, I could not shake the feeling that God had shown me His vision for Jewel. So I talked to Arul. As you know, it is not uncommon in India for marriages to be arranged. But I didn't want it to only be my plan. I wanted it to be God's plan. So I prayed that if this is what God wanted, both Jewel and Arul would feel in their hearts that this was right."
Amy glanced fondly at the couple, each with an adoring child in their laps.
"Letters went back and forth between Jewel and Arul. And soon they both agreed: yes, they believed God would have them marry. But, even though Jewel is now of age, it seemed better for Arul to go to meet Jewel and be married in Ceylon, and then return, Now there is no question of her uncle's claim on her."
John nodded. Yes, it was right.
(So… you save her from one Arranged Marriage just to put her in another Arranged Marriage?? Ummmmm??)
Page 133:
Wilson became a great friend of the whole Carmichael family, who always referred to him as the Dear Old Man (“D.O.M. for short). When illness and overwork forced Amy to quit her work in Manchester, she accepted Wilson's invitation in 1890 to come to his home, Broughton Grange, as a daughter and com-panion.
Amy thought God's plan was for her to care for the D.O.M. until his heavenly home-going.”
(Uh… I get the nickname, back in the day. But a Dom means something different now — a sexual connotation— so I would have left that now-sexual nickname out of a kid’s book.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2010
Fun to read to the girls. The children enjoyed learning about Amy Carmichael and the culture of India. This was a well written story, and we look forward to reading other Trailblazer books.
March 13, 2012
An english boy helps Amy Carmichael rescue an indian girl named Jewel from being forced to become a child bride(a child forced to mary an adult).
December 30, 2012
A decent historical fiction book about Amy Carmichael and her missionary work.
March 1, 2015
this book I'm not sure if I should review cause I read it right after like my favorite series and compared it to the series. but I do like the book
July 29, 2015
See the first book in the series (Spy for the Night Riders) for a full review.
January 23, 2023
Had to read these books for school as a kid. Recently found a box of them and flipped back through. These books are racist AF! There is literally a scene where the white British boy smears used coffee grounds on his skin to disguise himself as Indian. And the most laughable part is Indian characters actually believe he is Indian as well just because he smeared brown coffee on his face. The kid is basically in blackface and they act like it’s a passing resemblance?! WTF! This book is riddled with white savior complex. Obviously child marriage is deplorable and missionaries have done great work, but this book paints Hindu girls as helpless save for the kind white boy who saves them. And it depicts all Indian men as apathetic abusers. These books are disgusting and far better children’s books about missionaries exist. Burn anything written by Dave and Neta Jackson.
August 23, 2025
We started the home school year with a plan to read as many biographies/stories of Christian missionaries and martyrs as possible, and this was the first book the kids chose from our new stash. We all really enjoyed it. Each chapter was suspenseful, and it was a bummer when we had to stop reading to get on with the rest of our school day. Everyone wanted to keep reading. The story is technically part historical fiction, part biography of Amy Carmichael, but there is an epilogue of sorts at the end that is purely biographical about her life. We have several more of the books from Trailblazers, and I hope they’re all as good as this one.
April 1, 2021
My 8yo (though she’s now a 9yo!) asked that I read this. It is an enjoyable read - it pulled me through on a day I had lots of reading time available - and I appreciate seeing this view of Amy Carmichael. That said, much like my daughter, it’s disappointing to read about some people who are real while others are fiction, so I’d rather read biographies over this half-truth. 3.5 stars, I think.
May 3, 2025
Something along the lines of an historical fiction or the novelization of events from Amy Carmichael’s missionary work in India.
Besides being introduced to a significant Christian missionary figure, your child, like the young protagonist, will be confronted with concepts of Child brides and the Indian caste system from the early 1900’s.
⚠️Parental Warning ⚠️
None
Besides being introduced to a significant Christian missionary figure, your child, like the young protagonist, will be confronted with concepts of Child brides and the Indian caste system from the early 1900’s.
⚠️Parental Warning ⚠️
None
July 9, 2020
An excellent audiobook about Amy Carmichael’s life in India helping young girls and boys escaping temple prostitution. Appropriate for even young children! This is a delightfully done recording that is edge of your seat interesting for young and old alike. I highly recommend this audiobook!
May 20, 2020
Assigned to read this whole series in middle school, and I learned a lot. Great educational read!
October 13, 2021
Great book! But best for older kids. Little kids don’t understand the plot.
January 23, 2022
This was so cool! It was a bit of a "hidden jewel" itself in that I did not expect to like it as much as I did when I picked it up
May 2, 2023
Easy and quick read for an adult. Excellent read aloud for those 7+
June 25, 2024
I grew up reading this story - it was one book that fanned the flame of my love for Amy Carmichael. It was sweet to share with my boys as a read out loud.
September 18, 2025
formational childhood read
November 18, 2022
This book is directed more towards young children/teens, but I still really enjoyed it! Although the Knight family in the book is fictional, the story painted a beautiful picture of Amy Carmichael’s faith and trust in the Lord and God’s provision in the entire ministry of rescuing girls from temples and bringing them to a safe, loving place where the gospel was shared and souls were saved and discipled!
November 7, 2008
It made me want to go to India and do what Amy Carmichael was doing . It was great!
March 19, 2015
This was an awesome book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews