Member Reviews

This was one powerful little book! It's perfect for the suggested age (8-12) and I would have loved to have read something like this at that age. I was reading it out loud with my 4 year old, and although much of the content was beyond his comprehension, it sparked some great conversations.

I loved how this book was filled with examples and illustrations that pre-teens can relate to, as well as a lot of personal stories from the author, Tony, himself.

Even as an adult, it has really made me think about what I use my words for, both in conversations with others and in conversations in my head with myself. Words are a wonderful gift from God, but need to be used with much discernment. This book does a great job of fully explaining the power our words have, and is full of practical applications. I also appreciated that there are reflection questions throughout the chapters, to keep the reader interacting with the book and looking for ways to apply the truths throughout the book.

I highly recommend this book for Christian pre-teens as a devotional or reading just for fun! It could also be used for family devotions. I'd definitely purchase this book for others.

*I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

Was this review helpful?

I'm not a member of the target demographic for this book, being neither 'a kid' nor even remotely religious, but I found it an enjoyable read nonetheless. A pleasant little book, with a lovely, bright cover. I imagine children would like it very much.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

The earlier a person learns and develops certain disciplines, the more they determine the type of life that person will have—whether good or bad. This book provides guidance on a child’s level for a discipline that many adults are still trying to learn—how to control their tongues.

The author points out that the tongue is a three-inch muscle in the mouth. Without it, clear speech is impossible. With it, a person can produce clear speech using words that build something strong or tear something down.

In this present time where bullying ranges from cyber to physical, this book teaches lessons that are necessary across the age spectrum. I congratulate the author on his clear presentation of the matter and hope that readers will purchase several copies. Give them as gifts to children that are able to read and even to parents and caregivers of young children. The parents and caregivers can read it and start teaching the children early—and, while teaching the children, they will learn some things also.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher and Net Galley. However, the thoughts expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I was intrigued by the premise of this book, but wasn't overly pleased with the actual content. I actually felt this read more like a book for teens or young adults than one for kids. While the content was good, I felt it was very "teachy" with not a lot of opportunity for application or activities that would strengthen the message for kids. I'd recommend this book to teens, but not kids.

Was this review helpful?

Excellent. I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and it is as good as the blurb suggests. Down-to-Earth with easy to understand language, fast-paced with some good humour thrown in, this will definitely appeal to kids. I’m going to be reading it to my own students as part of our ERC classes. Definitely recommend this book! A great choice for kids, parents, or teachers.

Was this review helpful?

Great guide for Bible studies as well as devotionals for families or at church. Even if it is personal studies or a guide to keep along for guidance to go along with the Bible it really is helpful for kids -- but adults will benefit too.

Was this review helpful?

Tony Evans talks to Christian kids about the way they use their words both in everyday life and in their Christian walk. He challenges them to use their words for good and not harm, to communicate well with God and others, and to consider the ways that their words and the words of those around them affect their hearts and attitudes. From spoken word to typed texts to internal prayers, words have power and it is important to consider them.

I really thought Evans’ book on the names of God for kids was excellent, so I was eager to read this. Though I personally didn’t find this one quite as powerful, it is still very good and definitely worth reading/buying. The topics covered are very relevant and important for kids (and adults). Evans does a great job of breaking down the ways in which we communicate with others and why it is important to think about our words. The writing is done in a way kids will find engaging and relatable too. Evans frequently explains points with memorable stories or illustrations from Scripture. I especially loved that he included some comments on texting and the hazards of device use when physically present with others. This is aimed at kids who already are walking with God, but that is a wide spectrum for kids at this age. I think there’s something for just about every kid in here, though, wherever they are in their spiritual life from gossiping and swearing pitfalls to needing to use words of gratitude to how to have a deeper prayer life to how to grow in wisdom. Highly recommend for Christian kids, Christian family read alouds, or middle grade Sunday School classes/middle school youth groups or Christian school groups could use it for weekly discussions.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

We are using this before bed time as a family. My son is ADHD and a morning person but he sat thru the whole belt of truth section and participated. That says something. My daughter also seemed to enjoy it.

I gave each child (15 and 9) a belt of truth sticker when we were done with the chapter.

Was this review helpful?