Book Review: Simon Kenton – Unlikely Hero

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Biography of a Frontiersman – Simon Kenton: Unlikely Hero by Karen Meyer

Karen Meyer’s passion for history began as a young girl and led her to complete a copy of an early Ohio settler’s diary in her senior year. After earning a bachelor’s degree cum laude in English and Education, she became an Air Force wife, and over the course of nine years lived in places as far away as Labrador. Seeing new lands gave Meyer a window on regional and national differences, and confirmed an appreciation for her own Ohio roots where she and her husband settled and raised their family. 

Today Karen writes historical novels for young readers, seeking ideas from Ohio’s many history-rich towns. As part of her desire to interest children in history, she visits schools impersonating Grandma Sarah, a character in her pioneer novels.

Simon Kenton – Unlikely Hero is Karen’s seventh historical novel for young readers. The book is recommended for ages 8 – 12 and grades 3 – 6.

I happen to have an eight year old son! So we both read about Simon Kenton and I have asked him to share his opinions of the book as well.

First, aspects of the book I appreciated

I loved Karen’s desire to teach while telling Simon’s story. I myself had never heard of Simon Kenton so I went into the book as a complete blank slate.

The story starts out with Simon as a sixteen-year-old, who’s hot-tempered and running for his life into the wild. He then becomes an amazing scout, military aid, and man of God with hospitality and kindness for all.

The text is 100 pages and broken up into 20 chapters. While packed full of information, Karen wrote the biography in both a concise and entertaining manner.

The book provides:

• Maps throughout the book to aid in visuals and geographical context.
• Images to break up dialogue.
• Bold words within the text and a full glossary in the back of the book.
• Separated sections within the text to provide greater information about a topic.
• One reflection question at the end of each chapter to focus on character development.
• Full references for more information about Simon Kenton.

One note of caution

Some aspects of the book are violent and go into detail about the form of abuse and the wounds. Not overly so but Karen doesn’t shy away from the truth of the time. I appreciated the forthrightness of her writing.

That being said, I agree with the age and grade recommendations. It also would be beneficial to read along with your child so you can have greater conversations if necessary.

My husband would have our son read a few chapters each day during the homeschool schedule. I would then read the same chapters that night before I went to bed. I would then check in with him about the chapters read the following morning.

Review from my son

What did you find most impressive about Simon’s life?

The thing that I found most impressive about Simon’s life was that he didn’t give up after all of the hard things that he had to face.

What would have been the hardest part of living during this time period?

I think the hardest part would have been to stay safe from the Indians and the British soldiers.

What was something you learned about frontier life that you didn’t know before?

I didn’t realize it would have been so hard to live during this time.

Was there anything about the book you didn’t like?

No, I think it was good!

Would you recommend this book to others?

I don’t know that I would recommend the book for fun reading but I think it would be good for a history project.

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own and my son’s. 

To read more books from Karen Meyer check out her Amazon author page. Or you can check out her website at ohiofrontierhistorylady.com.

God bless!

Melissa

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