The Radical Book for Kids

by New Growth Presshttps://newgrowthpress.com

Religious_studiesGrades 4–10

The Radical Book for Kids: Personal Christian Study with Apologetics Focus

The Radical Book for Kids is a graphically rich, hardcover series designed for personal Christian study by children ages 8-14. It combines Bible study with inspirational biographies, apologetics, and life application, written directly to young people rather than for classroom instruction.

Best for

Christian families seeking supplemental personal study materials for ages 8-14, particularly those wanting to combine Bible study with apologetics and church history in an independent learning format

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 2 concerns · 1 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Historical ContextStrength

The curriculum provides strong historical context through church history lessons and inspirational biographies of historical Christian figures.

Review mentions 'many lessons about the Bible and church history (from a Protestant viewpoint)' and includes biographies of historical figures like Polycarp, Athanasius, Augustine, Martin Luther, and others

Theological KnowledgeStrength

The curriculum includes systematic theological content including salvation, apologetics, and contrasts between Kingdom of Darkness and Kingdom of God.

Review notes lessons on 'the message of salvation,' 'apologetics,' and 'Exploring Romans' which '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'

Teacher TrainingConcern

Minimal teacher support provided, with only a downloadable discussion guide available for adults.

Review notes 'the first book has a QR code for a downloadable discussion guide for adults who might want to discuss the lessons with children'

Direct InstructionConcern

The curriculum is designed for independent personal study rather than direct instruction, using leading questions and reflection.

Review states 'They are written directly to young people for personal study rather than for groups' and 'They sometimes teach by asking leading questions and leaving students to reflect on their responses'

Primary Text EngagementNeutral

The curriculum engages students with specific biblical books and passages including Genesis, Mark, Proverbs, and Romans, though the depth of primary text analysis is unclear.

Review mentions that the second book 'delves more specifically into Genesis, Mark, Proverbs, and Romans' and includes exploration of biblical passages

Vocabulary BuildingInsufficient Evidence

Limited evidence of explicit theological vocabulary instruction, though complex concepts are addressed.

Review mentions the curriculum addresses 'heavy topics' and theological concepts but does not specifically reference systematic vocabulary building

Review Sources

cathyduffy

Cathy Duffy

Key Facts
GradesGrades 4–10
SubjectReligious_studies
PedagogyNot specified
Faith-BasedChristian/Protestant
Pricing$17.76 at Amazon.com | $23.50 at Rainbowresource.com | $23.99 at Christianbook.com | $22.99 at Christianbook.com | $25.08 at Amazon.com | $22.50 at Rainbowresource.com

Looking for something different?

If none of these options feel right, explore a non-traditional approach. Pallas Center offers a unique curriculum, or design your own with Palladay.

Data sources: cathyduffy