Joni Eareckson Tada

Andrew Peterson

Joni’s story is amazing, and Kristyn tells it beautifully, without shying away from the painful parts. But even more amazing is the way Joni’s story so joyfully points us to Jesus.

“Nicely done children's biograhy of Joni”

Joni Eareckson Tada's story is one of the first that I heard as a young Believer. I like this new biography about her for children from the Do Great Things for God series. Kristyn Getty writes about Joni in a way that is easy to read and understand. The illustrations work well with the story to help young reader's visualize the story better.

Subtitled, The Girl Who Learned to Follow God in a Wheelchair, this book roughly measures 9 1/2 by 7 1/2 inches, a good size for the age group it is aimed at--ages four to seven to learn from. This book is especially helpful for children to see that some people have challenges and are differently abled. As this book shows, God still loves them and works in their lives. I like that there is a timeline at the back of the book showing the important events in Joni's life. There is also a prayer to pray for those who are not Believers. There are questions to think about. Then the last two pages of the book show some work sheets that can be downloaded from the publisher's website to go along with the book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.

“Joni Is An Absolute Joy!”

I received Joni Eareckson Tada compliments of The Good Book Company in exchange for my honest review.

Joni Eareckson Tada is the latest title in the Do Great Things for God series by The Good Book Company. The book's author is Christian singer and songwriter, Kristyn Getty. This is the first book in the series dedicated to a Christian woman who is still living and it is absolutely delightful!

The book details the biography of Joni Eareckson Tada, a Christian woman who became severely disabled in an accident that left her wheelchair bound for the rest of her life. I appreciate that the book doesn't shy away from Joni feeling angry after her accident. It also shares how she had hard questions to wrestle through. I find it very important for children to understand that trials are a regular part of the Christian life (John 16:33) and I'm so grateful that they can learn how to struggle well by Joni's example.
Motivated by the comfort she's received in Christ, Joni started a nonprofit called Joni & Friends that provides gospel help and hope for individuals with disabilities. An especially precious aspect of the book to me was its inclusion of Romans 8:28 because it happened to be the verse my oldest daughter is working on memorizing as a part of her school curriculum.

Joni Eareckson Tada is a beautiful dedication to Joni's life and the global impact she's had for Christ. The illustrations are aesthetically appealing and the book moved me to tears. This is my oldest daughter's favorite book series. We greatly enjoyed this volume in it and eagerly anticipate reading forthcoming volumes.

“My daughter loves this book”

My 8 year-old loves this series, and Joni's story is one she has chosen to read again, and again. She has felt really impacted by this book, and reading it has inspired amazing conversations with her about not only Joni's life, but disability justice in the Church and how we can partner with Joni in loving those in our communities with disabilities, and making sure they are included in our faith communities.

“Encouraging faith”

I loved this simple, yet profound biography on the life of Joni Erickson Tada. I have long watched her proclaim the goodness of Jesus and live out her faith, this book beautiful exemplifies the faith she has carried and lived throughout her life!

“Wonderful story of faith!”

I've known Joni's story for a long time, my mom would always listen to "Joni and friends" on the radio when I was growing up and we went and heard her speak at one point. Her story of faith is so inspiring. She is a wonderful example of someone who has learned to suffer well and trust her Savior. This book contains such a wonderful message of how God can use our lives for his glory no matter what the circumstances are. Joni was in a terrible accident at only 17, but she still chooses to praise the Lord and walk in obedience and joy. God has used her in countless peoples lives to encourage them in the faith and to provide wheelchairs for those in need around the world. This book prompted good questions and discussion with my girls about disabilities and why God allows suffering. I'd highly recommend adding this series to your home library!

“Another gem in the series”

Another gem in the Do Great Things for God Series. I absolutely love this lady and her testimony. This book for kids was beautifully written at a level kids can understand and grasp. The pain and hurt is still present but it's pointing kids back to Jesus and how He alone can help us. Really love to use the extra activities at the end for group work with my kids.

“Passing on an admiration for Joni’s faith!”

This series is an absolute FAVORITE in our house! And so, when I saw Joni Eareckson Tada was next up in the biographies list, I knew I just had to get my hands on a copy.
Joni’s story and her faith in God through deep suffering has impacted me since I was a child and continues to do so now into my adult years. As I reflect back on the example of her faith in my own life, it is such a joy to begin to introduce her to my kids using this picture book Biography.
Staying true to the reality of Joni’s situation while being cognizant of the little ears who will be listening, Kristyn Getty highlights Joni’s growing faith in God and trust in her Savior which has carried Joni through a very difficult path.

This book has already been read multiple times by my daughter and has ignited in her an interest in learning more about Joni’s life. This has happened with every book in the Do Great Things for God series that she has read - it has given her a drive to discover more about these strong women who boldly followed Christ. What a worthy endeavor.

Thank you to GoodBookCo for the complimentary ebook in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

“Beautiful and Captivating”

I absolutely love the Do Great Things For God book series, and this one is no exception!
Joni’s story is incredibly inspiring, beautifully told, and encouraging for readers of all ages.
I found her faith in Jesus to be uplifting, and an incredible testimony. Highly recommend this book for you girls to read- what an incredible role model!

“A powerful testimony”

Joni’s story is a powerful testimony to the goodness of God and the beauty of His promise in Romans 8:28. Her story reminds us of the truth found in God’s Word and how when we stand on His Word—His promises—and seek to love Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, we can love others well and do great things for the kingdom of God!

I also loved that in this story we see Joni sharing her story, faith, and our need for a savior with others, and how Getty encourages her young readers to do the same.

Thank you, The Good Book Company, for my copy in exchange for an honest review. As with every book from the Do Great Things for God series, we loved it!