Secret in the Maple Tree

Maple Tree Trilogy #1

by Matilda Nordtvedt

Hilda's parents were immigrants from Norway who came to the United States in the late 1800s. Hilda's Papa settled his family in Minnesota on a small farm. Hilda loved her life on the Minnesota farm, but she had to learn to accept necessary change and to trust God in all things.

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

153 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Matilda Nordtvedt was an American author born in Washington state in 1926. She also lived for a time during her childhood in Canada.
After her marriage, Matilda also lived in Japan. She was an accomplished pianist, spoke fluent Japanese and was known for her writing and public speaking. Children were enthralled with her storytelling. She published 30 books and over 1,800 articles in various publications. She also read countless books to her sons instilling a love for reading also passing that passion on to her grandchildren. Throughout her ministry, innumerable children, students, foreign students and parishioners enjoyed her gracious hospitality, enjoying her gifts of cooking and baking. She welcomed all who dropped in.

Reviews

[Shea]

Did I just read my favorite book from third grade as a coping mechanism? Yes, I did.

[Gracie {_a_court_of_books_} · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this years ago in Abeka homeschool and ADORED it! I would love to find a copy for a reread.❤️❤️

[Quaid Barnett]

claims he read it

[Betsy Nance · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son and I read this for school. We absolutely loved the book! Would definitely recommend!

[Karen Valenzuela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hilda lost her mother recently. She is adjusting to the idea of a family that consists of only her father, sister and her. Then her father tells them that there is a widow with a son that he is planning to marry so that her girls can have a new mom. She is not taking it well. She doesn't like change.

This is a beautiful story about embracing change. Believing that God has a better plan for you than you can ever come up with for yourself. Of being grateful.

The only issue I had with it were the couple of chapters were the author pushed about the importance of getting other people fo believe in what you believe. (It this case, Christianity). I love the stories were the characters embrace their beliefs and are happy with it. But I do not believe in not respecting when others don't believe in what you do.

[Kaley Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book played a significant part in my understanding and comprehension of reading in Grade 4. It explored emotions and dealing with them while talking to God and talking it out with trusted family. Not to mention the world I grew so interested in and the interactions of the sweet Norwegian family that pulls at hearts.

I find this book nostalgic, and I hope to read it again someday if only to relive the feeling.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember loving this one as a child, but now I got to read it with my own daughter, and I was reminded how truly excellent and meaningful it is. We both loved it and cannot wait to start the next book in the trilogy.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful, wholesome story for 7-9 year olds.

[Salem Peru · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that story

[Carolyn Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite childhood "school" books. I think I might have done a book report on it.

[legna · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites as a child!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I reread a childhood favorite just to get a little bit of serotonin? Indeed I did.

Am I going to reread the other two books for more serotonin? Absolutely!

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading and teaching the Song of the Brook several times in the past 12 years, I decided I should probably read the first book in the series, as all of my students have proclaimed it their *favorite* every time we begin to read its continuation. As with the later Abeka chapter book, Secret in the Maple Tree shows us a loving family and real concerns of a very relatable character. Despite living in a different era, Hilda and her family are loving people who seek the Lord and rely on His Word in both the bad and the good times. Hilda has questions that third graders themselves might often ask when fearing change or questioning their own worth or growing faith. As with other Abeka materials, there is a strong decision-theology component in this book, perhaps a bit more than the sequel.

Most surprising to me was learning that Mama and John were not Hilda's biological relatives. They become such a close-knit unit in the later story that it didn't even occur to me that there was a time when Hilda and Papa were on their own following the death of Hilda's mother. Such a powerful message of love in a blended family is a beautiful thing, and no doubt part of the reason why my students loved reading it so much the year before. The birth of baby Sigurd is also a precious moment and was fun to learn. I also finally understand why the family was moving from Minnesota to Washington in the next book. Although I knew it had something to do with Papa needing work, it became much more clear after reading this story.

Bottom line, Song of the Brook is still my personal favorite of the two, but I have a deeper appreciation for my students' affection for this first glimpse into Hilda's life. I'm glad I read it.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't remember much at all about this (or the exact year I read it), but I think it was good.

[xmilkshakex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so iconic for me because it was the first legitimate book I ever read, and boy did I read it!!! I still think about it lol <3

[Ehab Ainan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My cousin said this book is the best book so I want to read this book

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

secret in the maple tree