He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.–from the Song of David (2 Samuel 22:35)The Bronze Bow, written by Elizabeth George Speare (author ofThe Witch of Blackbird Pond)won the Newbery Medal in 1962. This gripping, action-packed novel tellsthe story of eighteen-year-old Daniel bar Jamin—a fierce, hotheadedyoung man bent on revenging his father’s death by forcing the Romansfrom his land of Israel. Daniel’s palpable hatred for Romans wanes onlywhen he starts to hear the gentle lessons of the traveling carpenter,Jesus of Nazareth. A fast-paced, suspenseful, vividly wrought tale offriendship, loyalty, the idea of home, community . . . and ultimately,as Jesus says to Daniel on page 224: “Can’t you see, Daniel, it is hatethat is the enemy? Not men. Hate does not die with killing. It onlysprings up a hundredfold. The only thing stronger than hate is love.” Apowerful, relevant read in turbulent times.