The Bronze Bow
Acceptable with guidance. Age: 11+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
Few children's novels show so plainly that hatred is a prison and that Christ alone opens it. Daniel lays down his vow of vengeance and welcomes a Roman soldier into his home. The reservation is the portrait of Jesus. He heals and teaches love, but the book stops before the Cross and never says clearly that He is God.
For parents
Read aloud from 9 or 10. Independent reading from 11 or 12. Best in Lent or beside a Gospel. Ask what Daniel had to give up to follow Jesus. Then ask who Jesus is, and read Peter's answer in Matthew 16 together, because the novel leaves that unsaid.