God Made Boys and Girls: Helping Children Understand the Gift of Gender

For Christians only - Bible-based and clearly Protestant but usable for Catholics. Covers differences of sexual development in notes at the end for adults.

Great, clear, informative, factual. This book helps parents talk about the basic concepts of sex/gender without being confusing. It encourages boys and girls that they can enjoy the same or different activities and still be who God created them to be.

Great book on a timely topic

There is helpful stuff in here & I am fine with the purchase. However, it often feels like a book written for adults first and foremost. There are a ton of words. Illustrations feel generic, strictly OK. Personally, I'd like to see the series be punchier & more thoughtful in its formatting & editing choices

Beautifully written explanation of how God designed male and female with intentionality and diversity. Makes the point that boys and girls can enjoy different types of activities even though the activities may be stereotypically “masculine” or “feminine,” but this doesn’t change our DNA. Celebrates how God made us and how we are all different!

We used this book with our older kiddo teams in VBS. It is written on 3rd grade level. ALL the kiddos thought it was great!! Gave one to each student to take home and have for their very own. Money well spent!!!

I highly recommend this book for anyone involved in children's ministry as a resource to fight the current gender culture. We offer a link to this book to parents and grandparents and share with anyone who is facing this issue. Importantly, we are teaching young children that God's Word is truth.

The biblical truths in this volume set the foundation for seeing individuals as "Boys" and "Girls" based on God's good gift of gender. Emphasis to accept individuals who don't like to conform to cultural norms of activities identified as "boy things to do" and "girl things to do" - in a straightforward way. I'm aiming this towards the 4s & 5s age group Resource room ... and putting one on my office shelf too as a future reference. This is currently my "Go To" resource to help parents talk through Gender issues from a biblical viewpoint - and have scriptures passages right at hand for further discussion.

Helpful introduction to the fact that XX or XY is in every cell of your body, and your gender is a gift from God to be received with joy.

This is the best children's book on this issue of Gender from a biblical perspective. Marty Machowski uses a story to relate how God made girls and boys distinctly different, not just in surface issues but in fact via gender code in the body, beginning with Creation. Well crafted and finishes by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I especially appreciated "Truths About Gender" on the last pages of the book when he answers the hard questions about gender that are being asked today. Thank Marty for a great book we can share with our children and grandchildren without reservation!

This book was recommended to me.

This is an excellent story that addresses the gender with truth in a kid-friendly way. Full review coming soon.

UPDATE:

When I first heard of God Made Boys and Girls, I was a bit concerned about the fact that it’s about gender. You see, we live in a society that is trying to change what we believe about gender, so it makes my heart sad to realize that we need more books like these for our children. In fact, I highly recommend using this with your children whether your a parent, teacher, counselor or someone who works with kids in any way.

The author uses real-life examples to begin the conversation about gender. She explains to her readers that God created boys and girls. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. -Genesis 1:27” Marty Machowski explains to children that gender is a special gift from God. She also uses the XX and XY chromosome to explain that no matter how you change your gender, you can’t change your blood. This was a kid-friendly and simple way to explain. The author takes it even further by using Adam and Eve to explain sin and how God’s way is better. This book is very gospel-centered as the author explains how Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again for our sins. Children will learn about forgiveness.

Children will also learn that it is okay for boys to like baking and playing with dolls and for girls to like football and other boyish stuff. The main point with this is that it isn’t about what we think makes us a boy or a girl. God never makes mistakes when it comes to gender.

Something else that I thought was intriguing was that the author also teaches children the importance of loving others. Since we live in a society full of sin, they will come across other kids who want to change their gender and may possibly even will. However, it is still important that they show Jesus’ love.

This isn’t part of the Good News For Little Hearts series, but like those books, you can find talking points to take the discussion further. One of the neat discussions is how a child might have medical reasons, for example having been born with both genitals. Basically, the book covers all its bases.

What a great resource for parents who are trying to teach Scriptural truths while navigating social mores. There's nothing inflammatory and the tone is not only educational, but kind.

God Made Boys and Girls is the latest book by pastor and author Marty Machowski. Machowski's books are always encouraging and truth-filled and God Made Boys and Girls is no exception. This book begins with Maya, a young girl who enjoys things like football and climbing trees. Some boys at school make fun of her for this so their teacher, Mr. Ramirez, gives them a biblical lesson on gender. He tells his students, ". . . gender is the word we use to describe God's good gift of creating each of us either male or female." The book goes on to explain that God gifted each individual with the genetic makeup that they have. I like that the characters in the book don't fit traditional gender stereotypes. Machowski wrote, ". . . it is not what we do or like or think that makes us a boy or a girl. God gave us our gender as a special gift, and God never makes mistakes. His ways are perfect." Machowski presents the idea of gender as a gift from God. I had thought of gender as good since it was God's idea but I had never considered it a gift. Although God Made Boys and Girls is a book meant for children, I found myself learning new things about God as I read it with my oldest daughter. Machowski included a gospel presentation in the book that is simple to understand yet theologically rich. Reading it greatly encouraged my heart. He wrote, "Jesus lived a perfect life and never sinned so that he could take our sin upon himself. The world hated Jesus and nailed him to a cross to die. While he hung nailed to the cross, God the Father punished Jesus for our sin. Today anyone who turns from their sins and trusts in Jesus can be saved and forgiven. God puts his Holy Spirit into the heart of everyone who believes in Jesus to remind them of God's ways and God's plan and to help them live for God and be the person God made them to be." Machowski uses the gospel as the catalyst for why Christians ought to love others - even if they prefer activities that might not be traditionally enjoyed by their gender (for example, the book illustrates a female scientist and a male dancer). As a side note, I have to add that I LOVE that the gospel presentation includes all persons of the Trinity. One of my favorite aspects of this book is that Machowski isn't blind to the growing cultural confusion about gender. The book ends with one character stating, "Jesus said that we should love our neighbors and even those who disagree with us. So we should show love to people who might be confused about their gender and about how God made them." Overall, Machowski did a first-rate job of tackling a tough subject in a way that is God-honoring and understandable for individuals of all ages. My daughter and I really enjoyed God Made Boys and Girls and I am pleased to recommend it. I received God Made Boys and Girls compliments of New Growth Press in exchange for my honest review.

God Made Boys and Girls: Helping Children Understand the Gift of Gender by Marty Machowski is a gift of a book for boys and girls to hear about the beautiful and wonderful design that God has created them as their biological gender all according to His plan. This gift of a book extends to others as children are equipped to show love and kindness to those who may disagree with them on these very points or may be confused about their own gender. Parents will want to have this resource on their bookshelf to read to their preschool and young elementary children, especially as the need arises (and the need is certainly there)!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When I first heard of God Made Boys and Girls, I was a bit concerned about the fact that it’s about gender. You see, we live in a society that is trying to change what we believe about gender, so it makes my heart sad to realize that we need more books like these for our children. In fact, I highly recommend using this with your children whether your a parent, teacher, counselor or someone who works with kids in any way.

The author uses real-life examples to begin the conversation about gender. She explains to her readers that God created boys and girls. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. -Genesis 1:27” Marty Machowski explains to children that gender is a special gift from God. She also uses the XX and XY chromosome to explain that no matter how you change your gender, you can’t change your blood. This was a kid-friendly and simple way to explain. The author takes it even further by using Adam and Eve to explain sin and how God’s way is better. This book is very gospel-centered as the author explains how Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again for our sins. Children will learn about forgiveness.

Children will also learn that it is okay for boys to like baking and playing with dolls and for girls to like football and other boyish stuff. The main point with this is that it isn’t about what we think makes us a boy or a girl. God never makes mistakes when it comes to gender.

Something else that I thought was intriguing was that the author also teaches children the importance of loving others. Since we live in a society full of sin, they will come across other kids who want to change their gender and may possibly even will. However, it is still important that they show Jesus’ love.

This isn’t part of the Good News For Little Hearts series, but like those books, you can find talking points to take the discussion further. One of the neat discussions is how a child might have medical reasons, for example having been born with both genitals. Basically, the book covers all its bases.

Highly recommended!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

In a culture of gender uncertainty, it is important for parents to have resources to help them explain to children the gift God gave us when He created us male and female. Marty Machowski's "God Made Boys and Girls" teaches children about the uniqueness of their gender and why it is important to look at biblical truth when confronted with gender identity issues.

When a boy makes fun of a girl because she likes to participate in a primarily male sport, a teacher takes the opportunity to explain how God created human beings and why He gave certain talents to certain people. While our talents do not always line up with a specific gender, it doesn't make boys any less males or girls any less females.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from New Growth Press through Audra Jennings PR. I was not required to write a 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Marty Machowski is one of my favorite children’s authors. He has the ability to clearly bring forth hard topics and present them in a way that is easily understood for children. He has a great way of having open discussions with children. Any parent will be able to talk about the topic of gender with this book. I hate it that we have to even talk about this subject but in today’s culture we need to give our kids a Biblical understanding.
The story focused on God’s design for each gender. God has put in our DNA whether we are male or female. It does a very tastefully and doesn’t condemn any person and is written with children in mind. The message is clear and I’m sure it will be offense to many. The story explains the message of God and gender clearly. The girl in the story loves sports and is very good at it. One of the boys makes a comment, “That if she keeps playing with boys she will become a boy.” I appreciate that it is a clear Biblical explanation about gender and how God created man and woman. He made people the gender they were born and not leaving the decision up to us.

The salvation story is weaved within the story and how sin came into our world. Also the characters talk about not making fun of a person because of what they like to be.

I received a free copy of this product from New Growth Press

Very well written.

This book couldn't have come at a better time. We are living in a age where people are confused about gender. It's rather shocking that this has happened at all, but now that our young children are being indoctrinated into believing there are more than two genders, this book will help parents and teachers to confront this detrimental issue and equip them with the knowledge that God created male and female. It will help them from becoming confused about what society is pushing on them to embrace.

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

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

The story starts revolves around a little girl named Maya who prefers to play sports like football at recess. She's also really fast. So fast that when they line up for recess, her classmate (a boy) remarks that if she keeps playing with boys then she'll turn into a boy. This sparks a discussion about gender and how it does not change because of what we do or how we act. Gender is a gift from God and even if you like to do things that are considered "boy-ish" it doesn't change that gift. Gender is what you're born with and it doesn't change. It's ingrained so deep in us, it goes beyond what we can physically see down into our DNA and cells.

Again! New Growth Press does it again with another good book with a much-needed lesson.
This is definitely worth reading, especially those who may have children or even teens who are struggling with gender identity and as a parent, you want to take a God-honoring approach to discuss it. This book does that and points them back to Jesus.

{I received this book from the publisher, New Growth Press, in exchange for my honest review.}