9-year-old Abigail can’t sing, and she can’t dance. So when her friends start rehearsing a musical performance, Abigail feels very much left out and self-conscious. Isn’t she good at anything? Doesn’t anybody want to be her friend?
Jesus does! When Abigail reads Psalm 139, she realizes that Jesus made her wonderfully, just the way she is, so she doesn’t need to worry about not being good at musical things. And when she encounters John 15, Abigail learns that Jesus loves her perfectly and empowers her to be a loving friend, even when others let her down.
As Abigail sees what a wonderful friend Jesus is, it transforms her other friendships—and ...it ends up transforming the girls’ musical performance too!
This fun, exciting novel is the third in the Abigail series.
Visit the Abigail series website for free downloads, worksheets from the book, games and more!
(Review written for 'Abigail Gets Left Out')
I can’t think of any child or adult who hasn’t ever felt left out. God created us for community and fellowship and when that doesn’t happen, something is wrong. In this very relatable story, Abigail’s friends start practicing for a musical performance, but Abigail can’t sing or dance. She begins to feel self-conscious and the doubts start. Struggling to find her place amongst her friends, she battles with insecurity of fitting in where she’s always felt comfortable before. With the help of her mom, her Sunday School teacher, and the truth of Scripture using Psalm 139, Abigail learns how God ...made her just the way she is and that even though sin affects our friendships, Jesus brings restoration and redemption to all areas of our lives. Abigail also discovers that there’s a place for her in the musical, too.
The Abigail series by @bethanymcilrath has quickly found its place in our hearts and a permanent spot on my Abigail’s bookshelf. She loves that the character has the same name and is the same age (well technically our Abby turned 10 now 😭) and is a Christian - just like her! As a mom, I am thrilled to see this series growing as it takes common circumstances amongst kids, like fitting in, and anchoring it in the truth of Scripture. My Abigail feels like reading these books is like reading about a friend she knows and can relate to. What could be better than that?
(Review written for 'Abigail Gets Left Out')
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.
(Review written for 'Abigail Gets Left Out')
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.
