The Handy Bible Answer Book

Gr 7 Up—An easy-to-navigate reference tool on the bestselling book of all time. Youth services librarian Prince condenses the contents of the religious tome into more than 1,700 frequently asked questions. Covering topics that range from how the Bible came to be (including its different iterations, translations, and editions) to how it has influenced popular culture (including Star Wars and Broadway productions), this concise work touches upon diverse subjects, common interpretations, and even historical and archaeological findings related to the book that has served as a cornerstone of Western Civilization. The chapters are divided according to how the text is commonly sectioned, Old Testament (Pentateuch, Historical Books, Wisdom, and Poetical Books) and New Testament (Prophets, Gospels and Acts, Paul's Letters, Other Letters, and Revelations). An additional chapter discusses the Apocrypha and why these books aren't usually included in the King James Version but are still venerated by some Christians. The black-and-white illustrations and photos interspersed throughout add context, interpretation, and even humor to the already conversational tone of this work. Even though it has a slight Protestant bent, this is a primarily nondenominational text that can be used and read by anyone trying to tackle the overwhelming tome for the first time or for those who have many queries about it but are not sure where to begin. Readers won't have to look much further than Prince's well-researched guide.—Shelley Diaz, School Library Journal