Sharna of Rocky Bay: A Review

This book, first published in 1957, peaked my interest when I heard about it as a small child growing up in  the smaller Rocky Bay of Washington state. My siblings and I were curious to read the story  because it was about another Rocky Bay which we did not know existed.

The book has been out of print for a number of years and I am so delighted the Pacific Press recently decided to reprint the book. After reading it again, it brought back fond memories from the time.

At the time this book was written, Rocky Bay Alaska was and still is a small fishing village bordering Nothern Canada whose inhabitant’s lives revolve around fishing, sealing and sled dogs. Some of the men would spend part of their time at the Iron Mines.

This book is the story of a young girl who,spent her childhood years in the cold Rocky Bay in a continuous search to learn more about the “Holy Omnipotent Father” and where He lives. She was only in 3^rd grade when the book is written but she decided to complete two grades in one year in case they wouldn’t have a teacher to teach them the next year.

In the book, Sharna is a good student and does accomplish fulfilling the requirements for both 3rd and 4^th grades. She is inspired to want to further her education.

Sharna finds answers to her questions from a new Christian missionary teacher who leads her to a loving and caring God.

I enjoyed reading the book and particularly liked a technique that the teacher used to plant seeds of wanting to further one’s education beyond fishing or working in the iron mines.

The teacher gave three of the older students a beginning of a story and each one had to write a story with that beginning. Here is how the story starts: “Harry stored away his cod traps. No more fishing for me,” he said. “So he…”

You will have to read the book to find out the different scenarios that the students created for Harry, given this beginning of the story. You will need to read the book to find out what Harry did.

You can read the first chapter on line by clicking here