Walking the Bible: An Illustrated Journey for Kids Through the Greatest Stories Ever Told by Bruce Feiler. Library section 10 A: Youth (grades 6-8), Religion. This book for youngsters is a simplified and shortened form of Feiler’s book for adults, Walking the Bible. Feiler, a religious journalist from Savannah, has often wondered if specific locations of the bible can be pinpointed, and what those places look like. He has wanted to walk the same roads and hills that Abraham and Jacob walked, touch the same temple and fortress walls, enjoy the same sunlight of Jerusalem, said to be so different from that of other cities.
He contacted a middle eastern guide, Avner Goren, and together they began visiting some of the most important locations of the bible. They planned their trip chronologically beginning with a possible location for Eden, proceeding to Noah, Abraham, Joseph, and finally ending at Mt. Sinai. Not every location is a positive one; some are educated guesses. For example, nobody knows for sure where Noah’s ark struck land, but Bruce and Avner went to Mt. Ararat in Turkey anyway. They follow the route Joseph took to Egypt, and go into the tomb deep in one of the great pyramids. They ride camels and hike to the top of Mt. Sinai where Moses spoke with God, who took the form of a burning bush. Some of these locations are not safe for travelers; the middle east is home to much violence but also great beauty. They often find monasteries in the most isolated locations!
When they reach a location, often in awe, they pull out their bibles, read appropriate chapters, eat trail food, and then continue their journey. Feiler discusses why the Israelites were wanders, why water was such an important commodity both then and now, what it’s like to ride a camel and why camels are perfect for desert use. The book is illustrated with drawings that begin each chapter, as well as black and white photographs. He even discusses manna, a product of the tamarisk tree, how it is produced, whether it’s edible, and hey, do the locals know about it? Read the book to find out!
Part Indiana Jones adventure, part wily travel to avoid being robbed or kidnapped, part bible study, part travelogue – this book is written for children to enjoy. Feiler has a captivating way of writing with just enough humor, reverence, and chagrin to keep readers entertained. Encourage your child to read about the middle east in this book. It’s a great springboard for discussions about the political history of the bible and the middle east today.
We also have Bruce’s books for adults in library section 7 A: Walking the Bible; Abraham: A Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths; Where God Was Born: A Journey by Land to the Roots of Religion; and in section 7 C the intriguing American Prophet: Moses and the American Story in which he compares American statesmen such as Washington and Lincoln to Moses, in that they all saved their people, and brought them to a fuller awareness of human rights, ethics, and justice.
His books make you feel you are RIGHT THERE with him in the middle east since he describes people, places, and even the climate and landscape so well. There is just enough oddity and humor to make his books delightful to read. Stop by the library and borrow one soon! Reading them is the next best thing to traveling to these locations yourself, and a lot less risky and expensive. ( )

Feiler, accompanied by Israeli archaeologist,Avner Goren, visits places in the Middle East where biblical stories may have taken place including the Creation story, Garden of Eden, Noah's Ark, Exodus, and the receiving of the Ten Commandments. ( )