Guest Author - Diana Pederson

Dr. Marvin G. Baker. Mark’s Story: An Introduction to the Gospel of Mark. Innovative Christian Publications (Division of BakerTrittin Press) 2003.

Mark’s Story is a retelling of the Gospel of Mark written in language suitable to upper elementary and middle school aged youth. Dr. Baker was careful to keep the original meaning of the scriptures while retelling it in a way that may encourage young readers to read it.

Here is a sample of his writing style:

There was another time when a great crowd of people had come to listen to Jesus. That had nothing to eat. Jesus said to his disciples, “I care very much about these people because they have listened to me for three days, and they have nothing to eat. If I send them home without eating, some of them will faint. Some live a long way from here!” [Page 67]

I think you can tell from this writing style that Dr. Baker is writing on a level easily understood by your elementary and/or middle school child. It would also be suitable for an adult with poor reading skills.

Recommendation

I am partial to Dr. Baker’s books. You may also want Matthew’s story, reviewed last year.



Ken Anderson. The Innkeeper’s Son. Innovative Christian Publications (Division of BakerTrittin Press) . 2004.

This book fascinates me. It tells the story of the Innkeeper’s Son at the inn that allowed Mary and Joseph to have the stable for their soon to occur childbirth. Your young person will learn a bit about the culture and lifestyle at the time of Christ’s birth.

The Innkeeper’s Son allows us to have a glimpse at the rather unholy lifestyle of the people near Bethlehem. As you will remember, Christ’s birth occurred during a census that resulted in everyone returning to their home village. It brought together those practicing their religion as well as those that were did not claim to be Jews. Some of the behavior was outrageous at that time but all too common in today’s world.

Anderson managed to educate this book reviewer with information I had never learned about the customs in practice when Jesus was born. I am certain your children will learn something about the world that Christ was born into.



I enjoyed this book even as an adult. Can you imagine the joy and wonderment experienced by this inn keeper’s son when he discovered the Angels announcing Christ’s birth to the shepherds? It almost makes me wish I had lived in Bethlehem that year. I believe your children will find it fascinating too.