Scripture Union have recently published two resources, Diary of a Disciple (for children) and True Story (for young people). We sent them out to some reviewers to see what they thought and how they might be used in ministry.
Diary of a Disciple
Diary of a Disciple: Luke’s Story by Gemma Willis, and illustrated by Emma Randall, is a creative interpretation of the Gospel of Luke, aimed at 8- to 11-year-olds. It has 24 chapters, like the biblical Gospel. The book physically has the shape of a Bible but when you pick it up it has a lightness to it. It is funny, engaging storytelling and is insightful with ‘Did you know?’ boxes like you would find in a youth bible. In each chapter, there is question or activity for the reader to respond and engage with.
I think it’s great. Funny and engaging, it’s creative and beautifully put together. It has the right level between a children’s book and teenagers book. I would gladly give it to any of the older primary school children I know. It is a great way for the rising generation to get a taste for the excitement and action of the Bible.
I think this is great for older children to get in to the Bible. The way the illustrations are set out, you could use the book with mindfulness-colouring style of engagement in mind. I had to stop myself from colouring the pages in! I would use it as a child’s devotional or for parents reading with older children. I enjoyed reading it for my bedtime reading!
Susy Dand is chaplain at Bishop Ramsey School in Ruislip.
True Story
Scripture Union have blessed the Church with good resources that can be used in a variety of settings. True Story fits in to the Christian apologetics stream and is based on a traditional model of questions like ‘Is there a God?’ ‘Is Jesus really God?’ ‘How do I know this is true?’ and ‘What must I do?’ Each question follows a pattern of introduction (based on a school lesson and an incident from the author’s school days), a Bible passage, space for reflection and then a summary of what you should have learned.
The setting of the material is part personal testimony from the author, within a school setting, and the reading demands a level of literacy from those engaging with the material. While it feels a little like an old English literature class, it is useful content, although it does feel like ‘yet another’ similar resource in the crowded marketplace and it may well get lost within it.
In terms of use, it would be good value in a group setting where there was room for discussion and a place where people are exploring what it means to follow Jesus. The age range would be year 6 to 9, and assumes good literacy skills. I would be hesitant to give the book out and leave it, as it requires a level of unpacking and is begging for a follow-up resource. If someone chooses to follow Jesus, what then? This is answered in part, but not effectively, on the final page.
If I were to scale this, I would say three out of five – a useful resource in a group setting.
Roy Hutchinson works with St Peter’s Cricklewood.