Book Review: Girls Who Choose God by McArthur Krishna and Bethany Brady Spalding

Girls Who Choose God, by McArthur Krishna and Bethany Brady Spalding; Illustrated by Kathleen Peterson
2014, 48p, Inspirational Children's Book
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: Received copy from publisher for an honest review



From Eve to Esther, from the Samaritan woman at the well to the widow with her two mites, many women in the Bible have made courageous choices. All through the ages, women have chosen to help, to solve problems, to stand up for others, to strengthen families, and to follow God no matter what. Girls Who Choose God invites young readers (and those who love them) to make important choices of their own, following the examples of great women in the scriptures. With breathtaking illustrations, beautifully told stories, and insightful discussion questions, this delightful book is perfect for sharing, reading aloud, and drawing children into the scriptures.

Each of the stories in this book is briefly summarized and then ends with two choices, one of them being better than the other. When you turn the page, you read the "rest of the story" and find out what each woman's choice was and how that affected her life. There is then a question that is asked which you can ponder and/or discuss. 

I read this with my children (even my son) and we all loved it! We broke it up into two days so we could take our time and discuss some of the questions. Some of them really made me think! And I realized that I need to do better in certain areas. 

I also enjoyed the illustrations and thought they gave an authentic feel to the book. We will read this multiple times since the women are great role models and the message is timeless!

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book

About the Authors

MCARTHUR KRISHNA inherited her grit from her Utah pioneer great-grandmothers. With a master’s degree in communications from BYU, she co-owned Free Range, an award-winning marketing business focused on telling social justice stories. In 2011, she moved to the Magic Land of India and started writing books. More of her stories can be found at mcarthurkrishna.com.

BETHANY BRADY SPALDING likes to stir things up in the kitchen and in the community. She has founded programs to promote health and nutrition in the USA, South Africa, and India. Bethany currently leads a regional coalition in Richmond, Virginia, to create a healthier food environment for at-risk children. She loves to cook and climb mountains with her husband, Andy, and their three adventurous girls.

KATHLEEN PETERSON has illustrated twenty books, mostly for young people, on topics ranging from world religions to Hawaiian legends. Her art can be found in galleries throughout the West and at www.kathleenpetersonart.com. She and her husband, Steve, live on a farm in Spring City, Utah.