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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
The Riddle of Penncroft Farm by Dorothea Jensen invites readers on an engaging journey through history and mystery. The story centers on Lars Olafson, a young boy uprooted from his life in Minneapolis to his family's farm near Valley Forge—a place brimming with secrets. At first, Lars struggles with his new surroundings, but things turn unexpectedly when he meets Geordie, a ghost with fascinating tales from the American Revolution. Geordie’s stories bring the past to life with vivid details about the Battle of Brandywine, the encampment at Valley Forge, and the everyday struggles of people living in British-occupied Philadelphia. As Lars begins to see his new home through Geordie’s eyes, he also discovers that these ghostly tales might hold the key to solving a contemporary mystery.
The Riddle of Penncroft Farm does a fantastic job of blending historical facts with fiction, making it a perfect enrichment resource for middle schoolers studying the American Revolution. What makes it an excellent classroom aid is Jensen’s afterword, which tells readers what is fiction and what’s factual. A glossary is an added learning tool. The novel’s ability to remain in print for 35 years and be used in schools across the U.S. speaks volumes about its appeal and educational value. With its memorable characters and rich storytelling, The Riddle of Penncroft Farm makes history feel alive and relevant, offering young readers a compelling way to connect with the past while solving a mystery in the present. It was wonderful to be reintroduced to Dorothea Jensen’s remarkable novel.
