El Cid, God's Own Champion: The True Story of the Knight of Vivar

A story told so well, you won't want to put this book down! The real life characters motivate any reader to get out and take a stand for what they believe in. A must read for any Catholic, regardless of age!

I know Mr. Fitzhenry and we have spoken on how there seems to be a lack of figures in our contemporary society that exemplify the importance of manly honor, unwavering courage, and faith in the face of immoral and seemingly overpowering adversity. Thus was El Cid. James captures the essence of honor, faith, and the chivalric code in the man that was El Cid. He takes the reader through the journey of the rise of El Cid and the attributes he possessed that not only gained him honor with his fellow Christians, but was paid tribute to by the Muslim warlords who respected him so highly that they gave him the name El Cid, "The Lord". James also explains El Cid's qualities in a way that a young man of today can draw upon and apply in his daily life the examples of honor, courage, and faith that El Cid encompassed. This book is a must read for young men of middle school and high school age or anyone who feels the need to live their own lives more honorably, more courageously, and more faithfully in a society where it seems the importance of these qualities have dwindled over the past few decades.

I greatly enjoyed reading this book to my children. They were captivated by the fascinating details of this heroes life. The author brought the characters to life with lively energy and beautifully drawn illustrations. This amazing true story is written from a Catholic perspective. El Cid epitomizes the moral virtues that are all but lost in today's society. This is a perfect addition to any home schooling program. I highly recommend this book to anyone with children.

I'm embarrassed to admit that I have almost no knowledge of Rodrigo Diaz of Vivar, known to history as El Cid, the national hero of Spain. In this, sadly, I suspect I'm not alone among Americans. So I was very happy to find this book. El Cid: God's Own Champion is a historical narrative, meant specifically for older kids, perhaps ages 12 and up. It is well written and Fitzhenry's prose has an easy grace that flows well and keeps the reader's attention. Based mainly on Ramon Menendez Pidal's work, The Cid and His Spain., the text chronicles the amazing life of El Cid and gives a glimpse into a time when the threat of radical Islam was even more immediate and dangerous than it is today. The Iberian peninsula in the 11th century was rent with conflicts between the various petty Christian and Islamic principalities, and it was not uncommon for Christian nobles to ally with Islamic ones against other Christians--and vice-versa. Into this confusing morass enters El Cid, an unconquerable hero who accomplishes what seems impossible with the barest handful of men. But El Cid's successes provoked the jealousy of his rivals who had the ear of King Alfonso of Castile. Time and again, Alfonso punished and exiled his greatest champion, but through all the injustice, El Cid remained unwaveringly loyal, ever seeking to win back the good graces of his sovereign. Fitzhenry also portrays El Cid as a paragon of Christian manhood. He is honest to a fault, pious, and humble before his king. He also shows mercy to his enemies and repeatedly tries to win the allegiance of the faithless Muslims of Valencia who repay his friendly overtures and honest justice with sedition and rebellion. Overall, I enjoyed El Cid, God's Own Champion very much. Because it serves as both a history lesson and an inspiring tale of Catholic manhood, it is an ideal book for parents to read with their kids.

I highly recomend reading this beautiful book and adding it to your libraries - El Cid is a heartwarming and inspiring story giving glorious tribute to the triumph of human faith-and its well detailed events will forever dwell in your mind! El Cid, a book for all ages, will make you forget where you are and take you far into its story. This wonderful little book will strengthen the faith of its readers, no matter how weak or strong it may be. Mr. James Fitzhenry is a very creative and brilliant author. El Cid: God's Own Champion was rated super-high by my husband and two young adult children, and voted the best story book Fitzhenry has put together yet!