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Scout: The Secret of the Swamp

by Piet Prins
Series: Scout #1
143 pages, Historical Fiction
Reviewed by Ariel_of_Narnia

An interesting read with adventure and some non-graphic violence.

Plot

Tom Sanders and his faithful dog, Scout, dive from one adventure into another. However, with each adventure, the pair end up in greater danger. They've captured burglers and aided those who escape the Germans, but their greatest task lies in the paths of a swamp.

Morality

The Sanders family is very loving and caring for others. Every family member is quick to do what they can for others. Tom has a constant desire to defend and help. If dogs can have morals, then Scout is a loyal friend and fierce defender.
Tom steals a German bike for the sole purpose of making a getaway (this action is justified). He has an unintentional tendency to land in danger, constantly worrying his parents.

Spiritual Content

It's obvious from the start that the Sanders are Christians, most especially through their prayers. They come in contact with a Jew and tell her about Jesus.

Tom's friend mentions a superstition about "swamp ghosts", but explains that his teacher said that they were really just gasses escaping the swamp.

Violence

Scout is clubbed on the head a couple times, kicked into submission by unscrupulous men, and even shot. Both Tom and Scout are always ready to put up a fight against enemies. Hands are bound. The majority of the book takes place during WWII, so there are gunshots, tanks, bombs, arrests, and even a gunned-down plane. A property is looted and burned; another is ransacked.

Drug and Alcohol Content

Three men share a bottle. Some Germans share a jug of liquor. Two men smoke.

Sexual Content

None.

Crude or Profane Language or Content

The worst it gets are utterances such as "lousy Krauts", "shut up", and "filthy scum". Some bad guys curse unknown words.

Conclusion

This daring pair from the Netherlands do not lack in adventure or in morals. Though perhaps foolhardy at times, they show courage and levelheadedness when it matters most. While the danger they enter can be rather violent, the most graphic it gets would be some blood (but only on Scout's part) and a couple limp bodies. Any humans that are killed are not approached by the main character or readers.

Fun Score: 4.5
Values Score: 5
Written for Age: 11-12

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