Grandpa Joe and the Great City

About this book

Grandpa Joe and the Great City launches a new middle-grade chapter series for readers ages 7- 9, blending timeless storytelling with rich historical roots. When siblings Simon and Lexi move with their parents to the countryside, they find themselves restless, lonely, and far from their friends. Everything changes when their mother sends them to spend time with Grandpa Joe in his small house at the back of the property. Each evening on his porch, Grandpa Joe tells true stories from the ancient world-- tales of courage, faith, and resilience adapted from the writings of Flavius Josephus (A.D. 37- 100). His stories of Jerusalem's rise, loss, and rebuilding capture the children's imagination and slowly reshape how they see their own new life. This gentle, reflective story introduces children to enduring themes of perseverance, humility, and hope while creating an engaging read-aloud experience for families. Beautifully written, historically grounded, and emotionally resonant, Grandpa Joe and the Great City sets the stage for an ongoing series that blends moral storytelling, classical history, and multigenerational warmth.