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Christian Biographies for Young Readers
John Newton
John Newton’s life was full of adventure, danger, travels, exotic places, and romance. Young readers will encounter each of these things in Simonetta Carr’s carefully narrated and charmingly illustrated book. But more importantly, readers will come to appreciate the way Newton’s life was changed for good, even when he was attempting to run as far as possible from God. In spite of Newton’s rebellion and sin, God’s grace finally won—a grace that Newton recognized as amazing, invincible, and completely undeserved.
64 pages, Hardcover
Published July 1, 2018
1 person is currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Simonetta Carr
35 books133 followersSimonetta Carr was born in Italy and has lived and worked in different cultures. A former elementary school teacher, she has home-schooled her eight children for many years. She has written for newspapers and magazines around the world and has translated the works of several authors into Italian. Presently, she lives in San Diego with her husband Thomas and family. She is a member and Sunday School teacher at Christ United Reformed Church.
Awards - First prize (Best Biography) in the 2014 San Diego Book Awards Association (see book Anselm of Canterbury)
First Prize Athanatos Ministries - Best children's book (see book Anselm of Canterbury)
Awards - First prize (Best Biography) in the 2014 San Diego Book Awards Association (see book Anselm of Canterbury)
First Prize Athanatos Ministries - Best children's book (see book Anselm of Canterbury)
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 28, 2018
The "Christian Biographies for Young Readers" series introduces children to key figures from church history. Author Simonetta Carr offers a compelling and beautifully illustrated historical account of the life of each Christian figure profiled in the series. To date, the series includes volumes on Church fathers (Irenaeus, Augustine of Hippo, Athanasius, Anselm of Canterbury), Reformation leaders (John Calvin, Martin Luther, Peter Martyr Vermigli, and John Knox), Reformation era heroines (Lady Jane Grey and Marie Durand), and Puritan notables (John Owen and Jonathan Edwards). The latest volume adds John Newton, to this last category.
John Newton has quite the life story! Kids will be intrigued by his adventures as a sailor, conscripted British Navy-man, and even would-be slave trader. Newton’s pre-conversion days read a little like Gulliver’s travels, but he ends up committing himself to Christ as a result of a brush with death in a near shipwreck.
Newton is best remembered, of course, for his incredibly famous hymn “Amazing Grace”. And this book also highlights his friendship with fellow hymn-writer William Cowper. What is not so widely known about Newton was his influence in the abolition of the slave trade. Carr details how William Wilberforce was influenced by Newton both personally and professionally. Newton was called on as a special witness by British Parliament two times in the years leading up to the eventual end of the slave trade in Great Britain.
Having read many of her works, I appreciate Simonetta Carr’s attention to detail and focus on historical accuracy — evident in this latest book as well. And this book is chuck full of photographs, beautiful illustrations, maps and more. Two of Newton’s letters to his young niece are included, as is a picture of an original handwritten leaf from his "Olney Hymns".
The book will introduce young readers to the legacy of John Newton, but it educates and enlightens older readers as well. For instance, did you know that “Amazing Grace” was written to accompany a New Year’s message on the text 1 Chronicles 17:16-17 where David says “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is mine house, that thou has brought me hitherto?” (p. 56). I was particularly moved by the emphasis she placed on Newton’s own simple epitaph he wanted for his memorial:
"John Newton clerk. Once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy." (p. 54)
This book deserves a place in church or school libraries, and would make a great addition to your coffee table or personal bookcase. If you haven’t picked up a title in the Christian Biographies for Young Readers series, now would be a good time. You won’t be disappointed with John Newton. I highly recommend it.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by Reformation Heritage Books. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.
John Newton has quite the life story! Kids will be intrigued by his adventures as a sailor, conscripted British Navy-man, and even would-be slave trader. Newton’s pre-conversion days read a little like Gulliver’s travels, but he ends up committing himself to Christ as a result of a brush with death in a near shipwreck.
Newton is best remembered, of course, for his incredibly famous hymn “Amazing Grace”. And this book also highlights his friendship with fellow hymn-writer William Cowper. What is not so widely known about Newton was his influence in the abolition of the slave trade. Carr details how William Wilberforce was influenced by Newton both personally and professionally. Newton was called on as a special witness by British Parliament two times in the years leading up to the eventual end of the slave trade in Great Britain.
Having read many of her works, I appreciate Simonetta Carr’s attention to detail and focus on historical accuracy — evident in this latest book as well. And this book is chuck full of photographs, beautiful illustrations, maps and more. Two of Newton’s letters to his young niece are included, as is a picture of an original handwritten leaf from his "Olney Hymns".
The book will introduce young readers to the legacy of John Newton, but it educates and enlightens older readers as well. For instance, did you know that “Amazing Grace” was written to accompany a New Year’s message on the text 1 Chronicles 17:16-17 where David says “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is mine house, that thou has brought me hitherto?” (p. 56). I was particularly moved by the emphasis she placed on Newton’s own simple epitaph he wanted for his memorial:
"John Newton clerk. Once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy." (p. 54)
This book deserves a place in church or school libraries, and would make a great addition to your coffee table or personal bookcase. If you haven’t picked up a title in the Christian Biographies for Young Readers series, now would be a good time. You won’t be disappointed with John Newton. I highly recommend it.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by Reformation Heritage Books. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.
March 14, 2022
This book made an absolutely fantastic pairing with the 2006 film Amazing Grace. The film was perfect for family viewing one evening (tweens & up, due to content). Our boys became familiar with William Wilberforce, the Prime Minister, the slavetrade, and of course the aging old preacher, John Newton. Later in the week, we gathered on the couch for a family read-aloud around author Simonetta Carr's illustrated biography for kids, and our children were instantly drawn in by the familiar historical context, and cameos of characters they knew. Not to mention, we were all fascinated to see a full-orbed and greatly endearing picture of the preacher and hymnwriter John Newton.
I personally was touched by learning Newton was also a faithful letter-writer to his children and those in his flock. Carr includes two particularly impactful letters to his daughter on the final pages of the book.
We recently acquired the entire "Christian Biographies for Young Readers" series (as a gift, for which I am exceedingly grateful). I believe this series is a valuable investment (both the purchasing of it, but also the time we will dedicate to reading through it). I pray that it will impact our sons, inspiring them to great things for the Lord as they come to know the lives and testimonies of godly Christian men & women.
~Jen
I personally was touched by learning Newton was also a faithful letter-writer to his children and those in his flock. Carr includes two particularly impactful letters to his daughter on the final pages of the book.
We recently acquired the entire "Christian Biographies for Young Readers" series (as a gift, for which I am exceedingly grateful). I believe this series is a valuable investment (both the purchasing of it, but also the time we will dedicate to reading through it). I pray that it will impact our sons, inspiring them to great things for the Lord as they come to know the lives and testimonies of godly Christian men & women.
~Jen
August 1, 2018
-Have you ever known a wayward child that made foolish or even wicked decisions?
-Have you ever felt divided between your mother's faith and your father's profession?
-Have you ever had to leave the love of your life to go far away for many months, hoping to make enough money to be together?
-Have you ever done many things you were ashamed of in order to try to get ahead in life?
-Have you ever had your life miraculously preserved and knew in your soul it was God reaching out to you?
-Have you been redeemed by the amazing and transformative grace of God?
Simonetta Carr's John Newton goes beyond the slave-trader-turned-abolishionist-wrote- a-hymn narrative to tell us how John Newton struggled through the challenges of his life. She illuminates the societal beliefs and pressures that molded his choices. The societal expectation was that John would follow his father to sea at a young age, and he did. Many people at the time felt slavery was an unfortunate reality, much like people talk about abortion today, so Newton felt justified in his profession. Carr shows us how it was that John Newton got lost along the way, and how God penetrated the hardness of his heart.
After finding Christ, Newton couldn't stop talking about him! His best selling testimony was in book stalls beside Robinson Crusoe and Gulliver's Travels, but John's story was true, and his life had been changed. We learn of Newton's transition to respectable landman in business, his call to the ministry and his national advocacy. Carr discusses the alliance Newton formed with William Wilborforce in this and other issues, though I was disappointed that she didn't cover Wilborforce's death and it's impact on Newton.
Carr gives insights into Newton's family life including his relationship with his lifelong love, Mary, known as Polly and their adoption of two daughters, hospitality to the mentally ill poet William Cowpur and general details of their home. These glimpses of tender family life are wonderfully complimented by two letters from Newton to one of his daughters that form the conclusion of the book.
Consulting Newton's primary source publications, as well as the work of others, Carr's narrative doesn't get bogged down by her commitment to factual representation. Rather, she breathes life into people we have heard of, helping us relate to their trials, their triumphs and thier contributions to the household of faith in Jesus Christ.
As is typical of the series, there is a high production value to this work. Photographs of locations and artifacts, original art of scenes from Newton's life, sturdy hard covers and a book that looks and feels beautiful are hallmarks of Christian Biographies for Young Readers. I do think the illustrator, Amal, is new, and I like the way light and color are used to give the illustrations more vibrance without deviating from the style of the series.
I continue to purchase each book in this series for our home as they come out and recommend them to any and all who are seeking to walk the path of faith and train others to follow.
To hear Newton in his own words, see
An Authentic Narrative of Some Remarkable and Interesting Particulars in the Life of John Newton, Communicated in a Series of Letters to Mr. Haweis, Newton, 1765
https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...
For Newton's Literary Contemporaries, see
Robinson Crusoe, Defoe, 1719
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Gulliver's Travels, Swift, 1726
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
If you'd like to read the series in chronological order -- or make sure you have each excellent book! -- see the Christian Biographies for Young Readers Goodreads page, here...
https://www.goodreads.com/series/8395...
-Have you ever felt divided between your mother's faith and your father's profession?
-Have you ever had to leave the love of your life to go far away for many months, hoping to make enough money to be together?
-Have you ever done many things you were ashamed of in order to try to get ahead in life?
-Have you ever had your life miraculously preserved and knew in your soul it was God reaching out to you?
-Have you been redeemed by the amazing and transformative grace of God?
Simonetta Carr's John Newton goes beyond the slave-trader-turned-abolishionist-wrote- a-hymn narrative to tell us how John Newton struggled through the challenges of his life. She illuminates the societal beliefs and pressures that molded his choices. The societal expectation was that John would follow his father to sea at a young age, and he did. Many people at the time felt slavery was an unfortunate reality, much like people talk about abortion today, so Newton felt justified in his profession. Carr shows us how it was that John Newton got lost along the way, and how God penetrated the hardness of his heart.
After finding Christ, Newton couldn't stop talking about him! His best selling testimony was in book stalls beside Robinson Crusoe and Gulliver's Travels, but John's story was true, and his life had been changed. We learn of Newton's transition to respectable landman in business, his call to the ministry and his national advocacy. Carr discusses the alliance Newton formed with William Wilborforce in this and other issues, though I was disappointed that she didn't cover Wilborforce's death and it's impact on Newton.
Carr gives insights into Newton's family life including his relationship with his lifelong love, Mary, known as Polly and their adoption of two daughters, hospitality to the mentally ill poet William Cowpur and general details of their home. These glimpses of tender family life are wonderfully complimented by two letters from Newton to one of his daughters that form the conclusion of the book.
Consulting Newton's primary source publications, as well as the work of others, Carr's narrative doesn't get bogged down by her commitment to factual representation. Rather, she breathes life into people we have heard of, helping us relate to their trials, their triumphs and thier contributions to the household of faith in Jesus Christ.
As is typical of the series, there is a high production value to this work. Photographs of locations and artifacts, original art of scenes from Newton's life, sturdy hard covers and a book that looks and feels beautiful are hallmarks of Christian Biographies for Young Readers. I do think the illustrator, Amal, is new, and I like the way light and color are used to give the illustrations more vibrance without deviating from the style of the series.
I continue to purchase each book in this series for our home as they come out and recommend them to any and all who are seeking to walk the path of faith and train others to follow.
To hear Newton in his own words, see
An Authentic Narrative of Some Remarkable and Interesting Particulars in the Life of John Newton, Communicated in a Series of Letters to Mr. Haweis, Newton, 1765
https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...
For Newton's Literary Contemporaries, see
Robinson Crusoe, Defoe, 1719
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Gulliver's Travels, Swift, 1726
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
If you'd like to read the series in chronological order -- or make sure you have each excellent book! -- see the Christian Biographies for Young Readers Goodreads page, here...
https://www.goodreads.com/series/8395...
March 4, 2024
A powerful book about the story of a sinner saved by God and how the Lord changed and used him. Wonderful!
October 15, 2018
Well written and a beautiful book. Loved the look and feel of the pages and the combination of maps, photographs and art from the 18th century as well as stunning original art by Amal. All of these elements combine to give you a great feeling for the personality of John Newton and also the 18th century. Also, the "Did You Know" section at the back of the book is very interesting.
November 1, 2018
The Reformation Heritage series of Christian biographies offers a collection of books to introduce young readers to important people in our Christian history. John Newton, by Simonetta Carr, is a wonderful addition to the series.
We all may be familiar with the fact that John Newton wrote the well known and beloved hymn, Amazing Grace. But there was much more to this man's life.
God's hand was upon him from a young age. With the loss of his mother, at age seven, he began living as a neglected and rebellious son. He was also mistreated as a servant, became a reckless sailor with little regard for the rules at sea, and eventually a slave trader.
But God's life-changing grace was at work even when John Newton was at his worst. It was this grace that finally grabbed his full attention and made him into one of the finest preachers.
Simonetta Carr tells the story in a way sure to grab the attention of young readers. Like all the biographies in this series, this book is beautifully illustrated, containing original artwork, thick glossy pages, and helpful appendices, including a timeline, interesting facts, and excerpts from Newton’s original writing.
This is a hard covered book and would make a wonderful book to gift to any child or school library.
*Reformation Heritage Books provided a copy of this book to review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”.
We all may be familiar with the fact that John Newton wrote the well known and beloved hymn, Amazing Grace. But there was much more to this man's life.
God's hand was upon him from a young age. With the loss of his mother, at age seven, he began living as a neglected and rebellious son. He was also mistreated as a servant, became a reckless sailor with little regard for the rules at sea, and eventually a slave trader.
But God's life-changing grace was at work even when John Newton was at his worst. It was this grace that finally grabbed his full attention and made him into one of the finest preachers.
Simonetta Carr tells the story in a way sure to grab the attention of young readers. Like all the biographies in this series, this book is beautifully illustrated, containing original artwork, thick glossy pages, and helpful appendices, including a timeline, interesting facts, and excerpts from Newton’s original writing.
This is a hard covered book and would make a wonderful book to gift to any child or school library.
*Reformation Heritage Books provided a copy of this book to review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”.
November 7, 2025
Well written biography that tells the story of John Newton's life in a style that is friendly to young readers, with larger font and lovely illustrations.
The biography follows John Newton from his young years to his later life, showing the years when he was running from God, yet God kept calling him back. It was so cool to see the hand of God through John's life, and how he became a man of deep faith after his years of irresponsible actions as a young man. The book includes a timeline of his life, some fun snippets of information and 2 letters from him to his niece Betsy.
A wonderful addition to your library, hardcover bound with durable glossy full color pages, lovely illustrations and a message of faith and God's amazing grace. Great for all ages, especially older elementary 7-12, but fantastic to read even as an adult.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The biography follows John Newton from his young years to his later life, showing the years when he was running from God, yet God kept calling him back. It was so cool to see the hand of God through John's life, and how he became a man of deep faith after his years of irresponsible actions as a young man. The book includes a timeline of his life, some fun snippets of information and 2 letters from him to his niece Betsy.
A wonderful addition to your library, hardcover bound with durable glossy full color pages, lovely illustrations and a message of faith and God's amazing grace. Great for all ages, especially older elementary 7-12, but fantastic to read even as an adult.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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September 13, 2023Ch. 5 -
September 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this biography of John Newton and learned a lot about him. So very glad to have read it.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews