Ivan Series: 1. Ivan and the Moscow Circus

Myrna Grant

Ivan and his sister Katya are going to the great Moscow circus to see their new friend Volodia perform the amazing triple somersault on this trapeze. But in spite of the fun they can't forget that Volodia's uncle, a great Russian poet, has been imprisoned for critcizing the Communist government.

Katya and Ivan long to help. But what can a teenage boy and a ten-year-old girl do against the powerful Secret Police? Read how a key, a car, a foreign journalist and a clown suit help Ivan in one of his greatest adventures.

Highly recommended, these stories about Ivan and his family are ideal for children aged 9 to 12 years.

[Softcover, 160 pages]

Originally published about 30 years ago, the author of this series of books is recognized for her deep knowledge of the suffering church under communistic rule. The plight of Christians behind what was then called the Iron Curtain was a great concern to Myrna Grant, and she wrote many novels describing the daily lives of these suffering saints. The Ivan series was designed to give children a glimpse of what it meant to be a believer under such terrifying conditions where secrecy, fear of discovery, interrogations, and the injustice of a communist/atheistic society were a part of everyday living.

These six books introduce a different culture and historical period, yet Ivan and his sister Katya face some of the same struggles all children face. Do they want to please God more than man? Do they believe God can keep them safe? Do they believe in His sovereignty? The Gospel is explained in simple language, and scripture is woven throughout the books in a natural, not contrived, manner.

Circumstances in Russia have changed in 30 years, yet communistic oppression, regardless of the country, remains the same. If your children enjoy action-packed historical fiction, and you want them to read books that reinforce your Christian values, you will both be happy with the Ivan series.