God Made Me Unique
Helping Children See the Value in Every Person
by Joni and Friends
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Pub Date 19 Aug 2019 | Archive Date 27 Sep 2019
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Description
God Made Me Unique, a beautifully illustrated picture book, helps parents and caregivers teach children that God creates every person in the image of God and each individual has tremendous value, regardless of his or her appearance or abilities.
The story is set in a Sunday school classroom where a new girl, Brie, is introduced by her mom. Brie’s Sunday school teacher takes the time to welcome Brie and to explain to the other children why she is wearing headphones. Through getting to know Brie, the children are guided into a biblical understanding of the uniqueness of each of God’s children. Along the way they learn to ask questions and gain an understanding about their new friend.
Told in a charming rhyming style, this colorful, hardcover book will help eliminate fear and misconceptions about those who have special needs and emphasizes that every person deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.
The back of the book contains a special section just for parents and caregivers that will guide them in how to have biblical, loving conversations with children and gives them additional information and resources to equip them in talking about this important subject.
Like God Made All of Me by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb and God Made Me AND You by Shai Linne, God Made Me Unique gives parents the tools to have important, impactful conversations with their children that will grow their understanding of God, themselves, and others.
AUTHOR
Joni and Friends is an organization that accelerates Christian outreach in the disability community. Founded in 1979, their mission is to communicate the gospel and equip Christ-honoring churches worldwide to evangelize and disciple people affected by disability. The organization authors numerous books including titles such as the Beyond Suffering Bible, Real Families, Real Needs, and a series of church resources entitled The Irresistible Church.
Trish Mahoney is a graphic designer and illustrator in Seattle where she runs The Mahoney Studio with her husband, Patrick, also a designer and illustrator. They have two children, both budding artists too. Trish is the illustrator for the God Made Me series and The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible.
Advance Praise
“What a delightful and desperately needed book to introduce our children to the wonder and richness of God’s kingdom in our midst! I know of no other book that teaches our children to follow through on Jesus’s commands from Luke 14 on including those affected by disability.”
- Paul E. Miller, Director of SeeJesus; author of A Praying Life and J-Curve: Dying and Rising with Jesus in Everyday Life
“As a father of a child with a disability, I love the message of this book—both for kids with disabilities and their peers who welcome and embrace them. Of all the places where this message needs to be heard and taken to heart, there is none more important than the church itself.”
- Rev. Steve Bundy, Sr. Vice President, Joni and Friends International Disability Center
“Today’s children are keenly aware of social diversity, yet they often miss the God-connection. In the colorful book God Made Me Unique by Joni and Friends, readers meet a delightful cast of characters and discover God’s loving design for all people, including those with disabilities and special needs. Parents and teachers will appreciate the skillful use of God’s Word woven into the story and teaching aids. I highly recommend God Made Me Unique for every home, church, and school library.”
- Pat Verbal, Recipient of the Top 20 Influencers in Children’s Ministry awarded by Children’s Ministry Magazine; coauthor/editor of Real Families, Real Needs (Focus on the Family) and Special Needs Ministry for Children (Group Publishing)
“Absolutely charming! This is the happiest little book with the very biggest message . . . every life is precious!”
- Emily Colson, Speaker and author of Dancing with Max
“This book is a gift to parents as they raise reflective and compassionate children. What a spectacular application of the doctrine of creation: the teaching that we are all made in the image of God! These teachings are significant for how we interact with people of all different types of abilities. This book highlights our value as God’s creatures and celebrates the different gifts God has given to each member of his family.”
Justin S. Holcomb and Lindsey A. Holcomb, Authors of God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies; Rid of My Disgrace: Hope and Healing for Victims of Sexual Assault; and Is It My Fault? Hope and Healing for Those Suffering Domestic Violence
“In writing God Made Me Unique, Joni and Friends have created a helpful tool for parents to use to equip their children to welcome kids with disabilities. I would encourage all parents to add this book to their family library. With growing numbers of children living with special needs, it is essential that we teach our children to value every person as uniquely created by God to bring him glory.”
- Marty Machowski, Family pastor and author of God Made Boys and Girls: Helping Children Understand the Gift of Gender; The Ology; Long Story Short, and other gospel-rich resources for church and home
“As a pastor, I appreciate this book because it will help us equip our church family to better serve each person the Lord brings to our services and associated ministries. As a parent of a child with special needs, I appreciate the spirit and biblical nature of the way this material is presented. We all have special needs and the gospel compels us to love and serve one another in ways that are thoughtful and wise. This book cam help us do that in a more Christ-like way.”
- Steve Viars, Senior Pastor, Faith Church, Lafayette, IN; author of Your Special Needs Child
Available Editions
| EDITION | Hardcover |
| ISBN | 9781948130707 |
| PRICE | US$15.99 (USD) |
Featured Reviews
Curtis C, Reviewer
What a wonderful book that could be used in churches, christian school, families etc. to teach about children who have disabilities and special needs.
It was written so well, and came at this topic with a variety of special needs without being overwhelming.
I read this with my 4 year old and he was captured by every word of it!
As a father of two deaf children, and some having sensory issues as well, this book was perfectly written.
Thank you for a great tool!
Jeanie S, Reviewer
Regardless of our abilities, we each are created by God with special value and gifts.
Children with disabilities can have a difficult time adjusting to school, church, anywhere there are people. It is good to remember that our relationship with the Lord reminds us that we are worthy and we are made in His image. In this read out loud book, our children are reminded that some children are special with disabilities or special needs and how we can be sensitive to those needs. Children are curious as to why a child with special needs are different and this book offers a way to for our child to see value in everyone. Children with special needs will be validated in reading this book as well. That they are not alone and they have so much to offer.
The illustrations are colorful and the narration is in rhyme with a sing song cadence. I truly enjoyed and see value in having this book in my kiddos book shelf.
A Special Thank you to New Growth Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Todd P, Reviewer
What a fantastic little book on helping children to understand special needs. I'm a primary teacher and I see all of these different needs all the time in my classroom: headphones, fidget spinners, leg braces, wobble stools, and more. It's amazing to see kids accept and love each other when they're taught about special needs, and this book does a great job of introducing the subject from a biblical basis. Thank you, Joni and friends. I will be reading this with my daughters tonight.
Amy B, Reviewer
Thank you NetGalley for allowing us the opportunity to review this book. My girls ages 7&3 loved it. We read it together and were able to talk about how God made us all unique. The pictures and words were age appropriate and sparked conversation about being kind to everyone we come in contact with.
Emily M, Librarian
This is perfect for sharing at home or in a Sunday School class. I love how it teaches inclusion in a positive way.
Reviewer 196785
This book is such a valuable tool to show children that we’re all different! I love how it included physical disabilities and autism - it’s good for children to learn about differences we can’t see.
Lauren P, Reviewer
The message in this book is on point! This book teaches children that no matter how different we are, everyone should be treated with respect and love. We are all valuable!
#godmademeunique #Netgalley
Chris M, Reviewer
Thank you NetGalley and New Growth Press for an Advance Readers Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This is an excellent book to help kids empathize with and be a better friend to those who have disabilities or special needs. Kids will learn that God made every single person in His image. Every person has value because God created each one uniquely with abilities to serve in the church body.
Michelle K, Reviewer
God Made Me Unique
Helping Children See the Value in Every Person
by Joni and Friends
New Growth Press
Children’s Fiction , Christian
Pub Date 19 Aug 2019
I am reviewing a copy of God Made Me Unique through Joni and Friends/New Growth Press:
In this easy to understand book that I feel would make a great teaching school for acceptance to those with disabilities in a Sunday School Class for younger children reminding them that regardless of our abilities, God creates us all with special values and gifts we can share with our Churches. This book too helps to show the children what the Bible says about God creating disability and how he can use them in mighty ways.
I would highly recommend this book to Sunday School Teachers, Children and caregivers who want to give a better understanding of how to accept those with a disability, and how to look at the gifts they have to offer in a positive way.
I give God Made Me Unique five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Julia B, Reviewer
I LOVE the books in this series and this was no exception. I will be purchasing copies of this for many friends I love and care for with special needs. This book is beautifully illustrated, written in lovely rhymes and addresses special needs in a simple but clear way. Every parent should read this book!
Suzanne K, Reviewer
Having enjoyed other titles in this series, this again was an excellent book covering what can be tricky issues to approach with children. Based on scripture with beautiful pictures this is a book that could be enjoyed over and over again with children of all ages.
Heather P, Reviewer
I really appreciate how “God Made Me Unique” introduces special needs to kids in a way that is age appropriate and eliminates fear of those with differing abilities. I will definitely be purchasing a hard copy of this book for my kids!
Suzie W, Reviewer
From Joni and Friends comes a book that teaches children about disabilities. The inviting bright illustrations and rhyming prose make this an inviting and encouraging read for littles. But really stands out is the variety and well-written descriptions of disabilities. While none are specifically named, each is well represented.
Add in the resources for parents at the end of the book and the talking points throughout, and children will not only learn that God makes each of us special in our own way, but that each of us has a place in the body of Christ.
This little book will make an excellent addition to any library, whether it be a home, church, or school.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Teresa N, Reviewer
I received a complimentary copy of God made me Unique from the publisher - New Growth Press, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own - and well, my five year old daughters'.
God made me Unique was a lovely story teaching about disabilities and as the title suggests, how unique God has made each one of us. The book is a rhyming story which is always way better to read to children, or well my active five year old daughter. The classroom setting was relatable and the little science lesson is similar to her "how my body works" books at home. The story is fun and easy to read. The pages are filled with colour. Educational as well.
I would highly recommend this book for children.
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