Meike Roth-Beck

We can't just feel satisfied with truth as it is told to us by others; we need to be able to read and think for ourselves, even about important things like God. This is the message Martin Luther felt compelled to give to people, even amid the stranglehold the Catholic Church had on Europe of 1517.

This book is a powerful story of a powerful and daring man, Martin Luther, who was able to crack open the ironclad rules imposed upon people by the leaders of the Catholic Church during times when to do so would bring heavy repercussions, even death. It reminds us that we need to always bring Martin Luther's freshness of thought to all the institutionalized dogma we are presented with today, even though we may challenge those who may try to crush us and marginalize us.

A beautifully illustrated and beautifully written introduction to a great man.… (más)

I was completely captivated by this book. First, even though it is for young readers (not small children because the vocabulary is not simple), I learned a great deal that I didn't know about Martin Luther. The illustrations are delightful. I studied each one carefully, in context with the reading and also just for the pleasure of seeing the detail and the colors. I appreciate the glossary at the end also - very helpful for a younger audience. This is a book I will keep on my shelf and enjoy myself and, hopefully, with a grandchild in the years to come.… (más)

Publishers are issuing many books on Martin Luther as we celebrate the 500th anniversary on the Reformation. Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Wittenburg Church October 31, 1517. The action led to one of the greatest religious movements in history--the Protestant Reformation. Roth-Beck has written an engaging account of Luther's life for younger readers. He explains the religious culture of the time, how Luther came to be a monk, and how his studies led him to question the teachings of the church. The illustrations by Ensikat are well-done. There is a key to the illustrations at the end of the book, explaining each in further detail. While some younger readers would not be able to handle some of the vocabulary terms on their own, the book would make a great read-aloud book for parents to read and discuss with their children. The book will be very useful in Christian schools and home-schools. Even though it is aimed at a younger audience, it would provide a good overview for teens and adults interested in learning about Luther. I received an advance review copy of this title through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program in exchange for an honest review.… (más)