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Abigail series #1
Abigail and the Big Start Over: Switch Schools. Make Friends. Fix All the Mess!
Fun, absorbing novel that helps kids aged 7+ to engage with the Bible as they explore what God’s grace looks like in their everyday lives. New house. New school. New problems! Like many kids, adventurous and creative 9-year-old Abigail experiences lots of ups and downs when it comes to school life, making friends and getting on with parents and siblings. Through both the humorous and serious challenges that arise, Abigail finds herself in one new mess after another. But as she learns all about how Jesus forgave Peter when he messed up again and again, she sees how Jesus can forgive her too. Readers will explore the Bible alongside Abigail and learn that God’s love for us and his grace to us never run out. So we can start over again and again! This fun, exciting novel for kids aged 7+ features short chapters with illustrations that really bring the story to life. It explains grace in a kid-friendly way that is relevant to their lives, and it provides a great way for kids to engage with the Bible. This is the first book in a fictional series for readers aged 7 and up that follows the adventures of 9-year-old Abigail as she figures out what faith means for her everyday life. Young readers are inspired to read the Bible, talk to God and apply what they believe to their own lives. Includes book club kit with questions for discussion, with additional worksheets also available. Ideal for homeschool groups or book clubs.
- GenresChildrens
192 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2024
5 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Bethany McIlrath
6 books17 followersBethany McIlrath loves to get lost in a book and to help others discover their next read. When she's not reading stories, she's usually writing them or dreaming about them as she comes up with real-life creative adventures for friends, her husband, and a doorbell-like dog named Indy. Serving in children's ministry is also one of her greatest joys.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 17, 2025
I am so happy to have come across this series! It holds similarities in style and characters to series like Beverly Clearly’s “Ramona”, but with wholesome and biblical teaching as its foundation. I used them as read alouds with my 5-was year-old and she never wanted me to put the book down. Since then, she has read them repeatedly on her own and it’s a common request to have read to her!
Abigail is an elementary-aged girl who deals with issues that are relatable for young girls: making new friends, making mistakes, being good enough, being liked, getting it right, being perfect for God.
But the way the books portray her learning and growing is unique and what I want modeled to my own girls - it’s through everyday discipleship conversations with her mom, dad, grandpa, and trusted adults as they look at what scripture teaches.
We even chose Book 1 as the first book in our new Little Girls Book Club! There were multiple opportunities for gospel and discipleship conversations and each of the girls loved the book!
I highly recommend this series if you have girls aged 6-11.
Thank you to The Good BookClub Co for the complimentary books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Abigail is an elementary-aged girl who deals with issues that are relatable for young girls: making new friends, making mistakes, being good enough, being liked, getting it right, being perfect for God.
But the way the books portray her learning and growing is unique and what I want modeled to my own girls - it’s through everyday discipleship conversations with her mom, dad, grandpa, and trusted adults as they look at what scripture teaches.
We even chose Book 1 as the first book in our new Little Girls Book Club! There were multiple opportunities for gospel and discipleship conversations and each of the girls loved the book!
I highly recommend this series if you have girls aged 6-11.
Thank you to The Good BookClub Co for the complimentary books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
June 18, 2024
My kids loved this! At one point, I thought the mom figure was a bit grouchy ( a little too realistic) but she redeems herself in the end.
June 29, 2024
4.5 stars, rounded up.
This book is the first installment in a new chapter book series for elementary-aged kids. The main character, Abigail, is a nine-year-old who has just moved to a new house with her family and is starting a new school. The story follows her experiences trying to make friends at school, dealing with family stress about their life transition, and learning about God at a children's program at church. Bethany McIlrath wrote this whole story from Abigail's point of view, and even though I can only assess this as an adult reader and writer, I felt that she represented a child's perspective and reactions to things in a convincing way. The story is cute and upbeat, while also dealing with realistic life challenges, and there is lots of humor throughout. The art from Katie Saunders also enriches the story, since there are lots of expressive illustrations throughout the book.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this, since Christian children's novels can be really preachy, but this was great! The author incorporates Abigail's church experiences and thoughts about God into the story in a very natural way, and through this, she represents the lives of her readers. I also appreciate how realistic this book is, with the different family and friendship issues that come up. For example, parents in middle-grade novels are usually paragons of virtue, or they are totally problematic for plot reasons. McIlrath avoids these common pitfalls, and represents Abigail's parents as realistic, relatable people. I laughed at the parts where Abigail's mother rushes through their homework from church, worrying that they won't going to get through the material in time. Parents who read this with their kids will enjoy this kind of relatable humor.
The lesson about grace also feels convincing because you have seen different characters' imperfections and poor choices throughout the book. Abigail learns about grace at home and at church, as they study the story of Jesus's friendship with Peter, and even though she has a lot of questions and some confused ideas about this at first, she comes to understand this Bible story and learns how to apply it to her life. She recognizes her need to receive grace for some bad choices she has made, she accepts her mother's apology for being so distracted and rushed, and she works through some conflict with classmates in a realistic way.
This book is ideal for Christian families who are looking for cute, engaging chapter books aimed towards elementary-aged girls. The story and characters are wholesome and fun, and the book teaches an important life lesson without getting too preachy. I would recommend this for kids to read independently, and for parents to read aloud to their kids. However, this will definitely appeal primarily to girls, not only because of the feminine cover design and female main character, but also because the boy characters in the story appear in a mostly negative light. Since Abigail resolves conflict with a boy from school before the end, I hope that he will become a recurring character and add some appeal for boy readers. Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I look forward to future books in the series.
I received a free copy from the publisher, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is the first installment in a new chapter book series for elementary-aged kids. The main character, Abigail, is a nine-year-old who has just moved to a new house with her family and is starting a new school. The story follows her experiences trying to make friends at school, dealing with family stress about their life transition, and learning about God at a children's program at church. Bethany McIlrath wrote this whole story from Abigail's point of view, and even though I can only assess this as an adult reader and writer, I felt that she represented a child's perspective and reactions to things in a convincing way. The story is cute and upbeat, while also dealing with realistic life challenges, and there is lots of humor throughout. The art from Katie Saunders also enriches the story, since there are lots of expressive illustrations throughout the book.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this, since Christian children's novels can be really preachy, but this was great! The author incorporates Abigail's church experiences and thoughts about God into the story in a very natural way, and through this, she represents the lives of her readers. I also appreciate how realistic this book is, with the different family and friendship issues that come up. For example, parents in middle-grade novels are usually paragons of virtue, or they are totally problematic for plot reasons. McIlrath avoids these common pitfalls, and represents Abigail's parents as realistic, relatable people. I laughed at the parts where Abigail's mother rushes through their homework from church, worrying that they won't going to get through the material in time. Parents who read this with their kids will enjoy this kind of relatable humor.
The lesson about grace also feels convincing because you have seen different characters' imperfections and poor choices throughout the book. Abigail learns about grace at home and at church, as they study the story of Jesus's friendship with Peter, and even though she has a lot of questions and some confused ideas about this at first, she comes to understand this Bible story and learns how to apply it to her life. She recognizes her need to receive grace for some bad choices she has made, she accepts her mother's apology for being so distracted and rushed, and she works through some conflict with classmates in a realistic way.
This book is ideal for Christian families who are looking for cute, engaging chapter books aimed towards elementary-aged girls. The story and characters are wholesome and fun, and the book teaches an important life lesson without getting too preachy. I would recommend this for kids to read independently, and for parents to read aloud to their kids. However, this will definitely appeal primarily to girls, not only because of the feminine cover design and female main character, but also because the boy characters in the story appear in a mostly negative light. Since Abigail resolves conflict with a boy from school before the end, I hope that he will become a recurring character and add some appeal for boy readers. Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I look forward to future books in the series.
I received a free copy from the publisher, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 28, 2024
Meet Abigail. She’s 9-years-old and loves to go on big adventures using her imagination. Her family has just made a big move, and now Abigail must start a new school and make new friends. This new adventure quickly turns into a big mess where she’ll wonder if she’s used up all of God’s grace.
Abigail and the Big Start Over by Bethany McIlrath with illustrations by Katie Saunders is a lesson in grace. Abigail will discover that you can’t use up God’s grace- it is a free gift that we don’t deserve. “Because of who Jesus is and how much grace He gives when we sin, it’s never too late to start over again with Him.”
Abigail is learning about Peter in Church Kids Club and their memory verse work is 2 Peter 3:18: “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” The problem is Abigail has only heard part of the story. Her mom was busy unpacking and rushed through the story and her teacher was interrupted. Abigail knows Peter was a fisherman (YUCK!) and followed Jesus, but that he also kept messing up and was a sinner. Abigail had messed up like Peter, “did Jesus really keep forgiving Peter when he kept messing up all the time?” She hadn’t heard the end of the story, so she wasn’t sure if God would give her grace for all the mistakes she’s made since moving; like, scaring her brother, losing her grandparents cat, lying to her dad, and being mean at school.
This is a wonderful grace-filled story perfect for ages 7 and up. I love how the story kept coming back to Peter, and that when we misunderstand grace, we miss out on the gospel and what Jesus did for us. Once Abigail understands God’s grace is never-ending, she is ready to face her new circumstances with joy and love. Chapter 18: A Good Grace Story is a chapter you’ll return to again and again to explain God’s grace in a comprehensive way that does not take anything away from the gospel.
I found Abigail relatable, and I’m sure any kid that has experienced first day nerves, a big move, and anxiety over making new friends will find themselves understanding Abigail’s big start over and big mess! I got in trouble my first day of kindergarten for standing on the bus, just like Abigail. In 3rd grade I used my fingers under the desk to count in math class so that I wouldn’t get in trouble, just like Abigail. Don’t tell Ms. Miller, but I still use my fingers! ;) And just like Abigail, I worried my mistakes were too big! Glory to God, that no mistake is too big for God. Nothing can separate you from the love of Christ. His grace never runs out.
*I received a free copy of this book from The Good Book Company in exchange for my honest review.* There are also discussion questions at the end and a sneak peek at book #2! I'm excited for more Abigail adventures!
Abigail and the Big Start Over by Bethany McIlrath with illustrations by Katie Saunders is a lesson in grace. Abigail will discover that you can’t use up God’s grace- it is a free gift that we don’t deserve. “Because of who Jesus is and how much grace He gives when we sin, it’s never too late to start over again with Him.”
Abigail is learning about Peter in Church Kids Club and their memory verse work is 2 Peter 3:18: “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” The problem is Abigail has only heard part of the story. Her mom was busy unpacking and rushed through the story and her teacher was interrupted. Abigail knows Peter was a fisherman (YUCK!) and followed Jesus, but that he also kept messing up and was a sinner. Abigail had messed up like Peter, “did Jesus really keep forgiving Peter when he kept messing up all the time?” She hadn’t heard the end of the story, so she wasn’t sure if God would give her grace for all the mistakes she’s made since moving; like, scaring her brother, losing her grandparents cat, lying to her dad, and being mean at school.
This is a wonderful grace-filled story perfect for ages 7 and up. I love how the story kept coming back to Peter, and that when we misunderstand grace, we miss out on the gospel and what Jesus did for us. Once Abigail understands God’s grace is never-ending, she is ready to face her new circumstances with joy and love. Chapter 18: A Good Grace Story is a chapter you’ll return to again and again to explain God’s grace in a comprehensive way that does not take anything away from the gospel.
I found Abigail relatable, and I’m sure any kid that has experienced first day nerves, a big move, and anxiety over making new friends will find themselves understanding Abigail’s big start over and big mess! I got in trouble my first day of kindergarten for standing on the bus, just like Abigail. In 3rd grade I used my fingers under the desk to count in math class so that I wouldn’t get in trouble, just like Abigail. Don’t tell Ms. Miller, but I still use my fingers! ;) And just like Abigail, I worried my mistakes were too big! Glory to God, that no mistake is too big for God. Nothing can separate you from the love of Christ. His grace never runs out.
*I received a free copy of this book from The Good Book Company in exchange for my honest review.* There are also discussion questions at the end and a sneak peek at book #2! I'm excited for more Abigail adventures!
January 29, 2025
A Feel-Good Story That Masterfully Blends Scripture
Abigail's imagination is as big as her heart and as prone to overthinking. The story begins with her starting a new school, filled with hope and prayer for the day ahead. She envisions making lots of new friends, but unfortunately, her first day doesn’t go as planned. Instead, she is met with the class bully named Greg and her grumpy teacher, Mrs. Hennig.
With the stress of moving house, things aren’t much better for her at home, where her parents are busy settling into their new place and unable to spare much time for her and her younger brother. The next day at school takes a brighter turn when Abigail is introduced to Flora, another brand new student. Flora is bubbly, loves alliteration, and can talk and talk and talk, immediately becoming the friendliest character in the story.
Meanwhile, after hearing only part of a Bible chapter (2 Peter 3), Abigail tries to understand the message where Jesus calls Peter to be His disciple. Then, through a series of highly relatable events for a young female audience, Abigail makes plenty of her own mistakes and becomes overwhelmed with guilt for letting her Nana’s cat escape. As the story progresses, she grows in Biblical knowledge and reflects on how Jesus extended grace to Peter despite his shortcomings. With this newfound wisdom, Abigail comes to an important realization: nobody is perfect. We are all sinners, and just as Jesus offers grace and forgiveness, Abigail learns to extend that same grace to herself and to those around her, including Greg. She also grasps that because of grace, like her, Peter is also given a big new start.
The author does phenomenal work by subtly weaving scripture into the story, bringing her work to life in a way that feels natural and inspiring. The characters are well-rounded and each scene bursts from the page with imaginative, well-written storytelling. The illustrations are a delightful touch, adding depth and charm that young readers, especially girls, will love.
The Final Forge: Bethany McIlrath is a talented author who seamlessly blends scripture into an engaging story, reminding children to grow in the grace of Jesus and apply it to any situation. Bravo!
Abigail's imagination is as big as her heart and as prone to overthinking. The story begins with her starting a new school, filled with hope and prayer for the day ahead. She envisions making lots of new friends, but unfortunately, her first day doesn’t go as planned. Instead, she is met with the class bully named Greg and her grumpy teacher, Mrs. Hennig.
With the stress of moving house, things aren’t much better for her at home, where her parents are busy settling into their new place and unable to spare much time for her and her younger brother. The next day at school takes a brighter turn when Abigail is introduced to Flora, another brand new student. Flora is bubbly, loves alliteration, and can talk and talk and talk, immediately becoming the friendliest character in the story.
Meanwhile, after hearing only part of a Bible chapter (2 Peter 3), Abigail tries to understand the message where Jesus calls Peter to be His disciple. Then, through a series of highly relatable events for a young female audience, Abigail makes plenty of her own mistakes and becomes overwhelmed with guilt for letting her Nana’s cat escape. As the story progresses, she grows in Biblical knowledge and reflects on how Jesus extended grace to Peter despite his shortcomings. With this newfound wisdom, Abigail comes to an important realization: nobody is perfect. We are all sinners, and just as Jesus offers grace and forgiveness, Abigail learns to extend that same grace to herself and to those around her, including Greg. She also grasps that because of grace, like her, Peter is also given a big new start.
The author does phenomenal work by subtly weaving scripture into the story, bringing her work to life in a way that feels natural and inspiring. The characters are well-rounded and each scene bursts from the page with imaginative, well-written storytelling. The illustrations are a delightful touch, adding depth and charm that young readers, especially girls, will love.
The Final Forge: Bethany McIlrath is a talented author who seamlessly blends scripture into an engaging story, reminding children to grow in the grace of Jesus and apply it to any situation. Bravo!
May 16, 2024
Review from my daughter, age 9:
Abigail & the big start over is a very good book. Abigail is very patient, for example when her brother mixed all her favorite colors together and poured them on the floor she was kind. She is a really awesome character- she loves adventure, reading, art, making new friends, and is really positive. I want to stand up for my friends like Abigail does. Plus the book isn’t too short and it isn’t too long. The book taught me a lot about grace and had a lot of information about the Bible. There are more books coming in the series, and I really want to read them. This is an excellent book.
Thoughts from mom:
With so many books to choose from I love the ease of handing my daughter a book from the Good Book Company. I can trust that it will be a reliable source of truth and light. Don’t forget to check out their website (at Adventure Central) for fun games & activity pages related to the Abigail series!
I provided this review in exchange for a free copy of the book.
Abigail & the big start over is a very good book. Abigail is very patient, for example when her brother mixed all her favorite colors together and poured them on the floor she was kind. She is a really awesome character- she loves adventure, reading, art, making new friends, and is really positive. I want to stand up for my friends like Abigail does. Plus the book isn’t too short and it isn’t too long. The book taught me a lot about grace and had a lot of information about the Bible. There are more books coming in the series, and I really want to read them. This is an excellent book.
Thoughts from mom:
With so many books to choose from I love the ease of handing my daughter a book from the Good Book Company. I can trust that it will be a reliable source of truth and light. Don’t forget to check out their website (at Adventure Central) for fun games & activity pages related to the Abigail series!
I provided this review in exchange for a free copy of the book.
January 28, 2025
This book is the best
I love this book I think its great for almost all ages , this book is fun and also entertaining
I love this book I think its great for almost all ages , this book is fun and also entertaining
October 16, 2024
I received Abigail and the Big Start Over compliments of The Good Book Company in exchange for my honest review.
Abigail and the Big Start Over is the debut title by author Bethany McIlrath and the first book in the Abigail series. The book introduces readers to a young girl named Abigail who recently moved to a new city and school. This season for Abigail's family is called the Big Start Over. Abigail is eager to make friends and longs for stability amidst all the changes.
It took me a while to get around to reading my copy of the book because my eight year old daughter immediately grabbed it upon its arrival and read it in three days. She then thanked me for her favorite book. When I finally had the chance to read Abigail and the Big Start Over, I could see why it was her favorite! The book includes lovely illustrations that are appealing to young girls. It also includes characters and situations that are relatable.
The book does a wonderful job of simply presenting the gospel message and concludes with a sweet message from the author reminding readers of God's unending grace. A neat addition to the book is its book club discussion questions making this a fun read for young girls and their friends.
If you know of a young girl looking to read a sweet, wholesome, Christ centered story, I highly recommend Abigail and the Big Start Over.
Abigail and the Big Start Over is the debut title by author Bethany McIlrath and the first book in the Abigail series. The book introduces readers to a young girl named Abigail who recently moved to a new city and school. This season for Abigail's family is called the Big Start Over. Abigail is eager to make friends and longs for stability amidst all the changes.
It took me a while to get around to reading my copy of the book because my eight year old daughter immediately grabbed it upon its arrival and read it in three days. She then thanked me for her favorite book. When I finally had the chance to read Abigail and the Big Start Over, I could see why it was her favorite! The book includes lovely illustrations that are appealing to young girls. It also includes characters and situations that are relatable.
The book does a wonderful job of simply presenting the gospel message and concludes with a sweet message from the author reminding readers of God's unending grace. A neat addition to the book is its book club discussion questions making this a fun read for young girls and their friends.
If you know of a young girl looking to read a sweet, wholesome, Christ centered story, I highly recommend Abigail and the Big Start Over.
August 27, 2024
"It was funny and when I started reading it, I wanted to keep reading. It taught me that no matter what I can always start over.”
She moved to a new house and different school. Kept messing up and did wrong things but at the end she talked to her mom and told her all she had done wrong and her mom said you can always start over."
(by 11 yo Reader)
💬 *𝙈𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠.*
💬 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵: 𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴/
She moved to a new house and different school. Kept messing up and did wrong things but at the end she talked to her mom and told her all she had done wrong and her mom said you can always start over."
(by 11 yo Reader)
💬 *𝙈𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠.*
💬 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵: 𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴/
December 5, 2024
very cute, perfect for 8-10 year old girls, very relatable. The primary theme centers around grace and its meaning in real life situations. Now I am not a theologian and I understand that the author was dumbing the concept down, but it seems that she never made it farther then: "God giving people as many second chances as necessary out of his own generosity, not any merit on their part." Can't decide if that is good enough, probably protestant author though so...
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews