*The Book of God by Ben Avery

This comprehensive, accessible guide to the history of the Bible in graphic-novel format will have young readers referring to it again and again.

*The Book of God: How we Got the Bible by Ben Avery, artwork by Javiar Saltares.  Kingstone Media, 2012, 124 pagesbook-of-god

Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12

Recommended for: ages 12-up

“This is the story of how the Bible came to be: who wrote it, when, and why.  How it was collected and translated.”  I never imagined recommending a “comic book” as a reference volume until I encountered this one.  The author actually makes good on the wide scope promised in his introduction by dividing the material into four sections: Production guides us through each book, its probable author, setting, content, and purpose.  Process tells how it each book was examined and approved for canonization, with a primer on textual criticism.  Preservation charts how the text was copied, kept, translated, and spread abroad.  Finally, Proof gives convincing evidence for the Word’s accuracy, reliability, and increasing relevance.  Our guide for all this is the nameless scholar pictured on the cover, who is not only a scholar, but a believer.  His obvious African heritage emphasizes that the Bible is for all nations and all peoples.

Though I’m not an expert on the subject, the material appears to be thoroughly researched and documented.  That’s the most important value.  The second is this: it’s a graphic novel.  In our picture-oriented age, this is golden.  For middle-grade kids who would rather read comics than novels, or college kids who grew up without a single book in the house, The Book of God reaches out and invites them in one panel at a time.  The artwork, as for many graphic novels, is a bit uneven; on some pages brilliant, on others simply workmanlike.  But the presentation is dynamic and unique, and the information priceless.  It’s way too much to process in a single setting, so get the book and keep it on the shelf for quick reference; it will be worth every penny.

Cautions: None

Overall rating: 5 (out of 5)

  • Worldview/moral value: 5
  • Artistic value: 5

If you’d like a little more information, here’s the book trailer, care of Kingstone Media:

 

Stay Up to Date!

Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.

Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

Support our writers and help keep Redeemed Reader ad-free by joining the Redeemed Reader Fellowship.

Stay Up to Date!

Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.

Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

FREE Bible Guide!

Get a guide to the Best Bibles for Children and Teens. Perfect for an Easter gift.

Janie Cheaney

Janie is the VERY senior staff writer for Redeemed Reader, as well as a long-time contributor to WORLD Magazine and an author of nine books for children. The rest of the time she's long-distance smooching on her four grandchildren (not an easy task). She lives with her equally senior husband of almost-fifty years in the Ozarks of Missouri.

We'd love to hear from you!

Our comments are now limited to our members (both Silver and Golden Key). Members, you just need to log in with your normal log-in credentials!

Not a member yet? You can join the Silver Key ($2.99/month) for a free 2-week trial. Cancel at any time. Find out more about membership here.

4 Comments

  1. Donna on November 4, 2016 at 3:31 pm

    I really love your website and have used it extensively for reader’s Advisory for my christian School library.
    The survey seems to be closed. I would love a chance to enter and possibly win this book! Thanks.

    • Janie Cheaney on November 4, 2016 at 6:07 pm

      I’m sorry, Donna–the giveaway is closed. But I’d strongly recommend getting a copy of The Book of God for your school library!

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.