The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare

Genre: Historical Fiction
Themes: Love, Revenge, Family, Jesus, Forgiveness
Grade Level: Young Adult
Curricular Connections: Religion (life and times of Jesus), History (Roman Empire, Israel, Capernaum)

Daniel bar Jamin is eighteen and consumed with getting revenge against Rome for the crucifixion of his father. He joins a rebel band led by Rosh. He believes Rosh is the promised king sent to drive out the Romans and begin the new kingdom. Daniel meets old friends from the village - Joel and his sister Malthace, children of a rabbi - and soon after decides to return to the village of Ketzah where he works as a blacksmith. Another old friend, Simon, now known as Simon the Zealot, tells Daniel about a carpenter, Jesus, who has been teaching about a new kingdom as well. The more Daniel hears, the more intrigued he becomes - and more conflicted. Daniel has vowed vengeance. He wants to kill Romans! But Jesus tells him, "Hate does not die with killing. It only springs up a hundredfold. The only thing stronger than hate is love." Daniel continues to weigh conflicting teachings until he is faced with a choice to love and forgive or hate and strike vengeance.

Classroom Suggestions:

1. Research the historical aspects of the book, especially the Roman occupation. Items such as the soldier forcing Daniel to water his horse and another forcing Daniel to carry his pack until the next mile marker.

2. Compare what the Bible tells about people and places in the book. What did Jesus teach about serving others? (Jesus said, "If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles." Matthew 5:41.) What does the Bible say about Simon the Zealot? The life of a rabbi? Jairus and his daughter? Places mentioned include Galilee and Capernaum.