A Time to Love: Stories from the Old Testament

A parent would reach for this book when their middle schooler begins to question the human motivations behind religious or historical traditions. It is an ideal choice for a child who feels that scriptural stories are distant or two dimensional and needs to see their own complex feelings, such as sibling jealousy, romantic longing, or the pressure to be loyal, reflected in ancient figures. Walter Dean Myers moves beyond the Sunday School versions of these stories to explore the internal lives of young people in the Old Testament. He presents six retellings from the perspectives of characters like Ruth and Isaac, focusing on the universal experience of coming of age. This collection is best suited for ages 10 to 15, providing a sophisticated bridge between simple biblical narratives and the nuanced emotional realities of modern adolescence.