Yes, this is going to sound a lot like last week’s post about Patrick of Ireland—hard not to when you have a good, consistent writer∞you’re going to think similar things.
Martin Luther
by Simonetta Carr, Troy Howell (Illustrator)
DETAILS: Christian Biographies for Young Readers Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books Publication Date: October 25, 2020 Format: Hardcover Length: 63 pg. Read Date: August 3, 2025
What’s Martin Luther About?
It’s all there in the title, simply put—it’s a biography of Martin Luther written for young readers.
Carr begins with Luther’s family and education, as well as his early career, before moving into his work as a Reformer. Recounting the tumultuous days of his earliest work and time in hiding before moving on to the slightly-less tumultuous times of success and raising his own family.
This is more detailed than the Patrick of Ireland book I discussed last week, both in describing the events of Luther’s life and his teachings. This is easily explained by the fact that we have many, many, many more documents about and by Luther than we do of Patrick (particularly contemporary to him).
By Luther Himself
Carr reproduces a little bit from Luther’s Small Catechism so the reader can hear from the man himself. This must’ve taken some effort to decide what to choose. Given the audience, this is probably the best—it’s Luther at his most basic, bringing the core of his teachings to the forefront.
As it should’ve—especially for older readers—it drove me to dip into the catechism as a whole. Naturally, it has its flaws (as Luther was 1. Human and 2. Not Reformed*), but that was an unexpected bonus from reading this work. Almost always a reward to re-read some Luther.
* That’s mostly a joke
Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute
Howell’s art is warm and approachable. While not leaning into the whole “children’s book” feel of art, it really works that way. But his illustrations would be fine in a book for older readers, too (those that use colored illustrations, anyway). It did make me go check his website and add at least one book to my to-buy list.
The rest of the illustrations are photographs of European landmarks, reproductions of contemporary depictions of some of the major players in this story. It really reminds me of the kind of things that illustrate textbooks (for children or college students, and in-between). It solidifies the impression that this is a book for children to take seriously, and not just some fluffy bit of entertainment (see below).
How is it to Read Aloud?
It’s fine. It’s not really written to be read aloud—any more than any book for children of reading age and up are. There’s nothing wrong about the text for reading to someone else, but it’s not desiged for it like books for younger children are.
It’s a little dry for that, really—possibly dry for reading to yourself, too. Which is probably good considering the aims of the book.
So, what did I think about Martin Luther?
I really enjoyed and appreciated it. Carr had a lot of material to choose from when deciding what to write about, and tackled not only the typical “main items” but also addressed some of the murkier things in his life/writing as well. I was surprised, for example, that she touched upon his late-in-life anti-Jewish writings (and relieved/encouraged that she was so clear about the problems with that). I was also not expecting her to bring forth the controversies with , either.
There are nuances and details she had to leave out due to space and the maturity of her audience—but she does a good job in keeping the clear details clear and laying the groundwork for reading/learning as her readers grow.
Yes, it is a bit dry. It’s not a book written to talk down to a child, or even written to appeal through a gimmick. It takes the material seriously and expects the audience to, too—I’m pretty sure that’s the point. I found this a rewarding read, and I’m eager to introduce the grandcritters to it when they’re a little older, and would recommend it to any reader 7-12 (the target range), and even older.
