When Lightning Struck - A Book review

Are you studying the Reformation? Do you love Historical Fictions? Do you love reading about the heros of the faith? Then read on...

As a homeschooler I always encourage my fellow homeschoolers to include Historical fictions in their study of History as it helps students really enter the time period that they are studying and get a better picture of how people lived and what they felt.

I recently had the privilege of reading a historical fiction titled When Lightning Struck: The Story of Martin Luther. If you have never heard of Martin Luther or read anything about him, you are missing out and here is your chance to learn who he was and what he did in an enjoyable way.

When Lightning Struck is written for Middle and High schooler, but I could not put it down. If you love reading you will devourer this book. It would also work really well as a read-aloud for upper-elementary kids. It contains 23 chapters of average length that will keep you wanting to know more.

When Lightning Struck is written by Danika Cooley, an author, writer, and blogger who also developed a wonderful Bible Curriculum, Bible Road Trip, which I have enjoyed using with the boys. Knowing her love for truth and sound theology, as demonstrated in her Bible curriculum I knew it would shine through in this book, even as she seeks to paint a realistic picture of the development in Martin Luther's journey.

The description of the book goes like this:

"Martin Luther's life was too exciting not to be written for teens and younger readers! In this
fast-paced, action-packed novel of Martin Luther's life, teen readers (and more than a few adults!) will be introduced to a fascinating time when princes ruled Europe and knights roamed the countryside. They'll learn about a time when powerful forces lined up against each other and believing the wrong thing could get you killed.

When Lightning Struck! is far more than just an adventure story, of course. It also tells a theological story. Drawing carefully from Luther's own words, this book introduces readers to a kindred spirit who struggled with what knowing God through Scripture means for daily life. They will understand what was at stake and how powerfully liberating Luther's idea of grace through faith was—in his time and in ours!

In crisp, enjoyable prose, author Danika Cooley conveys both the drama and the meaning of the Reformation for younger readers like no one before her!"

From the get go you get enthralled in the life of Martin Luther, as well as his feelings and thoughts. As you turn the pages of this book you get deeper and deeper into what made Martin Luther who he was, passionate and brave. That said you also get a picture of what kind of man he was, firm but with a temper. You live his struggles with him and get to see the power of Scriptures as you follow his own encounter with it.

When Lightning Struck is very factual, it is real history, full of dates and places, and people that made up this particular time in History. You really get a picture of what life was back then, and what Martin Luther went through both before and after his conversion. The narrative is full of quotes and filled with details. You can't help but place yourself in the story and live it. The book is so well-researched that Danika included at the end of he book a list of all the resources she consulted in writing it.

This book is a definite add-on to any library, especially if you plan to study the time of the reformation or include church History in your course of study.

To help you make the most of your reading and learn more about Martin Luther, Danika has even created both a 12-week study guide and a discussion guide to go along with the book. And they are both FREE!