The Life and Times of Martin Luther - Hardcover

Roth-Beck, Meike

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0802854958 ISBN 13: 9780802854957

Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2017

Synopsis

A fascinating look at the ideas that founded the Protestant Church

Wittenberg, Germany, 1517: Martin Luther publishes 95 theses criticizing the practices of the Roman Catholic Church. With that one defiant act, a conflict begins—a conflict that will spark the Protestant Reformation and ultimately lead to the division of the Christian church.

This sophisticated book commemorates the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation by examining the details of Martin Luther's life and his lasting legacy.

About this title

About the Author

Meike Roth-Beck is an author and editor for radio broadcasters and educational publishing houses. Previously, she worked as an adult education teacher and an educator for the Protestant Church in Central Germany. She lives with her family in Eisenach.

Klaus Ensikat is one of Germany's most beloved illustrators. His artwork has earned him several awards, including the Hans Christian Andersen Award, which commemorates his lifetime achievements.

Reviews

Gr 3–7—This picture book biography demonstrates why Martin Luther was—and is—an inspiration for social justice. Roth-Beck's text encapsulates Luther's transformation from student to monk to church reformer and rebel outlaw. At the book's core are eight pages devoted to Luther's theses, which definitively changed the social and religious landscape of Europe by challenging the Catholic Church. Under headings like "Indulgences Hit the Poor Hardest," Roth-Beck presents and explains primary source material. Emphasizing the way religious and social reform entwined, this section also models how critical reading and writing can spur change. Ending the narrative with Luther's death keeps the focus on his idealism, avoiding the sectarian violence of the Thirty Years War. Roth-Beck tells the story from a German Protestant perspective: if North American readers may be surprised that every October 31 "we" celebrate Reformation Day, this cultural difference can generate dialogue. Ensikat's intricate line drawings beautifully convey the period, and a note on the illustrations unlocks some symbolism. VERDICT Set in a time and place that may seem remote, this book challenges readers to contemplate the history of social justice.—Katherine Magyarody, Texas A&M University, College Station

Edition details

• Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0802854958
• ISBN 13: 9780802854957
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Ensikat Klaus
• Number of pages: 44