Profiles of Valor

I met Rick and Marilyn Boyer at the Christian Home Educators of Kentucky summer conference this past June.  What wonderful people they are – sweet, down-to-earth and serious about sharing God’s message!

My family and I have enjoyed books by the Boyers before like Proverbs People and For You They Signed, so I was very excited to learn about their newest release, Profiles of Valor: Character Studies from the War of Independence!

History and Character

Each of the  40 chapters focuses on one important person from the founding era of our country.  Many of the people you have heard of (like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin), and many of the people may be new to you (like Emily Geiger and Oliver Wolcott.)

While learning a bit of historical fact about each figure, special attention is pointed toward one particular character quality that each person exuded.  A definition of the character quality and Bible verse that promote that quality are clearly outlined.  In fact, character is such a huge part of the purpose of this book that you will find a table of contents for each character quality, as well as a table of contents for the historical figures.

Endurance

The inward strength to withstand tribulation with determination.

Memory Verse

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  Galatians 6:9

Following each 3-10 page chapter is a list of discussion questions.  Not only do these questions promote reading comprehension, they encourage your children to think critically about each person’s character and how it helped to shape our country.

Questions

What is the definition of humility?  How did General Washington’s life reflect humility?

Think of a situation where you have seen people react with emotion instead of being level-headed, and tell how some of the colonists and some of the British reacted wrongly.

Tell some of the obstacles Knox and his men faced and met with perseverance.

Of course, Profiles of Valor would be a fantastic addition to a study of the Revolutionary War, but we have found it to be just as useful to read together even though our studies of the American Revolution have past.  Like the Boyers, our family chooses to spend time learning about the people behind the founding of our country in hopes to raise up a generation of people who stand on the Word of God with integrity and obedience.

I should mention that the hard-cover book looks very nice on our bookshelf and will last for many years.  There is no particular age level suggested, but I think it’s most appropriate for 5th grade through high school.

(Cindy received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

~Cindy is an eclectically Charlotte Mason mom of three from Central KY.  She is author at Shining Dawn Books and blogger at Our Journey Westward.