Best Family Ever (Baxter Family Children Book 1)

Being that I’m a fan of the Baxter family series by Karen Kingsbury, I was excited to find out that her and her son Tyler Russell were writing a children series about the Baxter kids. Granted this book is geared towards kids ages 8-12, but I knew I would read it.A simple, easy read because of the intended audience, I still found myself caught up in the adventures of Brooke, Kari, Ashley, Erin and Luke. You are taken back in a time where no iPads, cell phones, etc. are the focal point of growing up. My own childhood memories came back as I turned the pages of BEST FAMILY EVER.While the book centers around middle daughter Ashley, as a reader you still get a good glimpse into the childhood of the other four children. Ashley is a funny, yet very imaginative girl, who finds herself in trouble with her teacher, her parents and siblings, but you have to love her young heart. As in every family, the Baxter children have their moments of not getting along, moments of feeling alone, not being loved. But when the biggest change in their young lives are about to take place, a move to another state for their dad John Baxter’s job, the five bond closer together and remember the words their mother Elizabeth always tells them....Your best friends are the ones around the dinner table each night. I love the children’s faith throughout the book.I think that BEST FAMILY EVER is a good introduction to the this beloved family for the young reader. And to be honest a good book for all the adult Baxter family readers. I loved reading about the family in the early days and look forward to the next books.If you have young readers in your life, I highly recommend this book. And definitely take the time to read along with your child, you will find yourself laughing and reminiscing about your own childhood....and maybe even shed a few tears.

I bought this book to read to my kids. We were excited to start it, but after reading 5 chapters, they lost interest. We were waiting for the read to get interesting but never got into it. Not sure if it's because we can't relate to the family?.... Sarcasm and humor is the norm in my house of 5. We are Christians and pray together. I totally thought this book would be great to be read for bedtime... But it never caught their interest. I have 11yo b/g twins and a 6yo boy. I've read them different books before and have enjoyed all of them. Unfortunately, they asked me to not read this anymore because it was not relatable or intersting.

I was so excited for the release of this novel. Karen Kingsbury is one of my absolute favorite authors and her Baxter family has been my favorite for a long time now. This book is the start of books about her Baxter family characters as children. I've always wondered about the Baxter kids and what there life was like growing up, and with this book, we get just that and so much more! It's definitely Life Changing Fiction For Kids everywhere!This one focuses on Ashley Baxter. Ashley was one of my favorite characters in the Baxter series and her character as a child......let me tell you, she was full of mischief and I saw myself in her so much! The experiences of having to move and make new friends and adjust to life in a new way, was something that I could relate to, after my dad retired from the military and I had to leave my best friend. The faith, the hope, the love that the Baxter children had as young ones was inspiring, even for this adult!Whether you have a child or grandchild, niece or nephew, who loves to read, this book is perfect for them! Every child, and adult needs to read this sweet book! I read it in one sitting. Mother and Son did a phenomenal job on this creation! If you're 8, or 98, this is a 5 star read that you will want on your shelf forever! Bravo and magnificently done, Mrs. Kingsbury and Mr. Russell. I can't wait to read the next one!

I've read a few of Karen Kingsbury's books over the years, so I was pleased to discover that she's writing books for my daughter's age group. She's a month away from her 10th birthday, and she loved this book. We're currently on vacation at Hilton Head, SC, and she was surprised and thrilled to see that some of the book takes place here! I didn't know that when I bought this book for her little beach read, so that was a fun surprise. She's already put book 2 on her birthday list. Thankfully, knowing that Karen Kingsbury writes Christian novels, I don't worry too much about checking the book over before handing it over to my daughter.

Words from my 9 year old, “Best Book EVER!!!”We had to make her stop reading to go to bed. She is so excited to read about the Baxter kids. She is already planning on writing her next book report on it.

"Best Family Ever" is packed full of wonderful life lessons and its characters are incredibly relatable. The Baxter kids in this book experience all sorts of normal childhood things, including social and academic struggles and successes, friendships, bullies, balancing hobbies and schoolwork, and the difficulty of moving long distance. They get through all of these things and more relying on their family and their faith in God.This is such a wonderful book for people of all ages, but especially for kids ages 8-12, grades 3-7. I wish I had a book like this to read as a kid and I can't wait to re-read "Best Family Ever" with my soon to be 10-year-old niece! I highly recommend this book!

I have read most of the Baxter novels. I know the characters so well, and have followed their triumphs and heart aches. I jumped at the chance to read this story about their younger, more innocent years...befire their refiners fires begin in the Redemption series! The characters all have the same personalities, and it was fun to get into that part of their lives. I would have liked the story to jump inside of Erin, Booke and Luke's perspective too. I felt it mainly emphasized Ashley, and slightly Kari. I also feel this is what happens in the other Baxter stories. Ashley and Kari are more central characters than the others. I always personally related most to Erin, and never felt the books focused enough on her. I kind of wonder if Karen Kingsbury identifies more with Ashley and finds it easier to write about her. This was a precious book.

Wonderful wonderful book!! My 12 year old daughter has absolutely loved both books and can't wait to read the third and fourth books. Please write lots more!!!

This book is by the BEST AUTHOR EVER