Katharine von Bora: The Morning Star of Wittenberg

Katharine von Bora

The Morning Star of Wittenburg

With a foreword by John & Marlene Eidsmoe

Her husband’s story is well known: Martin Luther’s nailing of 95 theses on the door of Wittenberg’s castle church on October 31, 1517, was a turning point in history. Yet it was his dear wife Katie whom Luther called the “Morning Star of Wittenberg.”

After a dramatic escape from a convent in Catholic territory, former nun Katharine von Bora married Wittenberg’s famous preacher and was a remarkable helper and companion to the German Reformer. A courageous lady, a loving wife and mother, and an able, selfless steward of vast responsibilities, Katharine Luther is a sterling example of what a woman, by God’s grace, can be.

This beautifully illustrated storybook brings to life this exciting part of history for readers of all ages to enjoy. The book includes an engaging map of ‘Katherine’s Germany’ as well as a detailed Glossary of Terms for further learning.

Endorsements

“Boys and girls (and adults too) will love this beautiful book about a godly woman who helped to change the world.”
—Joel R. Beeke, President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan

“[Katie Luther] provides our children with a heroine that will challenge and inspire them. . . . [a] well-written and delightfully illustrated book for families.”
—Marilyn Boyer, homeschooling pioneer of 37 years and creator of Character Concepts

“Not often are children’s books grounded in historical research and theological substance. . . . At the same time, [this] book is enjoyably written, charmingly illustrated, and fun to read.”
—Gene Edward Veith, Professor Emeritus, Patrick Henry College

“Katie Luther is . . . the great woman behind the great man. In this beautifully illustrated and delightfully written biography, she is introduced to a new generation of young Christians.”
—Carl R. Trueman, William E. Simon Fellow in Religion and Public Life, Princeton University

“During the 500th anniversary year of the Reformation, you are likely to hear stories about Martin Luther. You may hear stories of Luther’s friends and adversaries or Luther’s patrons and lieutenants. But, it is far less likely that you’ll hear this story: the story of the woman who stood with Luther, encouraged Luther, loved Luther, and bore Luther’s children. This may be one of the most important of all the stories of the Reformation—and thankfully, the very gifted Strackbein family has told this story beautifully, powerfully, and delightfully.”
—George Grant, author, pastor, and President of the King’s Meadow Study Center

“When I read this beautifully illustrated book to my grandchildren, I choked up a few times encountering the beauty of marriage and the wonderful way Katie served the Lord in her generation . . . now she was inspiring the rising generation of my own family. What blessing!”
—Scott Brown, pastor at Hope Baptist Church, Wake Forest, North Carolina, and President of the National Center for Family Integrated Churches

“Where should our teaching of the historical Reformation begin? With young children. Here is a brilliant and effective way to introduce . . . [Katharine von Bora’s] exciting life, [as] she married the number one most-wanted man in the Holy Roman Empire, Martin Luther, guided their family through trying times, and set a Christian example so badly needed in our day.”
—Bill Potter, historian and tour guide for Landmark Events

About the Authors

Jenna, Shanna, Emily, and Elisabeth Strackbein are four sisters who have a love for bringing history to life, reclaiming art for Christ, and good old-fashioned storytelling. They are aunts to five wonderful nieces and an incredible nephew who they love spending time with. Those nephews were the first reason for writing this storybook! Their greatest desire is to bring glory and honor to God in all that they do. The Strackbein sisters live with their family on the sunny coast of South Texas.