The Book of Belonging, Mariko Clark
The Book of Belonging, Mariko Clark
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The Book of Belonging
Bible Stories for Kind and Contemplative Kids

Author: Mariko Clark

Narrator: Rae Pérez

Unabridged: 5 hr 8 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 09/24/2024

Synopsis

A Bible storybook to help the next generation of kids understand the rich diversity of God’s people, emphasizing identity, contemplation, and wonder.

The Book of Belonging is designed for families seeking a Bible storybook that reflects the diversity of God’s people and for every listener seeking a more expansive and wondrous view of God. The thoughtful text present some of Scripture’s most important and overlooked stories—including many female-centered ones—alongside old favorites reimagined to convey greater inclusivity, diversity, and historical representation. 

Through narratives, mindful practices, and guided wonder moments, children and grown-ups alike will learn who God is and be reminded over and over that God tells each of us, “You are Beloved, you Belong, and you are Delightful.” Because when it comes to the love of God, everyone belongs.

The Book of Belonging features

• Forty-two Bible stories: twenty from the Old Testament, twenty-two from the New Testament
• Historically accurate depictions of Jesus and God’s people, including original Hebrew and Greek names
• Lifelong lessons that make it a perfect gift!

Reviews

Goodreads review by Elizabeth on January 04, 2025

a lot of thoughts (in a good way)!! some minor quibbles: 1) the last supper story annoyed me (Jesus saying of the elements, "this is like my body/blood" ???!); 2) the inconsistency of the transliterated names was distracting; 3) I personally find the phrase "the messy middle" vague and cliche and un......more

Goodreads review by Rachel on August 24, 2024

I am so pleased to be the first one to review this absolutely exquisite book! I just received my kickstarter copy and spent my afternoon reading it while my one-year-old slept on my chest. This book is as beautiful as I hoped it would be, and then some. Leave it to two mothers to write the children’......more

Goodreads review by Sarah on September 26, 2024

I want to give it 50 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “By the time Paul finished talking, his eyes were full of tears. Each journey had been a lesson. Each crowded table had been a gift. He turned to Lydia and explained, ‘Some of these friends are like me. They grew up with God, knew all the old stories and rules......more

Goodreads review by Chelsea on September 13, 2024

I am a post-evangelical Christian mother trying to find a new way to teach my children about Christianity. I have open and honest conversations about my shifting theological views with my kids (ages 10 and 6). I was so heartened to see a section in the Book of Belonging about how the Bible was writt......more

Goodreads review by TML on September 26, 2024

I wept through this book. Bought this for my nephew, but had no idea just how bad my inner child needed to read this. It felt like an articulation and illustration of everything my soul has always known to be true about God. From a therapist perspective, I can’t help but think where my adult clients......more

Quotes

“Biblical stories presenting a moving message, contemplative questions, and captivating illustrations.”—Kirkus Reviews

“One of the reasons I’m excited about The Book of Belonging is because I share a passionate vision for freeing Scripture from some of the limiting expressions to which it has been confined.”—Emily P. Freeman, New York Times bestselling author of How to Walk into a Room

“This book is a masterpiece. And I don’t use that word lightly. . . . It’s mindful, experiential, and unlike any other storybook Bible I’ve ever read. It’s thoughtfully illustrated. It’s safe for kids of all ages. It’s informative and hopeful and interesting. You might buy this book for a child and then keep it for yourself and buy another copy for the kid. It’s that good. It’s that beautiful. If you and your family engage the Christian faith in any way, this book should be on your bookshelves. I cannot say enough about it.”—Matthew Paul Turner, #1 New York Times bestselling children’s author

“The Book of Belonging is one of the most important projects coming our way. If we can show our kids a more inclusive world, then maybe we won’t have to spend so much time unlearning as adults, and that excites me.”—Brit Barron, pastor, comedian, author of Worth It and Do You Still Talk to Grandma?

“If the Bible has been weaponized against you but you long to love it, I cannot possibly recommend this highly enough.”—Erin Moon, host of the Faith Adjacent podcast

“As a pastor, I love the Bible. Unfortunately, too many people uncritically endorse and assume whiteness and uncritically glorify violence. I’m excited by The Book of Belonging’s vision for a fresh story Bible that is more inclusive and contemplative.”—Sean Isaac Palmer, pastor, author, Enneagram teacher

“The Book of Belonging is unlike any children’s Bible I have read. As a parent, I love that the stories are engaging and participative for children and parents alike. As a Bible scholar, I appreciate that the stories remain faithful to the original context and key themes of the biblical narratives. With its beautiful storytelling and its strong academic foundation, this book is truly a gift for families who have tried and failed to find a thoughtful—and solidly researched—children’s Bible.”—Jennifer Garcia Bashaw, professor of New Testament Studies, Campbell University, and Nerd-in-Residence, The Bible for Normal People

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