Billy Graham: America’s Pastor {Book Review}
I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.
I believe kids can be encouraged and inspired by quality heroes, so I’m always watchful for a good biography. I was excited to review a book from YWAM Publishing, Heroes of History series.
My son recently heard a story of how a young Billy Graham had urgently prayed for revival. He insisted we needed to learn more about the historical evangelist. We received a paperback copy of Billing Graham: America’s Pastor by Janet and Geoff Benge, and a digital version of the unit study guide.
Reading the Book
Although I’m old enough to remember the news of Billy Graham and recall seeing a televised revival during my childhood, I really did not know his history. The kids and I were fascinated with stories of him growing up in North Carolina, and coming to know the Lord.
Throughout the book, God’s hand was clearly evident in Billy Graham’s life. He began as a preacher in a small church, but his willingness to be used however God wanted afforded him incredible opportunities to share the gospel.
I had never previously realized that Billy Graham had ministered during the time of racial segregation in our country. He had been taught by the example of his father to respect all people. He did not understand racial hatred, and actively sought and held integrated revivals, where he witnessed unity through Christ.
Billy Graham traveled the world preaching a message of hope. God opened doors for him to go into the most closed areas. Crowds of people came to hear him, and lives were changed.
Study Guide
The study guide contains resources for teaching history, geography, and language arts. The contents included:
- Introduction
- Key Quotes
- Display Corner
- Chapter Questions
- Student Explorations
- Community Links
- Social Studies
- Related Themes to Explore
- Culminating Events
- Books and Resources
- Answers to Chapter Questions
- Social Studies Reproducibles
We used the book as a read aloud. The unit study chapter questions helped us discuss the material together. Each study included six questions:
- A vocabulary question drawn from the text
- A factual question arising from the text
- Two questions to gauge the level of a student’s comprehension
- Two open-ended questions seeking an opinion or interpretation
The complexity of the questions can easily involve both older and younger students. I enjoyed the discussion the questions generated with my middle and high school kids. We covered racial issues from then and now, the past presidents and influential people Billy Graham met, steps taken to establish accountability within the ministry and why it is important, and so much more.
In addition to chapter questions, my older student enjoyed a suggested activity of searching for old sermons on YouTube.
My kids and I thoroughly enjoyed Billy Graham: America’s Pastor. He was an inspiring hero of history and faith. Click on the image below to see what other crew members think of books from the Heroes of History series from YWAM Publishing.
