Carlos Whitaker is a new to me author and Is now one of my favorite inspirational writers. He has recently published a new devotional book for young people entitled, "Get Your Hopes Up: 90 Devotions and True Stories for Young World Changers."

He begins each devotional with a scripture passage and includes a short bio about either a Bible character like Gideon and Paul or an inspiring figure such as Arunima Sinha who was the first female amputee to scale Mount Everest and Captain Sully, the pilot who saved 155 people.

He concludes the devotional with encouraging and inspirational words and a prayer.

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I recommend this book for a child, student, or any young person who needs some encouragement. I believe that includes everyone. You’ll find it quite readable and practical to everyday living. The inviting artwork enhances the devotionals.

The cover art picture of Mr. Whittaker exudes joy.
I hope he can come speak and sign books in my independent bookstore some day.

I'm excited about this book filled with true stories of hope from the modern world. I think it's important for kids to see how different people are putting their faith into action. I watch how my own kids tune in and internalize testimonies from people at church, and I think they'll resonate with this too.

It seems some of the stories are used as analogies to remind us to put our hope in God while others are about people putting their hope in God. All are very encouraging, and I am looking forward to sharing this with my teen and tween.

Thank you to Tommy Nelson for sending me this book. No review was required, and of course, all opinions are my own.

As a middle school teacher in a Christian school, I feel that my students are the exact target audience Carlos Whittaker had in mind when writing Get Your Hopes Up. He's subtitled his book "90 Devotions and True Stories for Young World Changers," and this is what my students are looking for in our daily morning devotions: an adult who will hook them with stories and then talk to them like the agents of change they hope to be. Whittaker uses a mix of well-known inspirational accounts (Captain Sully landing on the Hudson, the trapped Chilean miners) and stories from his own life to hook readers with an interesting premise. He then connects each situation to an aspect of Christian living to drive home a simple point for readers like my students, middle schoolers with a connection to Christ but looking for a bit more. I'll be happy to add this to our rotation of devotions.

I love this devotional. It may be geared towards teens, but it has so much goodness in it that everyone can relate to. Carlos did a great job make it relatable and moving at the same time. Whether you're a teen or not I would suggest picking this up as it has a lot to what we all need in it - positivity and hope!

I wish this book had been around when I had tweens. The stories of hope will inspire kids to see how God wants all of us to dream big and have a positive impact for Jesus. Carlos doesn't shy away from difficult topics but he also doesn't overwhelm the reader with gratuitous details. He blends in compassion and empathy when talking about difficult subjects and shows how hopeful people can be even in dark circumstances. His book will truly help your kids get their hopes up!

Everything Carlos Whittaker puts out into the world is incredible, and “Get Your Hopes Up” is no exception! As a former middle school teacher and current high school teacher and Young Life leader, I’m always on the lookout for great books to recommend to my students and their parents when appropriate, and this is one of those books! Thank you for the early copy! This is a book I wish I would have had as a teen and I’m glad it’s available to my young friends now.

I started to read this on my own as I do not have teens but decided that my 7 year old would benefit from some of the devotionals Carlos lays out in this book. I’ve been apart of the insta familia for a bit and I could hear his voice in the words on the page. We are teaching our kids to “Love God, and Love People” as our foundation for the family. This book models exactly that and will be a great book for my boys as they grow.

I got this book for free, in exchange for my honest opinion via NetGalley.

This is my first time reading a Carlos Whittaker book, and I loved it! I have read many devotional books with more to come (some not reviewed or will be reviewed on my blog) and this is one of the best ones. The book is geared toward tween and teens, but I got just as much out of it. It's an inspiring read from a relatable guy who has a gift of sharing the Gospel in an easy to understand way. Whittaker gives tweens and teens wisdom on navigating the world as a follower of Christ, and how to be a light of hope in a dark world. Each devotional starts with a scripture, followed by a short story, and ends with a short prayer. It doesn't matter how old (or young) you are, you can't read this book and not feel inspired. I will definitely be searching for more books by Whittaker.

Thank you, NetGalley and Carlos Whittaker for allowing me to review! As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @fictionluxblog shortly.

I can not say enough wonderful things about this book. I’ve been working through it with my 10-year-old boys and it’s become such a special part of our evening..

They are so interested in each devotion and it’s perfect for their age. Each day is quick & sparks wonderful conversations with my boys.

I will be recommending to everyone!

This is one of the best devotional books I've ever read, and I've read MANY. It's geared toward tween/teens, but I thoroughly enjoyed this as a 40-year-old mother of 3 teen girls. I follow Carlos on Instagram and love how some of the stories in the book are ones I remember him sharing on social media. He's a very relatable guy who has a gift of sharing the Gospel in a welcoming and non-exclusionary way. I love his take on how to "walk with people" as opposed to "standing on issues." Christian teens these days will undoubtedly benefit from Carlos's book, and it will give them wisdom on how to navigate this world as a believer, how to relate and share the Gospel with their peers, and how to be a positive force and beacon of HOPE in this dark world. I highly recommend GET YOUR HOPES UP!

Carlos Whittaker is one of my favorite people to follow on Instagram. I’m proud to be one of his Instafamilia. When I saw his newest devotional book on NetGalley, I knew that I wanted to read it. I’ve read his other book, “How to Human”, and enjoyed it. This devotional is colorful, easy to read/understand and is relatable for tweens and adults. I really enjoyed the real life connections to the Bible.

Thanks to Carlos Whittaker, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

I originally found Carlos on Instagram and I think his work is absolutely inspiring. He is such a light and truly is faith in action. I think this devotional aimed at teens is going to make an impact and fill some hearts with hope. I will absolutely be purchasing it for the young ones in my life.

This guy is new to me but I knew what to expect based on the picture. What a beautiful smile! So much enthusiasm!
I'm going to figure out how to follow him because this book was just a lot of good news and people being kind to each other. Obstacles were overcome, and there was so much positivity.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

I follow Carlos Whittaker on Instagram (shout out to the Instafamilia!) and listen to his podcast. I think this book is a great addition to the devotional world. Being a tween is such a difficult time, especially these days, so these daily stories will assist these young minds in their spiritual life. I enjoyed this so much!

What a wonderfully vibrant and engaging devotional for tweens| and teens. It's thoughtful, biblically based, and in true Carlos style, it feels like a warm hug and being welcomed into the familia.

The illustrator has done a great job of incorporating colour to grab the young readers' attention, and the illustrations throughout are simple but so full of detail that I loved looking at them.

Carlos has kept each devotional short, including the prayer, which will encourage the slowest and most challenged readers to pick this book up each day and be filled with the spirit of God. I believe that Carlos has tried to be relevant to the age range this book is aimed at without 'preaching' as such but relating his experiences in a way that is relatable to a younger audience.

Overall, a well-written devotional that will bless the hearts of many.

Carlos Whitaker is one of my favorite follows on Instagram, and I've also read his previous books. I was excited to see that he is publishing a new devotional book for young people entitled, "Get Your Hopes Up: 90 Devotions and True Stories for Young World Changers." Each devotional begins with a Scripture passage and includes a short essay about either a Bible character (such as Gideon and Paul) or an inspiring figure (such as Arunima Sinha and Captain Sully). The devotional then ends with some encouraging words and a short prayer.

This is an excellent devotional if you're looking for something to give your child, student, or any young person who needs some encouragement. It is easy to read and very applicable, while not being overly religious. I also thought the artwork is very well done. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.