While many Christian adults might be familiar with Joni Eareckson Tada’s story, young children and middle-grade readers might not be acquainted with it. A biography written for a middle-grade audience, A Paintbrush for Joni fills in the gap by narrating the story of Joni’s childhood experiences, the tragic diving accident that left her a quadriplegic when she was 17 years old, her extensive hospital stays, and the eventual founding of Joni and Friends.
During her hospital stay, Joni prayed and asked God why he had allowed her accident and its consequences. She also asked God to heal her so she could return to the athletic lifestyle she enjoyed so much.
With the help of Christian friends and her family, Joni slowly came to terms with the huge change in her life. One Scripture passage especially helped her to see her circumstances from a different perspective: “Your faith will be tested. You know that when this happens it will produce in you the strength to continue” (James 1:3).
Children will learn how Joni adapted to life when she returned home from the hospital, how she spent time with friends who supported her, and how she learned to paint with a brush between her teeth. They will also learn about Joni’s friendship with Steve, who told her, “Sometimes God permits what he hates to accomplish what he loves.” Joni then wondered, “Could God really use her disability for good—to help other people? She wasn’t sure, but she decided to trust God with her quadriplegia.”
A discussion guide for parents and children grapples with the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Other questions include, “What might Joni’s life have been like if she had never looked to God and found hope? What if she had been so focused on herself that she didn’t notice the other people writing and drawing with a pen between their teeth? What if she had been too scared to try something new and ask for help?”
This 48-page illustrated biography could prove to be an excellent discussion starter for Christian parents and their children to engage with the difficult circumstances they encounter in the world.
(Harvest Kids)