Book Review: Anxious for Nothing (Young Readers Edition)
- Charity Harvey
- Mar 17
- 3 min read
Hello everyone! It seems I've been spending some time catching up on my reading, and that's indeed the case! I realized it was time for an update, and I'm here with another YA non-fiction review. The original version for adult readers is also available, and I believe it could be an excellent read for both parents and their kids. Explore them together and begin your own family reading time! This book is sure to uplift and inspire.
Max Lucado is a well known author, and one of my favorites from childhood! I was reading his picture book when I was little, Because I Love You. He has got a way of writing for young readers!
I once listened to Max Lucado's sermon called "Anxious For Nothing" online, and it was very moving. In today's world, there seems to be a lot that causes us anxiety. If we, as adults, feel anxious, just imagine how children must feel. So, when I discovered he had also written a book on the topic, I wanted to read it. Since the adult version wasn't available to me at the time, I chose the young readers edition, and it was equally impressive! While it's clearly aimed at a younger audience, readers of any age could benefit from it. Max Lucado adapts his book to address their everyday needs, explaining scriptures and offering advice specifically for students from middle school to high school.
The book is broken into four different sections: Celebrate God's Goodness, Ask God for Help, Look On the Bright Side, and Think About Good Things. All of Lucado's advice and tips are based on scripture and Christian principles, bringing out a profound message in a simple way. And by simple I mean easy to understand no matter how old you are, but quite thought provoking! One of the points he brought out has really stuck with me, and I remind myself of it to stay encouraged. He uses the story of Jesus's first miracle as an example of encouragement to us. Jesus was at a wedding party and was asked to turn the water into wine. Many of us are familiar with this Bible story, but may have missed this valuable point Lucado brings out. Jesus performed this miracle, when it did not appear urgent to anyone. It was not a life or death situation. So why would He do that? Because it mattered to Mary. Mary asked Jesus to help, and He did. This problem concerned Mary, so it concerned Jesus, and Jesus performed this miracle to help. Lucado expands on this to teach this lesson: if it matters to you, it matters to God. Don't be afraid to ask Him for something that you think isn't important enough or urgent enough. Do you see what I mean about being deep and profound? Of course the points Lucado brings out are profound, it is scripture from the Bible he is teaching! We shouldn't be surprised, but sometimes we think children can't learn as much or as deeply as we do, but that isn't true. I learned that valuable lesson from a children's book, and I hope that lesson stays with you too!
I listened to this on audiobook through Jasmine Digital, but I highly recommend finding a hardback or paper copy if you want to give it to young person in your life. Those versions come with illustrations, doodles, charts, and more. You can download a document with the audiobook so you can follow along with that, but having a copy you can write in makes a difference! There are also times for personal prayer and reflections with the chapters. I recommend this book to readers of all ages! I hope you give it a try and are encouraged when you are finished.
I'm planning to catch up on my reading soon! I've gotten into the habit of checking out too many books at once. I was sure I could read all ten simultaneously and follow each story, but that hasn't worked out. I still need to get through advanced reader copies and library loans too! Does anyone else keep hitting the renew button, or is it just me? Join me in my endless book list, and as always, happy reading!
