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Cover of Book Review When I Go to Church, I Belong Finding My Place in Gods Family as a Child with Special Needs

Book Review When I Go to Church, I Belong Finding My Place in Gods Family as a Child with Special Needs

Book Details

Publisher:InterVarsity Press
Published:2023-09-19
Pages:36
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:1514006677

Reading Info

Age Range:7-10

About This Book

Children with disabilities often struggle to fit in, but church can be a place where everyone can belong! This message of inclusion and belonging helps us understand the experiences and feelings of children with special needs, and reminds us that even though we have our differences, we also have so much in common.

Our Review

This gentle picture book explores the experience of children with disabilities finding their place within a faith community, offering a heartfelt look at how church can become a space where every child feels welcomed. Through accessible storytelling, it helps young readers understand the emotions and perspectives of peers who may have special needs, while emphasizing our shared humanity despite physical or developmental differences. The narrative thoughtfully balances acknowledging the real challenges some children face with the uplifting message that religious communities are meant for everyone.

What makes this book particularly valuable is its dual focusβ€”it serves both as a mirror for children with disabilities to see their experiences reflected, and as a window for typically developing children to build empathy and understanding. The approach feels authentic rather than didactic, allowing natural conversations about inclusion and belonging to emerge organically. Families seeking resources to discuss disability awareness within their faith tradition will find this story opens meaningful dialogue about creating truly welcoming spaces where all children can participate fully in religious life.

Themes

Juvenile Fiction

Subjects

Juvenile Fiction