Night Preacher

Religious Heritage

by Louise A. Vernon

This story is told through the eyes of Bettje and Jan, children of Menno Simons, who lived almost 500 years ago. Menno Simons was first a Catholic priest. As he read and studied the Bible, Menno began to understand the Christian life in a different way. Eventually he became an Anabaptist preacher. It was against the laws of that time for him to preach so Menno's preaching was done in secret at night to small groups. Soon, Menno Simons became the leader of the Anabaptists, now known as Mennonites. For 9-to-14-year-olds.

Genres: Biography, History, Christian, Church History, Childrens

Paperback

First published September 1, 1969

About the author

Born in Coquille, Oregon, on March 6, 1914, Vernon later graduated from Willamette University. An author of children's books about religious heritage and historical fiction, Vernon has seen numerous books published in series form. After traveling abroad to research her subjects, Vernon has penned novels about John Wesley, William Tyndale, John Wycliffe, and Johann Gutenberg, to name a few. Several of her older books have been reprinted, showing their continued popularity, and in 2003, Vernon wrote Doctor in Rags. She lives in California.

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good read-aloud for my class. It was hard to read... as a catholic. But I think that history should be known, grieved and shared or we will never come past it. My mennonite students loved it!

[Jemimah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book enjoyable, because it was about a girl and her family travelling around the country. I also enjoyed that the girl had challenging moments, when her father would say something, (because he was a preacher) and she would reflect on it.

[Tessa Dueck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as enjoyable as it was when I read it as a child! Although a fictional book, it gives a lot of good information about Menno Simons and his contributions to the Anabaptist movement, told through the eyes of his daughter.

[Allysha · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story itself was okay, but it gave very little information on the actual history of the Anabaptist group. Seemed kind of vague for a book of this type. The others we have read in this genre have been much more informative and interesting.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very convicting.

[Spyu_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read for kids

[Doug Kauffman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read aloud to my students, grades 6-12. A little boring.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Night Preacher is a story about Menno Simmons who was a reformation preacher. The religious term Mennonite comes the this real life Reformation preacher. This story is based on real life events that happened in the early stages of the Reformation, but adds a creative storyline with two children as the main characters. This story will help children understand the persecution of the underground church. It is a positive story about being faithful to God and Biblical truth, even if everyone is against you.

[Johannes Kristian · Rating 5 out of 5]

good.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It does keep you on the edge of your seat, always wondering if the family and especially the father will escape those who would rather see them dead!