Book Review—Courageous World Changers

Not everyone can change the world (not everyone is called to), but everyone can change their world—and the worlds of those they love and serve.

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24).

This is exactly what Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories of Daring Women of God accomplishes for middle grade girls.

Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories of Daring Women of God
written by Shirley Raye Redmond
illustrated by Katya Longhi
published by Harvest House (2020)

hardcover, 112 pages, 7 x 0.5 x 9 inches

Girls will be inspired by these 50 mini biographies of contemporary and historical women who lived out their faith with boldness and perseverance.

And they’ll think: I want to live like that too!

 

From athletes to poets, singers to scientists, authors to missionaries and everything in between, each woman’s story is engagingly told in a one-page mini biography, with just the right kinds of details to keep young readers interested—childhood, challenges, dreams, and accomplishments. Each woman’s portrait captures her life, service, and mission.

Moms and grandmas who read the book along with their daughters and granddaughters will learn a lot and be inspired too! (And you might want to interpret some of the terms and circumstances readers will encounter, such as temple slaves, radical Communists, and street women. The author does a good job of presenting each woman’s story with young readers in mind yet with honesty too.)

Every page turn is a surprise, because the stories of these courageous women are presented randomly, not according to time periods, nationality, or type of talent or service.

Whatever a young reader aspires to do in life, she’s sure to find encouragement in these pages to use her special gifts and interests to show God’s love in action.

About These Reviews and Recommendations

My career as a children’s book editor, acquisitions editor, and editorial director greatly influences my response to books. I have high standards for text, illustration, book design, and the purpose of a book.

I understand too that parents, grandparents, and others who buy books want and need good value in the books you choose. Your book budget is not unlimited.

I’m not writing these reviews as hype or promotion for fellow author’s books. I do care about helping authors—after all, I am one. I understand the effort authors pour into every book and the hopes they have for each one. The books I recommend, however, I’m choosing because of the merit I see in the book, no other reason.

I want to point you to the best books more than I want to point out books I don’t like, so I won’t be writing negative reviews. If I can’t support a book, I just won’t write about it. At times, however, I may note details or features I would have changed in a book I otherwise recommend. This is to help you make your own decisions about what books are right for your family.

– Diane

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