A Book Review from Books At a Glance
By Kristin Stiles
Simonetta Carr has released the latest title in her Christian Biographies for Young Readers: John Newton. I was delighted to see this book since I’ve been a big fan of her other biographies in this series. She is committed to presenting clear and accurate accounts of the lives of great men and women of faith. I appreciate the purpose of the books that is stated on the copyright page: “[T]he 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.” This biography of John Newton certain does that.
Carr describes the life and times of John Newton beginning with his childhood and tracing the early experiences that molded him into the man he would become. She uses rich descriptions to paint the difficult upbringing he had and how he rebelled against authority and God in trying to make himself successful by human standards. Carr points out the many times that God in His sovereignty prepared Newton to see his wretchedness and his need for a gracious Savior. She describes his conversion and then spends a few more chapters discussing the fruits of that conversion and how God used this humbled man to further the kingdom. Newton’s influence on hymn writer William Cowper and abolitionist William Wilberforce are also explored. Carr concludes with a timeline and several “Did You Know?” facts relating to Newton.
John Newton, and the entire series, are greatly enhanced by all the visual components that are included. The illustrations are beautiful to look at and they are accompanied by maps, photos, and artwork that give the books a real sense of reality. The variety of visual media is interesting and brings a great deal of clarity to the text. These books compel you to look through them just because they are so beautiful.
Simonetta Carr has done a great service for parents, teachers, students, and children by providing such an excellent and accessible series of Christian biographies. John Newton is a joy to read and gives the reader a real sense of his life and his impact on Christian history.
Kristin Stiles is a home-school mom, a Sunday School teacher, and helps lead the “Young, Reading, & Reformed” children’s ministry at Reformed Baptist Church of Franconia, PA.
Buy the books
John Newton (Christian Biographies for Young Readers series)