Title: You Can Do It

Author: Tony Dungy

ISBN:   978-1416954613

Age:  5-10

SRP: 16.99 (hardback); 11.76 (ebook)

My Rating:     

My Review:  In You Can Do It author Tony Dungy reminds both adults and kids that God gave everyone an “it.” An “it” is the thing that God meant for you to do in life.  This book appears to be based on a true story from the author’s childhood. In this story; Linden, the author’s younger brother, is having a bad day that gets worse when he realize that his siblings and friends know what they want to be when they grow up and he does not. During the story, his father reminds him to trust God and his older brother prays for him.  Through a series of events that reminds me of how God works everything out for our good, Linden eventually discovers his “it.” There are several things that I love about this book, including the overall message and the beautiful depiction of an African American family; however, I do have two concerns with this book.  1) The “it” was not clear to the eight year old I was reading the book to.  At one point, she stopped me because “it did not make sense.”  2)  The book also gives an underline message that God will fulfill our dreams; however, God does not promise to give us what we dream or everything we ask for as a Christian.  Neither of these points are enough for me to not recommend this book;  Instead, I see both of these limitations as an opportunity to have a broader conversation (i.e., what does having faith looks like; who/what should we have faith in; discovering your God given purpose). That is all for now.  Continue to pray for me as I pray for you, Corine P.S. What great Christian children books have you read lately? You can learn more about me by visiting www.booksbycorine.com