Christian Biographies for Young Readers

No one could have imagined that the frail, seven-year-old slave girl who arrived in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1761 would become the first published African American, achieving fame for her poetry in both America and England. Upon her arrival, Phillis quickly learned to read the Bible and other classic literature, publishing her first poem in 1767 when she was thirteen and a book of poetry in 1773. Her poetry encouraged freedom for all people, and she proved to a doubting generation that intelligence and creativity are not limited to a particular race. Through Phillis’s story, young readers will learn the importance of trusting God’s plan while standing up for justice and the good of other human beings.

B. B. Warfield lived at a time when many people--even those who considered themselves Christians--were questioning the authority of God’s Word. For centuries most people in Europe and North America had taken for granted that the Bible was the word of God, but in Warfield’s lifetime they were wondering whether it could still be trusted. Warfield was confident that the Bible could be trusted, and as a professor of theology at Princeton Seminary, he devoted his life to teaching and writing about its authority and other important issues of theology. In this biography, Simonetta Carr introduces children to one of America’s greatest Reformed theologians whose timeless writings address challenges to the truths of God’s Word today.

Simonetta Carr’s newest children’s biography introduces us to a father of the Chinese evangelical church, Pastor Wang Mingdao. Mingdao is remembered for standing firm for the true gospel, even though it cost him his earthly freedom. Even after a moment of weakness during persecution, Mingdao found restoration in Christ and kept the faith through twenty-three years of imprisonment. His courage and strength provide a modern example of how Christians can trust the Lord and remain faithful in times of hardship and persecution. This title is part of the Christian Biographies for Young Readers series.

Born in Florence, Italy, in 1499, Peter Martyr Vermigli decided that he wanted to teach God’s Word when he grew up. After many years of study, he became a well-respected leader in the Roman Catholic Church, yet he questioned the church’s teachings because he believed they were contrary to the Bible. Eventually forced to flee Italy and the Roman Church, Vermigli joined the Reformers north of the Alps and devoted the rest of his life to teaching, preaching, and writing about the great truths of the Protestant Reformation. He lived in many parts of Europe, and he influenced many of the most important figures of his times. This volume in the Christian Biographies for Young Readers series retells the story of a servant of Christ who left behind a postion of prominence in the Roman Church to courageously join the cause of the Protestant Reformation. Enhanced by illustrious, 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.

Charles Spurgeon is considered one of the greatest preachers in the history of Christianity. In this book, Simonetta Carr informs us how young Charles learned to look to Christ alone for salvation, and how he never tired of point others to his savior. See how God used this young country boy to preach to thousands, provide training for pastors, start orphanages, and stand against those who denied basic teachings of the Bible. Colorful illustrations, interesting facts, and a compelling story combine to introduce young readers to this important British preacher.

The name St. Patrick is associated with three-leaf clovers and leprechauns, but what was his life really like? Simonetta Carr tells the inspiring story of how Patrick’s suffering as a slave opened his eyes to the mercy of God and prepared him to return to Ireland as a missionary. Get to know the real Patrick of Ireland as young readers learn that the joy of the Lord will sustain them through difficult times and strengthen them to share the gospel.

John Owen was a great Puritan preacher who lived in England. In this book, Simonetta Carr informs readers about Owen s life, revealing some of the things that interested him while in school, the care he showed to people when he became a pastor, and the influential books that he wrote. Readers will also come to understand the difficult times in which Owen lived, and how he handled the terrors of war and religious persecution. Full of illustrations and fascinating information, this is an ideal way for young readers to learn history. Finalist at the 2011 San Diego Book Awards

John Newton’s life was full of adventure, danger, travels, exotic places, and romance. Young readers will encounter each of these things in Simonetta Carr’s carefully narrated and charmingly illustrated book. But more importantly, readers will come to appreciate the way Newton’s life was changed for good, even when he was attempting to run as far as possible from God. In spite of Newton’s rebellion and sin, God’s grace finally won-a grace that Newton recognized as amazing, invincible, and completely undeserved.

“A really excellent introduction to an amazing female saint from the fourth century. Simonetta Carr gives a very personal feel for Macrina, as well as being theologically and historically rich!” JOHN BEHR, Regius Chair of Humanity, University of Aberdeen; and author of numerous works on patristics “I have been reading and teaching Gregory of Nyssa’s marvelous and warmhearted memoir of his sister, Macrina, for many years now. Her story is increasingly known to scholars who study Christianity in the late Roman Empire but hardly known at all to other Christians. So I heartily welcome this superb book by Simonetta Carr that will make her story known to multitudes of children and hopefully also to their parents. Capturing the stories of fourth- and fifth-century Christians for modern-day readers is not at all easy, but Simonetta’s study of Macrina hits all the right buttons!” MICHAEL A. G. AZAD HAYKIN, professor of church history, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

2017 Illumination Book Award winner. 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. The Reformer’s greatest accomplishment, she writes, ‘has been his uncompromising emphasis on the free promise of the gospel.’ Table of Contents: Introduction 1. From Law Student to Monk 2. Looking for Peace with God 3. A Powerful List 4. A Reluctant Rebel 5. Starting a Reformation 6. Raising a Family 7. Ready to Die in the Lord Time Line Did You Know? Series Description The Christian Biographies for Young Readers 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.

From armed bodyguard to galley slave, from loving husband and father to fiery preacher, John Knox was moved by a relentless passion for the honor of God and the purity of His truth and worship. Yet when he was a schoolboy growing up in the small Scottish town of Haddington, he could never have imagined that he would become a major leader of the powerful movement that transformed Scotland into one of the most committed Protestant countries in the world. Simonetta Carr tells the story of how this great Reformer, whose life began humbly, in a faraway, mysterious part of the world, influenced the church and its beliefs far beyond the borders of Scotland, shaping our thinking still today.

Byang Kato grew up in Nigeria in a family devoted to juju, a religion of magic and superstition. Although from a young age he planned to become a juju priest, his encounter with missionaries and the gospel changed that. In this book, Simonetta Carr tells how the young, eager Byang devoted himself to learning about Jesus and sharing Him with others. Read about how God used him to pastor churches, train people in Bible schools, and encourage people far and wide with his writings. Through Byang Kato’s leadership, many people in Africa and on other continents have learned to find their true identity in Christ.

Chosen by WORLD Magazine as Outstanding 2017 Nonfiction (Real Lives Category) Irenaeus is remembered for his work in helping the church to preserve the faith handed on by the apostles and to defend it when it was attacked. In this simply written and beautifully illustrated book, Simonetta Carr shows young readers the difficulties the early church faced and how Irenaeus taught Christians to discern truth from error by listening to the Bible. To Christians, the lessons Irenaeus taught are as important today as they were in his time.

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. The biography is based on documented facts and avoids the unsubstantiated myths that have woven themselves around Jane (such as the story of the cruel parents)

At age twenty, Julia Gonzaga was one of the most envied women in Italy. A property owner, she entertained artists, poets, and musicians at her castle; and she was the prettiest woman in the country! Yet Julia was confused and anxious about God and her own sin. No matter how hard she tried not to sin, she often put her desires to please other people before obeying God. She finally found peace when she understood the gospel, and then she devoted her life to sharing the good news with others. Her story, set in the 1500s, gives today’s young readers an opportunity to learn about the unique challenges of the Italian Reformation and some of the Italian Christians who risked and even gave their lives for the sake of Christ.

FINALIST at the 2015 San Diego Book Awards.Jonathan Edwards lived at a time when 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 America has produced. Simonetta Carr traces the events of Edwards’s life from a young student interested in science to husband and father, pastor, leader of the Great Awakening, missionary, writer, and college president. Colorful illustrations, interesting facts, and a compelling story combine to introduce young readers to this important theologian and life in colonial America.

In 1730, nineteen-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 thirty-eight 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, a simply told story, and interesting facts acquaint young readers with the challenges facing Protestants in eighteenth-century France and show them that even a life spent in prison can be lived in service to Christ and others.

In this attractive volume, Simonetta Carr introduces young readers to the life, thought, and work of one of the most famous Reformers of the Christian church. She tells about the life of John Calvin from his birth to his death, placing him within the troubled context of the sixteenth century. She also introduces Calvin’s writings in a way that children will desire to know more about his ministry and influence. Readers will come to know Calvin’s personality, his devotion to God and the church, and the personal challenges he faced. They will understand the struggles the early Reformed church faced at that time, not only surviving attacks of the Roman Catholic Church, but also achieving a clear identity and a unified doctrine. They will also have a glimpse of life in sixteenth-century Europe, stricken by pestilence, poverty, and wars. Simply written, and full of interesting facts, this book makes a great gift for children of this rich Reformed heritage.

A Nonconformist preacher and writer of the seventeenth century, John Bunyan is well known as the author of Pilgrim’s Progress, the epic tale of Christian’s journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City-from unbelief, to repentance and faith, to the trials and victories of life, to heaven. Many people don’t realize, however, that Bunyan based the story on his own life, which was full of dangers, obstacles, disappointments, tough decisions, and great encouragements. Simonetta Carr introduces young readers to the story of John Bunyan, from his rebellious youth to preacher of the gospel and prisoner for the sake of Christ. His example of faithfulness to God will inspire readers as they learn about this important figure of church history.

Did you know that the first published poet in America was a woman? As an American colonist, Anne Bradstreet’s poems give us a unique window into early colonial life. In this Christian Biography for Young Readers, Simonetta Carr shows us how Bradstreet overcame opposition from those who thought only men should write to produce beautiful poetry that encourages the church today. Complete with excerpts from her writings, Bradstreet’s story will remind you of the beauty of God’s creation, His faithfulness, and His unfailing promises.

Outside of the people in the Bible, Augustine of Hippo is the most influential person 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 simply written and full of interesting facts. It is written for young readers, but is sure to capture the interests of the whole family.

A complex and fascinating character, Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria, is best remembered as the Father of Orthodoxy, upholding the doctrine of the Trinity against the Arian heresy. In the newest addition to the Christian Biographies for Young Readers series, author Simonetta Carr introduces children to the life and times of this important church father who tirelessly defended the Nicene Creed, which many of us today recite as a confession of our faith. Born during the Great Persecution, forced five times to leave his church and city, and constantly threatened by those who tried to ruin his reputation, Athanasius provides an example of godly faithfulness. This winsome, simply written narrative will bring the Nicene Creed to life for children of all ages, prompting relevant discussions on the divinity of Christ and the importance of creeds and confessions. FIRST PRIZE winner of the 2014 Athanatos Children’s Book Awards.

Anselm is probably the greatest theologian who lived during the time between Augustine of Hippo and Thomas Aquinas. His compelling yearning to know and love God as He is revealed to us in Scriptures shaped his life and permeates all of his writings. He found the greatest joy in communion with God, but was thrusted into the difficult political scene of the 11th-12th centuries. He didn’t work well with kings and, at one point, he had most of the English leaders against him. Still, his writings have had a great influence on the Christian church, and his teachings about Christ’s sacrifice and about the relation between faith and reason are a vital part of the historical Christian Confessions. What can Anselm teach our children? To be inquisitive and use their minds as God’s gifts to discover and understand what He has revealed in His word (Deut.29:29). Particularly, I hope the children will take time to consider and explore Anselm’s question: Why a God-man? What is the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross? What do we mean when we say, “Jesus died for our sins”?  Our understanding of Christ’s atonement shapes all of our theology and our lives.