The Bronze Bow

by Elizabeth George Speare · 1961

When Roman soldiers crucify his father, eighteen‑year‑old Daniel bar Jamin swears vengeance, joining a band of hill‑top rebels and leading daring raids against the occupying legion. His hatred fuels every decision, even as he cares for his sister Leah, his loyal friend Joel, and Joel’s sister Malthace. When a traveling carpenter named Jesus arrives in nearby Capernaum, Daniel is drawn to his quiet teachings of love and forgiveness—ideas that clash violently with his thirst for revenge. As Daniel’s world narrows between blood‑soaked guerrilla warfare and the gentle, radical message of compassion, he must confront the true enemy within himself. Elizabeth George Speare’s Newbery‑winning novel follows Daniel’s painful journey from blind fury to a hard‑won understanding that hate cannot be killed by swords, only by love.