*Joni Eareckson Tada by Kristyn Getty

A new biography of Joni Eareckson Tada for kids demonstrates how anyone can honor God no matter the circumstances.

*Joni Eareckson Tada: The Girl Who Learned to Follow God in a Wheelchair by Kristyn Getty, illustrated by Hsulynn Pang. The Good Book Company, 2024, 32 pages.

Reading Level: Picture book, ages 4-8

Recommended for: ages 4-10 as a read-aloud; ages 6-12 for independent readers

Most evangelicals know Joni’s story: how a diving accident at the age of 17 led to permanent disability and years of pain. In spite of that, or actually because of that, it’s abundantly clear that God has used her not only to encourage her fellow believers but to point others to Christ. Kristyn Getty, a personal friend, recounts Joni’s story in a way very young children can understand, beginning with the girl with “sparkling blue eyes, a clever mind, and lots of energy.” Converted at church camp at the age of 15, Joni prayed, “Instead of doing things my way, I want to follow Christ’s way.”

Christ’s way would take her down a path of pain, struggle, loneliness, and depression before leading upward to triumph and joy. The narrative and accompanying illustrations don’t sugarcoat this: “It was easy to trust God when she was happy and healthy. But did she want to follow God now that life was so hard?” Her Bible held the answer: “It reminded her that God promised to care for her and help her, even if he didn’t make her better” (emphasis added). God could use even a devastating accident for good: not only in Joni’s helping disabled people all over the world, but in her testimony of his overwhelming grace to her expanding audience. She knows Jesus will heal her legs—in heaven, “where the first thing I’ll do is kneel down to worship him.”

The story is simply and beautifully told, with the ultimate focus where it needs to be—on Jesus. A timeline of Joni’s life and ministry, along with discussion questions, encourage kids to think deeper about the implications for their own lives. Further resources are available as a free download on the publisher’s website. (Joni Eareckson Tada is the latest in The Good Company’s “Do Great Things for God” series, featuring women of faith.)

Bottom Line: The inspiring true story of a contemporary Christian doing great things for God, made accessible for young readers.

Also at Redeemed Reader:

• Resource: See our book list of 30+ Great Women in Church History.
• Reflection: Don’t miss our interview with Kristyn Getty tomorrow!

Order Joni Eareckson Tada: The Girl Who Learned to Follow God in a Wheelchair from The Good Book Company.