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When I Go to Church, I Belong

Finding My Place in God's Family as a Child with Special Needs
By Elrena Evans
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
When I Go to Church, I Belong follows the stories of six children with special needs, illustrating their experiences of inclusion and belonging within God's family. Through beautiful illustrations and heartfelt narrative, it emphasises the value of diversity and the importance of creating welcoming church communities where every child feels accepted.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is suitable for children, especially those with disabilities, their families, educators, and church communities seeking to promote inclusivity and understanding within faith settings.

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Children with disabilities often struggle to fit in, but church can be a place where everyone can belong! This beautifully illustrated children's book offers a message of inclusion and belonging, helping us understand the experiences andfeelings of children with special needs and reminding us that we have so much in common.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Illumination Award Gold Medal

Help Children Learn that Everyone Has a Place in God's Family

Church is a place where everyone should feel welcome—but not every child experiences it the same way. When I Go to Church, I Belong is a beautifully illustrated story crafted for children with disabilities and for everyone who desires their churches to be places of welcome and belonging.

Through the experiences of six children with special needs, author Elrena Evans invites readers to see through new perspectives and understand the beauty of diversity within God’s family. This heartfelt book is a celebration of inclusion, reminding us that while we all have our differences, we also share so much in common. With tender illustrations by Rebecca Evans and a thoughtful note from the author, this storybook opens conversations about what it means to belong.

Key Features

  • Discover a heartwarming story of six children finding belonging in God’s family.
  • Learn about the importance of inclusivity and understanding for children of all abilities.
  • Enjoy vibrant and thoughtful illustrations by Rebecca Evans.
  • Explore deeper discussions around inclusion and community with a note from the author.

This book inspires both children and adults to create a welcoming church environment where everyone feels they are an essential part of God’s family. It reinforces the Christian values of love, understanding, and inclusion while helping children recognise that there's a place for everyone in the church.

Help teach children about the beauty of diversity and the joy of shared experiences in their walk with God. Order When I Go to Church, I Belong today and share its message of belonging with the children in your life.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781514006672

Publisher: InterVarsity Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 19 September 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: IVP Kids

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Rebecca Evans

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 13.0mm

Width: 229.0mm

Height: 229.0mm

Weight: 345g

Pages: 32

Collections

Children's Books Children’s, Teenage and Educational Elrena Evans

About the Author

Elrena Evans (MFA, Penn State) is an author, an editor, a mother, a wife, a dancer, and a stand-up comedian. Her books When I Go to Church, I Belong and Special Grace: Prayers and Reflections for Families with Special Needs are both inspired by her experience as a mom of children with special needs. Elrena lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and their five children. She doesn't have a favorite ice cream flavor because she loves (almost) all of them.


Rebecca Evans is an author and illustrator who has worked on over two dozen children's books, including All Will Be Well. She also enjoys teaching art at her local Art Center, publishing artwork with magazines and multiple publishing houses, and sharing her love of literature and art with children. Rebecca lives in Maryland and enjoys spending time with her husband and their children, and working from her home studio.

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