Christian Biographies for Young Readers

Outside of the people in the Bible, Augustine of Hippo is one of the most influential people in church history. Yet how many people know his story? In this book, Simonetta Carr introduces young readers to the life and ministry of Augustine. Readers will come to know Augustine's personal struggles and the high value he came to place on the Bible and truth. Readers will also see the difficult days in which Augustine lived, learning about his disputes with false teachers and the turbulent times during the fall of the Roman Empire. This volume is vividly illustrated, simply written, and full of interesting facts. It is written for young readers, but is sure to capture the interests of the whole family.

The "Christian Biographies for Young Readers" series introduces children to important people in the Christian tradition. Parents and school teachers alike will welcome the excellent educational value it provides for students, while the quality of the publication and the artwork make each volume a keepsake for generations to come. Furthermore, the books in the series go beyond the simple story of someone's life by teaching young readers the historical and theological relevance of each character.

Ages 8-12 / Grades 3-7. 64 pages, hardcover.

Discover the life of Irenaeus of Lyon (circa 130- circa 200) with this beautifully illustrated biography. As a young man Irenaeus studied under Polycarp, spent time learning about the teachings of the Gnostics and a man named Marcion, and eventually moved to Gaul and became an elder in Lyon. After a time of intense persecution, followers were asking questions about how a good God could allow so much sin and suffering - much as Marcion's followers had done. Since Irenaeus had studied these teachings, he wrote a series of five volumes called Against Heresies which refuted heretical teaching and codified the central tenets of what Christians believed. Includes a time line of his life, a "Did You Know?" section, and an introduction. 62 pages, hardcover.

This richly illustrated book is the perfect introduction to Jonathan Edward's life, work, and legacy. Edwards lived at a time where many people were seriously questioning long-accepted ideas about the world, life, and God, and his answers to these questions have left a mark on the way we think today. While he is often remembered as the preacher of a scary sermon about a spider dangling over a fire, he remains significant as one of the greatest thinkers American has produced. Includes a timeline and "did you know" section complete the book.

This richly illustrated book is the perfect introduction to John Calvin's life, work, and legacy. Detailed chapters show how Calvin listened to God's call throughout his life, risking much, living in poverty, and making difficult decisions for the sake of the Gospel he so dearly loved. Children will also gain an understanding of the struggles of the early Reformed church as they struggled to survive the attacks of the Roman Catholic Church and achieve a clear identity and a united doctrine. A timeline and "did you know" section complete the book. 63 pages, hardcover.

Discover the life of John Knox (1514-1572) with this beautifully illustrated biography. Filled with paintings, illustrations, maps, photographs, and more, this book offers a unique insight into the life and faith of Scottish Protestant John Knox. Includes a time line of his life, a "Did You Know?" section, "The Scots Confession of Faith," and an introduction and acknowledgements.

Discover the life of John Newton (1725-1807) with this beautifully illustrated biography. Filled with illustrations, maps, photographs, and more, this book offers a unique insight into the life and faith of hymn-writer and abolitionist John Newton. Includes a time line of his life, a "Did You Know?" section and two excerpts from Newton's letters. 63 pages, hardcover.

John Owen was intelligent, talented, and fully sold out for God's glory. An Oxford graduate, Owen was forced to choose between continuing his career in the expected path-that included agreeing with the Church of England and things he knew to be wrong-or following his convictions. Choosing the latter option many times during his life, Owen would write many books, go to Ireland as the military chaplain, pastor a congregation in Coggeshall until Charles II made it illegal, preached at Trinity College in Dublin, and would eventually, under Cromwell, make Owen vice-chancellor of Oxford. This fascinating children's biography features full-page original illustrations, photographs of places he lived, and easy-to-understand text that conveys the values Owen held dear. 62 pages, hardcover.

Julia Gonzaga is not a well-known figure in Reformed history, but her life was full of adventure and her story is well-worth learning about! Born in 1513 to a noble family in Italy, she was married at age 13 and widowed by age 15, leaving her to manage her late husband's wealth and estates. She survived pirate attacks and political intrigue and eventually decided to live in a monastery in Naples, where she connected with a friend, Juan de Valdes. They eventually began to converse about how Julia felt she continually put the approval of man above the approval of God - which led to their discussion of how the gospel frees us from the curse of the law. The story of her role in the stirrings of reformation in Italy provides a fascinating look into an understudied area of the Reformation! 63 pages, hardcover, with timeline and "did you know?" fact section. Ages 7-12.

Living only until her execution at age 17, and ruling England for less than two weeks, Lady Jane Grey is still remembered for her intelligence and steadfast defense of the gospel. Declared by the dying (Protestant) King Edward as his successor to the throne- -instead of his half-sister Mary, as his father's will decreed - -his quick decision caused confusion for Jane's succession, which was quickly overcome by Mary's gathering forces and Naval support.

This fascinating children's biography features full-page original illustrations, photographs of places she lived, and easy-to-understand text that conveys the gospel-values that Lady Jane held dear. 62 pages, hardcover.

In 1730, 19-year-old Marie Durand was arrested and taken from her home in a village in Southern France for the crime of having a brother who was a Protestant preacher. Imprisoned in the Tower of Constance, Marie would spend the next 38 years there. Simonetta Carr introduces us to the inspiring life of a woman who could have recanted her Protestant faith and gained release, but held fast to the truth---and encouraged others to do so as well. Beautiful illustrations accompany this detailed and well-told story. Recommended for ages 7 to 12 years.

Five hundred years ago, a monk named Martin Luther wrote ninety-five questions, hoping to start a discussion about sin and repentance at the University of Wittenberg in Germany. In a few months those questions had stirred the nation; a few years later, the continent. Today we know that those questions changed the course of both the Western church and world history.

In this volume for children, Simonetta Carr tells the compelling story of this father of the Protestant Reformation, tracing his quest for peace with God, his lifelong heroic stand for God's truth, and his family life and numerous accomplishments.

Peter Martyr Vermigli by Simonetta Carr, is a biography on the Italian reformer. Peter Martyr Vermigli was a servant of Christ who left behind a position of prominence in the Roman Catholic Church to courageously join the cause of the Protestant Reformation. He lived in various parts of Europe and influenced many of the most important figures of his time. With illustrations, photographs and additional information about the Reformation era, this account shows young readers how God can use the piety and talents of one man to advance the cause of His truth. Recommended for ages 7 to 12 years.