This book is at the top of my list of all-time favorite books for children.  Even as an adult, the unique glimpse it gives me of my Savior still brings tears to my eyes.

The Bronze Bow is a story of a young man’s journey from hatred and revenge, to Jesus and the pursuit of love. Daniel is a young Galilean whose father was crucified by the Romans.  His mother dies of grief and his sister is bound by the demons of fear and pain.  He flees a cruel master and joins a group of radicals hiding in the hills, plotting to avenge their wrongs upon their Roman rulers.  Then he meets Jesus and is touched to the quick by His message of love– even love for His enemies.

Elizabeth George Speare’s portrayal of Jesus in this book touches me deeply.  We become so used to reading about the Lord in the context of familiar Bible stories, that I think we sometimes miss the reality of who He really was.  We tend to compartmentalize the characteristics of Christ into some sort of “Other” category and forget that He was a real man, who really walked this earth among other men.  He actually said what He said about love, and He meant it.

I think it can be an epiphanal moment in a young person’s life to see a historical and literal Jesus portrayed in such a realistic and yet radical manner in the context of a believable story.

Ms. Speare seems to know The Savior well and to desire to share Him with her readers in an intimate way.  It is almost as though she is saying to us:

“Here, let me introduce you to my friend, Jesus. He has the answers.”

Only Love can bend a bow of bronze.