Who was Leif Erikson? By Nico Medina

Rating: Not For Me

Reading Level: Mid Elementary

I was disappointed in this biography. Leif’s conversion to Christianity is not displayed as a matter of the heart, but rather as a practical and tactical decision—basically just giving in to an oppressive ruler who wanted everyone converted.

Possible Concerns:

• Poor Representation of Christianity. A king sort of bullies Leif into converting; there is not any mention given to the heart-change that is associated with receiving Christ.
• Norse Gods & Religion. Much attention is given to Norse Theology, with explanations of their beliefs about heaven, angels that whisked warriors up to heaven, and various gods of this and that. In contrast, very little attention to the religion that Leif actually converted to, and why he might have done so!
• Peril: There is fighting, battle weapons, murder, slavery, and other rough aspects of Viking pillaging.

I wish the biography had pointed more to Leif’s faith being authentic and more than just being “converted” by a king who wanted him to convert.