Grace, Not Perfection for Young Readers

Believing You're Enough in a World of Impossible Expectations

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Pub Date 11 Aug 2020 | Archive Date 08 Mar 2021

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Description

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 . . .

  • Create significant moments rather than orchestrating a picture-perfect life.
  • Pare down activities to what matters most--without FOMO.
  • Simplify life by simplifying three major areas: your space, your time, and your mind.
  • Create effective to-do lists and get through them one step at a time.

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.

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...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781400220014
PRICE $16.99 (USD)
PAGES 192

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (PDF)

Average rating from 24 members


Featured Reviews

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!

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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.

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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!

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I love Emily Ley, so I was thrilled to see this new addition to her collection of incredible books. I have three young daughters who adored this book as much as I did. There is valuable advice and a wonderful message applicable to all. I highly recommend this great resource.

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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.

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This book might just not have been for me, but I didn't feel there was anything unique or interesting about it. I wasn't particularly interested in reading once I got in. I think perhaps I just wasn't meant to be the reader of the book! :) But it was well-written, and I understand the need for young folks to allow grace into their lives. It just was all stuff I had heard before - the author talks about allowing grace into your life, allowing grace into the lives of your family and friends and communities, and so on. I think it also just wasn't meaty enough for me - I wanted a bit more.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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A young reader version of Grace Not Perfection: embracing simplicity... This text offers tweens practical ideas on enjoying and living life with thankfulness and an appreciation of who they are.

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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

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Good and easy to read for young readers. I am older and thought it was still good content. Would allow one of my young daughters use this book in her faith journey.

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This is a phenomenal read for teens focusing on grace. I think it does a great job at teaching them about grace and what it means in the Word of God. Would definitely recommend this.

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After previously reading the adult's version of this book, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to preview the version for Young Readers. Emily Ley does a spectacular job of encouraging the reader to strive the be their very best - even if their very best is not perfect. In today's society, women and girls often are pressured to compete; to be better than eachother. Ley emphasizes giving yourself grace - that a bad day may not necessarily be an actual bad day when seen in the proper light.

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This book started out very family heavy and I was a little disappointed. Lot of focus on children, family, etc. not that there is anything wrong with that. Just as a wife with no children I found it very hard to relate to the given advice. Overall the author has an amazing success story and the book is well written with some good life hacks. Slightly more autobiographical than self help. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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I love Emily Ley’s books and so excited she came out with one for teens and tweens. Perfect timing as my daughter is 10 so we were able to read it together.

This is a great match for the original. It has helpful advice on not being so hard on ourselves. She gives practical advice along with personal stories. We all need reminders to give ourselves grace and the best time to start learning is in our younger years.

This would be perfect for girls of all ages.

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Pros: The first pro is that this book is by Emily Ley! I'm a huge fan of her and her Simplified business--I use my planner every day. I also enjoy following her on Instagram to learn more about her, her family, and her business, and I've been so encouraged by how she has stood up for her beliefs, especially this past year. I have read all the books she's published, including the adult version of this book. I was curious to read the version for young readers because I do not relate to the parts of her books about marriage and motherhood. I thought the young readers version might be a bit more relatable to me as a single woman.

Cons: The only cons I can think of are not about the content of the words of this book. One is that the cover of this book is pink, so it might automatically not end up in the hands of boys. This is a con of how things are gendered rather than a con that the book is pink--it shouldn't matter what the color of the cover is. That being said, it seemed that all the photos in the books were of young girls (that's an assumption on my part based on. hair styles and clothing). I think this book has ideas that are important for both boys and girls--for all young readers--not just girls.

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While this is a bit old for my 7 year old, I can see it coming in handy in the next few years. I enjoyed it as a middle school teacher. It gave me several taking points to use when talking with (any) students.

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Fantastic book on giving ourselves grace just as God gives us grace. I read it with my 12 year old daughter, feeling like it was just the right time when she is converging on a point isn’t time when perfectionism and comparison can begin to take such deep root in young girls. It wasn’t surprising to me that the book spoke as much to me and is did to her—considering I’ve been wanting to read the adult edition for a long while. I figured this was like two birds with one stone. And my daughter enjoyed it too, the anecdotes made her smile and the chapters gave us conversation jumping off points that I believe will help for years to come.

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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! )
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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.

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