The Bronze Bow by Speare Elizabeth George (1997-08-25) Hardcover

We found this a great family read-aloud. But more importantly, it's one that holds the interest of my 11-year-old son enough for him to choose to read it alone. Set in ancient Israel during the Roman Empire, and the time of Jesus (in fact He is included in the story). So this makes for great historical fiction... and great for home-schoolers!

Great book. It has a good amount of everything, action, love, relationships, philosophy, politics, history, drama, violence, religion and lots of soul searching.. I don't want to spoil anything, but the ending was amazing.

This is a great story the power of love overcoming the darkness of hate and despair! The main character is transformed from a boy determined to revenge his parents death and country's captivity to a man that is able to see good in others and be willing to be kind to a soldier of his once sworn enemy.

super powerful and meaningful. It is the best book I have ever read. I love it SO MUCH. My class read it as an assignment and I could not have LOVED it more. I love every character in this book and they played the perfect parts.

This book really took me into a life transformed by Jesus and I thouroghly enjoyed reading bible verses I know by heart. I recommend this book for any young Christian readers who want to be brought back in time and experience Jesus.

Excellent story. My 9 yr old daughter and I listened to this book and both had tears in our eyes at the end. She said, "that was such a good book Mommy" and I agreed. Wonderful story of how Jesus touches your life and then you can't help but be different.

Interesting perspective of young Jewish contemporary of Jesus. Instead of delivering him from the Roman captivity, Jesus sets him free from hate and bitterness. Loved the plot, the conflicts and the characters.

Elizabeth George Speare definitely captures life during the time of Roman rule & Jesus' ministry!! One boy learns how to exchange bitterness and hatred for love and sacrifice and surprisingly discovers the peace and joy that it can bring.

Another Newbery winner by Elizabeth G Speare about Daniel, a Jewish boy in Palestine during the time of Jesus. His hatred of the Romans draws him to the Zealots to plan and work for the overthrow of Rome. When he is called back to his village to care for his younger sister, he must face the conflict raging within him as he measures the power of love versus the power of hate.

I bought this on a recommendation from friends, but it is not such a great story. O.K. as secondary literature for lower grades up till about 13 years, but there are much better written stories of value for this age group like The Auregole Quartet by Shirley Latessa.