Emily Makes a Difference: A Time of Progress and Problems (1893)

Sisters in Time #16

by JoAnn A. Grote

Time Period:  1893  It's 1893, and technology is making Emily Allerton's world a better place. This fictional twelve year old can hardly believe the inventions displayed at the Chicago World's Fair-unusual things like "automobiles." But soon, an economic depression throws many Americans out of work, leaving them homeless and hungry-and creating Emily's opportunity to make a difference. Especially for girls ages eight to twelve, this story shows young readers that they, too, can have an impact on their world. Perfect for recreational reading or homeschooling, "Emily Makes a Difference" is an enjoyable way to learn important lessons of faith and history.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian, Historical, Childrens, Christian Fiction, Middle Grade, Fiction

143 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2004

About the author

JOANN GROTE lives in Minnesota, where she grew up. She uses the state for most of her story settings, and like her characters, JoAnn seeks to serve Christ in her work. She believes that readers of novels can receive a message of salvation and encouragement from well-crafted fiction. She has over 35 books to her credit, including novels, "The American Adventure" series for children, and the "Heartsong Presents Inspirational Romance" series. She captivates and addresses the deeper meaning between life and faith.

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pre Teens- Three Stars
New Teens- Three Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
Because of the writing about the unions and statistics about injuries, deaths, and populations felt very Wikipedia-like in the way they were presented, I didn’t really enjoy this one. It was interesting but came across a little too stiff at times with those facts. Emily’s family can also come across a bit mean to her with their comments of comparing her to her older sister and a cousin’s wife saying that she has no brains. Didn’t enjoy this one as much as I hoped based on the back-cover.


{{Official Content Review to Come.}}

[Ille · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Sentence: Twelve-year-old Emily Allerton leaned close to her cousin Ted Kerr, who shared the double wooden school desk.

'Emily Makes a Difference' is my new favourite book in the Sisters in Time series. This book (set in 1893) follows Emily Allerton and her cousin Ted who are lucky enough to visit the Chicago World Fair together.
This book is set during a time when new inventions are spreading rapidly. When the cousins get home from the fair, Emily remembers the fair's motto of 'I Will,' and comes up with a great idea to help the families of jobless men. A great reminder that EVERYONE has something special they can do to help the world, no matter how old or young they are.

[SWC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction set in the United States during the 1890s with the background setting of the world's fair in Chicago and one of the largest financial disasters ever to hit the United States.

[Karianna Neels · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good book for a preteen, historical fiction. Quite interesting

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Emily and her life back in 1893. It is a perfect blend of fiction and history to make a charming book for young girls (and boys, too!) to learn from and enjoy.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the historical references. It was interesting.