The Story of Katie Luther: The Nun Who Escaped to True Freedom

By Gretchen Ronnevik, Illustrated by T. Lively Fluharty

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Availability: Forthcoming

Expected: Jan 7, 2025

Retail Price: $11.99

The Story of Katie Luther: The Nun Who Escaped to True Freedom

By Gretchen Ronnevik, Illustrated by T. Lively Fluharty

... Show All

Children’s Book Illuminates Katie Luther’s Life and Her Journey to Find Lasting Freedom 

Strong-willed, courageous, and faithful—Katharina Von Bora, later known as Katie Luther, was a nun striving for perfection and favor from God. But after hearing the ideas of the Reformation circulating around Europe, she boldly stepped into true freedom given through Jesus Christ. 

This short and lively biography takes middle-grade readers on a journey through Katie Luther’s life, highlighting her difficult escape from the convent, her unique and rewarding marriage to Martin Luther, and her experiences with family, love, and loss. The Story of Katie Luther emphasizes the difference between legalism and good works done in freedom which demonstrates gospel power and produces love for one another. Featuring illustrations, maps, timelines, bonus sidebars, and study questions, this addition to the Lives of Faith and Grace series engages kids ages 8–13 in the drama of history, showing how God worked in the past through ordinary people like them.

  • Lively Biography: Explores the life of Katie Luther—her escape from the convent, her marriage to Martin Luther, and her freedom through Christ
  • Written for Kids Ages 8–13: This short format includes illustrations, maps, timelines, and bonus sidebars, to help young readers to stay engaged
  • Part of the Lives of Faith and Grace Series: Engages kids with the real-life stories of Christian men and women from history

Author:

Gretchen Ronnevik

Gretchen Ronnevik is a mom, writer, and speaker. She’s the author of Ragged: Spiritual Disciplines for the Spiritually Exhausted and the cohost of the weekly podcast Freely Given. She and her husband have six kids and live in Minnesota on the family farm.

Illustrator:

T. Lively Fluharty

T. Lively Fluharty is an accomplished illustrator whose artwork has appeared in such publications as Time Magazine, Sports Illustrated, and Focus on the Family. His work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators, Communications Arts, and Spectrum. Fluharty illustrated The Barber Who Wanted to Pray and The Boy and the Ocean, as well as Fool Moon Rising which he cowrote with his wife, Kristi.

Product Details

Format: Paperback
Page Count: 112
Size: 5.25 in x 8.0 in
Weight: 9.0 ounces
ISBN-10: 1-4335-9271-1
ISBN-13: 978-1-4335-9271-3
ISBN-UPC: 9781433592713
Published: January 07, 2025

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The Escape (1523)
Chapter 2: A Life without Freedom (1504–1515)
Chapter 3: Life as a Nun (1515–1523)
Chapter 4: Reformation Rumblings (1505–1523)
Chapter 5: Falling in Love (1523–1525)
Chapter 6: Marriage before Love (1525)
Chapter 7: An Unusual Marriage (1525–1546)
Chapter 8: Blessing of Children (1526–1552)
Chapter 9: Loss upon Loss (1527–1542)
Chapter 10: An Open Home (1525–1546)
Chapter 11: The Aftermath (1546)
Chapter 12: War in Wittenberg (1546–1547)

Conclusion: Lessons from a Life
Study Questions
Timelines
More to Explore

Endorsements

“A runaway nun marries a university professor. Together they have six children and cause waves that change life across Europe and beyond. Gretchen Ronnevik captures the dynamic relationship of Katharina von Bora and her initially reluctant husband, Martin Luther, from its roots in her cloister experience to the end of their life together and the years of her widowhood with insight and sensitivity. This entertaining telling of the adventure that drove the Wittenberg Reformation brings to life Katie’s vibrant personality, her sense of the gospel of Christ, and her skills at managing a household often bursting at the seams. A delightful, inspiring read for young and old.”
Robert Kolb, Professor of Systematic Theology Emeritus, Concordia Seminary

“As a pastor and father of five kids, I am so grateful for Gretchen Ronnevik’s book about the life of Katie Luther. The Story of Katie Luther is much more than an excellent children’s biography. As she tells Katie’s story, Ronnevik teaches us about Reformation history, key theological concepts, and the freeing power of the gospel. This book is a wonderful resource for Christian parents and educators, making the riches of the Reformation accessible to young children.”
Adriel Sanchez, Pastor, North Park Presbyterian Church, San Diego, California; Host, Core Christianity Radio; author, Praying with Jesus

“In The Story of Katie Luther, Gretchen Ronnevik introduces readers to a pillar of the Reformation whose courage, intelligence, and trust in God make her well worth getting to know.”
Lucy S. R. Austenauthor, Elisabeth Elliot: A Life

“An utterly delightful tale of one of the Reformation’s unsung heroines!”`
Jared C. Wilson, Author in Residence, Midwestern Seminary; author, Echo Island and The Storied Life