Meike Roth-Beck

We can't just feel satisfied with truth as it is told to us by others; we need to be able to read and think for ourselves, even about important things like God. This is the message Martin Luther felt compelled to give to people, even amid the stranglehold the Catholic Church had on Europe of 1517.

This book is a powerful story of a powerful and daring man, Martin Luther, who was able to crack open the ironclad rules imposed upon people by the leaders of the Catholic Church during times when show more to do so would bring heavy repercussions, even death. It reminds us that we need to always bring Martin Luther's freshness of thought to all the institutionalized dogma we are presented with today, even though we may challenge those who may try to crush us and marginalize us.

A beautifully illustrated and beautifully written introduction to a great man. show less

I can't say enough good things about The Life and Times of Martin Luther by Meike Roth-Beck with English translation by Laura Watkinson, an illustrated book geared towards elementary-aged children. As an adult reader, I loved it. It's a wonderful introduction to the reformer and some of his teachings, including the "Ninety-five Theses." What really sets this book apart, though, are its magnificent illustrations by German illustrator Klaus Ensikat. The drawings are detailed, the colors vivid, show more faces expressive, and cityscapes charming. I look forward to sharing it with both young and adult readers. show less

This is a quality, well-illustrated children's book about Martin Luther and his work. It would be too wordy for young children, but would work for older elementary to middle grade (and also for adults who want an overview/reminder).

It provides a brief introduction to the "times," then chronicles Luther's early years leading to his decision to become a monk, and then the circumstances which led to him nailing his 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg.

It highlights and show more briefly explains about 20 of the theses, focusing on indulgences and how their sale affected the state of the poor and people's understanding of grace.

The book then gives an overview of some of the aftermath of Luther's actions. There are no additional educational resources/recommendations here, but there are a couple pages at the end which provide notes about some of the illustrations. I didn't know anything about the "Luther rose" or the swan imagery, so those and other details were interesting.

I appreciate that the book was able to thoroughly explain what was at stake without moralizing. This helped refresh my memory about Luther's place in history, but should also be accessible to those with little religious background.

(In compliance with FTC guidelines, I disclose that I received this book for free through LibraryThing Early Reviewers. I was not required to write a positive review.) show less

I was completely captivated by this book. First, even though it is for young readers (not small children because the vocabulary is not simple), I learned a great deal that I didn't know about Martin Luther. The illustrations are delightful. I studied each one carefully, in context with the reading and also just for the pleasure of seeing the detail and the colors. I appreciate the glossary at the end also - very helpful for a younger audience. This is a book I will keep on my shelf and enjoy show more myself and, hopefully, with a grandchild in the years to come. show less