The book documents the slow change of heart for a boy with every reason to hate the Roman occupiers in his Palestine home. By letting family obligations and friendships intrude into his one-track life path toward revolution, he unknowingly opens himself up to love and friendship. He further spoils his plans by spending time listening to Jesus of Nazareth teach, opening his mind beyond the small definition of the Kingdom of God and the desire for revenge. It’s a slow change, as often happens, and the ending leaves many loose ends, but the story is still told - a story full of doubt and a little bit messy, but very beautiful. ( )

Reminded me a bit of Ben-Hur. Speare has a gift of delicately building up to the climax. It wasn't until the last twenty pages that I realized how I cared for the characters. It was a lovely journey, thoughtfully paced, that ended with a message which, although obvious, was not overly preachy. ( )

Set in Roman occupied Palestine, this is the story of eighteen year old Daniel bar Jamin, a Jew.

I am split so many ways on this... As a depiction of life in Jesus' time, it's fascinating. As a kids' book, it's well-written but doesn't captivate me. As a Christian book - the protagonist is one of Jesus' followers, to some extent - it's also fascinating; why follow this one among all the other choices? The use of Samson is annoying - we never find out how much he understood or really anything about him, he's just (eventually) convenient muscle, and extra guilt for Daniel. Like most kids' books, there are an awful lot of convenient people and events, popping up at just the right time and place so the protagonist can make the right choices (this is why I say it doesn't captivate me). But it was most definitely worth reading (probably would be more worth reading if I were younger), might be worth rereading in a few years. ( )

Newbery Medal 1962. Daniel is seeking revenge on the Romans for crucifying his father. He must return home to care for his mentally ill sister, but is still active in the resistance. Meeting Jesus opens his eyes to the power of love and forgiveness. ( )