Christianity by Philip Wilkinson. Library section 10 A: Grades 6-8, Religion and Values.
Another beautiful book in the Eyewitness Book series published by Dorling Kindersley, this book introduces Christianity to late elementary age to middle school children from its origins in Judaism right up to the 21st century. The great thing about these DK Eyewitness books is that they are loaded with photographs of people in costume, display artifacts close-up and in color, and there are loads of paintings, stained glass, maps, sculptures, mosaics and even photos of foods, laid out on gorgeous “double page spreads” with accompanying text and captions and clean white space behind it all. Kids can get close looks at items much like they’d be able to examine them in museums or cathedrals. Beginning with Judaism and the OT, the next pages discuss the birth, ministry, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, the spread of the gospels, formation of Christianity as a faith, Christian life in abbeys and monasteries in the middle ages, the Reformation, and on into more modern times, with various Christian denominations and their clergy, the church year, primary beliefs and practices, ways to worship and Christian culture.
Share this book with a youngster and marvel over the photos. Imagine what life was like in an abbey, where Christians worship, what Christianity and faith mean to you, people you know of different denominations shown in this book, and more. There is much to puzzle over together. A magnifying glass can help enlarge details. Clergy vestments, stained glass windows, sculptures (can you guess who those statues are supposed to be?), a printing press and its labeled parts (why was a printing press important to Christianity??), and much more are found in this fascinating book.
Books like this make the past come alive and help children understand their present and imagine the future. And boy, oh boy, books beat mindless electronic games by a long shot. Detach from electronics. Teach your kids the pleasures and value of books! Half an hour before bedtime is all it takes! ( )