Moblard DeYoung, Ruth. The Temple Curtain. Bloomington, IN: WestBow Press, 2014.

What would it have been like to be a child who lived during the time of Jesus and the early church? Ruth Moblard DeYoung helps us imagine those days from the point of view of Nathan, a priest’s son, who, because he is healed by Jesus is able to walk again. Nathan witnesses the crucifixion, and his father is the priest who sees the temple curtain tear from top to bottom. Nathan and his family become early Christians who flee to Antioch to escape persecution and there witness Paul and Barnabas leave on their first missionary journey.

The specific details seem to be well researched and the story is compelling. In its setting and purpose, it reminds me somewhat of The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare. When we read biblical historical fiction books such as these to our students, we should make sure they understand which details are from the Bible and which are not.   [This is only part of the article. Want to read more? Subscribe to the website by choosing "Register" from the menu above. It's free!]

Joan Stob is the instructional leader at Legacy Christian School in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was the series editor of The Story of God and His People Bible curriculum, published by Christian Schools International.