Want to get to know the real Mary and Joseph? What were their lives like before Jesus? Who were the people who shaped their lives from outside the pages of the Bible?

Nazareth at Nine by Rod Goh is a delightful work of realistic fiction for all ages. It offers a fictional look into the early days of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus’ life together, and introduces the “unsung” heroes supporting them from behind the scenes. The narrative is told from the perspective of a young boy whose family rents out farm animals to local workers, including their neighbor—the carpenter, Joseph. Our young narrator takes on the role of Joseph’s apprentice, giving him the invaluable opportunity to get to know him and Mary better and learn from their unwavering examples of faith. Readers can follow along on his spiritual journey as he learns to pray with the Psalms, turn to and trust in the Lord, weather doubts and uncertainty, and embrace new roles and responsibilities. We watch him grow too in his understanding of Jesus’ vital role in God’s plan for salvation.

Following the perspective of our young narrator, the story chronicles several key moments in the New Testament: Mary’s visitation with her cousin, Elizabeth; the journey to Bethlehem; the presentation at the temple; the visits of the shepherds and Magi; and the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt. One of the strengths of this book is how grounded it is. Interspersed between these pivotal, familiar moments are simpler—but no less profound—scenes, granting us an imaginative window into what the daily life of Joseph and Mary may have been like. Seeing how Mary and Joseph face the challenges of preparing for a journey; get their home ready for a baby; offer advice and encouragement to our young narrator; and remain patient in the face of setbacks helps us see them as actual people. 

Another strength is the protagonist, our young narrator, who behaves and acts believably like a child, full of questions, still growing and learning. Like readers, he doesn’t have all the answers, and only gradually begins to understand the meaning and importance behind what he witnesses. I also really liked the initial set-up: that our narrator is recalling these specific moments in his life as an older, wiser man for the benefit of his grandkids. He has a deeper understanding now of who Jesus is, and the impact the Holy Family had on his life. One of my favorite scenes is when our narrator notes how carefully his otherwise clumsy donkey, Absi, is carrying the pregnant Mary on his back. Soon after, our narrator finds out that an angel called Lucky is helping guide the donkey, which helps him understand not just the importance of Mary and her baby, but also God’s hand in our lives.

I would personally recommend this book to anyone seeking more insight into the early years of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, or anyone just trying to get to know and understand them better. Nazareth at Nine, though enjoyable at all ages, would certainly appeal to young readers in elementary school (2nd-5th grade), given its linear, direct, narrative structure and approachable text, and young, inquisitive protagonist. It is an age-appropriate read for elementary school readers, with no objectionable content. Young adult and adult readers looking for a short, beautifully written book that offers them the chance to view a familiar story from a new angle and better connect with Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, figures that often seem larger than life, will also find much to enjoy here.

Here is your chance to get to know and love Mary and Joseph, just like our narrator. And through them, ultimately, we get to know and love Jesus, our Lord.