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"Did you know if you are a boy, then boy is in your blood? And if you are a girl, that girl is in your blood too?

This question is found in God Made Boys and Girls and it is the perfect way to begin a conversation with children about gender and God's role in choosing whether a person is male or female. Author Marty Machowski has written a book that targets children ages 3-5 and he uses Bible scripture to support his theory that gender is 'God's good gift'. This 32 page book is filled with bright, colorful illustrations and easy-to-understand language and best of all, a wonderful explanation of how gender is determined. As he explains how chromosomes determine our gender, he mentions the gender code. An attention-grabber for sure because what child doesn't like codes and coding? He also points out that God gives each of us different interests and talents and it's okay for a girl to be good in sports or for a boy to like to cook or do ballet. These talents and interests have no effect on the gender that God chose for us!

As I read this book, I was once again reminded of the changes in our society and the constant blast from social media to promote the trans-gender movement. This is very confusing to children and we need books like this to help explain what is Biblical truth. I especially liked that at the end, Machowski offers a special section titled "Truths About Gender to Share with Children" and he shares more information about people who have genetic disorders. He also encourages us all to pray for those who are confused or have willingly rejected God's truth. We must be willing to share God's Word with them but to do so in a kind and loving way.

I have a young granddaughter in Kindergarten and I know that she will soon hear comments from her classmates that will confuse her and I am thrilled that this book will be available to share with her. This is an excellent, No!, it is an exceptional book that every parent and every teacher should have!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from New Growth Press but there was no obligation to post a positive review. These are my own thoughts. ( )

God Made Boys and Girls: Helping Children Understand the Gift of Gender by Marty Machowski aims to help parents discuss gender with young children. With its simple and colorful illustrations, plus a school room setting, I think the book will interest my daughters. The basis of the book comes straight out of Genesis. It recalls the creation story to emphasize that God created each person with a specific gender. It also manages to work in the salvation message of Jesus coming as a baby and later dying to atone for our sins.

What I liked:
It speaks against false stereotypes, affirming a child’s unique interests and abilities.
It advocates for showing kindness to anyone who may be confused about gender or have a chromosomal disorder that affects sex organs.

What I didn’t like:
The girls being “double XX, extra special” felt repetitive.
It predisposes girls to the complementarian marriage role ideology when it presents Eve as a helper for Adam.
I was raised on the type of ideologies in this book, but I’m not totally on board with its message. If God doesn’t make mistakes and gives the gift of gender, then why do people have genetic disorders? I won’t take up space writing out my questions and thoughts here, I’m just going to leave it at: I don’t buy into everything presented in the book.

I will likely use God Made Boys and Girls by Marty Machowski as a supplement to our homeschool curriculum. It’s not a book I’d leave laying around for them to read at will as I had mixed feelings about it. Christian parents with conservative ideals will like this book the most as it makes strong statements that gender does not change and should be embraced as a gift from God.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. ( )

A wonderful book and timely to add to your shelf for all of our children. With the promoting of picking your own gender, saying God made mistakes, a Christian book to share with young ones.
The author does a beautiful job and there is additional information at the back of the book to go further in your sharing with facts and scripture, called Truths about Gender.
The story written for children shows girls out running boys, and goes on to explain that doesn’t mean a gender change.
I thank the Publisher that we have choices for our children!

I received this book through Read With Audra and the Publisher New Hope Press, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )