God Made Me AND You: Celebrating Gods Design for Ethnic Diversity (God Made Me) by Shai Linne

God Made Me AND You: Celebrating Gods Design for Ethnic Diversity (God Made Me) Reviews

• 
  Laura

  GOD MADE ME AND YOU is a cute children's book celebrating how God made everything different. Place, animals, and people. It focuses mainly on people so to eliminate the racial divide. Or color divide. Like if every child is blond or dark haired and there is a red-head in the group, he stands out and some bullies might be tempted to call him names. This explains why each are representative of God's creativity while still being made in an image of him.
  Each ethnicity is represented in the book, with culturally correct coloring, and even some who are blind, deaf, or mobility-challenged.
  If you are looking for a book that emphasizes God's creativity with people or how God created all nations and nationalities, then GOD MADE ME AND YOU is a great book to consider.
  I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
• 
  Matthew Manchester

  This series is already amazing and is only gonna get better. The first book “God Made All of Me” was perfection and is a huge help teaching my kids how to protect their bodies.
  
  This book, “God Made Me And You”, is wonderful and teaches kids (and is adults!) to treasure their unique bodies and glorify God with them. My favorite quartet in the book is:
  
  “What some call ethnicity
  And others call race,
  We should celebrate
  As a gift of God’s grace.”
  
  I have a few quibbles with the book, but never on content. Shai strikes true. I’m a fan of shorter kids books than longer (meaning less words) and also enjoy a more consistent line/syllable length but those two things are preferences. This books reads like one of Shai’s simpler raps, like the ones of the companion album to this book “Jesus Kids.” I must say that this book becomes even better when kids listen to BOTH the book and album. Our kids LOVE both!
  
  I’m so glad to have this book. It will help my family on our journey to embrace diversity in greater ways. I look forward to what my kids will ask us and what they will desire to do.
  
  —————————
  
  
  Note: Sorry, I’m being petty but it kills me that it’s called “God Made Me And You” and not “God Made You and Me.” Drives the grammar part of me crazy. LOL
• 
  Theron John

  This book is a gift of God’s grace to those who want to teach their children what the Bible says about race. Shai gives parents guidance on how to educate children on ethnicity through a biblical lens. If you are a parent of an elementary-aged child and want them to know the beautiful biblical truth of God’s design for ethnic diversity, then get this book!
  
  See full review at:
  http://www.entrustedbygod.org/2018/10...
• 
  Mari

  I honestly think this book is brilliant. Shai Linne uses his poetic gifts to communicate the glory and beauty of diversity in creation, weaving it into the gospel story and how our differences magnifies God’s greatness.
  Ethnic diversity is to be celebrated because God designed these differences to bring him praise, for our joy and his glory.
• 
  Brittany Pendleton

  beautiful!
• 
  Jolene - Beauty in the Binding

  In God Made Me and You, Shai Linne addresses the sensitive topic of ethnic diversity. Rather than adopting the “be color blind” stance, this tale promotes celebration of all of God's creation. The narrative points out, rather than ignores, the differences in nature as well as the differences in people. Delving deep, the text identifies living in a world cursed by sin as the root of racism and bullying. Next, the author points to Jesus' sacrifice on the cross as the remedy for sin. There's a clear presentation of the gospel and as well as an explanation of how the gospel calls us to love each other. Following the story are two pages that give parents direction about helping a child appreciate God's design for ethnic diversity.
  
  I think this is the first children's book I've seen in which the author addresses how racism and bullying are more than bad behavior issues. The text cuts to the heart of the matter as it discusses sin as the root of all the meanness. Like this book says, since the fall of man, the world exists under the curse of sin and “the very differences meant / to give God praise / Are now reasons for hatred, / so evil our ways.” Thankfully, the story doesn't end there! It continues on to address redemption, salvation, and love for “saints of all colors.”
  
  I find this book is more of an educational resource for us than a book for recreational reading. My daughters request it only occasionally, but they look, listen, and appear to embrace its ideas when we do read it. We homeschool so I use books like this to teach my girls how to respond and appreciate people of other races.
  
  God Made Me and You: Celebrating God's Design for Ethnic Diversity appears to be targeted to early elementary age children. My six year old was immediately interested when we received the book and the children depicted in the illustrations seem to be about her age. The colorful illustrations by Trish Mahoney complement the rhyming narrative of God Made Me and You. They are modern, fun, and help to accentuate the theme of the book.
  
  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this complimentary book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
• 
  Vera Godley

  First of all, the concept of this book is much needed and children - and adults - need to acknowledge that God is the Creator of each and everyone. And He designed just how each of us is made. And that we are all equal in His eyes.
  
  In God Made Me and You the setting is obviously a Christian school classroom. That, therefore, limits readers to a smaller demographic. Homeschooling and public school families won't be able to internalize the concept of such a classroom, the Biblical quotes and lesson for the day. Secular books abound with the subject of diversity education and that is a good thing. It is also a good thing for children from Christian families to understand diversity acceptance and to understand it from a Biblical point of view.
  
  All that being said, the book nicely addresses children learning to accept people of diverse complexities - dark skin, yellow skin, white skin, and disabilities in body, vision, hearing.
  
  The book is lengthy and includes the origin of sin in the Garden of Eden. The story further relates that the behavior of hatred of others based on race or ethnicity as sin. The story continues with the solution of the sin as being provided when God sent Jesus to die for the sins of mankind.
  
  This is heavy information for the young listener and the extent of material covered broad. Although a picture book, it is probably best as a read-aloud. All the concepts are good and Biblical.
  
  I can recommend the book but that recommendation is based on parent use with the child or children.
  
  I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.
• 
  Lauren DuPrez

  You may be familiar with Christian artist Shai Linne by way of the rap music he's produced over the years. My husband and I have enjoyed his songs are thankful for his being a light in a dark industry. We were especially thrilled when we found out that Shai Linne had a children's book coming out and couldn't wait to read it with our daughter. God Made Me and You: Celebrating God's Design for Ethnic Diversity tells the story of young students whose teacher helps them understand diversity from a biblical perspective. This book is fun not only because of the captivating illustrations but because, in true Shai Linne form, it is written in rhyme. I am thankful for the timely and important message of God Made Me and You which is that all humans have been created as image bearers of God and have equal value, dignity, and worth. This is an especially important resource because it allows parents to make diversity one of the earliest values they instill in their children. The way in which Shai Linne writes about diversity is easy for children to understand and his approach to the topic is unique as it points to God as the author of diversity. Prior to reading God Made Me and You I hadn't really considered diversity as a mark of all creation but looking at plants, animals, and people, it is clear that a caring Creator is at work and this is a fact that individuals of all ages can rejoice in. My family enjoyed God Made Me and You and I believe that you will too! I received God Made Me and You compliments of New Growth Press in exchange for my honest review.
• 
  Shirley Alarie

  The newly released God Made Me and You Church and School Edition offers another avenue for celebrating God’s design for ethnic diversity. The softcover books are an economical choice for distribution to churches and schools and are sold by the 10-pack. The original hardcover version is still available.
  
  Author Shai Linne’s story takes place in a Christian classroom where bullies tease other students for various reasons. The teacher uses the opportunity to refer to the Bible to teach that God intentionally created diversity. Race is a gift to be celebrated for the glory of God. The biblical concepts are conveyed with plain language that children will understand, such as, People hate for silly things, like the color of skin. I forgave the imperfect rhyme based on the value of the message.
  
  God Made Me and You is worthy of group/classroom or one-on-one discussion with children. It’s a timely topic for racial diversity, but the book handles any type of diversity. Trish Mahoney’s illustrations include various ethnicities, as well as students with physical challenges, including visible birthmarks. In addition to the book, the author created a catchy and adorable song that would add more fun for home or classroom use.
  
  Supplemental material includes ‘6 Ways to help children appreciate God’s design for ethnic diversity’. This timely story plus a catchy song plus a supplemental guide equals a winning combination.
• 
  Elizabeth

  My preschoolers and I enjoyed God Made Me and You. The combination of colorful illustrations and lyrical rhyme make this book a lot of fun. Shai Linne communicates that His readers are image bearers who exist for God's glory, love, praise, etc. God Made Me and You primarily focuses on externals (tall/short, hair/eye color, disabilities, etc.) and would serve as a good starting point for further conversation(s) highlighting what it means to be made in the image of God. Most of all, I appreciate that this book follows the redemptive story line (creation, fall, redemption, consummation) and has a clear Gospel message. God Made Me and You is a useful picture book to help preschoolers appreciate the diversity of God's design in creation.
  
  *Many thanks to New Growth Press for sending me a complimentary copy of this book! This is my honest opinion.
• 
  Alistair Chalmers

  It is so important that we teach our children that every person is made in the image of God regardless of their kind colour, their class or their background. I think that this is a great wee book to help with that. It starts off with a typical day in class but two bullies make fun of people, particularly one boy for the colour of his skin. Then Linne (through the voice of the teacher) starts to teach about the importance of seeing every person as being made in the image of God. Here’s one of the lines that I loved…
  
  “What some call ethnicity and others call race, We should celebrate as a gift of God’s grace.”
  
  There’s also a helpful section at the back of this short book called “Six Ways to Help Your Child Appreciate God’s Design for Ethnic Diversity”. It’s a bit on the pricey side for a children’s book, but I think it’s worth it.
• 
  Nile

  I read a lot of kid’s books and don’t put them all on Goodreads but I am so impressed by this book I feel compelled to write a review. This Biblical response by a fictional elementary teacher to a child bullying another for the color of their skin is beautiful. It has opened excellent conversation with our four year old as we discuss the reality of racism and affirm God’s beautiful design. The unique forms of worship of God by people all over the world and from all over the world adds to the richness his praise.
  
  “We’ll no longer view our distinctions as odd, but rather more reasons to give praise to God. Together forever with saints of all kinds, this is exactly what God has designed.”
• 
  Laura Weir

  This book is so so great. It uses an example all kids witness (kids being mean to other kids who are different) and got down to the heart of the matter. All people are made in the image of God, all are descended from Adam and Eve (there's one human race), God made us to show off His glory (and our differences do that best), He crafted each of us...
  But because of sin, we hate others; but Jesus came to pay for the sins of all kinds of people, we are united by Him and changed by Him, and someday every nation and tongue will be together worshipping Him.
  
  The pictures are very well done- appealing but not so busy that they make it hard to kids to focus.
• 
  Amanda

  This was part of my random grab of new books from the library; I try to read most of the new ones to see what we have in. I thought Mister and I would appreciate it. NOPE. He's 5 now so I thought that he would be roughly in the target audience. DOUBLE NOPE.
  
  I found myself speed-reading, skipping paragraphs, paraphrasing, and then skipping entire sections in desperation. Dreadful. Very wordy. Very bumpy in its rhymes and phrasing. Forced thoughts and rhymes. Tedious. I am down to single words to describe this pedantic boss of a book. Because even I as an adult don't want to dwell on it any more than I have to.
• 
  Ruthe Turner

  I was very impressed with the way the author used a fictional story to express the wonderful truth that everyone is created by God uniquely, and we can celebrate all the skin tone colors and remember "different colors and different shades, All fearfully and wonderfully made, Through each the glory of God displayed, God made you and me." A couple of special pages in the back of the book help adults know six ways to help a child appreciate God's design for Ethnic Diversity.
• 
  Julia

  This book is beautiful! It is first of all, incredibly illustrated. The colors are bright and the pictures are eye catching. The story is also written wonderfully and keeps kids' attention while communicating a powerful point about God's plan for diversity and the sin of racism. It is definitely a story for older kids - there are a lot of words and it gets overwhelming for smaller kids!
• 
  Colin

  Great book to walk your kids through the gospel. Explains the need for all different kinds of people to be a part of the Body of Christ for us to see and experience the different facets of God's glory as seen through the diversity of mankind.
• 
  Stephanie Sanderson

  Loved this sweet book that doesn’t just celebrate our unique skin colors, but all the ways God has artistically made us different and precious in His image. I’m a big fan of Shia Linne and my kids are now too, especially with the song on YouTube that he did to go along with this book!