Daniel's Big Surprise

Daniel's Big Surprise is the opener of Jerry B. Jenkins's Bradford Family Adventures series, following eleven-year-old Daniel through loneliness, occasional anger, and a growing compassion for orphaned children that leads him somewhere unexpected. Jenkins weaves Christian faith into the family's daily life naturally — it is part of the texture of the Bradford household rather than a lesson delivered to the reader. The protagonist's emotions are relatable and handled with honesty, which is the book's real strength. Jenkins went on to become one of the best-selling Christian fiction authors of all time, and even this early work shows his instinct for character-driven storytelling. The honest caveat is that it predates his mature voice and may feel simple compared to later work. Series is out of print but worth seeking for Christian families with children ages 8–12.