What do you think?
Rate this book
Holy Troublemakers & Unconventional Saints
An illustrated children's storybook featuring 50 people of faith who rocked the religious boat on behalf of love and justice.
212 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2019
16 people are currently reading
560 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 3, 2020
This book is designed to be read with children as a fun and engaging way to teach and learn progressive Christian theology through the lives and stories of people who were willing to 'rock-the-boat' of harmful and exclusive systems held by the status-quo. In a landscape where Christian literature is predominantly monopolized by well-funded conservative Christian groups, this text is a vital life-line for teaching inclusive and loving values of progressive theology. Parents, guardians, and loved-ones in contact with small children: get your hands on this text and commence learning with your children! However, if you don't have contact with children, I also recommend getting a hold of this text because it will open your eyes to a rich diversity of stories, histories, and peoples you'll be glad that you connected with!
'Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints' is designed to help teach, learn, and expand our understandings that ALL people are beloved children of God who are uniquely designed and gifted to be God's conduits of love and justice on Earth. All too often our world teaches an exclusive understanding of who is beloved to God: white, straight, cis-gender, able-bodied, Christian men. Through biographical snapshots, this text names the lived reality and power of those who denounce these exclusivist understandings of God's love through a rich diversity of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender expression, and disability. God created ALL people in God's image...there are no mistakes. Any theology that excludes and claims a superior identity is a blasphemous idol: White Supremacy, Patriarchy, Ableism, Racism, Homophobia, Hetero-Sexism, Transphobia, Christian-Centrism, etc.
Another important feature of this text is that, while it is clearly embedded within the Christian tradition, it teaches the beauty and connection of other religious traditions across the globe through individual lived stories of 'Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints.' What better way for young people to learn about different traditions than with a name, face, and story...humanizing and personalizing from the start rather than 'othering.' This is powerful and vital in the deeply divisive world that we live within.
Another amazing feature of this text is its inherent educational value. Not only does this text tell stories and present the justice issues that different people championed, but it teaches the words, ideas, and concepts behind these justice issues. It does this teaching both in the text AND in a helpful glossary at the back of the book. One example I was particularly touched by was within the story of Kate Christensen-Martin on pages 132-133. Kate's story discussed how the use of feminine imagery for God was particularly important to her. This was an opportunity to list some examples from the Bible in which feminine imagery for God is used, teaching the feminine understanding of God, rather than just talking about it! This is so powerful and necessary!
In a world and culture where we are inundated with exclusivist messages about who belongs and who is worthy of God's love, this text provides a vital teaching and conversation piece to unpack those harmful messages and provide a more holistic and life-giving understanding of humanity and God's love to children at a young age. Each story ends with a question based on the quotes and stories presented about each person. I can imagine families and loved-ones sitting together and talking through these questions; helping children to think expansively, inclusively, and lovingly about all people from an early age. What a powerful and vital tool!
And, on top of everything I've mentioned, this text is a TON OF FUN! The stories are engaging, rich in detail, and page-turning! Each person has a beautiful portrait rendered by different artists at the start of each section! Furthermore, beautiful drawings are interspersed within the text, making the book particularly eye-catching! I learned SO MUCH for this text about people who I knew little about: Bayard Rustin, Gustavo Gutierrez, Irwin Keller, Rev. Jacqui Lewis, Kaitlin Curtice, Leslie Foster, Kate Christensen-Martin, Lisbeth Melendez Rivera, Mahdia Lynn, Maryam Molkara, Regina Jones, and so many more!
Get a copy of 'Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints' today and start learning with your kiddos!
'Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints' is designed to help teach, learn, and expand our understandings that ALL people are beloved children of God who are uniquely designed and gifted to be God's conduits of love and justice on Earth. All too often our world teaches an exclusive understanding of who is beloved to God: white, straight, cis-gender, able-bodied, Christian men. Through biographical snapshots, this text names the lived reality and power of those who denounce these exclusivist understandings of God's love through a rich diversity of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender expression, and disability. God created ALL people in God's image...there are no mistakes. Any theology that excludes and claims a superior identity is a blasphemous idol: White Supremacy, Patriarchy, Ableism, Racism, Homophobia, Hetero-Sexism, Transphobia, Christian-Centrism, etc.
Another important feature of this text is that, while it is clearly embedded within the Christian tradition, it teaches the beauty and connection of other religious traditions across the globe through individual lived stories of 'Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints.' What better way for young people to learn about different traditions than with a name, face, and story...humanizing and personalizing from the start rather than 'othering.' This is powerful and vital in the deeply divisive world that we live within.
Another amazing feature of this text is its inherent educational value. Not only does this text tell stories and present the justice issues that different people championed, but it teaches the words, ideas, and concepts behind these justice issues. It does this teaching both in the text AND in a helpful glossary at the back of the book. One example I was particularly touched by was within the story of Kate Christensen-Martin on pages 132-133. Kate's story discussed how the use of feminine imagery for God was particularly important to her. This was an opportunity to list some examples from the Bible in which feminine imagery for God is used, teaching the feminine understanding of God, rather than just talking about it! This is so powerful and necessary!
In a world and culture where we are inundated with exclusivist messages about who belongs and who is worthy of God's love, this text provides a vital teaching and conversation piece to unpack those harmful messages and provide a more holistic and life-giving understanding of humanity and God's love to children at a young age. Each story ends with a question based on the quotes and stories presented about each person. I can imagine families and loved-ones sitting together and talking through these questions; helping children to think expansively, inclusively, and lovingly about all people from an early age. What a powerful and vital tool!
And, on top of everything I've mentioned, this text is a TON OF FUN! The stories are engaging, rich in detail, and page-turning! Each person has a beautiful portrait rendered by different artists at the start of each section! Furthermore, beautiful drawings are interspersed within the text, making the book particularly eye-catching! I learned SO MUCH for this text about people who I knew little about: Bayard Rustin, Gustavo Gutierrez, Irwin Keller, Rev. Jacqui Lewis, Kaitlin Curtice, Leslie Foster, Kate Christensen-Martin, Lisbeth Melendez Rivera, Mahdia Lynn, Maryam Molkara, Regina Jones, and so many more!
Get a copy of 'Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints' today and start learning with your kiddos!
February 24, 2020
I’m going to be honest, this book made me cry...tears of joy. I desperately needed a book like this in my tweens and teens that talked about people who responded lovingly to pain in the world (and in their own faith communities.) I’m looking forward to introducing this book to the next generation.
January 8, 2021
I am so glad this book was written and published. I cannot wait to read it with my daughter when she is older. This is the book young Christians need to know that Christianity does not have to look a certain way. The heroes in this book are all genders, all sexualities, and all led by God to do important work in the world to advance the cause of liberation and justice. Readers who are influenced by the true biographies in this book will be lifted up and encouraged to be who they are, mark their mark on the world, and know they are loved by God just as they are. Incredibly inspirational and heartwarming. A big hug to progressive Christians of all kinds. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2020
Required reading for every human being.
March 8, 2024
If you are coming from a traditional Christian background, this book is going to challenge you in many ways. My hope that is that you, the reader, can see the beauty and dignity in each of the people the author writes about and grow in your ways of knowing and experiencing and loving the Creator of us all.
September 11, 2020
As described on the HolyTroublemakers.com website, “Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints is an illustrated children’s storybook featuring the stories of people of diverse faiths who worked for more love and justice in their corner of the world, even when that meant rocking the religious boat.”
Even though I rarely post book reviews on my blogsite, I did so yesterday and I encourage you to read my review of this important new children's book, which this old man found quite interesting and informative.
Here is the link to my review: https://theviewfromthisseat.blogspot....
Even though I rarely post book reviews on my blogsite, I did so yesterday and I encourage you to read my review of this important new children's book, which this old man found quite interesting and informative.
Here is the link to my review: https://theviewfromthisseat.blogspot....
January 7, 2021
What does it mean to be a “saint”?
Different church traditions may have slightly different definitions, but one common emphasis may be that saints are a sort of special or unique group of people. They are people set apart from the rest of us due to their holy or loving acts or perhaps, in a more spiritual way of putting it, the ways God used them. We tend to see saints as sort of otherworldly.
Of course, in reality we recognize saints are as broken and messed up as the rest of us. This is one emphasis Daneen Akers makes in her book Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints. In this book she tells stories of people who are “human, just like you and me, so they’re imperfect, and yet they help us see and honor the holy in each and every person” (1). Thus, while a book telling stories of saints might be expected to include Saint Patrick and Mother Theresa, this one tells the stories of Fred Rogers, Harriet Tubman and Florence Nightingale (though Francis of Assis does make an appearance, representing traditional saints).
This book is intended for families. Akers writes from the perspective of someone who moved through a time of deconstructing her faith. On the other side of this, she found many of the faith-based materials created for children and families to be problematic. Writing this book is her own step in creating faith-based books for more progressive Christian parents.
From this more progressive perspective, Akers includes among her saints persons who are not Christians, such as the great Muslim poet Rumi. She also includes LGBTQ Christians. I am not sure which of those inclusions would upset more conservative parents more. But it is kind of a side note, as she did not write this book for such parents.
Overall, this is a beautiful book filled with engaging stories and pictures. If you are a more progressive or liberal Christian and are looking for stories and resources, this is certainly a book you would want to read, and share with your kids. These stories are inspiring.
As someone who has read plenty of books on spiritual disciplines and spiritual life, including many classics written by monks and nuns, I often wonder how these teachings and practices apply to regular normal people. It is one thing for monks living apart from the world to follow the Rule of St. Benedict and stop what they are doing to pray five or six times a day. How does that translate to life today for regular people getting kids on the school bus, working, going to the grocery store and so on?
This book is not a spiritual life or growth manual, of course. But it does tell stories of people living in our world living out the sort of spiritual life we can strive for.
At the risk of contradicting what I just wrote, I do think there could have been more traditional saints included without losing the purpose of the book. Having Francis of Assisi in there is nice, but what about Julian of Norwich or Theresa of Avila? Peter Abelard? Gregory of Nysa and his mother Macrina? I admit I write this as someone who loves history and finds so much beauty and life in the history of the church. This history is admittedly often overshadowed by the dark moments. But to place us in a larger context means finding those shining lights in our past.
As someone who wants to hear both the inspiring stories of today and our past, I think this book could have included more from the past. Of course, that’s a minor quibble. Perhaps it will be remedied in the promised volume 2.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. 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.
Different church traditions may have slightly different definitions, but one common emphasis may be that saints are a sort of special or unique group of people. They are people set apart from the rest of us due to their holy or loving acts or perhaps, in a more spiritual way of putting it, the ways God used them. We tend to see saints as sort of otherworldly.
Of course, in reality we recognize saints are as broken and messed up as the rest of us. This is one emphasis Daneen Akers makes in her book Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints. In this book she tells stories of people who are “human, just like you and me, so they’re imperfect, and yet they help us see and honor the holy in each and every person” (1). Thus, while a book telling stories of saints might be expected to include Saint Patrick and Mother Theresa, this one tells the stories of Fred Rogers, Harriet Tubman and Florence Nightingale (though Francis of Assis does make an appearance, representing traditional saints).
This book is intended for families. Akers writes from the perspective of someone who moved through a time of deconstructing her faith. On the other side of this, she found many of the faith-based materials created for children and families to be problematic. Writing this book is her own step in creating faith-based books for more progressive Christian parents.
From this more progressive perspective, Akers includes among her saints persons who are not Christians, such as the great Muslim poet Rumi. She also includes LGBTQ Christians. I am not sure which of those inclusions would upset more conservative parents more. But it is kind of a side note, as she did not write this book for such parents.
Overall, this is a beautiful book filled with engaging stories and pictures. If you are a more progressive or liberal Christian and are looking for stories and resources, this is certainly a book you would want to read, and share with your kids. These stories are inspiring.
As someone who has read plenty of books on spiritual disciplines and spiritual life, including many classics written by monks and nuns, I often wonder how these teachings and practices apply to regular normal people. It is one thing for monks living apart from the world to follow the Rule of St. Benedict and stop what they are doing to pray five or six times a day. How does that translate to life today for regular people getting kids on the school bus, working, going to the grocery store and so on?
This book is not a spiritual life or growth manual, of course. But it does tell stories of people living in our world living out the sort of spiritual life we can strive for.
At the risk of contradicting what I just wrote, I do think there could have been more traditional saints included without losing the purpose of the book. Having Francis of Assisi in there is nice, but what about Julian of Norwich or Theresa of Avila? Peter Abelard? Gregory of Nysa and his mother Macrina? I admit I write this as someone who loves history and finds so much beauty and life in the history of the church. This history is admittedly often overshadowed by the dark moments. But to place us in a larger context means finding those shining lights in our past.
As someone who wants to hear both the inspiring stories of today and our past, I think this book could have included more from the past. Of course, that’s a minor quibble. Perhaps it will be remedied in the promised volume 2.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. 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.
Read
September 23, 2020Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints
by Daneen Akers
Akers in this book emphasizes the stories of women. LGBTQ people, people of color, Indigenous people, and other who have often been written out of religious narratives. These stores are a challenge and move us towards more love and a faith that works for the common good of all.
The main criticism is that she goes to a comfortable edge in her stories, people who basically are mainstream now. Many are controversial in other parts of the country, and in our conservative churches, but for San Francisco, they are rather tame.
Several of these figures have challenged traditional sexual norms, yet little was discussed about those challenges.
I laugh because I never have talked to church people about sexuality. My early experience raised in a homophobic church was all negative, anyone who was not married and did not do the missionary position was sinners, liking guys meant you would be hanged figuratively and sometimes literally. I remember in one town where I served a young man was caught having sex and his minister listed him in the bulletin for prayer, and the girl was shunned; now churches that are open and affirming never talked about sex and certainly not to youth--because of the fear deep within our society of pedophiles. Yet our advertisements on bulletin boards, T.V. etc. have girls that are really on the edge of being too young.
My true sex education came as a whore on the street, and then later academically through university courses. I learned everything about sex on the streets, but the one lesson that I have worked through for years is that sex in any form is a gift from God provided you do not hurt anyone, but use it in care and concern for the other and for one's self, "Thou shalt love the Lord your God. . and your neighbor as yourself."
Sexuality is about our total being. We are sexual, whether or not, we have the physical act of sex. It is in that blend of feminine and masculine that we find our greatest selves. We are sexual animals from the day we are born until the day that we die.
People of all ages, social backgrounds, and ages talk to me about sex, because their minister are afraid to, churches never talk to their youth, and I listen, without making a judgment.
Forty-percent of LGBTQ youth is homeless, and alone because of their sexuality. One woman who is now 35, recently sent an email of thanks because she could talk to me about sex when she was 16, no other minister would talk to her without judgment.
Sexuality has been used throughout history to control and manipulate people. Women have been subdued, controlled, and manipulated, and still are.
Today sexuality is used in politics, ie abortion, and politicians continue to use it as a tool, that is turned into much pain for many, looking at the black and white, rather than the grey areas.
Holy Troublemakers, Unconventional Saints does not open up those edges of sexuality, that bring the goodness to life. It is a good book about heroes, but the majority of the heroes mentioned have walked the tight edge of sexuality that is whole, good, and fruitful, and we need to hear of those edges.
Until we open the doors, move out in the open about sexuality, and see it in all manifestations as but a kaleidoscope of life, we will continue an oppression of people which affects all of life.
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, thy mind, and thy strength, and thy neighbor as thyself."
Jesus of Nazareth
------------------------------------------------------
Fr. River Damien Sims, D.Min.
P.O. Box 642656
San Francisco, CA 94164
www. tememos.org
415-305-2124
snap chat: riodamien 2
January 12, 2021
This is not a children’s book. This is a book for anyone looking for examples of real life, imperfect people engaged in relationship with the Holy. Holy Troublemakers & Unconventional Saints by Daneen Akers is a book filled with 36 examples of just these kinds of people. Their relationship with the Holy has led them to live an embodiment of love in the face of danger, judgement, and exclusion so that others may know safety, reconciliation, and inclusion.
The unconventional lives lifted up in over 200 pages range from around the world, through a variety of religions, and the 17th century into the 21st, to show us the work of holiness is not held to one side of the map, religion, or era. Everything about this book invites the reader’s participation and engagement. These are thick, weighted pages meant for holding and turning. They are filled with vibrant colors, diverse and emotive illustrations from a variety of artists to draw non-readers and readers alike into the stories they hold. The short biographies focus on how the lives of these holy troublemakers were transformed to be bearers of the Holy to the world. They end with a question probing each reader to action within their own context. If you haven’t noticed yet, everything about this book is intentional – from the thoughtful preface and notes at the beginning of the book to the glossary of terms and acknowledgements at the end. Some of the names of these holy troublemakers you may already know and some you may not, but all will serve to offer a new perspective in what makes a life holy. You will learn. You will grow. You will be inspired.
Holy Troublemakers & Unconventional Saints is not only worth purchasing for yourself, it also makes a beautiful gift for family and friends of all ages. This gift will offer insight and inspiration for all who wish to know, celebrate, and engage in the activity of the Holy in the world. As a youth and family minister, I hope to feature the names highlighted in this book with every age group that I work with. Our children and youth need examples like these to encourage them as they grow in their gifts, understanding of their place in the world, and discernment of how they will engage the Holy in the world. It is always beautiful to see them step into the knowledge that they can change the world simply by being exactly who they were created to be. A second volume is currently in the works and I know I will be quick to purchase a copy. Please do yourself a favor by visiting the website https://www.holytroublemakers.com/ to learn more about this project and follow their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/holytroublem... for news about the series, further resources, and ideas for ways that you might engage with the Holy each day.
#HolyTroublemakersAndUnconventionalSaints
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received Holy Troublemakers & Unconventional Saints free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. 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.
The unconventional lives lifted up in over 200 pages range from around the world, through a variety of religions, and the 17th century into the 21st, to show us the work of holiness is not held to one side of the map, religion, or era. Everything about this book invites the reader’s participation and engagement. These are thick, weighted pages meant for holding and turning. They are filled with vibrant colors, diverse and emotive illustrations from a variety of artists to draw non-readers and readers alike into the stories they hold. The short biographies focus on how the lives of these holy troublemakers were transformed to be bearers of the Holy to the world. They end with a question probing each reader to action within their own context. If you haven’t noticed yet, everything about this book is intentional – from the thoughtful preface and notes at the beginning of the book to the glossary of terms and acknowledgements at the end. Some of the names of these holy troublemakers you may already know and some you may not, but all will serve to offer a new perspective in what makes a life holy. You will learn. You will grow. You will be inspired.
Holy Troublemakers & Unconventional Saints is not only worth purchasing for yourself, it also makes a beautiful gift for family and friends of all ages. This gift will offer insight and inspiration for all who wish to know, celebrate, and engage in the activity of the Holy in the world. As a youth and family minister, I hope to feature the names highlighted in this book with every age group that I work with. Our children and youth need examples like these to encourage them as they grow in their gifts, understanding of their place in the world, and discernment of how they will engage the Holy in the world. It is always beautiful to see them step into the knowledge that they can change the world simply by being exactly who they were created to be. A second volume is currently in the works and I know I will be quick to purchase a copy. Please do yourself a favor by visiting the website https://www.holytroublemakers.com/ to learn more about this project and follow their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/holytroublem... for news about the series, further resources, and ideas for ways that you might engage with the Holy each day.
#HolyTroublemakersAndUnconventionalSaints
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received Holy Troublemakers & Unconventional Saints free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. 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.
August 18, 2020
As a child, my church’s library was full of books to inspire young Christian minds. There were books about famous Christians, and missionaries who sacrificed their lives, and youth-friendly biographies of theologians. However, as Daneen Akers points out in her preface, “These books often exclude the stories of women, LGBTQ people, people of color, disabled people, Indigenous people, and people from other faiths.”
In Holy Troublemakers & Unconventional Saints, Akers does an excellent job of bringing some of these excluded stories to light. While I had heard of some of the heroes Akers writes about, many were new to me. I learned a lot by reading this book and greatly enjoyed the writing. I don’t have kids, but I loved reading a profile or two every day and having the book sit on my coffee table.
Akers uses the profiles to introduce social justice concepts and history seamlessly into the stories. For example, she uses the profile on Gustavo Gutierrez to introduce readers to liberation theology and Bayard Rustin’s profile to explain the Civil Rights Movement and how to practice nonviolent protesting. There are highlighted vocabulary words throughout the pages, and you can look them up in the surprisingly thorough glossary at the end of the book.
The reading level is appropriate for middle schoolers, but you could easily read Holy Troublemakers & Unconventional Saints to a younger audience. Akers doesn’t gloss over the tough parts of history (slavery, colonization, war, etc.). Instead, she presents the stories in a way that will invite discussion and encourage curiosity rather than frighten children.
The book’s presentation is fantastic. Each profile includes a unique illustration of the unconventional saint, with additional highlighted quotes and drawings. The design is simple and effective, the cover is bright, the book itself is comfortable to hold, the pages are thick, and there is an attached ribbon bookmark.
Thoughtful, engaging, and absolutely vital for today, even if you don’t have kids I cannot recommend Holy Troublemakers & Unconventional Saints highly enough.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher through the Speakeasy blogging review network. 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.
In Holy Troublemakers & Unconventional Saints, Akers does an excellent job of bringing some of these excluded stories to light. While I had heard of some of the heroes Akers writes about, many were new to me. I learned a lot by reading this book and greatly enjoyed the writing. I don’t have kids, but I loved reading a profile or two every day and having the book sit on my coffee table.
Akers uses the profiles to introduce social justice concepts and history seamlessly into the stories. For example, she uses the profile on Gustavo Gutierrez to introduce readers to liberation theology and Bayard Rustin’s profile to explain the Civil Rights Movement and how to practice nonviolent protesting. There are highlighted vocabulary words throughout the pages, and you can look them up in the surprisingly thorough glossary at the end of the book.
The reading level is appropriate for middle schoolers, but you could easily read Holy Troublemakers & Unconventional Saints to a younger audience. Akers doesn’t gloss over the tough parts of history (slavery, colonization, war, etc.). Instead, she presents the stories in a way that will invite discussion and encourage curiosity rather than frighten children.
The book’s presentation is fantastic. Each profile includes a unique illustration of the unconventional saint, with additional highlighted quotes and drawings. The design is simple and effective, the cover is bright, the book itself is comfortable to hold, the pages are thick, and there is an attached ribbon bookmark.
Thoughtful, engaging, and absolutely vital for today, even if you don’t have kids I cannot recommend Holy Troublemakers & Unconventional Saints highly enough.
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher through the Speakeasy blogging review network. 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.
September 2, 2020
I loved this book from the moment I pulled it from the packaging. Its beautiful cover invited me to start flipping pages. The striking illustrations uniquely highlight each person’s ethnicity or accomplishment. The ribbon bookmark is a lovely touch. I appreciate Akers’ effort in creating this hefty volume that is accessible and educational at the same time. While the target audience is those in grades 4-7, it can be used by adults for personal knowledge or small group exploration and conversation.
Being an Episcopal priest, I always appreciate those who will make trouble in the name of the Holy. I believe that God calls us to do the right thing, even when it is hard and we need more examples of people doing the right, hard thing. Hearing about others can inspire us to take action to raise awareness about inequality. Akers helps us hear stories about people in our present and from our past who be an inspiration. This is a book that I will recommend to others seeking to find more positive examples from all different backgrounds, faiths, and worldviews.
I was so struck by this book, that I immediately reached out to Ms. Akers and she was kind enough to reply. I am looking forward to the conversation guide that she is creating to help people use it in small groups.
I highly recommend this book! Pick it up to expand your knowledge about heroes in our world and share it with others to provide inspiration.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. 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.
https://ramblingisgoodforthesoul.word...
Being an Episcopal priest, I always appreciate those who will make trouble in the name of the Holy. I believe that God calls us to do the right thing, even when it is hard and we need more examples of people doing the right, hard thing. Hearing about others can inspire us to take action to raise awareness about inequality. Akers helps us hear stories about people in our present and from our past who be an inspiration. This is a book that I will recommend to others seeking to find more positive examples from all different backgrounds, faiths, and worldviews.
I was so struck by this book, that I immediately reached out to Ms. Akers and she was kind enough to reply. I am looking forward to the conversation guide that she is creating to help people use it in small groups.
I highly recommend this book! Pick it up to expand your knowledge about heroes in our world and share it with others to provide inspiration.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. 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.
https://ramblingisgoodforthesoul.word...
January 17, 2023
"I sing a song of the saints of God, patient and brave and true....one was a doctor, and one was a queen, and one was a shepherdess on the green....and I mean to be one, too," goes the Sunday school hymn.
Daneen Akers tells the stories of 37 of these saints in short biographies. Some are well-known (Florence Nightingale, Harriet Tubman, Francis of Assisi, Mr. Rogers). Some are lesser-known (suffragist Alice Paul, civil rights leader Bayard Rustin, poet Mary Oliver). Others were new to me --and what a wonderful group! Imams, rabbis, and pastors, making trouble mostly in the U.S. but in other countries as well. Cis, trans, straight, gay. All of them speak truth to power as they seek in their way to "work to heal our present world, making it a just, safe, and compassionate home for everyone."
Each biography includes a follow-up question asking readers how they might exemplify that saint's mission. "What are some ways you can help others to be free? Have you ever had to do something that felt scary in order to be true to yourself? What does it mean to you to 'love without exception'?"
Inspiration and food for thought for kids (10 and up) and adults.
Daneen Akers tells the stories of 37 of these saints in short biographies. Some are well-known (Florence Nightingale, Harriet Tubman, Francis of Assisi, Mr. Rogers). Some are lesser-known (suffragist Alice Paul, civil rights leader Bayard Rustin, poet Mary Oliver). Others were new to me --and what a wonderful group! Imams, rabbis, and pastors, making trouble mostly in the U.S. but in other countries as well. Cis, trans, straight, gay. All of them speak truth to power as they seek in their way to "work to heal our present world, making it a just, safe, and compassionate home for everyone."
Each biography includes a follow-up question asking readers how they might exemplify that saint's mission. "What are some ways you can help others to be free? Have you ever had to do something that felt scary in order to be true to yourself? What does it mean to you to 'love without exception'?"
Inspiration and food for thought for kids (10 and up) and adults.
January 12, 2021
There are many books that spotlight historical Christian leaders. Most of these books are didactic and paint a portrait of someone we can admire but never hope to be. This is not one of those books. In the book’s preface, the author, Deneen Akers, explains that the holy troublemakers she describes are “human, just like you and me, so they’re imperfect, and yet they help us see and honor the holy in each and every person.” The book is designed to be read by middle-grade children however the biographies are short and the portraits are stunning, making the book an excellent choice for read-aloud to younger audiences. As an adult, I met many people I didn’t know on the pages of this book and I can’t wait to learn more about some of them. This book needs to be on the shelf of anyone involved with children’s ministry. I read an e-version of the book but will certainly be buying a hard copy for myself and my church.
April 10, 2021
I have always been a fan of reading about modern-day heroes. Unfortunately, the heroes are often from ancient days or lack diversity. In Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints, Daneen Akers highlights some incredible leaders, some you may have heard of, and many you will be glad to discover.
This coffee table-styled book is filled with colorful illustrations and easy on the eye, but written in an easy-to-read, conversational style. There were numerous times around our dinner table where we selected a hero and read about their life. Each of these stories is encouraging and hopeful.
I was personally excited to read about some people I know, like, Brian McLaren, Valerie Kaur, Leslie Foster, and Jacqui Lewis. However, I learned about many more inspiring individuals, such as Danya Ruttenberg, Cindy Wang Brant, and Maryam Molkara.
We need a second volume to hail these leaders who demonstrate courage for righteous causes.
This coffee table-styled book is filled with colorful illustrations and easy on the eye, but written in an easy-to-read, conversational style. There were numerous times around our dinner table where we selected a hero and read about their life. Each of these stories is encouraging and hopeful.
I was personally excited to read about some people I know, like, Brian McLaren, Valerie Kaur, Leslie Foster, and Jacqui Lewis. However, I learned about many more inspiring individuals, such as Danya Ruttenberg, Cindy Wang Brant, and Maryam Molkara.
We need a second volume to hail these leaders who demonstrate courage for righteous causes.
June 19, 2025
In the tradition of "Good night stories for rebel girls", this collection includes faith based stories of inspirational people. Each chapter focuses on a 'saint/troublemaker', telling a condensed story of their life. At the start of each chapter, is a beautiful portrait by a different artist. The writing is engaging and interesting. Most of the subjects are from the Christian tradition but there is also Muslim, Sufi, Jewish, Sikh and Indigenous spiritualtity/culture (Potawatomi, Kikuyu, Igorot). Daneen (from White USA culture) weaves stories of people who have recklessly risked and loved from many different backgrounds. The majority are in the last 200 year time period. Their nonviolent struggles often against huge odds, is relevant in an increasingly polarised, angry and fractured world. Perfect if you need a dose of hope. Easy to dip in and out of. Ideal age range 9-99+.
January 4, 2020
This book would be a great contribution to the bookshelf of any family that wants to raise children who feel empowered to make a difference in the world. The book contains roughly 4-6 page biographies of a diverse group of people, diverse from where they are located in time to gender to geography to the issues they work or worked on in the world. I cannot wait to share these with my kids, to give them a broader understanding of injustices in the world and how people confront them. I also love that many of the biographies in this book are of people of faith (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist) and it honors and values all of those faiths. The world needs more children's books like this.
January 6, 2021
Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints is a compilation of some modern day faith heroes all working for love and justice in our world. Some of the literal saints of our day like @kaitlincurtice, @glennondoyle, @revjacquilewis and Rachel Held Evans are featured. The language and illustrations are so so beautiful. I almost don’t want to give this to my kids and keep it for myself!
Thank you to @watchfiremedia and @holytroublebook for my copy!
Thank you to @watchfiremedia and @holytroublebook for my copy!
April 10, 2023
I wanted to love this book, and many of the biographies are real gems. I definitely learned a lot Unfortunately, there are also many biographies that felt like a recitation of the person's accomplishments without much heart. This book is written for children, but I think it will be too cumbersome to catch my children's interest. However, I plan to pull out interesting biographies to read aloud, and I am still glad to have it on our bookshelf.
July 19, 2020
This book is geared toward older children and youth, but I swear it’s secretly made for adults. If you want to learn about people of all different faiths who lead with compassion and courage, this will be your jam.
January 19, 2021
What an excellent book full of so much wisdom, love, and kindness. I was so excited to finally get this book and am so glad it exists and can't wait to read volume 2. Such a beautiful and timely addition to my collection.
February 11, 2021
Excellent book written at a junior high level depicted people from all walks of life who stood up for their faith in transformative ways. Many of the people chosen are unsung heroes that I hadn't read about before. The illustrations are beautiful as well. I highly recommend this book.
March 22, 2020
This was just the most delightful book. I can’t wait for volume 2. My heart is full.
September 24, 2020
Amazing, beautiful and important!
October 26, 2020
Wonderful addition to children's literature concentrating on the contributions of women, people of color, Indigenous People, and the LGBTQ+ community. Beautifully illustrated.
September 26, 2021
Short biographies of those who don’t ‘fit’ the stereotype of saints. A book for children but good for adults that give voice and space to those who make good trouble to make the world better.
January 21, 2022
Great stories from both contemporary and historical people, beautifully told. I read this with my teens and we enjoyed learning about these lives and contributions.
March 21, 2022
Queer (not all, but so many I didn't know of!) Christian leaders doing good stuff for Jesus! My kids are a little young to use this for a devotional - but it's a keeper and a treasure.
September 5, 2023
Interesting people are featured… but I felt like this was a little bit too much for my 5YO. I may try again in a few years.
December 21, 2025
Loved this book. Introduced me to more troublemakers I hadn't heard of and affirmed my principles.
December 18, 2020
So valuable, so important. My 2 heroes and spiritual guides, Rachel Held Evans and Glennon Doyle, are featured here. This decade has been transformational in this regard and this book was a perfect way to end this 10 years.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews