The Red Ball

A Story of Friendship and Forgiveness

Children - Christian
34 Pages
Reviewed on 01/18/2025
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Stephanie Lynn for Readers' Favorite

In The Red Ball: A Story of Friendship and Forgiveness by Healey E. Ikerd, we meet young Renate who lives in a country where money is scarce, and toys and new clothes are precious. She enjoys playing games like tag and hopscotch with her friends at school. When she's home, she has to help her mother and do her chores before being allowed to play. One day, Renate gets a surprise package. Is it school supplies or perhaps new clothes? She is excited by the mystery and is eager to see what the package contains. It's a shiny new red ball. She loves her new ball so much that she decided to take it to school to share her precious gift with her friends. But when one of the boys gets jealous, Renate has to make some difficult choices.

The Red Ball by Healey E. Ikerd is a delightful read. The story teaches practical lessons on the meaning of sharing, forgiveness, kindness, and friendship. Renate is a sweet girl, showing compassion and gentleness to everyone she meets. She helps with the chores around the house when she gets home from school, knowing that her mother needs and appreciates her help. The story teaches children the value of sharing with friends and trusting God when we are unsure what to do. The story includes beautiful illustrations by artist Lauren Fantin. The book is based on a true story in East Germany and gives a tiny glimpse into the hardships and poverty many people and children faced there during the 1940s and 50s. Because of this, it makes for a great story on its own but can be used to open up conversations and lessons about other places where people are facing similar struggles now.