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Trailblazer Books (Chronological) #1
Spy for the Night Riders: Introducing Martin Luther
SPY FOR THE NIGHT RIDERS Introducing Martin Luther Karl Schumacher was fifteen when he came to the German city of Wittenberg in 1520 seeking an education. He had been very fortunate that the esteemed university professor Doctor Martin Luther, had taken him into his household as a servant. Luther's promise of tutoring Karl in exchange for his labor was the chance of a lifetime-until a poster on the church door declared his master a heretic! Karl is asked to travel with Doctor Luther to appear before the emperor's Imperial Council in the city of Worms. Will his life be at stake as well as Luther's? And who is the mysterious young lady who shadows their trip? Could she be a spy for Luther's enemy, Doctor Eck? Or might the night riders be secret supporters of Luther? With danger lurking on every side, who can Karl trust?
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
About the author
Dave Jackson
233 books74 followersDave and Neta Jackson are a full-time husband/wife writing team who have authored and co-authored many books on marriage and family, the church, relationships, and other subjects. Their books for children include the TRAILBLAZER series and Hero Tales, volumes I,II, III, and IV. The Jacksons make their home in Evanston, Illinois.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 31, 2024
I have fond memories of my mom reading these books to us over lunch. And we’d beg her to keep going when lunch was over too, because we just had to know what happened! Well told, engaging, adventuresome and you learn about a famous Christian in history.
Ages: 7+
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Ages: 7+
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
June 10, 2016
Hard to write a review for something like this.
As a father, I love the opportunity to introduce my kids to such a significant individual and event in the history of the church -- and in light of that, the review should be much higher. I've had conversations with my kids about the Reformation, Luther's theology, the state of the Medieval Church, etc., that I can't imagine having the opportunity to discuss otherwise. And my 9-year-old probably knows more about the Reformation having read this little historical fiction book than about 90% of American church-goers, so kudos to the Jacksons for recognizing that it is important to know something about one's heritage.
As a professor of Theology, there is so much left out and so much imported -- and in light of this, the review should be lower. (We could argue all day, however, about how much is appropriate for the target audience -- and how much of the "imported" material is innocuous in itself, and serves to capture the interest of a child. And this is precisely why this series of books is so difficult to "rate").
As a reader, the book is entertaining, but not much happens. Granted, the authors were limited by a small window to glimpse into the events surrounding the Diet of Worms (the name of which sparked yet another interesting conversation with the kids), and given these limitations, there is only so much they could do. I'd prefer the book be slightly slow-paced in spots and stick to the general flow of history than to see the authors bring in battles, goblins, and UFOs in an effort to "spice up" the story.
This is one of the times I've wished GoodReads let me add an extra half-star to the rating. I can't justify going up to 4 stars, but 3 doesn't seem quite enough.
As a father, I love the opportunity to introduce my kids to such a significant individual and event in the history of the church -- and in light of that, the review should be much higher. I've had conversations with my kids about the Reformation, Luther's theology, the state of the Medieval Church, etc., that I can't imagine having the opportunity to discuss otherwise. And my 9-year-old probably knows more about the Reformation having read this little historical fiction book than about 90% of American church-goers, so kudos to the Jacksons for recognizing that it is important to know something about one's heritage.
As a professor of Theology, there is so much left out and so much imported -- and in light of this, the review should be lower. (We could argue all day, however, about how much is appropriate for the target audience -- and how much of the "imported" material is innocuous in itself, and serves to capture the interest of a child. And this is precisely why this series of books is so difficult to "rate").
As a reader, the book is entertaining, but not much happens. Granted, the authors were limited by a small window to glimpse into the events surrounding the Diet of Worms (the name of which sparked yet another interesting conversation with the kids), and given these limitations, there is only so much they could do. I'd prefer the book be slightly slow-paced in spots and stick to the general flow of history than to see the authors bring in battles, goblins, and UFOs in an effort to "spice up" the story.
This is one of the times I've wished GoodReads let me add an extra half-star to the rating. I can't justify going up to 4 stars, but 3 doesn't seem quite enough.
January 11, 2014
It was a fun read. The kids enjoyed it more than I did. I was hoping for a little more history. overall a good book.
May 12, 2020
Very, very good book - would be good tor ead aloud too. Brings history to life. It's about Martin Luther. Highly, highly recommend.
December 20, 2017
This book is such an action and romance book! I love it!!
October 20, 2024
Light of details of what Luther actually did and said, heavy on historically unlikely teen romance. Anyway, kids liked it and it certainly isn't the worst. 3.5
April 20, 2016
Good Historical Fiction for Young Readers
This is an easy, engaging series for young readers wanting to learn more about the "trailblazers" of the Christian faith. This book focuses on Dr. Martin Luther.
The story focuses on Luther just before and immediately after the Diet of Worms. The perspective is obviously in favor of Luther with a heavy anti-Catholic flavor. I believe the book could've been written to appeal to both sides so believe it's unfortunate the work didn't do that.
Still, it's fast paced and easy to understand. The book is appropriately aimed at young readers. Some background knowledge of the Reformation would prove helpful, but isn't necessary. There is a brief summary of Luther's life (though incomplete! It doesn't even mention his wife!) after the story finishes. I think a more complete note for children's sake of what elements of the story are historical and fiction would be appropriate, but I suppose that would take up too much space.
All in all, though, a recommended book for elementary aged children.
4 stars
This review originally appeared at http://sophiesmindset.blogspot.com/20... as part of the Reading Challenge 2016. To see all book in the challenge, click here.
December 26, 2016
This is probably closer to 4 stars, but I'm not sure. I was underwhelmed this time around, though I liked it more when I was younger. It's written for younger kids, 8-12, so that explains that a little. As usual with a lot of books, I am sad that there couldn't be a connection between a girl with a "hauntingly beautiful face" (that is one of two main descriptors that she gets) and a teenage boy besides him being attracted to her. But I'm nitpicking, and I digress.
Also, I'm totally not sure if Karl Schumacher was a real person. I haven't looked it up, but with stories like this, I'd love an epilogue at the back that talks about what is fictionalized and what's not. There is a cool section about Martin Luther, though, some additional information and additional reading suggestions. I liked that pretty well.
Um. Writing style. Not a huge fan. I felt pretty distanced from the action. I'm not good with my terms for perspectives and such (I need my writer nerd friends), but overall everything was a little forced. I'm not sure. I'm probably just being overly critical.
Thanks for reading this unhelpful and unstable review.
Also, I'm totally not sure if Karl Schumacher was a real person. I haven't looked it up, but with stories like this, I'd love an epilogue at the back that talks about what is fictionalized and what's not. There is a cool section about Martin Luther, though, some additional information and additional reading suggestions. I liked that pretty well.
Um. Writing style. Not a huge fan. I felt pretty distanced from the action. I'm not good with my terms for perspectives and such (I need my writer nerd friends), but overall everything was a little forced. I'm not sure. I'm probably just being overly critical.
Thanks for reading this unhelpful and unstable review.
July 8, 2012
Good history - for 4th to 8th graders
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 Spy for the Night Riders: Martin Luther 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.
To see all of my reviews that reference Martin Luther click here: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/searc...
To see all of my reviews that tagged with "reformation" click here: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/searc...
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 Spy for the Night Riders: Martin Luther 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.
To see all of my reviews that reference Martin Luther click here: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/searc...
To see all of my reviews that tagged with "reformation" click here: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/searc...
June 3, 2015
The kids loved this story that kept them asking for "one more chapter". I, as their mom, loved that the story kept their attention while learning about a hero of the faith. This is a fiction story based on historical facts. This book is a great way to introduce Martin Luther to your children in a way that will cause them to beg to know more.
February 15, 2015
Good story that gave a fair, fast overview of Martin Luther's life. It starts with the Diet of Worms, covering what happened before via memories and conversations, and ends during Luther's charade as Knight George.
June 19, 2017
Really enjoyed this book! Read it with the kids and they loved it, too. Informative in regards to the culture during Martin Luther and the Reformation. Fast-paced and holds the reader's interest well. Very sad beginning, though, and a huge cliffhanger ending.
September 24, 2007
a fun historical fiction on the reformation and Luther's 95 theses and call to the Diet of Worms, etc.
March 13, 2009
my familey has read it lots of times, it is great!
June 17, 2009
I read it a while ago, but from what I remember, I liked it alot.
July 12, 2010
Didn't like it when I was 15, and I have the feeling I'd like it even less now.
February 13, 2011
We love Trailblazer books - they are great biographies for kids! My kids and I thoroughly enjoyed this one about Martin Luther.
December 18, 2012
I guess it is a good book I really think it could use more action
It is so boring
It is so boring
December 30, 2012
Interesting historical fiction novel about the early ministry of Martin Luther.
May 17, 2015
I love any Trailblazer book. They're basic but full of true biographies wrapped in a teen's pov and some plot/danger. This one is about Martin Luther. Fast read.
March 23, 2026
Mostly good!
I really didn’t learn anything about Martin Luther. For a book that is supposed to be about Martin Luther, that’s a problem.
Instead, the book focuses on a fictional misogynistic teenage boy’s crush on a girl that might be trying to kill his master.
Page 25: “I decided to follow her. After all, she was very pretty, and mysterious. why not find out where she lived?”
(Uh… someone call 911?)
Page 42: “Mother was wild with joy when surprised her and Father by walking right into wa house. She kept tring to hug and kiss me like I was still a little boy. I don't know, sometimes the way a mother can make a fellow feel like the only safe way to meet her is on opposite sides of a creek too deep to wade.”
(Eww)
Page 45: “I'll do my best to make sure that he remains safe. But the truth is, in this situation, I can make no guarantees."
"Well, then," concluded my father, "sleep on it tonight, Karl. But don't forget your mother's wisdom and feelings." (His mom didn’t want him to go because he would risk being BURNED ALIVE AS A HERETIC.)
That settled it for me. There wasn't anything to think about; come morning, I'd be off down the road in that creaky old wagon.
(Yikes)
Page 54: “Three girls and two boys, and I’ll be as glad to see them as my wife.”
(Uh… okay…)
Page 90: “Again and again as we crept along my mind would drift to Arlene: bumping into her outside Raven's Tavern back in Wittenberg, Arlene racing through Duben in the middle of the night with her hair flying behind her, Arlene looking so beautiful in the soft torchlight the last time I'd seen her.
If I could really trust her, I thought, guiding the horses around a place where the heavy spring rains had washed out part of the road, she was the kind of girl a fellow could get interested in. There was no denying her haunting beauty. But there was more.
What courage she must have to be out on the highway by herself! She had confidence, a self-assurance I didn't see much in other girls I knew. And if she really supported Luther's teachings . .. that spoke well of her faith in God.
On the other hand, I snorted to myself, she must not be from a very good family if her parents let her travel around the country alone like that.”
Page 117: “"Well it was, and this is the girl," I said, pointing to Arlene. "She met me in Worms and arranged for me to tell her when we'd be traveling and where we were going. But what I don't understand," I said, turning to Arlene, "is, why you? Why a young girl out on the road alone?"
Arlene laughed. "This is my father," she said, indicating the captain. "And he was never that far away."
"Your father?" I said. "But why weren't you here at the castle, dressed in the fine clothes of a noble lady, learning the manners of court?"
"I have. I mean, I do want to learn those things.
It's just..."
"Maybe I can explain," offered the captain. "My wife Arlene's mother-died eight years ago. I have no other children, and I value Arlene's companion-ship. So I have undertaken to teach her the things I know: how to ride, how to shoot a bow, how to be resourceful. And she's become very skilled and cou-rageous, don't you think?"
"Well, yes. But girls just don't.."
"Karl," said Doctor Luther.
Page 122: “They always have their obstacles. And my dreams about Arlene were no exception. At the end of the summer the captain sent her off to stay with his sister, the Duchess of Ebernburg, to be trained as a noble lady. I should have kept my mouth shut about Arlene not being trained in the social graces.
Oh, well. When she returns and I have graduated from the university, then maybe....”
(Dude — you are a stable boy, she is a Noble Woman — she is WAY out of your league and yet you keep speaking down to her like YOU are anything more than a common misogynistic peasant.)
Throughout the book, speaks down about his mom repeatedly and he is constantly harping on how “mysterious” and “beautiful” and “mesmerizing” and “hauntingly beautiful” Arlene is.
Which would be fine in a romance.
But this was supposed to teach about Martin Luther, and by the end of the book, we know very little about Martin Luther except we readers feel vague dislike of him.
I really didn’t learn anything about Martin Luther. For a book that is supposed to be about Martin Luther, that’s a problem.
Instead, the book focuses on a fictional misogynistic teenage boy’s crush on a girl that might be trying to kill his master.
Page 25: “I decided to follow her. After all, she was very pretty, and mysterious. why not find out where she lived?”
(Uh… someone call 911?)
Page 42: “Mother was wild with joy when surprised her and Father by walking right into wa house. She kept tring to hug and kiss me like I was still a little boy. I don't know, sometimes the way a mother can make a fellow feel like the only safe way to meet her is on opposite sides of a creek too deep to wade.”
(Eww)
Page 45: “I'll do my best to make sure that he remains safe. But the truth is, in this situation, I can make no guarantees."
"Well, then," concluded my father, "sleep on it tonight, Karl. But don't forget your mother's wisdom and feelings." (His mom didn’t want him to go because he would risk being BURNED ALIVE AS A HERETIC.)
That settled it for me. There wasn't anything to think about; come morning, I'd be off down the road in that creaky old wagon.
(Yikes)
Page 54: “Three girls and two boys, and I’ll be as glad to see them as my wife.”
(Uh… okay…)
Page 90: “Again and again as we crept along my mind would drift to Arlene: bumping into her outside Raven's Tavern back in Wittenberg, Arlene racing through Duben in the middle of the night with her hair flying behind her, Arlene looking so beautiful in the soft torchlight the last time I'd seen her.
If I could really trust her, I thought, guiding the horses around a place where the heavy spring rains had washed out part of the road, she was the kind of girl a fellow could get interested in. There was no denying her haunting beauty. But there was more.
What courage she must have to be out on the highway by herself! She had confidence, a self-assurance I didn't see much in other girls I knew. And if she really supported Luther's teachings . .. that spoke well of her faith in God.
On the other hand, I snorted to myself, she must not be from a very good family if her parents let her travel around the country alone like that.”
Page 117: “"Well it was, and this is the girl," I said, pointing to Arlene. "She met me in Worms and arranged for me to tell her when we'd be traveling and where we were going. But what I don't understand," I said, turning to Arlene, "is, why you? Why a young girl out on the road alone?"
Arlene laughed. "This is my father," she said, indicating the captain. "And he was never that far away."
"Your father?" I said. "But why weren't you here at the castle, dressed in the fine clothes of a noble lady, learning the manners of court?"
"I have. I mean, I do want to learn those things.
It's just..."
"Maybe I can explain," offered the captain. "My wife Arlene's mother-died eight years ago. I have no other children, and I value Arlene's companion-ship. So I have undertaken to teach her the things I know: how to ride, how to shoot a bow, how to be resourceful. And she's become very skilled and cou-rageous, don't you think?"
"Well, yes. But girls just don't.."
"Karl," said Doctor Luther.
Page 122: “They always have their obstacles. And my dreams about Arlene were no exception. At the end of the summer the captain sent her off to stay with his sister, the Duchess of Ebernburg, to be trained as a noble lady. I should have kept my mouth shut about Arlene not being trained in the social graces.
Oh, well. When she returns and I have graduated from the university, then maybe....”
(Dude — you are a stable boy, she is a Noble Woman — she is WAY out of your league and yet you keep speaking down to her like YOU are anything more than a common misogynistic peasant.)
Throughout the book, speaks down about his mom repeatedly and he is constantly harping on how “mysterious” and “beautiful” and “mesmerizing” and “hauntingly beautiful” Arlene is.
Which would be fine in a romance.
But this was supposed to teach about Martin Luther, and by the end of the book, we know very little about Martin Luther except we readers feel vague dislike of him.
May 3, 2018
This book is about Dr. Luther and his servant, Karl. The Pope declared that they come to the Emperor, they accept, but then he starts to like a girl. While looking for the girl, Karl gets captured and is asked to tell them where Luther is so they could save him. Karl trusts them and informs them on where Dr. Luther is. Karl still has his suspicions on the girl and them and then he finds out the girl is working for them. Then they get captured and then brought to a castle. And finds out her father is The person who gave him the assignment is her father!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2018
Capable enough history, hitting the high points of Luther's opposition to indulgences, trial at Worms, and kidnapping to the Wartburg, with a quick summation filling out the less adventurous results that followed. The story was entertaining, but the time spent in Karl's head with his doubts was overdone, and the jr high romance was a bit silly. Still, if an 8-12 year old wants to read about Martin Luther, I'm all for it.
March 5, 2024
I've never read a historical fiction novel about Martin Luther, so this was pretty interesting. There's also a little bit of romance in it, which was super surprising (in a good way).
Content: CLEAN. There's kidnapping, but nothing bad happens except the MC is tied up. No one gets harmed or anything, although the book starts with someone getting burned at the stake. It's not described horrifically, just matter-of-factly to make a point.
Content: CLEAN. There's kidnapping, but nothing bad happens except the MC is tied up. No one gets harmed or anything, although the book starts with someone getting burned at the stake. It's not described horrifically, just matter-of-factly to make a point.
October 30, 2017
It was okay for a short, historical fiction. It was not a large portion of Luther's life, only his travels to Worms and subsequent "kidnapping". But my children already knowing the entire story liked hearing this portion put into an adventurous narrative. It was enjoyable for everyone.
December 15, 2017
It was a really nice story 'cause there were intense parts, and awesome relieving parts. There were some parts that I did get bored at. I mean, most stories are like that. I also like how Martin Luther stood up for God and stuff. He's pretty brave. So is Karl.
January 6, 2025
This book was written from the perspective of Luther's understudy. I read it aloud to an 11 and 9 year old. It was good, but not the best. They could have completely left out the hints of romance. They felt forced and cheesy.
June 4, 2026
Pretty underwhelmed and also annoyed by the unnecessary romance between the two kids/teenagers. I edited as I read aloud to my kids and skipped over all mentions of it. It was also so much of “should I trust her or not?” when I would have appreciated more history.
December 13, 2017
Not like my type. I think Karl should have always shut his mouth. I got kind of board of it.
December 13, 2017
good book. I like it but it is not the best book in the world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews