Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith was a prophet of God just like Moses or Abraham or Nephi or John the Baptist.

But he wasn't always a prophet.

When he was a boy, he helped his father on their farm. He sold root beer out of his parents' store. He played with his brothers and friends in the fields.

When he was seven, he had a horrible leg infection. The doctors had to cut deeply into his leg to save his life.

He lived in a log cabin that had only two rooms, plus an attic.

Then, when he was fourteen, he was visited by God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. They called him to be a prophet. Following their instructions, he organized the church and gave us the Book of Mormon.

But a prophet doesn't spend all his time reading the scriptures and teaching the people.

Joseph met a beautiful lady named Emma and married her.

He stopped the horses on a runaway stagecoach, saving the people inside.

He played with children whenever he could, and he wrestled with the older boys.
And, sadly, he spent much of his time trying to stay away from people who hated the truth and wanted to kill him.

This is the story of Joseph Smith, the boy who became a prophet. It tells what he was like, what his family was like, and what happened in his life.
Fully illustrated.