Abigail and the Big Start Over

Amanda Cleary Eastep

Starting over is hard! But it’s a lesson nine-year-old Abigail is learning as she begins fourth grade at her new school. She’s also going to learn about grace—the kind we extend to others and the grace God offers his children. Fun, relatable, grounded in Scripture, and full of bold illustrations, Abigail and the Big Start Over by Bethany McIlrath is a story kids will love.

Bob Hartman

In the Abigail books, Bethany McIlrath demonstrates how a family’s commitment to their shared faith can help a nine-year-old girl navigate the everyday problems that children face. Each book not only tells a clever, funny story about Abigail but also successfully unpacks the biblical truths that Abigail discovers along the way.

“So relatable (and not just for kids)”

I don't read many children's books these days, but I will always love them. Especially when they feature fun-loving, relatable characters like Abigail.

In "Abigail Gets Left Out," Bethany McIlrath poignantly captures the heart and experiences of a fourth-grade girl who suddenly feels like she doesn’t belong where she had always felt welcome before. When her best friend teams up with some other girls for a musical performance, Abigail’s lack of skill brings an onslaught of insecurity, and not just when it comes to her dancing ability.

Abigail’s mom and Sunday School teacher help her understand that Jesus made her just the way she is, and that he can help her to be a good friend even when she feels left out.

This book is for kids, but if you’re a mom, grandma or auntie who’s ever felt like you didn’t fit in—at any age or for any reason—it will touch your heart too.

Note: I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

“Great, Relatable Story”

When my brother saw this book lying on my floor, he said, "Abigail Gets Left Out. So, is that an autobiography?" I laughed and said that it is not, but that the story was VERY relatable to me, both from my childhood and from current events. Then I told him that this novel does contain words I've written, because a quote from my review of book one appears on the endorsements page! This is a brand new experience for me, and I am very excited about it.

This is the third book in the Abigail series, and it builds on existing situations and character relationships while also being a great entry point for people who haven't read the other books. The author does a great job of introducing previous events to new readers without it seeming like an obvious rehash, and the book jumps into a new story about Abigail dealing with friendship challenges and differing interests with girls at school and church.

The story is incredibly realistic about the challenging dynamics that Abigail is dealing with, as well as her feelings about them. The Christian messages also feel very natural within the story, as Abigail learns about friendship with Jesus and how Jesus can help people become better friends to each other. The resolution at the end of the story feels convincing, and this book has lots of great messages for girls who are in similar situations. Also, just like with other books in the series, this one has great illustrations, a website link for activities from the book, and book club discussion questions.

“Abigail Gets Left Out” is a wonderful book for elementary-aged girls, and for older readers who enjoy children's books. The story includes both serious elements and fun, humorous moments, and this book is great for both independent reading and for family read-aloud times. I highly recommend the whole Abigail series, and am looking forward to future installments.

I received a free copy from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

“A fun new book in the series!”

Read-aloud with 5yo girl.

Readers who have enjoyed the first few books in the Abigail series from @thegoodbook will enjoy rejoining their literary friend in her newest adventure! Known for being imaginative & creative, Abigail is a lovable young girl navigating the various challenges of growing up. Whether she’s figuring out what it means to be a good friend, or what it truly means that Jesus is THE BEST friend of all, Abigail's journey to the truth is full of relatable experiences and applicable lessons for readers.

In this third book of the series, Abigail learns that we human are made for relationships but sin affects our friendships. In studying John 15 alongside her parents and trusted mentors, Abigail learns that the Gospel of God’s love and Jesus’ perfection brings restoration and freedom to our relationships - both with our Heavenly Father and earthly friendships.

Something I especially love about the series is the emphasis on Scripture and discipleship. I also love that simply & profound truths are communicated in story form that allow young readers to really connect.
Thank you to The Good Book Company for the complimentary book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

“Friendship and belonging!”

This early chapter book follows Abigail as she struggles with feeling left out. With a relatable story and biblical encouragement, it helps young readers navigate friendship challenges while pointing them to Jesus as their true source of belonging.

“A Sweet Story of Friendship, Self Worth and Fitting In”

As a mama to a little girl, I love finding great books that encourage my daughter while providing moral lessons and helping to deepen her faith! The Abigail series does just that.

In this newest release, 9 year old Abigail feels embarrassed, inadequate and left out when her school friends decide to put on a musical, but she doesn’t sing and she can’t dance so she’s not sure how she fits into the production. Her feelings intensify when she’s teased by a boy in her class, so her mom points her to Scripture. With the help of a Sunday School lesson and family, Abigail discovers what God’s word says about her, about friendship and helping others. Through her own act of kindness, she learns a valuable lesson about fitting in, being a friend and she learns that she’s never truly alone because she loves and knows Jesus.

I find this to be a sweet, gentle story about self worth, friendship and purpose. I loved that Abigail explored the Scripture as a result of her dilemma and prayed about it, too. We all just want to be included sometimes and this book does a great job of covering that topic with from a Christian perspective, pointing little hearts and minds toward Jesus!

The story was fun and entertaining as well as clever. It was easy to read for late elementary readers. Even my 7 year old enjoyed the story and the cute illustrations. We also had a few laughs as we read it together! This is a definite recommendation for the little girl in your life.

* I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.

“A Heartwarming Story of Friendship, Faith, and Finding Your Worth”

Abigail Gets Left Out is a beautiful and heartwarming story that captures the emotions of feeling left out while pointing kids to the incredible truth of God’s love. Bethany McIlrath weaves an engaging, relatable narrative that not only resonates with children but also gently teaches the power of friendship, self-worth, and the difference Jesus makes in our lives.

As a homeschooling mom, I’m always looking for books that spark meaningful conversations, and this one does just that. The way Abigail discovers her worth through Scripture—realizing that Jesus made her wonderfully and loves her perfectly—is such an encouraging message for kids navigating friendships and self-doubt.

I know my own 7-year-old Abigail will love having another book in this series! It’s so special to have stories that not only entertain but also help our children see themselves through God’s eyes. This is a must-read for families looking for faith-filled, character-building stories their kids will cherish!

“Teaches kids how to be a friend like Jesus!”

God designed us for relationships, but “having good relationships was hard.” In the third book in the Abigail series, Abigail will discover that Jesus notices her even when her friends don’t, and He’ll help her be a good friend even to those who have hurt her.

This series is unique in the way it incorporates Christian values into the normal, everyday life, of the very relatable Abigail. In this book, we find Abigail struggling to fit in when her friends decide to put on a musical number. Abigail can’t sing and can’t dance, so she finds herself on the outside.

Using Psalm 139, Abigail’s mom helps her to see that God made her on purpose and wonderfully, which makes her pretty special. And He didn’t give everyone the gift of performing, but there is still a way she can be a good friend and help; after all, Jesus is the best friend and the best helper anyone could have.

This is such a wonderful read-aloud for ages 6+ as kids will discover what it means to be a good, loving friend. This book uses Scripture (particularly John 15) to teach Abigail about love, friendship, being a helper, and that everyone has God-given talents and a purpose. It teaches the gospel and about the trinity in a way that will be understandable to the youngest of readers.

*I was provided with a copy of this wonderful, entertaining, and edifying story in exchange for my honest review.*

“Daughter loves it!”

We were so excited for this addition to the Abigail series! We had the privilege to read Abigail and the Big Start Over. My daughter and I loved that one and knew we would enjoy this one as well.

The series centers around 9-year-old Abigail, who is a normal young lady discovering and learning about the world and others and life. You'll walk alongside Abigail as she navigates some difficult situations and circumstances. These are all relatable and genuinely common situations that most kids will encounter at some point. But Abigail remembers that Jesus is our help and our strength. She uses this to help move forward in her heart and thinking.

The book is structured with twenty-one chapters, a note from the author, and a book-club questions section. McIlrath admits in her note that she was just like Abigail - feeling left out, alone, and like an odd-ball. It's always comforting to know you are not alone in those feelings but even more so knowing that Jesus understands, is always with us, and desires to be our friend and Savior.

I appreciate this fiction series for older elementary kids to learn how to implement their faith in real-world situations.

I received a copy of this book from The Good Book Company in exchange for an honest review.

“Lovely Read!”

This series of books is a delightful way of engaging children with reading fiction, while also teaching them some fantastic truths about what God is like. This specific book is very sweet, showing us that even when we feel like we don't really fit in with our friends, or don't have the talents and gifts that we might want, that doesn't mean that we aren't loved or valuable. We have Jesus, the one who will never leave us or abandon us. He is the one who loves us as we are, and enables us to be the best that we can be! This is a great book for your 6-11 year old if you want them to grow in both reading skill and love for Jesus.