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Religious Heritage
Bible Smuggler
Louise A. Vernon explains William Tyndale's work of translating, printing, and distributing the Scripture. The main character of the story is Collin, William Tyndale's helper. Collin begins his work as a carrier boy in smuggling a copy of Luther's New Testament to William Tyndale in England. Later he travels with Tyndale to Europe to meet Martin Luther. Roger Hane, illustrator.
Hardcover
First published June 1, 1967
22 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Louise A. Vernon
20 books15 followersBorn 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 25, 2023
This is an important family read to introduce your children to those who have sacrificed all to bring the bible to every day people.
June 23, 2018
The Bible Smuggler tells the story of William Tyndale translating the New Testament into English through the eyes of his young page boy. It is written in a very engaging manner and reads quickly. The book is pretty fair in its presentation of those who did not want the Bible translated into English. It ends a decade before Tyndale was put to death, though a very short end page provides that information. I highly recommend it to kids on up to adults who are interested in Tyndale or the Bible.
February 29, 2024
Just finished reading this book out loud to the kids and thought it was so well done. A little cliff hanger at the end of every chapter kept their interest the whole way.
March 28, 2025
She wrote this book with cliff hangers at the end of each chapter so my kids always wanted me to read “more, more”! So thankful for people who have written these biographies for kids. What a legacy of faith we have in William Tyndale and all the brave souls who helped him translate the Bible into English.
May 9, 2021
This book was so interesting because it was told from a boy's perspective on William Tyndale's life. I enjoyed it, only I felt that the ending was a little too abrupt.
July 28, 2021
One of things I enjoyed about this book is that it is about how the bible was translated into English and the struggle to get it translated. I really enjoyed it.
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March 18, 2009This book for young people tells the story of William Tynsdale who translated Martin Luther's German translation of the Hebrew Bible into English in 1525. I never appreciated the risks people took to be sure we had the scriptures in our own language.
In the early 1800's, missionaries took this English Bible to countries around the world and translated it into the languages of the people they taught the gospel to.
In the early 1800's, missionaries took this English Bible to countries around the world and translated it into the languages of the people they taught the gospel to.
October 3, 2012
I don't love Vernon's writing, her pace, or her characters. But I do love how she brings Reformation history to life. This is a memorable sketch of William Tyndale.
June 15, 2016
this is a good kids book
September 24, 2024
4/5
Ever wondered what it would be like to risk your life for a book? No, not the latest fantasy novel or romance—but a book so controversial, owning it in your own language could get you jailed or worse. Welcome to The Bible Smuggler by Louise A. Vernon, a historical adventure that grabs young readers by the collar and yanks them back to the 16th century, when the simple act of translating the Bible could put a target on your back.
Plot:
Set against the backdrop of the Protestant Reformation, The Bible Smuggler catapults readers into a world where owning the Bible in English is as dangerous as owning contraband. Our main hero, William Tyndale, isn’t your typical knight in shining armor—he’s a scholar with a quill, determined to translate the Bible into English so that everyday people can read it. But the Catholic Church has other plans, and they’ll do whatever it takes to stop him.
Enter Colin, the wide-eyed young apprentice to Tyndale. Through his journey from an innocent bystander to a full-fledged Bible smuggler, the novel explores themes of faith, courage, and rebellion in ways that make history feel both urgent and alive. The stakes are high, and the sense of danger palpable as Colin risks everything for the cause. It’s an old-school story of good versus evil, but instead of dragons, you’ve got inquisitors, and instead of magical swords, you’ve got forbidden Bibles.
Writing:
Louise A. Vernon writes for middle-graders, but don’t let the easy vocabulary fool you—she doesn’t water down the tension or historical significance. The writing is straightforward, perfect for younger readers, but the emotional weight and vivid descriptions of a time when people risked everything for their beliefs make it accessible to anyone who loves a good underdog story. Vernon paints a picture of life under the iron grip of the Church without bogging the reader down with a history lecture.
Each chapter is short, snappy, and leaves just enough mystery hanging in the air to keep you turning the pages. The historical details are woven in seamlessly; you’ll be learning about the Protestant Reformation without even realizing it.
Why It Works:
The Bible Smuggler succeeds because it’s not just a history lesson dressed up as fiction—it’s a compelling narrative where the characters’ struggles matter. You care about Colin’s transformation from a boy tagging along on an adventure to a young man who understands the weight of his choices. The book’s biggest strength lies in how it makes abstract historical themes—like religious freedom and the power of the written word—feel personal.
Tyndale isn’t just a distant figure from the past; he’s the guy you want on your team, standing up to the big, bad establishment, risking everything for the greater good. It’s the classic David-and-Goliath story, except this time David’s weapon is a translation, and Goliath is an entire religious institution.
Where It Falls a Little Flat:
But let’s get real—if you’re looking for deep character development, you won’t find it here. The characters are a bit too polished; Tyndale is practically a saint (and not in the flawed, human way), and Colin, while likable, serves more as a witness to history than a fully realized person with his own complex motivations. It’s history through a wide-eyed, childlike lens—ideal for the target age group, but perhaps a little too simple for older readers craving nuance.
Also, Vernon plays it safe when it comes to the messy details of the Reformation. It’s clear who the “good guys” and “bad guys” are, and there’s little exploration of the grayer areas. This is definitely a hero’s tale, not a complex dissection of the era’s many political and religious intricacies.
Final Thoughts:
Despite its minor shortcomings, The Bible Smuggler is a thrilling introduction to a monumental moment in history. It’s perfect for young readers who might not yet be ready for denser historical fiction but are itching for adventure, danger, and a cause worth fighting for. If you’re an adult, you’ll breeze through it in an afternoon, but it just might inspire you to dig deeper into the real stories behind Tyndale’s mission.
Ever wondered what it would be like to risk your life for a book? No, not the latest fantasy novel or romance—but a book so controversial, owning it in your own language could get you jailed or worse. Welcome to The Bible Smuggler by Louise A. Vernon, a historical adventure that grabs young readers by the collar and yanks them back to the 16th century, when the simple act of translating the Bible could put a target on your back.
Plot:
Set against the backdrop of the Protestant Reformation, The Bible Smuggler catapults readers into a world where owning the Bible in English is as dangerous as owning contraband. Our main hero, William Tyndale, isn’t your typical knight in shining armor—he’s a scholar with a quill, determined to translate the Bible into English so that everyday people can read it. But the Catholic Church has other plans, and they’ll do whatever it takes to stop him.
Enter Colin, the wide-eyed young apprentice to Tyndale. Through his journey from an innocent bystander to a full-fledged Bible smuggler, the novel explores themes of faith, courage, and rebellion in ways that make history feel both urgent and alive. The stakes are high, and the sense of danger palpable as Colin risks everything for the cause. It’s an old-school story of good versus evil, but instead of dragons, you’ve got inquisitors, and instead of magical swords, you’ve got forbidden Bibles.
Writing:
Louise A. Vernon writes for middle-graders, but don’t let the easy vocabulary fool you—she doesn’t water down the tension or historical significance. The writing is straightforward, perfect for younger readers, but the emotional weight and vivid descriptions of a time when people risked everything for their beliefs make it accessible to anyone who loves a good underdog story. Vernon paints a picture of life under the iron grip of the Church without bogging the reader down with a history lecture.
Each chapter is short, snappy, and leaves just enough mystery hanging in the air to keep you turning the pages. The historical details are woven in seamlessly; you’ll be learning about the Protestant Reformation without even realizing it.
Why It Works:
The Bible Smuggler succeeds because it’s not just a history lesson dressed up as fiction—it’s a compelling narrative where the characters’ struggles matter. You care about Colin’s transformation from a boy tagging along on an adventure to a young man who understands the weight of his choices. The book’s biggest strength lies in how it makes abstract historical themes—like religious freedom and the power of the written word—feel personal.
Tyndale isn’t just a distant figure from the past; he’s the guy you want on your team, standing up to the big, bad establishment, risking everything for the greater good. It’s the classic David-and-Goliath story, except this time David’s weapon is a translation, and Goliath is an entire religious institution.
Where It Falls a Little Flat:
But let’s get real—if you’re looking for deep character development, you won’t find it here. The characters are a bit too polished; Tyndale is practically a saint (and not in the flawed, human way), and Colin, while likable, serves more as a witness to history than a fully realized person with his own complex motivations. It’s history through a wide-eyed, childlike lens—ideal for the target age group, but perhaps a little too simple for older readers craving nuance.
Also, Vernon plays it safe when it comes to the messy details of the Reformation. It’s clear who the “good guys” and “bad guys” are, and there’s little exploration of the grayer areas. This is definitely a hero’s tale, not a complex dissection of the era’s many political and religious intricacies.
Final Thoughts:
Despite its minor shortcomings, The Bible Smuggler is a thrilling introduction to a monumental moment in history. It’s perfect for young readers who might not yet be ready for denser historical fiction but are itching for adventure, danger, and a cause worth fighting for. If you’re an adult, you’ll breeze through it in an afternoon, but it just might inspire you to dig deeper into the real stories behind Tyndale’s mission.
June 12, 2023
I do not have a rhyme or reason for what books I read at any given time but it sometimes fascinates me how the books I read in tandem stack up against each other. Reading this one at the same time I was reading a dystopian novel about a society without God and a number of other books that quote scripture quite liberally really made me think. Reading this one, the story of William Tyndale, the man who literally gave his all so that scripture could be available to as many people as possible, caused me to be grateful for the freedom I enjoy in my literature and my life in general. It behooves us to step back now and again and remember the sacrifices of those who have gone before. This is a quick read for both kids and adults that offers that perspective.
"Would God ever tell a person to do something wrong? he blurted
"No, Collin. God does not tell you to do something wrong, but sometimes man misunderstands His message."
Collin felt better, but he was not quite satisfied. "Then how can you tell it's God giving the message? Wasn't God telling me to run away?"
Tyndale answered with a question of his own. "Did you feel good about running away?"
"No." Collin reflected for a moment. "You mean if God is with you, you feel good even if you have troubles?"
Tyndale smiled in agreement and gave the signal to mount the horses.
"I found it a laborious task to force Hebrew writers to talk German," Martin Luther went on. "It was as if a nightingale had to give up its own sweet melody and imitate the song of the cuckoo."
Tyndale agreed. "Many have told me the English tongue is too clumsy," he said, "but I always ask them, 'Has not God made the English tongue as well as others?'"
Martin Luther chuckled. "Yes, but be sure you do not get your English from the Latin. You must get it from the mother in the house, the child in the street, and the common man in the marketplace."
Tyndale's face became sad. "But I am exiled from England. I shall never again hear the English mother, the English child, or the English laborer."
Author's note: in 1536, ten years after the close of our story, William Tyndale died at the stake. His last words were, "Lord, open the King of England's eyes." His prayer was heard. (I had to include this note as I believe that prayer to be one of the world's most perfect and important prayers and, quite possibly, the best last words ever uttered.)
"Would God ever tell a person to do something wrong? he blurted
"No, Collin. God does not tell you to do something wrong, but sometimes man misunderstands His message."
Collin felt better, but he was not quite satisfied. "Then how can you tell it's God giving the message? Wasn't God telling me to run away?"
Tyndale answered with a question of his own. "Did you feel good about running away?"
"No." Collin reflected for a moment. "You mean if God is with you, you feel good even if you have troubles?"
Tyndale smiled in agreement and gave the signal to mount the horses.
"I found it a laborious task to force Hebrew writers to talk German," Martin Luther went on. "It was as if a nightingale had to give up its own sweet melody and imitate the song of the cuckoo."
Tyndale agreed. "Many have told me the English tongue is too clumsy," he said, "but I always ask them, 'Has not God made the English tongue as well as others?'"
Martin Luther chuckled. "Yes, but be sure you do not get your English from the Latin. You must get it from the mother in the house, the child in the street, and the common man in the marketplace."
Tyndale's face became sad. "But I am exiled from England. I shall never again hear the English mother, the English child, or the English laborer."
Author's note: in 1536, ten years after the close of our story, William Tyndale died at the stake. His last words were, "Lord, open the King of England's eyes." His prayer was heard. (I had to include this note as I believe that prayer to be one of the world's most perfect and important prayers and, quite possibly, the best last words ever uttered.)
August 15, 2023
Historical fiction. I would call this a pre-teen book. I read it because I like to preview all the books I give to my grandchildren and I am always looking for inspiring stories of real people. This book is about William Tyndale and his struggles to get the Bible translated into the English language so the common people could read it. With so many Bibles in so many translations today, it is amazing that at one time the church would think that God's word should not be available to all people. Reading this book made me appreciate more the sacrifice that was made -- Tyndall's life -- so that I could read the Bible today. I think before reading this book a youth would need some background on the controversies in the church during the 1500s.
November 15, 2025
Based on the real life story of William Tyndale, who first translated the Bible into English, this book will hold the reader's attention. By including the boy, Collin Hartley as a student and assistant to Tyndale, younger readers can more easily relate to the events. And what a set of events! We take an English language Bible so for granted! It is hard to comprehend the steps the Catholic church, who held much power, took to try to keep the everyday person from being able to read the Bible in their own language.
September 24, 2021
A Cliffhanger in Every Chapter
This was a great addition to our school studies of the Reformation. The story features an earnest young boy and we figure out alongside him who is friend and who is foe. You get a real sense of the danger and of the importance of breaking the law for a noble cause. The story is told at a brisk pace and makes for a good read aloud. The kindle version has quite a few typos but is otherwise a useful format to use in the schoolroom.
This was a great addition to our school studies of the Reformation. The story features an earnest young boy and we figure out alongside him who is friend and who is foe. You get a real sense of the danger and of the importance of breaking the law for a noble cause. The story is told at a brisk pace and makes for a good read aloud. The kindle version has quite a few typos but is otherwise a useful format to use in the schoolroom.
June 30, 2024
This is an easy and important read geared towards young readers. It's the story of William Tyndale (1494-1536). Tyndale was considered the English Martin Luther (no, not MLK), who translated most of the Bible into English. Martin Luther translated the Bible into the German language.
The story moves along with some excitement spread throughout. If you want a weekend religious read this is for you.
The story moves along with some excitement spread throughout. If you want a weekend religious read this is for you.
April 28, 2024
Great!
This book, I think, was one of my top favorites besides the two pilgrims progresses. It really gave me an inspiration to do a printing press activity with my mom. I really liked how adventure packed it was. This is one of my favorite parts: when William and Collin went to Geneva by boat and William got sea sick but he kept going.
-Age 6
This book, I think, was one of my top favorites besides the two pilgrims progresses. It really gave me an inspiration to do a printing press activity with my mom. I really liked how adventure packed it was. This is one of my favorite parts: when William and Collin went to Geneva by boat and William got sea sick but he kept going.
-Age 6
April 20, 2020
Well written living book I read to my boys to learn the history of William Tyndale and his struggle to write the Bible in English. The whole family liked this book, now we are inspired to read the author's other books!
January 12, 2020
a well written book for younger readers about the life and work of Tyndale. I read it in that age range and enjoyed it.
July 3, 2021
Well-written, exciting story for kids & their families about the life of William Tyndale from the perspective of a boy who lives & works with him. Makes a great read aloud.
May 13, 2022
Great for a kids' read-aloud. Engaging with a victorious ending but sobering postscript.
June 24, 2022
Basic story of the wonderful influence of William Tyndale in the English people having a Bible they can read themselves.
August 23, 2023
I pre-read this for Hadley's school year. It was truly inspiring and I can't wait for her to read it.
August 28, 2023
A book of God's intervention to bring the Bible to the English speaking people.
October 24, 2024
Loved reading this with the boys. Such an amazing true story of how the Bible got translated into English.
Want to read
November 3, 2024Katie book choice
May 22, 2025
Absolutely loved reading this and agree with others the importance of reading it to your kids.
The end brought me to tears.
The end brought me to tears.
December 4, 2025
I read this book to my 5th graders and they loved it. It helped them realize the lengths that early Christians had to go to in order to have the scriptures be accessible to them.
May 17, 2022
I confess I somewhat judged this book by its terrible cover, but it was quite gripping. The stakes are high (terrible pun not intended, yikes), and I think it helped my kids appreciate more how blessed they are to have the Bible so easily accessible in their language.
January 7, 2015
Read this with my son as a read-aloud as we studied reformation in our homeschool. It's definitely a book that all believers should read. Perhaps we'd appreciate God's word more if we knew more about people like William Tyndale.
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February 2, 2016This was a great and very informative book on William Tyndale. It was written very well and was easy to understand and grasp the concepts and ideas presented in the book. It accurately described William Tyndale and his theories on religion and the Bible. Definitely recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews