Pathways: Grade 5 Spy for the Night Riders Trade Book

I am reviewing this as a high school world history teacher who is looking for high-quality historical fiction of all skill levels that I can add to my classroom library. While this book is too easy for the average high school student, it would be a good fit for the 'reluctant reader' or the student interested in the Reformation. The plot moves along pretty quickly and does a good job of telling about Martin Luther's big moment at the Diet of Worms and his travels immediately before and after his hearing. Some previous knowledge of the Reformation would be helpful. I give this one a B+.

This was a very good book for younger readers. It was full of action and adventure. Karl Schumacher was a student of Martin Luther who chose to risk his life just being accosiated with him. He makes a trip with Martin Luther in spite of the possible danger. Read and find out what will happen to young Karl Schumacher.Not only was this an interesting retelling of Martin Luther's life, it was also very accurate.

My children, and I are using these books for a time of literature, history, geography, and Devotion. I got into this story just as much as my children. I used a curriculum guide with the book, and we are able to have more of an understanding of our character. Our character was Doctor Martin Luther, and having Karl as his companion was very neat for the children to follow him through the story. We just finished the story, and we plan on reading another Trailblazer Book. I hope your child/ family will get as much out of the story as ours did.