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The Calling
The story of an ardent young heroine's first spiritual journey—told with warmth and humor.
During the annual family reunion and pie competition at Beulah Land Healing and Holiness Church, twelve-year-old Esther Lea Ridley is suddenly drenched by a baptism of fire. She knows just what it "Esta Lea," she says to herself, "you are called to the Lord." That day marks the beginning of a healing crusade from church to church, and revival tent to revival tent, in the sleepy backwater towns of South Carolina. Travelling with her boy-crazy sister, Sarah Louise, and her uncle Peter Earl—who has been very RECENTLY saved—Esta Lea shares her new gift with the needy and not so needy. It isn't, however, until she confronts her own dreams of glory that she learns to use the calling for those she truly loves. THE CALLING is a brilliant, bold, and hilarious first novel from an exceptional new talent in middle-grade fiction.
During the annual family reunion and pie competition at Beulah Land Healing and Holiness Church, twelve-year-old Esther Lea Ridley is suddenly drenched by a baptism of fire. She knows just what it "Esta Lea," she says to herself, "you are called to the Lord." That day marks the beginning of a healing crusade from church to church, and revival tent to revival tent, in the sleepy backwater towns of South Carolina. Travelling with her boy-crazy sister, Sarah Louise, and her uncle Peter Earl—who has been very RECENTLY saved—Esta Lea shares her new gift with the needy and not so needy. It isn't, however, until she confronts her own dreams of glory that she learns to use the calling for those she truly loves. THE CALLING is a brilliant, bold, and hilarious first novel from an exceptional new talent in middle-grade fiction.
- GenresYoung AdultReligion
176 pages, Hardcover
First published August 6, 2001
5 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Cathryn Clinton
5 books9 followersIt was a graduation gift many writers would envy: a contract for not one but two novels, handed by Candlewick Press editor Amy Ehrlich to Cathryn Clinton as she finished up her studies at Vermont College’s MFA program in Writing for Children. And as if that weren’t enough, the first of those two novels, THE CALLING, would earn Cathryn Clinton an article in PUBLISHERS WEEKLY'S "Flying Starts" section, designating her a first-time author to watch.
Like Esta Lea, her charming protagonist in THE CALLING, Cathryn Clinton grew up in the South in a long line of preachers and storytellers. "Most of the events in this book come from my family history, and Esta Lea simply put them all together in one story," the author says. Among these based-on-true-life episodes: a blind girl’s sight miraculously restored, relayed "word for word" as the author’s brother witnessed it in a charismatic church, and a slapstick burial scene. "I want to be able to say it’s okay to question, and as readers are asking those serious questions, I want them to be able to laugh, too," the author explains.
Cathryn Clinton’s second novel, A STONE IN MY HAND, also touches on elements of religion, but in a very different context: it tells the moving story of a Palestinian girl in Gaza City, 1988, whose father is killed in a bus bombing and whose brother turns to violence. "While in graduate school, I had a writing assignment to choose a picture of someone and write about that person," the author says. "In an article about Gaza in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, I saw a picture of a young Palestinian girl holding a bird in her hand. There was a look of strength in her face. This intrigued me, and I wondered how this girl had survived both internally and externally when the conditions of her growing up years were so harsh. So I sat down and began writing the story of Malaak."
Cathryn Clinton’s most recent titles, SIMEON'S FIRE and THE EYES OF VAN GOGH, are again set closer to home. In SIMEON'S FIRE, Cathryn Clinton tells a powerful coming-of-age story that takes place in an Amish community in Pennsylvania. With compassion and insight into a child’s inner struggles and the nuances of Amish traditions, Cathryn Clinton explores ideas of family, loyalty, and faith in the face of fear and prejudice. With THE EYES OF VAN GOGH, Cathryn Clinton introduces readers to Jude Barnes, who has recently moved to Ellenville, a small town outside of Philadelphia. In this affecting new novel, Judy finds solace in her art and her friends as she struggles to escape depression.
Cathryn Clinton received her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Iowa and her master of fine arts degree from Vermont College.
Like Esta Lea, her charming protagonist in THE CALLING, Cathryn Clinton grew up in the South in a long line of preachers and storytellers. "Most of the events in this book come from my family history, and Esta Lea simply put them all together in one story," the author says. Among these based-on-true-life episodes: a blind girl’s sight miraculously restored, relayed "word for word" as the author’s brother witnessed it in a charismatic church, and a slapstick burial scene. "I want to be able to say it’s okay to question, and as readers are asking those serious questions, I want them to be able to laugh, too," the author explains.
Cathryn Clinton’s second novel, A STONE IN MY HAND, also touches on elements of religion, but in a very different context: it tells the moving story of a Palestinian girl in Gaza City, 1988, whose father is killed in a bus bombing and whose brother turns to violence. "While in graduate school, I had a writing assignment to choose a picture of someone and write about that person," the author says. "In an article about Gaza in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, I saw a picture of a young Palestinian girl holding a bird in her hand. There was a look of strength in her face. This intrigued me, and I wondered how this girl had survived both internally and externally when the conditions of her growing up years were so harsh. So I sat down and began writing the story of Malaak."
Cathryn Clinton’s most recent titles, SIMEON'S FIRE and THE EYES OF VAN GOGH, are again set closer to home. In SIMEON'S FIRE, Cathryn Clinton tells a powerful coming-of-age story that takes place in an Amish community in Pennsylvania. With compassion and insight into a child’s inner struggles and the nuances of Amish traditions, Cathryn Clinton explores ideas of family, loyalty, and faith in the face of fear and prejudice. With THE EYES OF VAN GOGH, Cathryn Clinton introduces readers to Jude Barnes, who has recently moved to Ellenville, a small town outside of Philadelphia. In this affecting new novel, Judy finds solace in her art and her friends as she struggles to escape depression.
Cathryn Clinton received her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Iowa and her master of fine arts degree from Vermont College.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 26, 2018
Esta Lea is the bomb and a bold and beautiful example of what it means to have childlike faith. And then her best friend, Sky!? She wants to be a saint!!! And Joan of Arc is her hero!!! And indirectly we know she knows about Mary (My favorite line of hers: “Wow! A shrine. A holy place like Lourdes. Was her name Bernadette? That would be too good.”) !! Honestly glad I waited so long to read this because a lot resonates that wouldn’t have before. I didn’t expect much out of this but I loved it.
December 11, 2014
The novel, The Calling, written by Cathryn Clinton contains many interesting details. The theme is faith which the 12 years-old Esta Lea develops through the story. For example, "My mind, full of questions regarding my religious faith and beliefs" (Clinton 27). To conclude this story is mostly focused on Esta values religion more than anything else.
Esta Lea spends a majority of her time practicing religion. For this reason, she asks herself questions about religious faith and praying. For example, she has prophetic dreams and has a vision of Jesus since she said "I hoped I could have talked to him, I knew it wouldn’t a lifetime " (Clinton 52). Finally, it is clear that religion is very important concerning Esta.
Esta spends a lot of time with her family and is very attached to them. For this reason, she is accompanied by her oldest sister and her uncle to the church. For example, "My family always supported me through the worst and it always will, I am persuaded " (Clinton 69). Finally, the protagonist of the story, Esta, is close to her family.
Esta is very useful to the people surrounding her. For this reason, she cured people near her village. This was an example of her religious beliefs. To sum up, Esta is useful by helping and curing people.
Esta Lea spends a majority of her time practicing religion. For this reason, she asks herself questions about religious faith and praying. For example, she has prophetic dreams and has a vision of Jesus since she said "I hoped I could have talked to him, I knew it wouldn’t a lifetime " (Clinton 52). Finally, it is clear that religion is very important concerning Esta.
Esta spends a lot of time with her family and is very attached to them. For this reason, she is accompanied by her oldest sister and her uncle to the church. For example, "My family always supported me through the worst and it always will, I am persuaded " (Clinton 69). Finally, the protagonist of the story, Esta, is close to her family.
Esta is very useful to the people surrounding her. For this reason, she cured people near her village. This was an example of her religious beliefs. To sum up, Esta is useful by helping and curing people.
April 22, 2020
Much funnier than I expected—didn’t think I’d like it as much as I did. As soon as I started empathizing with Esther is when I really got into the book. The side characters were all quite fun too. I had a good time with it, but I probably wouldn’t recommend it to those who aren’t already Christian or Agnostic
July 6, 2020
A well-written story of a young girl who receives the gift of healing and must learn about using it. The story addresses a lot of the complexities and difficulties about the subject with the honest and relatable voice of a young girl. A good story to read along with a child to open up a discussion about the topic.
January 10, 2018
I loved this book. I am a Pentecostal Christian and did not find it in any way blasphemous or sacrilegious.I applaud Candlewick Press for not shying away from the topic.
March 5, 2018
I loved this book. Funny, insightful, makes one think. Interesting view into the church, healing, religion, and family.
December 3, 2015
An interesting tour of a world heretofore unknown to me. While it is about religion in that religion is an important part and often focus of the characters' world, it does not proselytize or preach. Interesting, human and appealing characters appear that I would never have met otherwise :-)
Too often christian fundamentalists are the butt of jokes and if one advocates tolerance and understanding for all lifestyles and cultures (which I do), this would be a good place to start. In one's own backyard so to speak.
And while I will still duck fundamentalists who wish to 'save' my soul, I would like to think I am a bit more understanding of their world-view due to this sweet book.
Too often christian fundamentalists are the butt of jokes and if one advocates tolerance and understanding for all lifestyles and cultures (which I do), this would be a good place to start. In one's own backyard so to speak.
And while I will still duck fundamentalists who wish to 'save' my soul, I would like to think I am a bit more understanding of their world-view due to this sweet book.
October 15, 2013
Esther is 12 and one day at a family reunion at church, she gets the calling. She finds a number of months later that she has the power to heal people and is surprised she was chosen for this.
The book sounded interesting, but overall, I didn't really enjoy it. I felt no connection to the main character and couldn't really get into the story. So, it was okay, but not for me.
The book sounded interesting, but overall, I didn't really enjoy it. I felt no connection to the main character and couldn't really get into the story. So, it was okay, but not for me.
November 22, 2009
It was okay - a bit less fanatical than I had hoped, but it was still an insightful look into the lives of evangelists.
April 26, 2011
Cute and snappy first person account of revivalist Christianity told by a young girl with a calling. Powerfully well written voice.
December 1, 2012
Contemporary Realistic Fiction. Themes of loyalty and coming of age.
April 19, 2013
this book was really mainly about a girl trying to find what god was calling her for.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews