Gladys Aylward: The Adventure of a Lifetime

Christian Heroes: Then & Now #1

by Janet Benge, Geoff Benge

Written for readers age 10 and up -- enjoyed by adults!

Without formal education or a missionary organization to back her, Gladys raised her own finances for the overland trip that would bring her to the country and people that God had etched so deeply on her heart...China!

What follows is an amazing adventure of faith and determination. Gladys Aylward, a housemaid from England, dared to trust God in the face of dire and seemingly hopeless circumstances. Her life is one of the truly great missionary stories of our era.

Genres: Biography, Christian, Nonfiction, History, Biography Memoir, Childrens, Christianity

203 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1998

About the author

Janet and Geoff Benge are a husband and wife writing team with twenty years of writing experience. They are best known for the books in the two series Christian Heroes: Then & Now series and Heroes of History. Janet is a former elementary school teacher. Geoff holds a degree in history. Together they have a passion to make history come alive for a new generation. Originally from New Zealand, the Benges make their home in the Orlando, Florida, area.

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story about an incredible woman who God used to reach the people of China. She went through so much but the impact she made was indescribable! I am looking forward to reading this with my sons when they get a little older, and reading more books in this series about other missionaries.

[Bethany M. Griggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story about Gladys Aylward! Not only was it thought-provoking and inspiring, but it was also written in a very easy-to-read format. A very interesting read! It covers a lot of the lesser-known aspects of Gladys's life and not just the saving of the orphans.

[Christy Whitsell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The kids loved this! We read George Mueller last year, and though their stories are quite different, they both show God at work in amazing ways.

[Daniel Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A household name, back in her day, she was a English missionary to China. She made an heroic escape with 94 Chinese children when the Japanese invaded during WWII. A movie, starring Ingrid Bergman, was made about her.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are so inspiring. Praise God for the faith of women like Gladys.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggle to rate this one. We are always excited to read something about China, but the kids were not as invested in this one as they were in Hudson Taylor's biography (though at the end, they begged me to read the last 3 chapters together because it was fairly exciting/intense). I know these are geared toward an older age range, but I've not had problems reading them aloud to my younger crew. This one, however, had some intense/mature content that I had to modify or omit on the fly. I'm awed by Gladys' life and I'm glad we read it (and it was fun to talk about her travels to areas we know and love), but this was not our favorite in the series at this age/stage.

[Bubbalou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book looked a bit boring, but I thought I should probably read a missionary biography to my kids. This was an awesome story! We were all inspired by Gladys' bravery and faith, and how God worked miraculously through her. She was woman of humble means who made her way to China on her own. She stood up for women's rights, inspired prison reform, started a small business, adopted orphans, won the respect of government officials and civilians alike, and spread the gospel throughout China. She is a great example of a strong Christian woman!

I definitely recommend this book for families to read together. Ugly cover... Amazing book!!!!

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite from this series so far! What a story. Planning to use as a family read aloud later on.

[Elijah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story....... Wow. It's crazy to see how God worked in so many lives. 5/5

[Lacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this book aloud for a part of our homeschool curriculum. This story was at times a bit much for my 3rd and 1st graders as it depicted some of the brutality Gladys faced in Communist China, so it was helpful I was reading aloud so that I could filter it a bit. I think we all felt connected to Gladys and I even was emotional through several parts of the book thinking of the unimaginable hardships she faced. We plan to read more in the series...I think the missionary biographies help my kids to see there is more going on in the world outside of their comfortable American lives.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gladys Aylward was certain God called her to China, but she flunked missionary school! Thus begins her amazing story of faith and determination to minister to the people of China.

This well-written book is meant for young people. It gives children an idea of what life in China was like before, during, and after WWII. There are some brutal scenes that describe the persecution of Christians in communist China which might not be appropriate for some children.

I admire Ms. Aylward’s dependence on God. Many times she was afraid, but she did not allow her fear to consume her. She was a woman of action and she did what was necessary to further the gospel and save lives. I enjoyed this book!

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading Gladys Aylward: The Adventure of a Lifetime! From the very first page, I was swept up in her unwavering faith and courageous journey. Her story—a young Englishwoman stepping out in obedience, facing danger and uncertainty, and trusting God every step of the way—was simply inspiring. I admired how she cared for orphans, stood strong in the face of war, and embodied what it truly means to follow God’s call.

Every chapter was filled with hope and conviction. Gladys’s perseverance, compassion, and boldness moved me deeply. This book is a beautiful testament to the power of faith and the extraordinary journey one person can make when she lets God lead. A perfect read from start to finish!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply written but still very impactful

[Joella Thibodeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing lady! Cried multiple times.

[Nathan Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read to my kids. A great read for adults too, though.

[Christine H · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s hard to believe just how resilient some people can be! Gladys was the epitome of a fervent Christian and never faltered from her beliefs. I can see why she was considered a Christian hero. I hope I can feel even a morsel of her perseverance.

Highly recommended for a Christian reader.

[Emily Riewerts · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you have a calling, Wow. The things God can do working through the faithful!

[Holly Levy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 10 year old and I read this together. Perfect book for both of us. We enjoyed this story of fierce faith and devotion.

[AmyintheWind · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book aloud to Aurora as part of our Sonlight curriculum this year. I don't think I, personally, would have chosen it as a read-aloud for 4th graders. The book is quite heavy. It's the true story of Gladys Aylward and her experiences as a missionary in China. It is set during the time of the second world war. Ms. Aylward's life was filled with stories of God's amazing provision but also a fair amount of blood, desperation, hunger, and death. Aurora did not like it. What stood out to her were all the sad stories, rather than the ways in which God provided. I definitely think this book is a worthwhile read for adults, or even teens. Ms. Aylward lived an amazing life, and it's a story worth telling. I just don't think it's a good fit for elementary students.

[Laura (Book Scrounger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had heard of "The Small Woman" before, but mostly just remembered the story about her deescalating a prison riot. But there is a lot more to her story, much of it almost stranger than fiction, but still amazing. Parts were a bit intense for a 7-year-old (there are a couple beheading scenes and some war violence is described, so I found it appropriate to skip over some details), but we were nevertheless awed and amazed by how one woman's unwavering devotion was used by God to save and impact so many lives.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. What this woman endured was amazing to me, and I don't think many could have done what she did. She was definitely a devout Christian and her example made me want to do better. Definitely increased my faith to do the hard things God asks of us.

[Christina Dent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this to my 8 and 10 year old boys, and all 3 of us loved it. Gripping story, written well for kids to feel the heartache and joy, but still age appropriate. Really wonderful book exploring the life and sacrifice of a woman who was determined to follow God.

[Kate Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing story! Somewhat simple writing but still excellent storytelling.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gladys Alyward was a truly amazing, inspiring woman who left England as a young, single woman to go to China to serve as a missionary in 1930. She served nearly 20 years in China often risking her life to minister to the Chinese people. She was well respected by civilians and goverment officials, helped with both social and prison reform, adopted dozens of destitute orphans and led 92 children on a 1,000 mile trek across China to safety from the invading Japanese soldiers during WWII. This book would be appropriate for older grade school/middle school kids.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully written and truly inspiring. Some intense moments for sure, but all well-handled. Cap read this aloud to our family for two lunches out of the week, and we can't wait to continue with more from these authors. Seriously, if you see one of these in your used bookstore, just grab it. It will be worth your while!

[Kiley Cogdill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. As a Christian this real story impacted my life and encouraged me to pursue the great commission Christ has called us to live. I would recommend this book to absolutely everyone. Even if you are not a Christian I think you should still read this book. Overall, such a good book!

[Gaylina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story. So much missionary history. God is faithful. So much suffering by so many for their faith in Christ. Gladys Aylward was a brave woman. She was the Billy Graham of China. I loved reading of her courage.
I highly recommend this book.

[Judy G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book about a selfless, courageous woman who followed God’s call despite tremendous difficulties along the way, and the impact it had on untold numbers of people.

[Drew Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her life and her dedication are inspiring. The book told the story very well, without being over written.

[Hadassah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an easy to read book of an inspiring woman.