by Julie Smith
First published 1969
Young Samuel sleeps in the temple when a voice calls his name in the darkness. He runs to Eli the priest, but the old man sends him back to bed. The voice calls again, and again Samuel hurries to Eli. After the third time, Eli realizes God is speaking to the boy. Samuel returns to his mat and waits. When God calls once more, Samuel responds that he is listening and ready to serve. God delivers a difficult message about Eli's family that Samuel must share. The boy learns that serving God sometimes means delivering hard truths. Through Samuel's story, young readers discover how God calls people to help Him, even when they are small and the task seems big.
Genres: christian-fiction
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, found-family
Setting: Temple
Period: Ancient
Paperback · David C Cook