Saint Paul - Hardcover

Grade 2–5—Based largely on the New Testament book of Acts, this overview recounts Saint Paul's sudden transformation from a devout Jew who zealously persecuted followers of Jesus into an ardent apostle. During his journeys to preach about Jesus, Paul faced dangerous opposition from religious leaders but convinced many Jews and non-Jews to become Christians. Among the dramatic events included in the engaging text are Paul's imprisonment, stoning, shipwreck, snakebite, and escape over city walls. For the most part, Self remains true to biblical accounts. Curiously, he expands Paul's interactions with a wealthy woman named Lydia, creating a conversation between them and some pronouncements of her own. Some sections from Paul's letters are incorporated in the text, but his importance to the formation of the early Christian church and his ongoing influence on its theology are never explicitly explained. However, the book's major drawback lies in its disappointing illustrations, which resemble those found on uninspiring Sunday school leaflets. Muddy colors, stiff poses, and unattractive faces will discourage children from reading this biographical account.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato
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