The Faithful Spy
A visually arresting biography that challenges teens to think deeply about faith, courage, and moral conviction in the face of tyranny—told through vivid tricolor art and gripping real-life stakes.
$18.99
Quantity:
In a Curriculum Kit
Faith-Based
Nonconsumable
Supplemental Material
2026 Tenth-Grade Curriculum Kit
The Faithful Spy
The Faithful Spy tells the remarkable true story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German pastor, theologian, and resistance member who opposed Adolf Hitler and ultimately gave his life for his convictions during World War II.
Presented in graphic-novel format, this award-winning biography follows Bonhoeffer from his childhood and theological studies through his growing opposition to the Nazi regime and his involvement in efforts to stop Hitler. Along the way, readers gain insight into the personal, spiritual, and ethical challenges he faced as Germany descended into dictatorship and war.
The book's distinctive visual style combines handwritten text with a limited color palette that reinforces the emotional and moral themes of the story. Thoughtfully designed illustrations help readers engage with a complex period of history while keeping the focus on the people and decisions that shaped it.
As they read, teens encounter challenging questions about faith, courage, responsibility, patriotism, and the cost of acting on deeply held beliefs. The historical events are presented through the lens of Bonhoeffer's life, making the broader story of Nazi Germany both personal and accessible.
Part biography, part history, and part graphic novel, The Faithful Spy offers an engaging introduction to one of the twentieth century's most influential Christian thinkers and a powerful example of conviction in difficult circumstances.
How to Use The Faithful Spy
- If your teen enjoys graphic novels, don't be surprised if he finishes this book far more quickly than expected. If you'd rather spread it across the school year, reading about five pages per week provides a comfortable pace.
- Encourage him to pay attention to the book's visual storytelling. The limited color palette and symbolic use of color help reinforce key themes and make the historical narrative easier to follow.
- Take time to discuss the questions the book raises. Bonhoeffer's story naturally leads to conversations about faith, courage, responsibility, sacrifice, patriotism, and what it means to act on deeply held convictions in difficult circumstances.
- Because the book presents real historical events through a personal story, it can serve as a valuable supplement to studies of World War II, modern European history, theology, or ethics.
No worksheets or tests are required. Simply reading, reflecting, and discussing the story provides plenty of opportunities for meaningful learning.
Publisher: Amulet Books
Author: John Hendrix
Age Recommendation: 10+
Grade Recommendation: 5th+
Faith-Based: Yes (printed by a secular publisher, there are significant faith-based themes throughout The Faithful Spy)
Consumable: No
Pages: 176
Size: 6.5" x 9"x .75"
ISBN: 9781419732652
Format: Paperback
Copyright: Sep. 18, 2018
Awards and Endorsements from:Society of Illustrators Gold Medal Winner!
review by Mommy Octopus
”Even though these were real people, one can still relate to them. A pastor believed to go rogue, a madman with too much power, generals too scared to act, and people who just follow the crowd.”
Read the Review
review by Living Life Hour by Hour
”This was an amazing and very powerful book. Yet the way it was written and presented was right there at the level needed to draw my son and I both in and keep us engaged.”
Read the ReviewFind answers to the most frequently asked questions about this product below:
Most children, from the reluctant, faltering reader to the brilliant but easily bored adolescent, will find graphic novels intriguing. A 2006 study found that the amount of reading children did for fun decreased from when they were eight through their teens. Graphic books can re-engage them in the delights of reading for leisure and learning. Here's an article we wrote with more considerations on Why Graphic Novels.
- February 23, 2026
Great Book!
Steph H.
This is a great addition to the kit. My son has read this book at least twice. What a great story about a remarkable man. I started to read it myself before another sibling took it over so I will have to try again another time. He recommends this one!
- October 24, 2020
Book
Rebecca O.
This book was very interesting and colorful
