Jesus - The Teenage Years
on Goodreads (22)
What’s inside...
Everyone knows the story of Jesus' birth, and everyone knows how he died, right? But what about the bit in between - those formative teenage years? No-one knows if Jesus had crises with spots, girls or parents . . . until now.John Farman, author of the bestselling The Very Bloody History of Britain, takes a cheeky but affectionate look at those missing years in Jesus' life. You think you've had teenage-type problems to contend with? Wait till you read what Jesus had to go through!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-17
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think were some of the challenges Jesus faced as a teenager?
How do you think Jesus’ teachings as a teenager influenced his decisions and actions?
Can you relate to any of the experiences or feelings that Jesus went through in his teenage years?
What qualities or actions of Jesus do you admire the most and why?
How can we apply some of Jesus' lessons to our everyday life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by sharing your own thoughts and feelings about Jesus' teenage years to create a comfortable talking environment.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and opinions without judgment, showing interest and understanding to their perspective.
Draw parallels between the book’s themes and the child’s life to make the discussion more relatable and engaging.
Use the book’s illustrations and events as conversation anchors to help your child recall details and express ideas.
Praise your child's insights and contributions to the discussion to boost their confidence and interest in exploring deeper themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The book portrays Jesus in his adolescence, exploring the challenges and emotions he faces, which encourages readers to understand and empathize with others' experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and respect the feelings of their peers and adults, fostering more harmonious interactions at school and home.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: As the story unfolds, Jesus encounters various obstacles and the narrative showcases his resilience in overcoming these challenges.
Real-World Application: Kids can be inspired to persist through their own difficulties, whether it’s dealing with academic challenges or navigating complex social situations.
Example Lesson: Moral courage
Explanation: The character of Jesus demonstrates moral courage by adhering to his principles even when faced with opposition.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to stand up for what they believe is right, enhancing their development into principled individuals.
Example Lesson: Importance of questioning and learning
Explanation: Jesus is depicted as a curious and questioning young person, which highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to ask questions about the world around them and pursue learning with enthusiasm.