Polycarp: The Crown of Fire (Torchbearers)
"It was while researching publishers for a children's book I had written that I first discovered Christian Focus. Their website noted that they were looking for authors to contribute to Torchbearers, a new children's historical fiction series on Christian martyrs. Two names jumped immediately to mind: Polycarp and Thomas Cranmer. I don't know why those two, in particular, came first to my thoughts, nor I am certain why I chose Polycarp over Cranmer, except that Polycarp's story is full of drama and adventure, and is so little-known, even among Christians. Polycarp is a true hero, and an exemplar of the truth and grace of Christ. It is essential that we fill our children's lives with such stories, that they might better understand, and love, Christian courage and nobility." ~ William Chad Newsom