The Really Radical Book for Kids is perfect for kids about eleven through high school. It combines Bible study with inspiring biographies, challenging faith questions, life applications, apologetics, and activities in a graphically rich format that appeals to that age group. I don’t usually review books like this, but this is so good, my readers need to know about it.
One of the first things to note is that near the front is a presentation page to be filled in by the person gifting the book to a young person. It’s a lovely hardcover book that makes a great gift for a special event or even a rite of passage. It’s written for personal study rather than for a group. For example, the third lesson, “Exploring Proverbs,” talks about three types of fools, and how to avoid being any one of them. This sort of lesson in a classroom would instigate all sorts of teasing about being fools and might inhibit authentic introspection that’s called for. There are no questions to answer and turn in, and it doesn’t even require discussion with a parent or teacher. That makes it perfect for young people who are ready to encounter scripture on a personal level and examine their thoughts, attitudes, and choices in light of what they learn.
It’s not a difficult book to read and understand, but it challenges young people to examine their lives, beliefs (even about the existence of God), and actions in light of scripture. It includes the message of salvation but goes much deeper. For instance, Lesson 27, “Exploring Romans,” explains why Paul wrote the letter to the Romans and goes on to present a contrast between the Kingdom of Darkness and the Kingdom of God. Heavy topics are balanced by occasional humor, superheroes, and popular culture. There’s even a chapter titled, “Humor in the Bible.”
Bible study delves into Genesis, Mark, Proverbs, and Romans, with briefer mention of other Bible passages. Rather than thorough studies of each book, specific passages were chosen that address key questions for young people, while also laying out the salvation story. The theological perspective is broadly Bible-based Christianity.
The Really Radical Book for Kids addresses many questions that young people often struggle with. It sometimes teaches by asking leading questions and leaving students to reflect on their responses. Those who already have firm convictions about their beliefs might learn ways to address these questions when asked by others.
The book includes four inspirational biographies of Hannah More, Pandita Ramabai, Lemuel Haynes, and Eric Liddell. These are multi-page stories rather than brief snippets.
A few fun activities are included, and they relate directly to lesson content. For instance, after reading about the cube shape of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:16, students learn to make an origami cube from six 4- to 5-inch squares of paper.
Summary
I received The Really Radical Book for Kids from Heart of Dakota because they now use it as part of their Bible Quiet Time within their Missions to Modern Marvels course for ages 12 to 14. It ties in beautifully with themes within that course, but it can also be used on its own. It might be used as your Bible curriculum if you don’t need evidence of accountability, but it probably works best for personal growth and development.
