Grace, Not Perfection for Young Readers: Believing You're Enough in a World of Impossible Expectations

by Emily Ley

As she grows up in a generation that is busier and more distracted than ever, your tween girl will love the fun vibe and practical ideas in Grace, Not Perfection for Young Readers by bestselling author, creator of the Simplified Planner, and organizational expert Emily Ley. Today's fast-paced, technology-driven society affects all ages, but it's taking its biggest toll on our kids. Does your middle grader feel compelled to participate in a ton of activities, be an excellent student, take a perfect photo for every occasion, and be friends with as many people as possible--only to end up exhausted and anxious? Help her adopt a new, life-giving perspective in Grace, Not Perfection for Young Readers . With a colorful interior, plenty of photos, and actionable tips and lists, this young readers' edition of Emily Ley's popular book reminds you and your daughter that God offers abundant grace every day. Emily's ideas include how to . . . Perfect for back-to-school, Christmas, birthdays, and coming-of-age celebrations, Grace, Not Perfection for Young Readers is completely reimagined for a younger audience but still includes Emily's signature aesthetic and message. It's a great book to enjoy with your daughter as you find your own new freedom in the adult edition. Timely and engaging, Grace, Not Perfection for Young Readers helps tween girls embrace the most important elements of life, trim off the superficial and superfluous, let go of unrealistic standards, and journey toward adulthood with the right outlook and tools to have a simpler, grace-filled, and happy life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens

192 pages, Hardcover

Published August 11, 2020

About the author

Emily Ley is the founder of Simplified® - a brand of planners and organizational tools for busy women. Emily has been featured in Forbes, Family Circle, Better Homes and Gardens, Glamour, and Good Housekeeping. She has been recognized with numerous awards, including Best New Product at the National Stationery Show as well as Top 10 Designers to Watch by Stationery Trends Magazine. Emily and her team recently collaborated with AT-A-GLANCE® to create gift and planning collections carried in Office Depot, Staples, and Target. Emily is the author of national bestselling books, Grace, Not perfection: Embracing Simplicity, Celebrating Joy and A Simplified Life: Tactical Tools for Intentional Living. Now as an author, entrepreneur, wife and mother to three, Emily lives in Pensacola, Florida with her husband, Bryan, and their son Brady (8), and twins Tyler and Caroline (4).

Reviews

[Courtney Birkbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to be ordering this book for my girls straight away. This book made me tear up and feel so much hope for the new generation. Emily Ley put her heart out on paper and I believe every young girl/woman should be reading this. It is completely written where every girl can understand it and can relate. And I love how she gives space for people to write their thoughts and feelings out at the end of chapters, etc.

I highly suggest this book for any friend or mama with girls!

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's one big difference between people who achieve their goals and the people who don't: it's their ability to dust themselves off and wear their dirt proudly.

Not only is this text a how to book for young readers it's for all readers. Moms read this one with your daughter. To live life to the fullest you have to love yourself well so you can love others well. If you are feeling overwhelmed with all that is pulling you for your attention, you have to think ahead on what to say no to so you can say yes to what gives you peace and joy. You have to de-clutter your space whether that be your bedroom, house, working area, school- anywhere you do life - declutter. After you declutter, you than can move on to your passions. This text is foundational- you move from one area to another. You develop habits and mindsets and stronger relationships. This all is based on the grace that God gives you not to operate on perfection but on grace. To learn from your mistakes and obstacles.

I appreciated so much from her direction and compassion for those that struggle to be the best that they can be. There are many reasons why such as perfection, anxiety, circumstances, anything can pull us from peace to destruction. However, with simple steps, it can be a reality than a dream. The text gives you space to think about what each chapter focuses on and steps to take to make it happen. I say make it happen for yourself and those that you love the most.

A special thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Amy Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book for tweens and teens. Emily brings her Grace Not Perfection down to a level that is easily digested by a younger audience. She brings several life lessons into focus and helps girls get through the years that have the potential to be awkward. I look forward to sharing with my daughters when they get to this stage of life. This book should be good for ages 10-18. I got useful information from it and I'm way past that age.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion and review.

[Cara BookShelfMomma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book for my nine year old daughter when she got a B on her report card and started crying, exclaiming "B is for Bad Grade". While my husband and I have never demanded that she get straight A's, she always had, and the thought of not being "perfect" on her report card was difficult for her.

I wanted something to guide my daughter to understand perfection is not the goal. I think I found a tool that we can work through together, because I think understanding Grace a little better should be the goal for all of us. I want her to change her focus in life.

This book has 15 chapters divided into 3 parts. There are stories to which you can relate and an interactive part where you can answer questions. There is also practical application, like a whole section on cleaning and decluttering our space (I know I needed to read some of this). There is a section on friends, phone usage, finding joy, focus, and so much more. I love the way that it is written directly to the individual.

This is defiantly a book that I am excited to share with my daughter. I will say this book is written from a Christian perspective, however there are sections that are not overly religious and have great insight for anyone.

[Karen McG · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember my tween and teen years. Trying to fit in, trying to impress boys, finding the “in” outfit, changing who I was to be like the ones everyone seemed to adore. I wish I had a book like this. Grace, Not Perfection for Young Readers is the book for those years. The awkward trying to find myself years. The author, Emily Ley, speaks to girls on their level. Not like a nagging adult, but as an encouraging “I’ve been there” older friend. This book goes through the issues surrounding girls, teaches them that God loves them for who they are, and shows them practical ways to enjoy this season without being overwhelmed. Each chapter has a journaling section for girls to answer questions or to write their feelings. Not only can it help with a girl in her tweens/teen, I feel like this is something she can look back on during other difficult times and remember the advice it gives. Definitely a perfect gift for that young lady in your life to remind her that she is worthy, beautiful and God has given her a great life with exciting plans!
(I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review. Thanks Thomas Nelson Children’s! )
#netgalley
#GraceNotPerfectionYR

[Jamie Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Space for Grace

In this book, the author expands on the idea of what grace means in several ways, hoping to help the young reader allow grace into their lives. In the first section, she looks at allowing yourself grace, meaning that you don't have to live up to any perfect standard. You can just be you. The next section expands this outward; as you allow grace into your life for yourself, so you should extend it to your family, friends, and community. Finally, the author suggests that the reader should not only extend themselves grace for the past and present but also the future. What do they want to do with their lives? What direction do they want to go in? What are their natural aptitudes? These questions, if pondered while being open to grace, should help lead readers to the future they want. This is a positive, helpful book. The slant is definitely Christian, so it would be best suited for younger teens who are strong in their faith.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Terrie Case · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for preteens and young teens. It guides them in changing many parts of their lives towards happiness instead of perfection. It finds grace in so many ways. Teaching how to make chores less stressful while finding good friends are just two examples.

This book gives advice by helping girls see a better way available to them. There are quotes such as “When we are determined to have it all perfectly together, we miss the little joys right in front of our eyes.” It even provides space to answer questions such as “What are your favorite treasures?” and “Which moments [of your days] would you savor?”

This is a great book for young girls to have during the upheaval of 2020. The cover is pretty and graceful in itself. A great gift!

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Girls of all ages face some similar problems. Younger ones need acceptance, encouragement, and approval. Made me reflect on my younger self, and noting some mistakes I could not avoid making at that age. But It's human. From those mistakes, we learn what we need, who we are and how to cope.

This book reminds me of God's grace, freely given. But for my teen self, the Unseen God's approval is not as big as my friends'. Which is so wrong, then and now. With some spaces to write down your feelings, your reflection, and some tips, I would like to think that this book will help teens discovering the Loving God Who Give Graces Freely, and how important God's grace is. It is also a tool to improve yourself to shine brightly as we are supposed to.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with Emily's other books, Grace, Not Perfection for Young Readers is practical and meant to be worked through in bits and pieces. It even includes space for writing your feelings and thoughts at the end of the chapter. She addresses topics that are relevant for young girls and women alike - friends, phone usage, your space, and grace. It stresses grace for yourself, others and everyone you encounter whether in your past, present or future. It would be an excellent gift for any young girl for her birthday, graduation or just because. You could even read through it with your daughter as a bonding experience. Christian values and principles are the foundation of the text, but it is not overdone. In my opinion it is perfectly balanced and beautifully written.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book I wish I had had when I was a tween, and I know my 12-year-old perfectionist will love it, too. The chapters are short and fun, with quick activities to make life a little simpler (decluttering, using a planner, etc.) and a few short Bible verses sprinkled in among catchy sayings and bright, colorful photographs. There's nothing really NEW in this book, but sometimes hearing it from someone besides your Mom is all you really need. ;)

I would definitely recommend a hard copy of this book, since there's small journal prompts throughout!

(I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)

[Kristen Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book for all ages. I read it to my girls, but I think I got as much out of it as they did. I often saw myself in her words. Author Emily Ley gets right to the heart of the matter. We can be very hard on ourselves and, especially when we are growing up, we need to give ourselves grace. Her encouragement, practical tips, and personal stories make this a fun and engaging read. I highly recommend this book to girls of all ages. We could all stand to give ourselves a bit more grace.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Megan Gallardo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I suppose this book is good for younger girls, I'm not sure why this was in the teens section, but while the book focuses on the family, and it strays from the purpose of ourselves, it also has some empowering messages for younger girls who are still understanding who they are, and are beginning to accept themselves with all their flaws.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book!

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book made for you!
This book is meant for young readers but adults don't have to miss out because there is a version for you too!
The grace, not perfection series can change your life with Christ.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[alessandra erazo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I would have read this book in my teen years. It has everything I would have wanted to listen in those times when I was worried about doing everything and didn't know how to say no. This book is perfect for those young girls to read for a good advice.

[Jessica Imhauser · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was good, i think i will use some of the advice from it in my day to day life! i started reading this in February (ik that’s a long time ago LOL) but i finally got the motivation to finish it and I’m glad i did!😋