Title: Belt of Truth
Author: Theresa Linden
Publisher: Silver Fire Publishing
Age Range: 7-11
This is the first book in a series of books that Theresa Linden has named The Armor of God series. The inspiration for this series of books is a scriptural passage from Ephesians 6:13-17:
“Therefore, put on the armour of God that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So, stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
The first book, Belt of Truth, introduces us to nine-year-old George and his little brother Erik who are both accepted into Knight’s School. Very quickly, George learns that his first challenge will be to tell the truth – the WHOLE truth – in order to earn the Belt of Truth, which is the first part of the Knight’s armour.
Theresa Linden has cleverly created six stories to correlate with the Armour of God as described in Ephesians. In each book we follow George as he earns each piece of the armour by demonstrating that he is worthy. I found the first book to be engaging and fun to read. The characters were recognizable, and children will relate to George’s antics – and his efforts to cover up his mistakes. By book’s end, George has told the truth and confessed his wrong doings.
The illustrative sketches in the book are also drawn by Theresa Linden and clearly help the reader to follow the story and the characters. This first book has set up the premise well and hinted at things to come. The characters are relatable, and it is quite simply an easy and fun book to read.
Books one, two three and four of the series are currently available. I can’t wait to read the whole series and see how George graduates from Knight School!
You can buy this book from Amazon HERE
Or from Theresa Linden’s website: HERE
Theresa Linden
Teacher and Homeschool Ideas.
This is the sort of book I would have had so much fun with as a homeschool teacher.
- Google the Belt of Truth images and see the different types and styles of belts that have been constructed/designed/created. Why not ask your children or class to design a Belt of Truth – maybe you could even make one out of cardboard and other bits ‘n pieces.
- There are a range of resources for children on Knights’ suits of armour. I would focus on Roman soldiers and the parts of their armour. Here are a few to get you started: http://www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/romans/armour.html
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zajRWl995ms
- http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/worksheets/romans/roman_army.pdf
- For writing and fun you could ask children to write and perform a short play in their new soldier outfits. Ask them to make the theme: Telling the truth.
- A family or class discussion is a good way to explore the notion of Truth, and the temptation to be untruthful. Here are some questions that could also be used as a short answer writing assignment:
- Can you think of a time you were lied to? How did it make you feel?
- Can you think of a time you weren’t truthful?
- Why is George untruthful in the story?
- What makes George tell the truth in the end of the story?
- Do you think George was sorry that he had lied?
- Do you think that George earned his Belt of Truth?
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