Martin Luther "Here I Stand…."

Gr 4–6—This handsome picture book biography of Martin Luther begins by clearly establishing the setting (1483, in the German Town of Eisleben) and then recounting the major events in Luther's life. Readers learn of his decision to become a monk and later a priest and a professor of theology; his opposition to several practices of the church, such as the selling of indulgences, or forgiveness of sins in exchange for money; and his nailing of the 95 theses enumerating his complaints to the door of the All Saints' Church in Wittenberg, Germany. Still later, Luther refused to answer a summons from the pope to go to Rome and face charges of heresy, standing firm in his convictions. In telling this story, the author clearly indicates when information is open to question. The biography ends by showing the breadth of Luther's influence. Martin Luther King Jr., whose father is said to have named him after the reformer following a trip to Germany, embraced Luther's commitment "to a free and just world." The book is illustrated with bold, dramatic historical paintings, which are identified in the front matter. However, it lacks captions clarifying the connections between the text and illustrations. There is no bibliography or suggested references.