im0gen's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.0

panda_incognito's review against another edition

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5.0

This book celebrates eleven notable women who made significant contributions to the world because of their faith in Christ. These women represent different races, nations, and spheres of influence, and even though some of them are well-known in Christian circles, such as Corrie Ten-Boom and Elisabeth Elliot, others, such as Sophie Scholl and Pandita Ramabai, are more obscure. In each chapter, the author shares a biographical sketch, a short devotional, and discussion questions. The questions include Scripture references, and encourage readers to reflect on how the chapter's lessons relate to their lives.

The focus of this book is clear from the title. Catherine Parks uses the language of empowerment to teach girls about the power of the Holy Spirit, showing them that these women were able to accomplish what they did because of God's strength in them. She encourages girls to know that they, too, can serve God and others in meaningful ways, because even though they may never face the intense conditions that many of these women did, God calls each of us to serve Him within our ordinary lives and the circumstances in which He places us.

This book is a great resource for Christian schools, homeschool families, and devotions. It teaches about a variety of women and historical issues, and does so in a way that elevates God's power instead of making the women themselves the center of the story. Parks is honest and direct about the women's accomplishments and their faults, and never praises them in a way that encourages idealization or the belief that no one could be like them. This book is refreshing and encouraging, and is a great choice for both children and adults who are interested in learning about historic Christian women.

I received a temporary digital copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

brittsbooknook's review against another edition

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5.0

A great read for young girls (and not so young)! :) I'll be passing this on to my niece.

tanjalunney's review against another edition

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3.0

Catherine Park’s juvenile non-fiction novel, Empowered, How God Shaped 11 Women’s Lives (And Can Shape Yours Too), shares the testimonies of 11 women who bravely endured challenging circumstances through God’s strength and power. Each chapter introduces each one of these amazing women of faith by a quote and a hand-drawn picture. You will read through parts of their testimony and research provided. After their stories unfold, you are left with pages where you are able to reflect upon each woman’s traits. Some of these traits include gratitude, loving the unlovable, and fearing God not man. At the very end of each chapter Park’s provides questions to reflect upon.

When I was graciously provided this book by B&H Publishers, I had no idea that it was aimed at children and young tweens. The cover will grab your attention right away with all of the bright colors. The illustrations inside of Empowered are simply beautiful. The 11 women that Park’s chose to focus on with help do exactly what the title says, empower and shape the audience’s livelihood.

Overall I give this book a 3/5 and would recommend it to Mother’s who want their young girls to know about women of faith. We are told that it is not only by the blood of Jesus but the power of our testimony. I plan on passing this read onto someone else. This book is aimed more toward late elementary or young junior high girls. Empowered was an easy read and I loved hearing and learning more about women who have shaped our faith.

Thank you to B&H Publishers for graciously providing this novel for me to review.

academy252's review against another edition

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5.0

A fantastic read for middle grade girls! This would be a great book for homeschool or church girls programs. It is inspiring and encouraging with amazing stories of outstanding Christian women!
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