Grit and Grace: Heroic Women of the Bible

True Grit’s Mattie Ross is one of my favorite female characters; so I was intrigued, especially in a book about Biblical heroines, when the author used the word grit first, then grace. I purchased it for my granddaughters, and yet as well written children’s’ book go, this is not just for girls but meant to empower the women (and men) reading it with their girls.. First impression, this is unlike the version I heard in Sunday school or for that matter the one I was taught in women’s bible studies. It caused me to thumb through the bible to look more closely – always a good thing.I have a thing for first sentences and Rivadeneira does not disappoint. Here are a few: The chapter about Leah begins, ‘I have a complicated family.” I burst out laughing. The Rahab chapter (certainly tricky to maneuver), “My house was a good place to hide.” Understatement of the year! And finally, in the one on my favorite biblical sister duo, Martha says about Mary, “Ugh. My sister is driving me nuts. Again.” I realize that is three sentences, but it succinctly helps readers to de-saint Mary a bit and instead tells the true story of an annoying little sister.Finally, I loved that Rivadeneira calls girls (and the adults reading with them) to be curious and ask questions about the women of the bible. When I read it to my granddaughters, I want them to see that they can be the grace-filled and yet gutsy girls God meant them to be.

The stories here are very moving, and draw you closer to the characters. They are perfect for helping girls understand that God cares deeply about woman and how women have a vital part in the Gospel story. It is also important, however, for the Biblical accounts to be read so that girls know what the Bible says and what it does NOT say. The author includes the references so you can read it to your girls. There are some things inferred that are not in the Bible and may not necessarily accurately represent what the Bible says or the Biblical background.

It has now been many months since I ordered the books and gave them to my two younger granddaughters. I did read htrough the books at that time and this review will be with that time span remembrance. I most enjoyed the honesty with which the author portrayed the Biblical women while fleshing them out with historical information to give the girls a good look at the women within their time span. They gave the sexual nature of the plight of women a very sensitive view. It is a book which my younger granddaughter will be talking to her mother about what "lying down with a man means" (and, of course, grandma probably would be surprised with what she already knows about that phrase). I liked the questions for the girls to answer. I would have liked to see more questions, pulling in others Biblical reverences so that there would have been at least a week's worth of work for the girls to do for each chapter. I also would have like more women covered

I read this book in my (lay, volunteer) role as spiritual formation director at our church. I thought I would skim through just to give it a thumbs up or thumbs down but instead I read it cover to cover in one sitting. I loved the way Rivadeneira used solid scholarship as a foundation for her imagination to fill in details about these women in the Bible. I also loved the different approaches each chapter takes with drama and storytelling taking turns. I even teared up at her description of Mary at the cross. I have recommended this book for the tweens at our church as a way to get them into the Bible and provide some fodder for discussion. And I should add that although this book is about women of the Bible, our 9-year-old son also really loved it. Highly recommend. (I received a free copy of this book but I also bought three more copies because I want to give it away to friends...)

We liked this book and how it broke down the Book Of Ruth for younger readers. I found the language to be a bit simple, and even a little rough, and was slightly disappointed with that...they could have used better grammar and still made the point. Overall, we liked the way the Book Of Ruth was written like a play.

My young sons love this book, and so do I. Women like Rahab and Hagar who rarely get any attention show up, but the writing is done sensitively so that very young readers won't catch the subtle context. My middle school son understood the undertones and we were able to discuss them later, while my kindergartner remained innocently unaware. This is a book I'll be giving out to lots of kids in my life. It's excellent!

This is a book I pray all girls would read and one I wish I had when I was a young girl—it’s incredible! I have purchased multiple copies to gift.Thank you immensely for writing this book and gifting our world with your talent from above. May God continue to bless and guide your work.

Very graphic for the age stated. Not recommended for 8 years old at all. Maybe 12 and up but then the text would be too easy for that age.

I purchased this book for a young friend celebrating her Confirmation. I read the stories first, and was impressed at how captivating, engaging, and inspiring they were. I loved how they were written as though one friend was telling another her life's story. As a Catholic-Christian, I found only one detail that contradicts our faith. Specifically, where the book mentions Mary, the Mother of God going on to birth and raise Jesus' younger siblings. (As Catholics we believe in Mary's perpetual virginity; knowing that the word translated to 'brother' was the same word commonly used for 'cousin' as well). Because I don't believe in throwing out the baby with the bathwater, so to speak, I decided to ask the girl's mother how she would like me to proceed. In the end, she decided that, due to the wonderful content of the book, and the maturity of her 12 year old, she would discuss the one small discrepancy with her, rather than discard the book altogether. The comment about the siblings occurs in the second half of a sentence that could stand on its own without it, so it was easy enough to cross or white it out without changing the meaning or integrity of the story structure. In the end, I think it is up to the individual parent to decide; so I think it is good to be aware of this before purchasing!

Love this book and the premise of the author to highlight these stories for young women