Book excerpt: Josiah's childhood was full of heartaches. By the time he was eight years old, both his grandfather and father had passed away. Their deaths introduced conflicts into Josiah's life that seemed hard to overcome. As a youth, Josiah would have to assume the throne vacated by his grandfather and father, and he would have to choose his own path as a man and king. Would he follow the godly example demonstrated in his grandfather's last days, or would he follow the example of his father's wickedness? Josiah's choice directed not only his own path, but also that of the kingdom he ruled.