Thursday, March 19, 2015

BookLook Review - Brave Girls: Better Than Perfect written by Jennifer Gerelds

I love being a part of the BookLook Blogger Review Program. As soon as I saw the Brave Girls: Better Than Perfect: A 90-Day Devotional for Brave Girls Like You non-fiction book written by Jennifer Gerelds I knew that I had to review it. We already own one of the books from the series called Brave Girls Bible Stories and it was a big hit in my home.

My entire life, I've struggle with perfectionism even though I know the truth now. God doesn't expect or want us to be perfect - we are seen as perfect in His eyes since he created us in His image. Our imperfections are beautiful and unique to each one of us. We are "better than perfect" and greatly loved in God's eyes. The empowering message found in this book was one that I wanted . . . and needed my daughter to hear especially living in today's society. I want to cultivate, reinforce, and instill self-confidence in Alyssa's heart and mind. I want her to gain a sense of bravery as part of her character as she develops into a Godly woman.

Book Summary

Better Than Perfect: That's what every girl is in God's eyes. 
A young girl’s doubt in her own self-worth starts from an early age. Am I pretty enough? Am I smart enough? Will I fit in? Do people like me? Am I worthy enough? These aren’t questions asked by teens, but from precious girls in grade school! Brave Girls Faith and Honor will help girls navigate these questions and learn just how wonderful they are! In this Brave Girls devotional, 90 engaging devotions will help young girls find their place in the world and learn that the beauty of their imperfections is what makes them unique, loved, precious, and “better than perfect” in God’s eyes. 
Book Description
This newly released 136-page paperback Christian devotional book published by Tommy Nelson: A Division of Thomas Nelson Publishers is outstanding! Faith and Honor, two of the Brave Girls, introduce the book and its purpose reminding everyone to remain faithful and put their trust in the Lord. God loves us and we are perfect the way we are and that the "secret" to being beautiful is seeing ourselves through God's eyes as part of the big picture rather than the messy pieces. They remind us to take note of our attitude as well.  

Each daily devotion includes:
  • Meaningful Bible Scripture Verses
  • Short Thought-Provoking Devotional Text
  • Simple Closing Prayer Pointers 
The devotion is organized into six main chapters:
  1. Truth Detectives
  2. Bible Beauties and Beaus
  3. Divine Design
  4. Body Builders
  5. Character Quest
  6. Mind Games
How We Used It
I am using this book with my 7-year-old as part of a mother-daughter devotional during our morning Bible time. We read one devotional each day. There are lessons and truths that we will both benefit from hearing. I want to use this time together as a way to grow closer to God and one another.

My Thoughts
We ABSOLUTELY loved Brave Girls: Better Than Perfect! My favorite chapter was the first one which began with descriptions covering 15 essential truths and baffling lies we've heard or told ourselves. These important snippets will clear up any misunderstandings we may be believing in our hearts. For example, a handful of lies addressed in this book are "I need to have money to be happy," "I need to be beautiful," "I can never make mistakes," "I need to have fun all the time," "I always need to be right," and "I need for everyone to like me." After stating each lie, often with scenario examples, the truth is clearly voiced.

Each devotion begins with a Biblical referenced scripture verse that can be memorized and is relevant to the central topic. The brief one-two page devotions were stated in a straightforward manner which took very little time out of our day. The material presented was age-appropriate in with regards to content, length, and level. However, I was a little confused because the description states that it is a 90-day devotional, but there were only 86 devotions in my book.

Several interactive and engaging exercises are provided throughout the book which in some cases will help you to spend more quality family time with your daughter. The following activities can be found scattered throughout the book recipes, crafts, research, science experiments, journal entries, easy word searches, fill-ins, hands-on activities, and fun games. There are step-by-step directions and a bulleted list of materials for crafts and recipes. Not all devotions have a hands-on component. A "Write It Out" reflection accompanies each chapter and can be used as a way to apply or summarize what's been learned.

Pre-teens will find that they can relate to the material covered in this book especially when they are confronted with issues in today's society which can have a profound impact on the self-worth of a person. Many Godly character traits were addressed in this book including but not limited to joyfulness, generosity, kindness, obedience, respect, self-control, patience, wisdom, truthfulness, humility, gentleness, and gratuity.

The one or two sentence prayer pointers teach children how to build a better relationship with God through conversation. They are easy-to-read and can be restated by children leading the closing prayer.

Price
The book can be purchased at Faith Gateway Store for the affordable price of $7.99 or on Amazon for $6.80.

Note: All prices are subject to change.

Recommendations
I would definitely recommend Brave Girls: Better Than Perfect to pre-teen girls between the ages of 7-11. Older and younger children within the age range will find the content appealing. It guides Christian girls through a study emphasizing God's Word when we doubt who we are and who He wanted us to be. This book would be a great gift in an Easter basket or Christmas stocking.

Disclaimer
I received a complimentary, free copy of this book from the publisher as part of the BookLook Blogger Review Team Program in exchange for an honest review on my blog. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
I review for BookLook Bloggers

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