Junior Book Bites

There will be some events in 2012 which may be subjects that children will be exploring in school: the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic in April, the 100 year anniversary of Robert Falcon Scott’s arrival at the South Pole and, of course, the Olympics.

Behind each of these events is a story of Christian heroism and faith. Here are some books for 10-12 year olds to read themselves or for adults to read aloud to children of junior school age.

Titanic: The ship of dreams

This book by children’s evangelist Robert Plant tells the story of preacher John Harper, who gave up his lifebelt and swam in the icy waters urging passengers to make their peace with God. The story is a blend of fact and fiction and told through the eyes of Harper’s young daughter. A well-told story with a strong Christian testimony.

Part of the Torchbearers series that also includes books about Jim Elliott and William Tyndale, among others.

Eric Liddell: Finish the Race

This book by minister and former athlete John W. Keddie, who was also a consultant for the film Chariots of Fire, goes behind the scenes of the inspirational life of Eric Liddell who did more with his life than earn a gold medal!

Part of the Trailblazers series that also includes books about Martyn Lloyd-Jones, George Whitfield, Charles Spurgeon and William Wilberforce, among others.

There is also a chapter on Eric Liddell in Irene Howat’s book Ten Boys Who Changed the World published by Christian Focus in their Light Keepers series.

Men of Destiny

For older children and teens there is a chapter called Bowers of the Antarctic in the fortieth anniversary edition of Peter Masters’ book of biographies. Henry Robertson Bowers, nicknamed ‘Birdie’ because of his large nose, was one of the men who reached the South Pole with Scott and died with him. This chapter tells the story of his courage but also his faith, to which Scott himself testified.

This year there are exhibitions at The Polar Museum in the University of Cambridge, at the Natural History Museum and there is an outdoor exhibition in Cardiff Bay. Scott’s ship, the Terra Nova, departed for the Pole from Cardiff.