I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.
Right now the series features 6 books: Who was Jesus,Who Was David, Who was Daniel, Who was Esther, Who was Jonah and Who was Mary. We were able to review the last two books:
Who Was Jonah? and Who Was Mary, Mother of Jesus?
The books are at a 4th grade reading level, I would say, so older kids will find them as an easy read! They also feature wonderful pencil sketches, that help to bring the stories to life as well. Each book has the same features:
- a FACT FILE—with info on the Bible character’s facts, like their name, occupation, hometown, years in the bible, and more
- an ACTION FILE—the biblical story most associated with the character, told in a kid-friendly way
- a POWER FILE—the lesson of each story, and how it applies to modern life today
Miss Grace's favorite of the 2 books was Who Was Mary, Mother of Jesus? Lately, she has been asking a lot of questions about Mary, so the book was very timely! AND it actually answered many of the questions she had, and allowed her to think through the remaining ones!
The book poses the question: What do you know about Mary, the Mother of Jesus? Was she a courageous teenager? A girl chosen by God to give birth to His Son, Jesus? The one who said “yes” to God? OR, all of the above?
We've started a 'Mysteries of History' series for her history curriculum this year, so she really liked the way the book was laid out- giving her the facts first, and then the story. She really liked how the Clues along the story helped give her a better understanding of what was going on at the same time or helped her to understand Mary better.
I liked how I was able to use the Power file to ask her questions, after she read the rest of the book, to check not only for understanding, but to see how she would apply it on her own, to the questions she had, and the ones in the book.
This worked really well, and almost created a 'unit study' approach to studying Mary! I love how the book gave her bible, history, reading AND critical thinking in its 96 pages. The book is length is perfect, and you can easily complete it in a week. But if you do have a struggling reader, take 2 weeks, and allow for thorough understanding.
We'll be using the second book, Who Was Jonah? next Summer in our church's VBS, as we are already planning a revisit to the Marine theme, as our pastor has a marine Biologist decree, and our teen group is all about science and sea life!
It asks the questions: What do you know about Jonah? Was he the reluctant prophet who said "no" to God? The man tossed overboard during a colossal storm? The one who changed his mind after being swallowed by a big fish? Or all of the above?
So it will be wonderful to use the story, as a feature point for trusting God, exploring the bounties that the sea provided his people, and providing jump off points for weather and sea discussions!!
Taken together, these books would be a great semester Bible study for this age group, for homeschoolers, allowing for mini unit studies, and strengthening your child's knowledge of the Bible and how it fits in with historical record. It would also work great for Sunday school classes!
But don't just take our word for it, check out what our fellow reviewers had to say as well:
Be sure to follow Barbour Publishing on their social media sites, to learn about NEW releases in this wonderful Kingdom Files series:
Barbour Publishing publishes some of our favorite books and this month, we'll be sharing a few with you!
We were thrilled to find out about a new kids series they have started, the Kingdom Files series, that feature of biographies for kids of famous people from the bible, aimed at kids ages 8-12.
Each book in the series explores the life of a Bible character and helps kids learn not only about the person, but the place and time they lived in.
The book poses the question: What do you know about Mary, the Mother of Jesus? Was she a courageous teenager? A girl chosen by God to give birth to His Son, Jesus? The one who said “yes” to God? OR, all of the above?
We've started a 'Mysteries of History' series for her history curriculum this year, so she really liked the way the book was laid out- giving her the facts first, and then the story. She really liked how the Clues along the story helped give her a better understanding of what was going on at the same time or helped her to understand Mary better.
I liked how I was able to use the Power file to ask her questions, after she read the rest of the book, to check not only for understanding, but to see how she would apply it on her own, to the questions she had, and the ones in the book.
This worked really well, and almost created a 'unit study' approach to studying Mary! I love how the book gave her bible, history, reading AND critical thinking in its 96 pages. The book is length is perfect, and you can easily complete it in a week. But if you do have a struggling reader, take 2 weeks, and allow for thorough understanding.
We'll be using the second book, Who Was Jonah? next Summer in our church's VBS, as we are already planning a revisit to the Marine theme, as our pastor has a marine Biologist decree, and our teen group is all about science and sea life!
It asks the questions: What do you know about Jonah? Was he the reluctant prophet who said "no" to God? The man tossed overboard during a colossal storm? The one who changed his mind after being swallowed by a big fish? Or all of the above?
So it will be wonderful to use the story, as a feature point for trusting God, exploring the bounties that the sea provided his people, and providing jump off points for weather and sea discussions!!
Taken together, these books would be a great semester Bible study for this age group, for homeschoolers, allowing for mini unit studies, and strengthening your child's knowledge of the Bible and how it fits in with historical record. It would also work great for Sunday school classes!
But don't just take our word for it, check out what our fellow reviewers had to say as well:
About the Author:
Matt Koceich is a husband, father, and public school teacher. He has a Masters degree in Education and this is his 20th year in teaching! Matt and his family live in Texas. Check out his Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/Matt-Koceich-Just-Past-the-Books-122172144504013/ ) for more info!
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