The Wooden Ox

 The sound of her brother's scream echoed on and on in her head as though it would never end. "Let me go!" she demanded stupidly in English. The African boy dug his nails into Keri's arm and brought the knife closer to her face.

Civil war is tearing Mozambique, Africa, apart. And whether she realizes it or not the war is about to become very real to Keri Anderson. While bringing clothes to a village in desperate need, the Anderson family is stranded in the middle of enemy territory and kidnapped by armed rebels.

 

By night, the Andersons and some friendly villagers are forced to march deep into the bush. When Vovô, Keri's African "grandfather," is left behind on the trail to die, Keri is furious with her dad for letting it happen and terrified for her own safety.

What if the rebels decided she was holding them up? What if they left her behind as well? Would Dad protect her? Or would he abandon her like Vovô?

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What readers are saying about The Wooden Ox:

The Wooden Ox is rich in detail, dialogue, and the thoughts and questions . . . Powerful and captivating, both for adults as well as for middle schoolers and teens. 

--Christian Library Journal 

The Wooden Ox is realistic, tightly plotted and does not back down from the hard questions of the Christian faith. Although intended for a young adult audience, older readers would enjoy as well.

--Sharon Dunn,  author of 
Cow Crimes and the Mustang Menace.

...a story which will linger in one's memory and give insight into the experiences reported in the daily news as well as reminding readers of what faces many missionaries in Africa during these unsettled times.

--Christian Observer

Curious about the actual events behind this story?

Read the true story of the African pastor who inspired Pastor Makusa's story.

Interested in more books set in Africa?

Here's a bibliography of some of our family's favorites.

On Writing The Wooden Ox

The Wooden Ox sample chapter

Discussion Questions for The Wooden Ox