John Newton: The Angry Sailor

by Kay Marshall Strom

John Newton hated being a sailor. The ship’s officers treated him terribly. John wondered how God could have let this happen to him. Every day he got angrier and angrier. He fought with everyone and stole whenever he got the chance. By the time he was seventeen, he had about the worst reputation in the whole navy! John prayed that God would get him off the horrible warship.

But in His Amazing Grace, God had other plans for a young man shunned as “the worst of the worst,” changed into a man of God who helped turn the heart of England against the slave trade.

This biography by proflic writer Kary Marshall Strom, is a middle grade biography about John Newton, the man who wrote the hymn, “Amazing Grace.”

Genres: Biography, Church History, Childrens, Nonfiction

125 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 5, 1984

About the author

Kay Marshall Strom is the author of forty published books. Her writing credits also include numerous magazine articles, short stories, curriculum, stories for children, two prize-winning screenplays, and booklets for writers. Kay speaks at seminars, retreats, and special events throughout the country. She and her husband Dan Kline love to travel, and more and more Kay’s writing and speaking take her around the word.

Reviews

[John Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this for my book report, really good book

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Angry Sailor tells the tale of the 18th century British slave trader, John Newton. The story sets sail with Newton, an eleven year old boy aboard his father's ship. The author traces Newton's life from a simple sailor to a life of debauchery aboard a slave trading ship. It is well-known that Newton lived a life of sin for many years, hating God and hating mankind - until the sovereign hand of God rescued him by his grace. God not only delivered Newton from the horrible slave trade industry; more importantly, he rescued him from the slave market of sin.

Kay Marshall Strom writes this short historical narrative with children in mind. And she does a worthy job. The story telling is good and God's sovereign grace is clearly articulated. A must read for children of all ages!

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book that was read to me by my teacher in the 3rd or 4th grade. It's about the life of John Newton; the man who wrote Amazing Grace. I remember loving this book so much and being so riveted that when the chapters were finished we would beg her to read another. I am currently reading this to my four children and am thrilled that they are as excited about the story as I was then.

[Aubrey Palabrica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book way back in HS... one of my favorites actually.

The life story of John Newton, by the way, He was the writer and composer of the AMAZING GRACE hymn. This book is highly recommended to be read not only by adults but also by kids who are able to understand what life is about.

John Newton underwent the most impossible struggles a teenage boy can ever survive, but by the grace of God, he did.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy, somewhat child-like telling of John Newton's life. I enjoyed it.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possibly my favorite book! Read it at least4 times throughout the years. Everytime it turns up,I read it!

[Sarah Asher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a powerful story about redemption, loved it!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was great

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful story indeed!! Wow...this is a quick read about the life John Newton had endured after his Mother had died when he was seven....to his wild, hardened years as a teen sailor with his being treated cruelly...to his eventual acceptance of Jesus as his Saviour. He is the man who wrote the well known and loved classic hymn "Amazing Grace"..... well worth the read!

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A chapter book on the life of John Newton. While biographical, it’s prose waxes poetic rather than focusing on an encyclopedic retelling of events. Enough to whet your appetite for a more thorough biography.

[Jeremy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very poorly written with half truths and an agenda.

[Jeffrey Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love biographies, and this was a very well written account of the life of John Newton. Well worth the read.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, easy to read biography on a sinner saved by grace.

[MaryLucille · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-1/2 stars.
I recommend “Out of the Depths” or “An Authentic Narrative,” autobiography by John Newton.

[Molly Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent biography. My 8-year old son was captivated!

[Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story for an adolescent or Teen -- and a good faith builder for an adult as well!