Solomon Lapp is a young Amish boy who lives with his Daed (dad), Mamm (mom), brothers Mervin, Clarence, Paul, Aaron, and Owen, and sisters Sara, Barbara, Katie, and Carolyn, on a farm among the rolling hills near Bird-in-Hand in Lancaster County, PA. He is a very smart boy who always gets the best grades in school. However, this doesn’t mean that there are no important life lessons left for Solomon to learn. As Solomon, his family, his other relatives, and his friends experience barn raisings, raging bulls, and “huge” spiders, they are taught about such important character traits as sharing, helping others, being cheerful, and showing friendship.
Wanda Brunstetter is one of my wife’s favorite authors. Most of her books are about the Amish, series for adults such as “The Daughters of Lancaster County” which I have read, and for children such as “Rachel Yoder” which I have not. Often known as The Wisdom of Solomon Lapp, this book consists of twelve stories, each beginning with a Scripture reference, that apply the thoughts of the Bible passages to practical affairs of everyday life. For instance, in the very first chapter Solomon finds out that true wisdom comes only from God when the “sage advice” that he so freely dispenses to others doesn’t always work. Youngsters will get an authentic glimpse into the Amish lifestyle, including some Amish terms that are sprinkled throughout the stories with a glossary to explain them included in the back. But one doesn’t have to be Amish to appreciate the value of the stories in this book. ( )

In Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, a young Amish boy named Solomon Lapp and his sister Sara find adventure at the farm, a barn raising, and the schoolhouse, where mischief and mud puddles reek mayhem, and life lessons and wisdom abound.