Write2Ignite

Introduction

Since this book is written for adults to read to children, or for children to read themselves, I thought it would be fun to have an adult’s POV on the book as well as two children’s opinions. The author of the book, Bill Edgar, is my oldest daughter’s father-in-law. Believe me when I tell you, this man LOVES telling stories–especially ones that are true.

Sandy Quandt’s Review

Written for 9-12-year-olds, Bill Edgar’s book, Chutzpah Heroes, is a book to share with children to help them develop practical wisdom plus bravery when they face the uncertainties of life.

Thirteen Biblical Characters

Through the stories of thirteen biblical characters who faced varying challenges, the author shows how each person demonstrated bravery and chutzpah in uncertain situations, and by a bold, quick wit and with God’s help, achieved success. In retelling these familiar stories, the author emphasizes that the true bravery underlying chutzpah is a living faith in God. He shows through these stories that although these thirteen characters faced difficulties, they were never alone. God was with them.

Bravery and Courage

The stories are about boys and girls, men and women, young and old. We see David’s brave willingness to fight Goliath, Miriam’s courage to approach Pharoah’s daughter to help her baby brother, Moses. We also see Bartimaeus’ chutzpah when he boldly cried out to Jesus for healing.

The bravery of King Saul is shown through battle. Paul’s courage is shown through his preaching. When Rahab hide the Israelite spies, her chutzpah was on display.

Through these stories, the author retells the determination of the lame man’s friends, Ruth’s boldness with Boaz, Daniel’s practical wisdom, and Abigail’s bravery. We see chutzpah on full display through the Canaanite woman, Jael, and Queen Esther, as each woman responds to their uncertain situations.

Character Building

Our world is often a frightening place. Armed with stories from the lives of these thirteen brave Biblical characters in this book, children can develop chutzpah of their own: a courageousness based on a relationship with the Living God who will never leave them. They will grow closer to God who helps fight whatever battle they may face.

If you’d like to share stories of courage from the Bible with the young people in your life, then Chutzpah Heroes is a good place to start.

For more book reviews you can look here and here.

Hello, everyone. As a new writer for Write2Ignite, here’s what you can expect from me in the coming months. In my posts, you’ll find words of encouragement for writers, book reviews, and discussions on the craft of writing. I am a regular contributor to Guideposts devotional books as well as a conference speaker. I write articles, devotions, and stories for adult and children’s publications.

Looking for words of encouragement or gluten-free recipes? Then check out my blog at https://sandykirbyquandt.com

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review.

Lucie and Jack’s Reviews

Lucie: I really liked the book because I enjoyed the examples of courage, learned new details I did not know, and giggled at some of the funny sentences. The illustrations of chutzpa are really interesting. One of the gripping examples is when Esther goes to the king’s palace when she is not allowed. But she must inform the king of Haman’s bad plan. Second, I learned some new details about the Bible stories. For example, I did not know sneaky Rahab was related to poverty-stricken Ruth. Finally, the story has some funny wording. In the chapter “Let’s Rip Up a Roof,” the author tells us that the Roman soldiers “appeared often enough to annoy people.” All in all, I thought the book was very interesting, informative, and funny.

Jack: Through his stories, the author illustrates the boldness of courage, engages the reader with details, and writes in a way that could be a good bed-time story. I enjoyed the stories because they demonstrate why we should be courageous. For example, in the story “Bartimaeus, A Blind Man,” even though the crowd is angry at Bartimaeus for breaking down the roof, his friends’ courage help him to see. I also enjoyed the details included. The amount of food Abigail gives the soldiers in the chapter “Abigail, a Fool’s Wife” is astonishing! Other details also simplify the stories like converting sizes in the Bible to modern measurements, making them understandable. The author’s technique also makes the stories enjoyable for bedtime or reading aloud. In the chapter “A Lame Man and his Friends,” the author begins the story like this:

Once there was a man who was lame. He could not walk. We don’t know his name or why he was lame. Maybe he was born lame. Maybe he had an accident. In any case, he depended on friends to carry him around on a homemade stretcher.

Because of his conversational tone, children can enjoy the stories. These themes, details, and styles demystify and simplify the biblical stories.

Lucie B. is a rising fourth grader and likes horseback riding, drawing, and reading. Jack B. is 11 and enjoys science and building things out of kiwico crates. He’s a rising 6th grader.

GIVEAWAY

Bill Edgar is giving away an autographed copy of his new book to a Write2Ignite reader. Please leave a comment by July 4 to enter. U.S. addresses only.