Bible Review: NKJV Study Bible for Kids

NKJV Study Bible for Kids.  Thomas Nelson, 2015, 1536 pages.

Hardcover edition

Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-15

Recommended for: ages 10-12

Bottom Line:  The movie-themed features can be a bit distracting, but the study notes and supplements are sound and the rainbow colors appealing.

This is a “themed” Bible, and the theme is the wonderful world of motion pictures. Everyone loves the movies—or almost everyone—and this study Bible makes an effort to incorporate the excitement and immediacy of the film world into the great biblical narrative.  One-page book introductions set the tone with a get-in-get-out punchiness: “Read It” (what the book is about), “Get It” (author, setting, and purpose), “Live It” (main points), and “Find It” (familiar stories or key passages).  In-text features continue the theme, almost to a fault:

• On Location (maps)
• Spotlight (key concepts)
• Starring Roles (Bible character sketches)
• In Focus (definitions)
• Action! (articles on doctrinal topics and current issues)
• Epic Ideas (great Bible themes and doctrines)

All this is useful, but can become too much, especially when the features crowd out the text (two or more on a page is too much). One nice addition, though, are the black tabs on the side of each page that clearly indicate the book and the ending reference.  They are impossible to miss, and they make a helpful navigating aid for young readers who are just beginning to look up scripture passages.  Another big plus: the NKJV translation is considered one of the most accurate, and this format may help young readers ease in to it.

Value: 3.75 (out of 5)

For our previous Bible posts, type “Bible Reviews” in the search box and keep scrolling.  And here’s our post on Choosing Your Child’s First REAL Bible.

Categories: Middle Grades, Bibles and Bible Stories, Gift Books