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Her Story, Her Strength: 50 God-Empowered Women of the Bible
Girls are beautifully and wonderfully made in God’s image. This comprehensive collection of stories focused on 50 women of the Bible shows how God worked in their lives and continues to have a plan and a purpose for his beloved daughters today. In a world that too often tells girls that they are not enough, Her Story, Her Strength uses biblical retellings and reflections that include the historical context behind each story to remind young women that they have a God who loves them deeply and empowers them to live and love like he does. For any girl ages 8 and up who is asking questions about her worth, identity, and place in the world and church, this colorful and engaging book provides a positive, loving, and scriptural lens that helps them interpret the messages they receive from their peers, media, and society. Girls who read Her Story, Her Strength In addition, Her Story, Her Strength :
240 pages, Hardcover
Published March 7, 2023
9 people are currently reading
2211 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 15, 2023
This book walks you through the life outline of 50 different women from the Bible. It describes what she is most known for. Then it shares a life principle you can learn and grow from based on her story. As I read through it, I thought it did an excellent job of showing each of the women in a positive light. Some of what they are known for may not be positive but when you look at it through the principles presented, you can find it helpful to your life right now. I thought the writing was easy to follow and not overwhelmed with details. I liked that the author listed where in the Bible you could read her story if you wanted to. This would be great as a devotional or used in a Sunday School type class.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher Zonderkidz, for the temporary digital ARC that I read and gave my honest opinion of.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher Zonderkidz, for the temporary digital ARC that I read and gave my honest opinion of.
January 27, 2024
I am often hesitant to read Christian books about women empowerment due to the nature of modern feminism (and all that that definition can entail), but as a mom of a pre-teen daughter, I felt this might be a useful tool. The phrase “God-empowered” caught my attention in the title. This book (rightly) focused more on learning who God is, his attributes, how He loved and cared for women in the Bible, and how that still is true for us as women today. Seeing Jesus in every story is an important piece of gospel centrality, and I appreciated the author’s ability to bring Jesus to the front of each story!
May 18, 2023
This book is absolutely wonderful, and it is everything that a biographical anthology about biblical figures should be. Sarah Parker Rubio did an amazing job with the written profiles and illustrations, and I love how she emphasizes God's character, goodness, and power in each biographical sketch, rather than just honoring the women themselves. The profiles are all about six pages long, and they each include a beautiful illustration and sections entitled "Her Story," "Her World," and "Her God." The author dramatizes a pivotal scene from each woman's life, taking artistic license to imagine the woman's thoughts and feelings, and the following section shares historical and contextual details. In the final section, the author reflects on what we can learn about God from that woman's story.
Her Story, Her Strength covers well-known women from the Bible such as Eve, Ruth, Esther, Elizabeth, and Mary, and it also features lesser-known women, including some who appear in the Bible so briefly that we don't know their names. This book even includes Zelophehad's daughters! There are also biographical sketches for symbolic women, such as the Proverbs 31 woman, wisdom personified as a woman, and the woman crowned with stars from Revelation. The book moves through biblical history from Genesis to Revelation, and each profile includes Scripture references at the end so that readers can turn to the source material to read the whole story.
Sarah Parker Rubio clearly did a lot of research for this project, and she shares her findings in a way that is both kid-friendly and deep, clarifying in the "Her World" section what we know for sure about each woman and what various Bible scholars have different views on. She handles ambiguous scenarios with nuance and care, and she never talks down to her readers. Also, when it comes to sexual topics, Rubio refers to them in discreet ways without skipping over important elements of a story or leaving out complicated characters.
Many of these stories present challenging topics, and Rubio deals with them very well. I especially appreciated Rubio's reflections on how God values women. She writes about the harsh realities that women faced in Bible times, but instead of sharing cheap girl power slogans or snarky political commentary, she emphasizes God's heart for all people and His love for women, no matter how poor, mistreated, and forgotten they are. This book points back to God and the gospel in everything, and it is beautiful.
Her Story, Her Strength is absolutely phenomenal. I cannot say enough good things about this book, and I highly recommend it. This is perfect for the target audience of young girls, but it is so thorough, so deeply biblical, and so insightful that isn't just for them. This is for anyone interested in biblical history and spiritual encouragement. Also, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the author never speaks to the reader with an assumption of the reader's gender or age. No one has to filter out irrelevant assumptions. This is for anyone, male or female, young or old, who wants to celebrate the goodness of God and how he has worked through human history.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Her Story, Her Strength covers well-known women from the Bible such as Eve, Ruth, Esther, Elizabeth, and Mary, and it also features lesser-known women, including some who appear in the Bible so briefly that we don't know their names. This book even includes Zelophehad's daughters! There are also biographical sketches for symbolic women, such as the Proverbs 31 woman, wisdom personified as a woman, and the woman crowned with stars from Revelation. The book moves through biblical history from Genesis to Revelation, and each profile includes Scripture references at the end so that readers can turn to the source material to read the whole story.
Sarah Parker Rubio clearly did a lot of research for this project, and she shares her findings in a way that is both kid-friendly and deep, clarifying in the "Her World" section what we know for sure about each woman and what various Bible scholars have different views on. She handles ambiguous scenarios with nuance and care, and she never talks down to her readers. Also, when it comes to sexual topics, Rubio refers to them in discreet ways without skipping over important elements of a story or leaving out complicated characters.
Many of these stories present challenging topics, and Rubio deals with them very well. I especially appreciated Rubio's reflections on how God values women. She writes about the harsh realities that women faced in Bible times, but instead of sharing cheap girl power slogans or snarky political commentary, she emphasizes God's heart for all people and His love for women, no matter how poor, mistreated, and forgotten they are. This book points back to God and the gospel in everything, and it is beautiful.
Her Story, Her Strength is absolutely phenomenal. I cannot say enough good things about this book, and I highly recommend it. This is perfect for the target audience of young girls, but it is so thorough, so deeply biblical, and so insightful that isn't just for them. This is for anyone interested in biblical history and spiritual encouragement. Also, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the author never speaks to the reader with an assumption of the reader's gender or age. No one has to filter out irrelevant assumptions. This is for anyone, male or female, young or old, who wants to celebrate the goodness of God and how he has worked through human history.
I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2023
What is really good about this book is that reminds readers that there are actually a lot of women in the Bible. Are they there heavily? Not always, maybe a sentence. Are they there? Yes! I think why some people forget that women are in the Bible is they are often listed with no names or their name is mention like once and you forget their names. Before I sat down and read this book, I listed all the women I could think of in the Bible. This was my list: Eve, Esther, Mary (Mother), Mary Magdalene, Martha, Sara, Ishmael's Mom, Rebekah, Ruth, Ruth's Mother-in-Law, Delilah, Female Judge, Woman at the Well, Jericho Woman, Woman with Hair, Miriam, Moses' Mom, and Pharaoh's Daughter. I came up with 18 women, where I obviously forgot their name (Ishmael's Mom) or the woman had no name (Woman at the Well).
Now, Delilah was not mentioned, but the rest of the women I listed were featured and more. I was reminded of Ishmael's Mother's name (Hagar) and the female judge's name (Deborah). Some I did not really think of as women. For example, Wisdom is personified as a woman. The Woman of Valor described in Proverbs never crossed my mind. Then we have the Beloved in the Song of Songs. Now, the Woman Crowned with Stars did not cross my mind, but that is for a different reason. If you have seen my other reviews then you may know I'm Catholic. Catholics interpret the Woman Crowned with Stars as Mother Mary.
While I really liked this book, I am going to quibble on some points. First, was I the only person that was slightly puzzled by how Eve was drawn? She was cloaked in greens and flowers with long hair studded with flowers, which made me think of personification of Mother Earth or goddesses from mythology. This books is for kids, so maybe this was the most G-rating concept that was rendered. Second, I would like to know how the women were chosen from the Bible and which version of the Bible Sarah Parker Rubio used. Why? Depending on the translation, there is another book named after a woman, who seemed God-empowered. I am referring to Judith from the Book of Judith. Was she not included, because the author was focusing on the Protestant version? That might be the case, but it was not specifically stated. The book also made the effort to acknowledge different Christian viewpoints on the women listed, such as acknowledging The Woman Crowned with Stars is thought to be Mother Mary by some people, which is why I do not know why Judith was not mentioned.
Verdict: Overall, I thought this was an excellent book! I really appreciated the effort to acknowledge how different Bible scholars and people have different thoughts on some of the women featured in this book.
Now, Delilah was not mentioned, but the rest of the women I listed were featured and more. I was reminded of Ishmael's Mother's name (Hagar) and the female judge's name (Deborah). Some I did not really think of as women. For example, Wisdom is personified as a woman. The Woman of Valor described in Proverbs never crossed my mind. Then we have the Beloved in the Song of Songs. Now, the Woman Crowned with Stars did not cross my mind, but that is for a different reason. If you have seen my other reviews then you may know I'm Catholic. Catholics interpret the Woman Crowned with Stars as Mother Mary.
While I really liked this book, I am going to quibble on some points. First, was I the only person that was slightly puzzled by how Eve was drawn? She was cloaked in greens and flowers with long hair studded with flowers, which made me think of personification of Mother Earth or goddesses from mythology. This books is for kids, so maybe this was the most G-rating concept that was rendered. Second, I would like to know how the women were chosen from the Bible and which version of the Bible Sarah Parker Rubio used. Why? Depending on the translation, there is another book named after a woman, who seemed God-empowered. I am referring to Judith from the Book of Judith. Was she not included, because the author was focusing on the Protestant version? That might be the case, but it was not specifically stated. The book also made the effort to acknowledge different Christian viewpoints on the women listed, such as acknowledging The Woman Crowned with Stars is thought to be Mother Mary by some people, which is why I do not know why Judith was not mentioned.
Verdict: Overall, I thought this was an excellent book! I really appreciated the effort to acknowledge how different Bible scholars and people have different thoughts on some of the women featured in this book.
May 11, 2023
What a beautiful and precious book for young girls! I love how this book is set up like a devotional, offering so many different stories of women mentioned in the Bible and their impact on the world around them. From well known women such as Eve and Queen Esther, to lesser known women such as Jael and Damaris, this book brings these women to life in a simple-to-understand, easily-relatable way.
Each of the 50 stories tells the name of the woman, offers a Scripture reference and then tells a short story in a few paragraphs using dialogue and descriptive narrative. Then, in the next section, the book explains when the story took place, what the world was like at the time and gives more context and historic detail. It also explains more about what the Bible says regarding that woman and her actions or decisions. Lastly, a third section highlights the feelings, emotions and spiritual impact behind the woman’s story while asking self-examination questions and identifying with young girls today. The words point girls back to Jesus and the hope, refuge and help that can be found in Him.
I believe this book is going to be a valuable resource for my daughter and I found it to be beautifully illustrated, easy to use and understand, deeply relatable and highly encouraging. I love that it is character building and encourages young girls to grow their faith. I know I will enjoy learning more about these women, some of whom I’ve only ever heard mentioned, making this a resource both my daughter and I can benefit from!
This is a great book for homeschool studies, special one-on-one time, and family devotions. It is not applicable to girls only, but would also be beneficial for young boys to hear or read as well, though it does appeal to girls visually. It would also make a great gift or perhaps even a Sunday school or church library resource.
* 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.
Each of the 50 stories tells the name of the woman, offers a Scripture reference and then tells a short story in a few paragraphs using dialogue and descriptive narrative. Then, in the next section, the book explains when the story took place, what the world was like at the time and gives more context and historic detail. It also explains more about what the Bible says regarding that woman and her actions or decisions. Lastly, a third section highlights the feelings, emotions and spiritual impact behind the woman’s story while asking self-examination questions and identifying with young girls today. The words point girls back to Jesus and the hope, refuge and help that can be found in Him.
I believe this book is going to be a valuable resource for my daughter and I found it to be beautifully illustrated, easy to use and understand, deeply relatable and highly encouraging. I love that it is character building and encourages young girls to grow their faith. I know I will enjoy learning more about these women, some of whom I’ve only ever heard mentioned, making this a resource both my daughter and I can benefit from!
This is a great book for homeschool studies, special one-on-one time, and family devotions. It is not applicable to girls only, but would also be beneficial for young boys to hear or read as well, though it does appeal to girls visually. It would also make a great gift or perhaps even a Sunday school or church library resource.
* 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.
July 30, 2025
I love how the author highlights each woman who is mentioned in the Bible. Some are unnamed, some are named as women such as Wisdom.
Many women were brought to my attention whom I had overlooked before. Examples are Shallum's Daughters during the time of Nehemiah who helped their father rebuild his part of the city wall. Also Zelophehad's Daughters who went before Moses and, as a result, the laws were changed so that if a man died without sons, his daughters could now inherit his property.
It was interesting to imagine what it might have been for Eve as she entered the world.
I have been very interested in each of the women named in Romans 16. I was saddened that she put them all together by having Phoebe notice the others.
I was also disappointed that Phoebe's important and honorable role as a Letter Carrier for Paul was not expounded upon. Letter Carriers had to be trusted, not only to deliver the letter, but to not change it and, most importantly, help the recipients to understand Paul’s intent.
Letter carriers typically the ones to read the letter to the recipients. For some reason, in the fictional section of "Their Story" (which helps the reader relate to the woman,) the author names Aquilla as the reader of the letter (even though, when his name is mentioned, it is usually following his wife, Priscilla's name.)
The author didn't expound on Junia from that same section of Romans. It says she was an Elder. For a time, her name was translated as a man's name, Junius, since the translators didn't believe a woman would have been an elder.
All in all, this is a wonderful book, easily accessible and understood, opening our eyes to the importance of women throughout Biblical history.
Thank you, Sarah Parker Rubio, for writing this resource! As you said in the author's note, "God really loves women and girls!"
And thank you, Zonderkids for illustrating these women as Middle Eastern women might look with dark skin and dark hair.
Many women were brought to my attention whom I had overlooked before. Examples are Shallum's Daughters during the time of Nehemiah who helped their father rebuild his part of the city wall. Also Zelophehad's Daughters who went before Moses and, as a result, the laws were changed so that if a man died without sons, his daughters could now inherit his property.
It was interesting to imagine what it might have been for Eve as she entered the world.
I have been very interested in each of the women named in Romans 16. I was saddened that she put them all together by having Phoebe notice the others.
I was also disappointed that Phoebe's important and honorable role as a Letter Carrier for Paul was not expounded upon. Letter Carriers had to be trusted, not only to deliver the letter, but to not change it and, most importantly, help the recipients to understand Paul’s intent.
Letter carriers typically the ones to read the letter to the recipients. For some reason, in the fictional section of "Their Story" (which helps the reader relate to the woman,) the author names Aquilla as the reader of the letter (even though, when his name is mentioned, it is usually following his wife, Priscilla's name.)
The author didn't expound on Junia from that same section of Romans. It says she was an Elder. For a time, her name was translated as a man's name, Junius, since the translators didn't believe a woman would have been an elder.
All in all, this is a wonderful book, easily accessible and understood, opening our eyes to the importance of women throughout Biblical history.
Thank you, Sarah Parker Rubio, for writing this resource! As you said in the author's note, "God really loves women and girls!"
And thank you, Zonderkids for illustrating these women as Middle Eastern women might look with dark skin and dark hair.
November 15, 2022
Her Story, Her Strength
50 God-Empowered Women of the Bible
by Sarah Parker Rubio
Pub Date 07 Mar 2023
Zonderkidz
Children's Nonfiction | Christian
I am reviewing a copy of Her Story, Her Strength through Zonderkidz and Netgalley:
This book reminds girls that they are beautifully and wonderfully made. It reminds young readers that God has a plan and purpose in their life, by using the biblical retellings and reflections that include the historical context behind each story to remind young women that they have a God who loves them deeply and empowers them to live and love like he does. For any girl ages 8 and up who is asking questions about her worth, identity, and place in the world and church, this colorful and engaging book provides a positive, loving, and scriptural lens that helps them interpret the messages they receive from their peers, media, and society.
The girls who read Her Story, Her Strength will see. God’s love for them and their value in his eyes see how they reflect God’s image both innately and through the actions, words, and attitudes they choose each day, learn about biblical characters and events in a way designed specifically for them.
Her Story, Her Strength: features readers’ favorite women of the Bible as well as many less-well-known characters, showing God’s consistent presence in the lives of women throughout Scripture. This book is divided into short sections that are both comprehensive and accessible, making it a wonderful tool for school or church lessons as well as family devotions or personal reflection. It emphasizes how each woman reflects the image of her Creator, demonstrating the immense value God places on women and girls and pointing them back to him—all from a position rooted in biblical values.
I give Her Story, Her Strength five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
50 God-Empowered Women of the Bible
by Sarah Parker Rubio
Pub Date 07 Mar 2023
Zonderkidz
Children's Nonfiction | Christian
I am reviewing a copy of Her Story, Her Strength through Zonderkidz and Netgalley:
This book reminds girls that they are beautifully and wonderfully made. It reminds young readers that God has a plan and purpose in their life, by using the biblical retellings and reflections that include the historical context behind each story to remind young women that they have a God who loves them deeply and empowers them to live and love like he does. For any girl ages 8 and up who is asking questions about her worth, identity, and place in the world and church, this colorful and engaging book provides a positive, loving, and scriptural lens that helps them interpret the messages they receive from their peers, media, and society.
The girls who read Her Story, Her Strength will see. God’s love for them and their value in his eyes see how they reflect God’s image both innately and through the actions, words, and attitudes they choose each day, learn about biblical characters and events in a way designed specifically for them.
Her Story, Her Strength: features readers’ favorite women of the Bible as well as many less-well-known characters, showing God’s consistent presence in the lives of women throughout Scripture. This book is divided into short sections that are both comprehensive and accessible, making it a wonderful tool for school or church lessons as well as family devotions or personal reflection. It emphasizes how each woman reflects the image of her Creator, demonstrating the immense value God places on women and girls and pointing them back to him—all from a position rooted in biblical values.
I give Her Story, Her Strength five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
May 24, 2023
About the Book:
Girls are beautifully and wonderfully made in God’s image. This comprehensive collection of stories focused on 50 women of the Bible shows how God worked in their lives and continues to have a plan and a purpose for his beloved daughters today. In a world that too often tells girls that they are not enough, Her Story, Her Strength uses biblical retellings and reflections that include the historical context behind each story to remind young women that they have a God who loves them deeply and empowers them to live and love like he does. For any girl ages 8 and up who is asking questions about her worth, identity, and place in the world and church, this colorful and engaging book provides a positive, loving, and scriptural lens that helps them interpret the messages they receive from their peers, media, and society. Girls who read Her Story, Her Strength In addition, Her Story, Her Strength :
My Review:
What a great read for young girls. This collection of Bible stories talks about other young girls that didnt feel they had a purpose, but in Gods eyes each one had the biggest purpose they could imagine. Many of these girls were well known or a much discussed topic while others many may not recognize. But each one has a story that any young person could relate to.
Each profile has scripture and a summary of the girl and her purpose and tell the reader where they can learn more about her.
Great resource book and read!
**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Girls are beautifully and wonderfully made in God’s image. This comprehensive collection of stories focused on 50 women of the Bible shows how God worked in their lives and continues to have a plan and a purpose for his beloved daughters today. In a world that too often tells girls that they are not enough, Her Story, Her Strength uses biblical retellings and reflections that include the historical context behind each story to remind young women that they have a God who loves them deeply and empowers them to live and love like he does. For any girl ages 8 and up who is asking questions about her worth, identity, and place in the world and church, this colorful and engaging book provides a positive, loving, and scriptural lens that helps them interpret the messages they receive from their peers, media, and society. Girls who read Her Story, Her Strength In addition, Her Story, Her Strength :
My Review:
What a great read for young girls. This collection of Bible stories talks about other young girls that didnt feel they had a purpose, but in Gods eyes each one had the biggest purpose they could imagine. Many of these girls were well known or a much discussed topic while others many may not recognize. But each one has a story that any young person could relate to.
Each profile has scripture and a summary of the girl and her purpose and tell the reader where they can learn more about her.
Great resource book and read!
**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Read
May 8, 2023Her Story, Her Strength: 50 God-Empowered Women of the Bible is a wonderful story collection of Biblical women empowered by God! I would’ve devoured a book like this when I was young.
I love how the book is organized. Each chapter focuses on a woman in the Bible and is separated into three sections: Her Story, Her World, and Her God.
Her Story draws attention to a particular verse or verses in the Bible and the summarizes her story. Her World uncovers what the world was like during this woman’s time, culture, or circumstances, and Her God reveals what the reader can learn about God from the woman’s story.
Fifty women are covered in this hardback book. Some women are very familiar, and some aren’t even mentioned by name in the Bible, but they all hold an important part of Bible history and help us in today’s world.
First Line (Author’s Note): In this book, you will read fifty stories about women in the Bible.
Genre: Children’s Christian Biographies
Author: Sarah Parker Rubio
Page Count: 240 (Hardback)
Reading Age: 8-12
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
I love how the book is organized. Each chapter focuses on a woman in the Bible and is separated into three sections: Her Story, Her World, and Her God.
Her Story draws attention to a particular verse or verses in the Bible and the summarizes her story. Her World uncovers what the world was like during this woman’s time, culture, or circumstances, and Her God reveals what the reader can learn about God from the woman’s story.
Fifty women are covered in this hardback book. Some women are very familiar, and some aren’t even mentioned by name in the Bible, but they all hold an important part of Bible history and help us in today’s world.
First Line (Author’s Note): In this book, you will read fifty stories about women in the Bible.
Genre: Children’s Christian Biographies
Author: Sarah Parker Rubio
Page Count: 240 (Hardback)
Reading Age: 8-12
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
September 8, 2023
Though mainly geared towards girls, I find this book an uplifting, thought provoking, and insightful read for anyone. There are 50 stories packed inside about women and girls of the Bible of all ages and backgrounds, which smashes the traditional “Esther, Ruth, Eve” bare-bones mold. There might even be a few women you haven’t heard of!
The stories are divided into 3 sections; Her Story, Her World, and Her God. Which is very cool and fitting. Her story tells the Bible story from the woman’s perspective. Her world gives you an in-depth and pertinent explanation of the characters’ surroundings and culture. And Her God summarizes what we can learn from each person’s story and how God came through for them. Following that, is a box directing you to where in the Bible to read about the character and their story for yourself.
Most quotations are from the NIV, fyi. This novel uses Bible stories plus historical facts to shine a light on unrecognized and underappreciated heroines of the Bible. The print is easy on the eyes and the artwork is beautiful. Overall, I love it! This is a must read, especially with all the negativity surrounding Biblical female figures these days and sets the record straight. I think every woman should read this book!
The stories are divided into 3 sections; Her Story, Her World, and Her God. Which is very cool and fitting. Her story tells the Bible story from the woman’s perspective. Her world gives you an in-depth and pertinent explanation of the characters’ surroundings and culture. And Her God summarizes what we can learn from each person’s story and how God came through for them. Following that, is a box directing you to where in the Bible to read about the character and their story for yourself.
Most quotations are from the NIV, fyi. This novel uses Bible stories plus historical facts to shine a light on unrecognized and underappreciated heroines of the Bible. The print is easy on the eyes and the artwork is beautiful. Overall, I love it! This is a must read, especially with all the negativity surrounding Biblical female figures these days and sets the record straight. I think every woman should read this book!
November 19, 2022
What a beautiful work! It unwraps the stories of Biblical women with honesty and empathy and truth, revealing the God of these women and His goodness throughout it all. The illustrations are gorgeous. The writing is careful, using appropriately speculative language when stating more than the Scriptures tell of the story. The story section brings the Word of God to life for young readers. The world section gives historical and cultural context to the narrative. The God section reminds us of God's character, bringing the story from humanity to home: He was and He is.
I will say that I don't 100% agree with all of the analysis. For instance, suggesting that God has a "most essential and important characteristic" seems unhelpful at best and will require some conversation to correct, but I didn't encounter many such problems. I think it's overall a great resource to read or study with young girls, sparking thought and starting conversation about who God is and how He shows up in the lives of women then and now!
I will say that I don't 100% agree with all of the analysis. For instance, suggesting that God has a "most essential and important characteristic" seems unhelpful at best and will require some conversation to correct, but I didn't encounter many such problems. I think it's overall a great resource to read or study with young girls, sparking thought and starting conversation about who God is and how He shows up in the lives of women then and now!
March 25, 2025
I have been reading this with my 11 year old, and we are loving it! Rubio has very thoughtful writing, accounting for the age of her readers, historical context, scholarly work, and biblical accuracy. I love that the illustrations are also mindful of the people of the time and the area in which they lived. I typically don’t like dramatizations of true stories, but I don’t mind the way Rubio narrates the “Her Story” sections.
When I read books about women of the Bible, my litmus test for accuracy and tone toward women is through how Deborah and the Woman at the Well are portrayed. If Deborah’s leadership is downplayed and the Samaritan Woman presented as a harlot, I can expect other women and their actions and triumphs will be misrepresented and downplayed. I can safely say that these women are accurately presented. Well done!
When I read books about women of the Bible, my litmus test for accuracy and tone toward women is through how Deborah and the Woman at the Well are portrayed. If Deborah’s leadership is downplayed and the Samaritan Woman presented as a harlot, I can expect other women and their actions and triumphs will be misrepresented and downplayed. I can safely say that these women are accurately presented. Well done!
December 27, 2022
A powerful devotional for mom and daughter to study together. This study is on women of the bible.
The title A woman...Strong Belief. A verse that pertains to her story. You are introduced to each woman by her story. What she may have been feeling and the culture in which she lived in her own words. The 2nd part is her world. It gives the reader context and ends with Her God. Each woman studied is a lesson in the power of God in our lives, the power of faith. Faith emboldens us with resolve to stand firm. What a great study to do with a young girl in your life.
A special thank you to Zonderkidz and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
The title A woman...Strong Belief. A verse that pertains to her story. You are introduced to each woman by her story. What she may have been feeling and the culture in which she lived in her own words. The 2nd part is her world. It gives the reader context and ends with Her God. Each woman studied is a lesson in the power of God in our lives, the power of faith. Faith emboldens us with resolve to stand firm. What a great study to do with a young girl in your life.
A special thank you to Zonderkidz and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
April 12, 2023
Since the Bible is so male-dominated, I'm always interested in books that elevate the women who appear in its pages. In this comprehensive, well-written compilation, Sarah Parker Rubio highlights fifty women in the Bible and faithfully explores their stories. Along with well-known figures such as Eve, Sarah, Martha and Mary Magdalene, this book also includes many lesser-known women such as Huldah and Priscilla, whose stories are no less important.
Each profile includes a full color illustration along with helpful historical and cultural information, making HER STORY, HER STRENGTH a wonderfully informative text for middle-grade readers.
Each profile includes a full color illustration along with helpful historical and cultural information, making HER STORY, HER STRENGTH a wonderfully informative text for middle-grade readers.
Read
January 14, 2024I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I knew I would give it to my granddaughter, a voracious reader, but I like to read the books I give to my grandchildren before giving them away. In this case, I am so glad I did!
Her Story, Her Strength, is much more than the reference book I thought it was. It's historical fiction with a heaping helping of historical facts based on The Bible. The stories (Her Story) are easy to read and understand and the section Her World helps the reader understand the times and setting of each woman.
The copy I have is a hardcover and I hope my granddaughter will keep it and treasure it for a very long time.
Her Story, Her Strength, is much more than the reference book I thought it was. It's historical fiction with a heaping helping of historical facts based on The Bible. The stories (Her Story) are easy to read and understand and the section Her World helps the reader understand the times and setting of each woman.
The copy I have is a hardcover and I hope my granddaughter will keep it and treasure it for a very long time.
March 9, 2023
I have been wanting to see a book like this for years, and this one is exactly what I would hope for in a book about women from the Bible. The book includes biblical women that are familiar as well as many who are unnamed and often forgotten. Each entry includes historical facts, background and context of the time and place, full-color (and appropriate color!) illustrations, all of which bring a fullness to each woman's unique expression of faith. The writing is clear, concise, and a joy to read. The stories of these women from long ago will encourage girls and women today. Her Story, Her Strength is a book every church should read, study, and share, and that every student of the Bible, whatever gender, ought to read.
May 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, because it had good illustrations and art throughout the book, from talking about how each woman carried out God’s purpose and plan for her life, and the openers and hooks at the beginning of each person’s description (what they did/specialty). It also included verses at the beginning of each person’s story to read and to reflect upon. I liked that it highlighted and showcased people in the Bible who normally aren’t seen as much in society and gave reasons why. – Melody, age 16
May 5, 2023
My thoughts: This book has 50 stories of real life women mentioned in the Bible who came to understand her value to the king of kings. Perfect for Sunday school, children's church, homeschool, Christian schools and individual reading. The stories are several pages long so might be better for tweens and not small children. My teen is looking forward to reading this book. Recommended. i was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.
September 14, 2023
An introduction to 50 women in the bible, sparking thought and helping start conversation about God and how women were part of his story. Each section introduced you to the women and their piece of the story, then gave the reader insight to how theft in the world of their time, and followed up with the tenet that the supported in the bible. For someone that is not religious, this was an interesting read.
I actually won this one in one of the giveaways.
I actually won this one in one of the giveaways.
May 28, 2023
This book is absolutely fantastic. I love that there is a resource to teach my tween daughter about strong, biblical women--those we can learn from and be inspired by. That it's broken down into individual lessons makes for easy lessons and reading. Thanks so much for sending an ARC my way for review, Zondervan!
December 31, 2023
An empowering book filled with many stories of women in the Bible and the impact they had. This is perfect for character studies and dives into each story of popular women to those who are lesser-known. I highly recommend that every young girl and woman reads this! I’ve read the Bible numerous times but I learned many new things!
November 4, 2022
What a great book! It is so empowering and inspiring to dig deeper into the women in the Bible. The hardships they faced were sometimes insurmountable, yet they persevered and their faith grew!
November 23, 2025
I loved this book it was very well written and it taught me a lot about these women I would recommend it to any like preteen or adult woman
September 15, 2025
Have you ever wished you could step into the lives of women whose stories are in the Bible? If so, this book is for you. In its pages, you will find fifty stories of women from the Bible. Each chapter begins with scripture references for each woman’s account in the Bible. The Table of Contents lists all of the women. You will likely recognize several such as Eve, Sarah, Esther, Elizabeth, and Mary, the mother of Jesus. You may not readily recognize a few of the women. I enjoyed meeting Naaman’s servant, the Woman of Valor, Jairus’s daughter, and women who followed and supported Jesus.
Read the book as written or select a specific chapter. Each chapter includes a fictional account written from the woman’s point of view. These accounts are fun and allow you to experience the story as it was lived. Next, you learn about her world and her God. This book targets girls, but I enjoyed reading it myself. It can serve as a mother-daughter read or as devotionals for a girl’s group.
Read the book as written or select a specific chapter. Each chapter includes a fictional account written from the woman’s point of view. These accounts are fun and allow you to experience the story as it was lived. Next, you learn about her world and her God. This book targets girls, but I enjoyed reading it myself. It can serve as a mother-daughter read or as devotionals for a girl’s group.
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