The Outsider

Sinclair B. Ferguson

Katy Morgan is a richly gifted storyteller. In The Outsider, she brings her gifts to bear on what has been called the most beautiful short narrative ever written as she sensitively, faithfully and imag- inatively retells the biblical story of Ruth and Naomi. Drawn into the twists and turns of their emotion-packed world, we marvel at God’s faithful care and by the end discover where their story will eventually lead. While written with young people in mind, I suspect The Outsider will be read and enjoyed by those of every age!

Carolyn Lacey

“A wonderful retelling of a beautiful story. Katy draws us into the drama and helps us feel the tension, fear, loss and despair of Ruth and Naomi—and their rising hope of a redeemer. The Lord’s kindness and sovereign care for his people shines through each chapter, fuelling the reader’s desire to know his love and protection themselves. Younger and older readers alike will be enthralled from start to finish.” 

“I loved the ending”

My 7th grade friend loved this story.

“It was really interesting learning about what could have been Ruth’s background. I recommend it for all Christian little girls. I think somebody that is not a Christian might get confused with the story if she didn’t already know the story of Ruth. I loved the ending the best.”

“Even my 12yo son enjoyed this!”

The Outsider is a wonderfully written retelling of Ruth that I'd recommend to families or churches to add to their home libraries. It's challenging to find a Christian book for middle schoolers that doesn't feel "forced", too cheesy, or cliché. Even my 12-year-old son enjoyed it! So Katy Morgan's retellings are a breath of fresh air! I also appreciate that the focus isn't on any romance, but on God and his goodness and kindness towards Ruth and Naomi.

“Powerful Biblical Fiction for All Ages”

This is the third book in Katy Morgan's biblical fiction series. It retells the story of Ruth for a middle-grade audience, and it is faithful to the Scriptural narrative while also including fictionalized elements. The imagined details fit with the story's historical and cultural context, and they build on the story's themes about loyalty, kindness, and God's hand at work in difficult circumstances.

The book of Ruth in the Bible is about four pages long, and this novel is 158 pages long. As a result, there's a lot of added detail! However, none of the fictionalized aspects change the substance of the story. They just flesh out the details of what Ruth and Naomi might have been thinking and feeling, add some other supporting characters to the story, and more fully dramatize things that Scripture summarized within a compressed timeline. At the end of the novel, there are detailed notes that specify what the the author got directly from the Bible, versus what she made up. She also includes some additional cultural and historical explanations here. There is also a discussion guide at the end, which is great for family use or for book clubs.

"The Outsider" is an engaging, well-written novel that builds upon a familiar story with additional details, and which offers deep reflections about God's love and kindness. This book will appeal to people who enjoy biblical fiction and TV shows like The Chosen, and even though the publisher is marketing this book for kids, it is a gripping story for all ages.

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

“Absolutely loved!”

This new biblical fiction chapter book is based on the book of Ruth and tells a beautiful story that highlights Ruth’s loyalty, bravery and inner strength.

I listened to it on Audible (a great way for me to review lots of books 😜) and I flew through it in a single day. It is well-written, engaging and I just couldn’t stop listening!

Early on, I knew this would be an easy recommendation for any girl (or boy) in that age range.

The book of Ruth in the Bible is only 4 chapters long, so there are many details we’re not given. This book imagines what some of those missing pieces might have been— imagining more about Ruth’s family and village or conversations with other women in Boaz’s field— adding depth to the story and helping young readers envision what life may have been like at that time.

One thing I especially appreciate (and this applies to the other books in the series too—see below) is the section at the back that goes chapter by chapter, pointing out which elements were added by the author and which are drawn directly from Scripture.

And yet, it’s clear that the author’s intent is to remain biblically faithful, while enhancing the themes of God’s redemption through hardship, His extension of grace and salvation to all people, and His hand at work in ordinary lives to fulfill His plans—plans that ultimately point forward to the coming of the Messiah through the lineage of David.

The book also includes a discussion guide which could be used for a book club or family read-aloud conversations.

*I received a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

“Wonderful”

I am a huge fan of biblical fiction. Whilst nothing compares to the actual Bible, I find biblical fiction brings these stories on which we anchor our lives and hope upon, to life in a fresh way.

Whilst they’re fictionally padded out, they give a glimpse of what these people would have felt, said and thought, particularly if they’re told in a way that is faithful to scripture (which this one is!)👏

Thus I was so excited to see that there’s a middle grade retelling of the book of Ruth. Particularly as we named one of our son’s after Boaz 🥹

I devoured it in a few days - it’s a short read, and even as an adult, I so felt God speak to me. As we walk through situations that we hadn’t asked for or envisioned, reminding ourselves of Ruth and Naomi’s journey helps us to remember that no matter how dark or hard things get, that God has a plan and He is good, faithful and cares for His people. ❤️

I felt it was perfectly adapted for a younger audience, without losing the significance of certain details, and Katy did a wonderful job of explaining the cultural context and processes of the time.

I’d highly recommend this for boys and girls alike, from the age of 8/9.

“Good retelling of Ruth”

The Outsider by Katy Morgan is a re-telling of the Biblical book of Ruth for young people over the age of eight.

Ruth risks everything and goes with her mother-in-law Naomi after her husband and Naomi's husband have died in Ruth's country of Moab. They go back to Naomi's home country of Israel with the one true God. God takes care of Ruth and Naomi in ways that are unexpected to them through a kinsman-redeemer.

I thought The Outsider was well told. It was fast paced and it felt like I was right there in the Bible times with Ruth and Naomi. There is also a section of Notes from the Bible in the back as well as a book club discussion guide. This could be a good book to read as part of a home school curriculum. It could also be good in a Sunday school class or other church group to read in this age group.

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

“Fantastic and Accessible Retelling of Ruth”

This is a fantastic read for children and young adults alike, faithfully keeping to the biblical story of Ruth while also helping them to feel like they're in the story. Morgan creates such an imaginative, gripping world that we're invited into, and helps us love God more deeply through the truths she brings out. Before I gave this as a gift, I read it myself, and I couldn't put it down. Definite recommendation!

“A rich, faith-filled read for families!”

This was my third biblical retelling, and if I’m being completely transparent—sometimes I struggle with retellings, especially when reading with my children. I always want to be sure my girls can clearly understand what is Truth and what comes from the creative imagination of the author. That said, Katy Morgan did a wonderful job with this story!

We read it each night after dinner with a goal of two chapters, but almost every time, my girls would ask, “One more chapter?” And honestly, I felt the same. We were all so eager to see what would happen next.

Morgan truly brought this story to life in a way that made us feel like we were right there with young Ruth and Orpah in their village, traveling the road to Bethlehem with Naomi, gleaning in the fields, and watching Boaz step into his role as redeemer.

As much as I loved how immersive it was, what I loved even more were the gospel threads clearly woven throughout—the reminder of God’s care and faithfulness, the comfort of being protected under His wings, and the call to care for the widow and orphan.

I also really appreciated the author’s notes at the end and how she breaks down each chapter—pointing out what is drawn directly from Scripture and what elements are fictionalized.

🍎 WHO IS THIS FOR? Though recommended for ages 8+, I read it aloud to all my girls (my youngest is 5). If you’re reading it as a family, I’d suggest pre-reading, as some themes like idol worship and death may feel a bit heavy for younger listeners.

And with discussion questions included in the back, this would be a great pick for book clubs and homeschool co-ops.

Thank you, The Good Book Company, for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

“God's kindness on display!”

“Be kind.” “Raise kind humans.” “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” These are all popular slogans of today’s culture, but what does “kind” really mean? The godly standard of kindness is much deeper and multifaceted than the worlds.

The Outsider by Katy Morgan, beautifully retells the story of Ruth, displaying God’s kindness as all-encompassing of love, mercy, generosity, and forgiveness, which leads to faith and repentance. “Could a god be so kind as that?” Ruth speculates. Ruth is not use to gods who love and care for her. “What is a redeemer,” she wonders.

We have the privilege of knowing how Ruth’s story ends, but it is important to remember that she remained faithful even though she didn’t know the outcome. Ruth is a brief four chapters of the Bible, and it is fascinating to think about what else may have been happening during this time. Katy Morgan gives her creative spin on events, while always remaining faithful to the accounts in the Bible. If Morgan took creative licenses on anything, she has included it in her notes in the back of the book. Mainly, she added characters so we might understand how Ruth may have been treated as a Moabite in Bethlehem.

This is Morgan’s third book in her Biblical fiction series geared towards ages 8-13. They are all fantastic! And while they may be for kids, I always learn something new too.

These stories help younger kids grasp harder concepts in the Bible, while making them comprehensible without watering them down. Kids will walk away with a new meaning of kindness, and an incredible example of what it looks like to trust in God and His plan.

*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.