I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young boy on the eve of a trip to Philadelphia takes a journey into the city’s past in author Mark Darden’s “Elijah Goes to Philadelphia.”

The Synopsis

While resting in his bed, Elijah is not looking forward to visiting Philadelphia with his father as he has heard bad things about the city. His father reassures him that they will have a great time visiting the city and tells Elijah to get some sleep. When Elijah wakes up, he finds himself somewhere he’d never seen before with his dad. After nervously calculating their surroundings, Elijah and his dad meet Vinnie who tells them that they were just in time to witness an historic event. With the help of Vinnie, Elijah and his dad visit various landmarks in Philadelphia during different time periods, such as Independence Hall in 1776, Reading Terminal Market in 1893, and much more. Elijah’s trip to Philadelphia is an exciting and unforgettable adventure, almost as if it were a dream.

The Review

This was such a fun and engaging children’s book. The author did an excellent job of bringing a sense of magic and wonder to the story, while also highlighting the history and culture behind the foundation and growth of Philadelphia as a city and as a landmark in the foundation of the United States of America. The fast-paced and easy-going nature of the story allowed the reader to feel transported by this dreamy, historical trip down the city’s past.

What stood out for young readers is both the relatability of the main characters and the importance of understanding and connecting with the city as a whole. The dynamic between father and son in this story was great to see come to life, and how Philadelphia, both the good and the bad, were showcased reminded me of my life in Southern California, and the times Los Angeles would be called bad or remarked with a sense of dread. Yes, each city has its bad parts, but every town or city does. There are also things of great beauty, community, and historical significance that deserve to be celebrated, and this story brought that to life for Philadelphia so perfectly.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, fun, and adventurous, author Mark Darden’s “Elijah Goes to Philadelphia” is a must-read children’s book. The nostalgic, almost 90s-esque art style of the illustrations and the magical yet relatable story and character dynamics will keep both children and parents alike invested in this incredible story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Mark Darden is the founder, author-publisher, and Chief Content Creator for Buckeye Muscle Media, LLC. Since 2019, Buckeye Muscle Media has independently published two books with a third book set to be released in November 2024. Mark is a member of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). He when is not writing books, Mark enjoys going to sports events cheering for his favorite teams, traveling across the country and world, and participating in various fitness competitions.

https://buckeyemuscle.com/