What people are saying about The Teacher Who Became a Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“Molly Wilmington uses lively humor and deft storytelling to bring her young readers to contemplate the courageous and heroic sacrifices made by an ordinary human being leading an ordinary life of Christian faithfulness—precisely the sort of example young people need to nurture their faith.”

— DR. THOMAS HIBBS

Professor of Philosophy at Baylor University where he previously served as Dean of the Honors College and Distinguished Professor of Ethics and Culture from 2003 until 2019 when he became the 9th President of the University of Dallas, a Catholic liberal arts university.


“Regrettably, I knew nothing of the life, ministry, and legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer until I was in seminary. Molly Wilmington’s lively, informed book on this towering Christian figure introduces young readers (and those who read to them!) to one from whom they can learn their entire lives. At great personal cost, Bonhoeffer modeled the faith he taught. Such principled conviction and action ought not be lost on us or left in history. Enjoy this educative page-turner on Bonhoeffer!”

— DEAN TODD D. STILL

Baylor University’s Dean and Professor of Christian Scriptures at the George W. Truett Theological Seminary who is author of numerous books, articles, reviews, and Bible study materials and editor of several volumes. He is also a licensed and ordained Baptist minister deeply committed to and actively involved in local churches.

“In days such as our own, there is no greater need than for children to come to understand and love integrity, courage, and justice. Few stories make such virtues more clear than that of Bonhoeffer’s life, and few writers have the ability to capture them for young children like Molly Wilmington. She knows her audience well, and the premise of the book is both inventive and endearing. I will be excited to buy copies for all my nieces and nephews (5 of whom are in the target age range), which is the strongest possible endorsement of the work I know how to give.”

— DR. MATTHEW LEE ANDERSON

Assistant Research Professor of Ethics and Theology at Baylor University’s Institute for Studies of Religion and the Associate Director of Baylor in Washington. He is an Associate Fellow at the McDonald Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Life at Oxford University and the founder of Mere Orthodoxy, an online journal devoted to faith, culture, and politics.


A compelling story about a noble person and a skillful storyteller make for a great children’s book, and that is what we find in Molly Wilmington’s The Teacher Who Became a Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer’s winsome life and courageous witness have inspired and guided millions since his death in 1945, and with this volume girls and boys will be introduced to his exemplary life of faith, insight and hope. Families and churches will definitely want to have this book in their libraries.

— DR. BARRY HARVEY

A published Dietrich Bonhoeffer scholar, Professor of Theology in Great Texts and Religion at Baylor University. Dr. Harvey has served on the Board of the International Bonhoeffer Society, English Language Section, and on the Editorial Board of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works (DBWE).

In a world where children have fewer and fewer examples of ethical living, Molly Wilmington’s Bonhoeffer provides a wonderful example of integrity, courage, and justice for children in an easy to understand and fun way to learn. Only by investing in the next generation do we have any hope for a better world. The effort starts with our children and a book that they can appreciate.

— DR. ALBERT L. REYES, PH.D.

Ph.D., President and CEO, Buckner International and Vice President of the Baptist World Alliance, USA Region. Previously served as President of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and President of Baptist University of the Américas in San Antonio.


This book by Molly Wilmington is a miracle! It brings together three things that I love: dogs, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and the formation of children. Following Shep the puppy, children are invited into Bonhoeffer’s story. Wilmington does such a nice job telling Bonhoeffer’s very complicated biography in a way that is both fair to the history and inviting to children. If you’re a pastor, parent, grandparent or anyone that has a child in your life, get them this book! I’m a big fan.

— DR. ANDREW ROOT

Professor and Chair of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary. Speaker and scholar in youth ministry and practical theology and author of Bonhoeffer as Youth Worker: A Theological Vision for Discipleship and Life Together. His book, The Theological Turn in Youth Ministry, was awarded Book of Merit by Christianity Today.

 

“This is a very fine introduction to Bonhoeffer, one of the twentieth century’s most important Christian thinkers. Children will love the engaging “dog’s perspective” narrative, and parents will value the serious ethical issues it raises in an accessible and poignant way. A great addition to any family library!”

— DR. ELIZABETH COREY

Director of the Baylor Honors Program, Associate Professor of Political Science in the Honors Program. She has earned several awards for research and teaching and was a 2016-2017 Robert Novak Journalism Fellow. She writes for First Things and serves on the board of the Institute on Religion and Public Life.


“Cleverly written and engaging, yet powerful and inspiring, The Teacher Who Became a Spy achieves the near-impossible task of introducing young readers to a remarkable man without glossing over the evil he faced nor the tragedy he experienced. As a writer and an illustrator, I see key moments throughout, including those with Shep, our charming narrator pooch that will come alive when in full color. I can’t wait!”

— BROOSE JOHNSON

Director and Illustrator. Former Animator and Story Artist for Walt Disney Feature Animation, animating Beast (Beauty and the Beast), Genie (Aladdin), Young Simba (Lion King), and many more.


“Children want and need to read about courageous Christians and real life heroes. Molly Wilmington’s wonderful book introduces readers in a marvelously engaging way to the faith-filled Dietrich Bonhoeffer. It will serve as a source of inspiration not only to young readers but also to adults who might read to them.”

— REV. WILSON D. MISCAMBLE

C.S.C., PH.D. Professor of History, University of Notre Dame and priest in the Congregation of Holy Cross. Former Chair of the History Department and his book entitled George F. Kennan and the Making of American Foreign Policy, 1947-1950 received the Harry S. Truman Book Award.

In a world where children have fewer and fewer examples of ethical living, Molly Wilmington’s Bonhoeffer provides a wonderful example of integrity, courage, and justice for children in an easy to understand and fun way to learn. Only by investing in the next generation do we have any hope for a better world. The effort starts with our children and a book that they can appreciate.

— DR. ALBERT L. REYES, PH.D.

President and CEO, Buckner International and Vice President of the Baptist World Alliance, USA Region. Previously served as President of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and President of Baptist University of the Américas in San Antonio.

“Children are the same--everywhere! They love good stories. This story is particularly good in that it was written by Molly Wilmington, who knows a thing or two about children. She’s a mother of two young kids. And the book’s subject is Dietrich Bonhoeffer, certainly one of the most principled persons of our time. To introduce children to such a role model is an important contribution.”

— DR. KURT KAISER

Award winning songwriter of Contemporary Christian music, including Pass It On and Oh, How He Loves You and Me, and member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. With more than 300 copyrighted songs, he arranged and produced albums for many national and international artists.

Molly Frye Wilmington’s The Teacher Who Became a Spy is a powerful re-telling of Bonhoeffer’s story, and will encourage and challenge both children and adults alike. As a pastor, I want our people to be moved by stories of Christian courage and compassion. As a father, I want my children to encounter models of how to follow Jesus in good times and in challenging times. And as a Christian, I need the testimony of Bonhoeffer’s, together with the great cloud of other witnesses, to spur me on in this race. As I read this book to my children (ages 5-11), we experienced all of these things together. We love this book—you will too!

— REV. ALEX LEIGHTON

Anglican priest, planting a church in Bozeman, MT. He’s married to Rebecca, and father to Ezekiel, Sydney, Titus, and Violet.