Product Details
- Cover Type:
- 32 Pages
- Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
- Publication Date: April 2023
- ISBN: FWILMIMOF___DIETRICHBONHOEFFERTH9781087757742
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: The Teacher Who Became a Spy (Here I Am!)
Not every story of a Christian hero includes a world war, a cruel enemy, secret missions, and even a code for you to break. But Dietrich Bonhoeffer's story does.
In the pages of this unique picture book, Shep the sheepdog narrator shares the powerful tale of how a teacher named Bonhoeffer bravely followed Jesus during a scary time in world history. Hear how Bonhoeffer the teacher broke down racial, religious, gender, and economic barriers to teach others and how Bonhoeffer the spy used clever thinking and crucial codes to defy the Nazis and help the Jews, even when it cost him his life. Using comforting narration and imagery of a Good Shepherd and a cruel wolf, this bookhelps children understand the intersections of faith, perseverance, and suffering in an age-appropriate way. Young readers will see how Christians care for those who are different from themselves and will be inspired, as Bonhoeffer was, to trust God in all circumstances and stand firm in faith. The book is the first in the By Faith series, which highlights fascinating and faithful Christians in history. The next two books will explore the stories of C.S. Lewis and Lottie Moon.Molly Frye Wilmington creates unique picture books using humor, animals, and suspense to explore more complex ideas of courage, faith, suffering, and love. Molly studied English and children’s literature at Baylor, ethics at Notre Dame’s Vita Institute, and theology at Duke. Originally from Texas, Molly now lives in Montana with her husband, David, their two children, Luke and Anna Grace, Oliver the shepherd lab, and Ranger the bearded dragon. The family enjoys soccer, hiking, music, and cracking up over each other’s clever stories.
Endorsements (${ productEndorsements.length })
“The life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a difficult story to tell, and the team of Wilmington and Piwowarski have done it with great care and beauty. This telling of his bravery and the evils he faced down is appropriate for all ages and is a great introduction to Dietrich's life of sacrifice.”
John Hendrix
New York Times Bestselling illustrator, and author of many children's books, including, The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and The Plot to Kill Hitler
“Children’s books too often are childless because they underestimate what children are able to comprehend. This book does not make that mistake. Not only is this an introduction to Bonhoeffer but to what it means to be Christian.”
Stanley Hauerwas
Duke University Professor Emeritus of Divinity and author of Performing the Faith: Bonhoeffer and the Practice of Nonviolence and Community of Character: Toward a Constructive Christian Social Ethic
“In days such as our own, there is no greater need than for children to come to understand and love integrity, courage, and justice. Few stories make such virtues more clear than that of Bonhoeffer’s life, and few writers have the ability to capture them for young children like Molly Wilmington. She knows her audience well, and the premise of the book is both inventive and endearing. I will be excited to buy copies for all my nieces and nephews!”
Matthew Lee Anderson
Assistant Research Professor of Ethics and Theology at Baylor University’s Institute for Studies of Religion and the Associate Director of Baylor in Washington
“A compelling story about a noble person and a skillful storyteller make for a great children’s book, and that is what we find in Molly Wilmington’s Dietrich Bonhoeffer: The Teacher Who Became a Spy. Bonhoeffer’s winsome life and courageous witness have inspired and guided millions since his death in 1945, and with this volume girls and boys will be introduced to his exemplary life of faith, insight and hope. Families and churches will definitely want to have this book in their libraries.”
Barry Harvey
Published Dietrich Bonhoeffer scholar, Professor of Theology in Great Texts and Religion at Baylor University
"This book by Molly Wilmington is a miracle! It brings together three things that I love: dogs, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and the formation of children. Following Shep the puppy, children are invited into Bonhoeffer’s story. Wilmington does such a nice job telling Bonhoeffer’s very complicated biography in a way that is both fair to the history and inviting to children. If you’re a pastor, parent, grandparent or anyone that has a child in your life, get them this book! I’m a big fan."
Andrew Root
Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary
“Cleverly written and engaging, yet powerful and inspiring, Dietrich Bonhoeffer: The Teacher Who Became a Spy achieves the near-impossible task of introducing young readers to a remarkable man without glossing over the evil he faced nor the tragedy he experienced. As a writer and an illustrator, I know children will love key moments throughout, including those with Shep, our charming narrator pooch!”
Broose Johnson
Director and Illustrator, Former Animator and Story Artist for Walt Disney Feature Animation
Product Description
Not every story of a Christian hero includes a world war, a cruel enemy, secret missions, and even a code for you to break. But Dietrich Bonhoeffer's story does.
In the pages of this unique picture book, Shep the sheepdog narrator shares the powerful tale of how a teacher named Bonhoeffer bravely followed Jesus during a scary time in world history. Hear how Bonhoeffer the teacher broke down racial, religious, gender, and economic barriers to teach others and how Bonhoeffer the spy used clever thinking and crucial codes to defy the Nazis and help the Jews, even when it cost him his life. Using comforting narration and imagery of a Good Shepherd and a cruel wolf, this bookhelps children understand the intersections of faith, perseverance, and suffering in an age-appropriate way. Young readers will see how Christians care for those who are different from themselves and will be inspired, as Bonhoeffer was, to trust God in all circumstances and stand firm in faith. The book is the first in the By Faith series, which highlights fascinating and faithful Christians in history. The next two books will explore the stories of C.S. Lewis and Lottie Moon.About The Author
Product Details
- Cover Type:
- 32 Pages
- Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
- Publication Date: April 2023
- ISBN: FWILMIMOF___DIETRICHBONHOEFFERTH9781087757742