Epic takes readers around the globe tracking down fascinating artifacts of Church history. *Epic: An Around-the-World Journey through Christian History by Tim Challies. Zondervan, 2020, 167 pages. Reading Level: Teen, ages 15-18 Recommended for: ages 12-up This unusual history book is the result of an unexpected meeting between Tim Challies and a stranger who was “just passing through” and wanted to meet for breakfast. Over bacon and eggs, Challies’ new acquaintance posed a question most of us can only dream of hearing: “If you could take on any project, and money was no object, what would you want to do?” Turns out, there was a group of Christian businessmen who…

Epic Poetry in School Do you remember reading (or being assigned to read) one of the following in school? The IliadThe OdysseyThe AeneidBeowulfYour teacher might even have assigned something like Longfellow’s The Song of Hiawatha or Evangeline. Perhaps you read Whittier’s Snowbound. Are you shuddering yet? Unfortunately, these lovely epic poems are often presented in school as follows: a fair-to-middlin’ introduction on the importance of said poem, a schedule of reading assignments, frequent comprehension quizzes, and analyzing the poem “to the pain” for its allusions, literary style, poetic techniques, and themes. You, like me, may have assumed that epic poetry just wasn’t your thing, even if you love to read.…

Soul-Shaping Poetry Have you ever stopped to think about how much poetry has shaped the Christian soul? Poetry is an intrinsic part of our worship services, whether through a responsive reading of a Psalm or the “singing of Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” Paul describes. Poetry occurs throughout Scripture, most notably in the Psalms, but it is not limited to the Psalms. Miriam and Moses pour forth poetry at the Red Sea, Mary praises the Lord in the Magnificat, Song of Solomon is a long love poem, Job is replete with poetry, and even the epistles contain poetry and hymns (most notably, Philippians 2). Throughout history, Christians have been pouring…

NIV Heart of Gold Bible. Zondervan, 2019, 1088 pages (9 point font) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 8-12 Though “girls” is not in the title, this edition is clearly aimed at girls, from the gold-hearty cover to the back-cover heading: “Calling all daughters of the King!” And all the pink-tinted pages in between. To be fair, I did not have a chance to see this book in person (can’t browse the racks at Mardel these days), but if the sample devotionals are any indication, I have significant problems with it. Taking a passage from the Song of Solomon, Devo #1 affirms, “God often declares that the…

NIV Ultimate Bible for Girls. Zonderban, 2019, 1504 pages (9 point font) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 8-12 The Ultimate Bible for Girls is actually a re-packaging of the NIV Faithgirlz Bible, and the content hasn’t changed much, if at all. In-text features include “Treasure This” (key verses), “Dream Girl” (imagining oneself in a Bible story), “In Your Own Words” (writing short summaries and recaps), “Oh, I Get It” (brief interpretations), “Bring It On” (self-evaluation quizzes). The main problem with Ultimate is the main problem with Faithgirlz—an overly subjective application. Self-examination is important, but making the Bible all about me is problematic. I’m sure that wasn’t…

NIV Artisan Collection Bible for Girls. Zondervan, 2019, 1600 pages (9.9 point font) Reading level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 12-up The title is a little suspect—I don’t see anything especially artisan-y about it—but it makes an attractive “gift Bible” or “journaling Bible.” There are no in-text features or unique study materials, just a lush cloth cover (in two designs), 2 ribbon markers and decorated edges. (When the Bible is open flat so that the pages are slightly fanned, butterflies appear!) The main feature is wide, lightly lined margins on every page for doodles, notes, reflections, etc. Personally, I like this open approach better than the lush, flower-and-butterfly-heavy…

NIrV Illustrated Holy Bible for Kids. Zondervan, 2019, 1632 pages (8 point font) Reading Level: 3rd grade Recommended for: Ages 4-8 This new edition of the NIrV is marketed as a transition Bible from storybooks to the actual text, and that seems about right. Almost 750 full-color illustrations of varying sizes draw attention to familiar stories as well as basic biblical concepts (such as an illustrated “10 Commandments” page). The illustrations are simple and appealing to young kids, and not too cartoony. One feature I especially like are the illustrated maps, such as the “Easter Story Map” showing a layout of Jerusalem where the major events of Passion Week occurred.…

If you or your children aren’t sure how to develop a taste for poetry, especially if you haven’t decided whether you ought to feel obligated to do so, I have a short, painless booklist for you. Even if you can’t access a library right now, most of these would be available digitally. They would also make great home library builders! I encourage you to order these books from an independent bookstore that offers curbside pickup, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon. You won’t regret the purchases. Read these aloud with a beverage and scones (these really are the best ever!) or doughnuts, if you wish (shall we nickname these “quarantine doughnuts?”).…