Dear God, I don't get it!
by Patti Maguire Armstrong
Illustrated by Shannon Wirrenga
Reviewed by Christine Hebert
Aaron Ajax is a sixth grader who has not has much change in his life. He has had the same best friend since the first day of kindergarten. He has never moved. There has been no hardship or uncertainty. When his father loses his job, Aaron faces many changes. He has a difficult time dealing with these changes and does not understand why God is not answering his prayers the way he would like.
Things turn around for Aaron when he stops trying to make things happen and begins to rely on God. Once he realizes that he should just be himself, things get better. He risks losing his new friends by doing what is right instead of what is easy.
Patti Maguire Armstrong does a great job exploring Aaron’s feelings through these changes in this easy to read book. She skillfully demonstrates that children often have the same difficulties in their faith lives as adults have, and that they may feel alone and unable to express these feelings.
There are vocabulary words and thought provoking questions for each chapter. These are located in the back of the book. The only thing I would have done differently in the book is to place the questions and vocabulary for each chapter at the end of each chapter instead of separating them into the back of the book. An advanced third grade reader would have no difficulty with this book, and it would be appropriate for children through sixth grade.
I will be using this book in my home school to help my son understand to trust God always, even in difficult circumstances.
Christine Hebert blogs at As My House Turns
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