Ted Studebaker

This is a biographical storybook about Ted Studebaker. Ted grew up on a farm in western Ohio. He won awards as an athlete and was active in the local Church of the Brethren. In college, Ted studied subjects that would help him understand and serve the needs of other people. Many persons Ted's age were in the Army, the Air Force, the Navy, or the Marines. But Ted was not interested in being a soldier. As a Christian, he wanted to follow Jesus' example and teachings-to love all people, even enemies, and to return good for evil. Ted volunteered to serve his country for two years in a way that would help other people rather than hurt or kill them. He knew he was in danger. But doing what he felt was right was more important to Ted than his personal safety. This book will appeal to the child listening to the story, as well as to the adult reading it. The story of Ted Studebaker provides a positive role model for living peacefully with others. The author says, It has been my experience that when a child and an adult can share a literary experience deeply, a special bond develops as they discuss what they have read. I perceive this book as one that touches all persons, from the two-year-old who becomes excited about the tractor to the adult who marvels at Ted's faithfulness. Different portions of the book appeal to different developmental levels, allowing the book's significance to 'mature' with the child.