Raising Special Stars: Sixteen Weeks of Empowerment for Moms Raising Children with Special Needs Paperback – December 8, 2020

We have been going through this book in a women’s Bible study group and I have loved the first 10 chapters. The author really understands what it is like to raise a special needs child and at the same time wrestle with some tough questions. The chapters are fairly short and quick to read and her discussion questions are thought provoking. We have all enjoyed this book as a group.

While I do not have children with Special needs, I wanted to read this book. I met the author , her husband and her lovely girls. I didn't think I would learn anything as this subject did not pertain to me. I was so wrong. This is a must read for everyone. Even if you don't have children, we all have special journeys. I could relate on many levels to instances in my life. I have had losses, I have asked God why? I am a Mary. (you will understand this part when you read the book) Please take the time to read this enlightening book. You will be a better person for it. Mattie and Zach it was great meeting you and your girls. I am so pleased that I did. You have impacted my thought process in many ways. Congratulations on the baby boy. I can't wait to follow what is ahead for you and your family on Social Media. Always in my prayers, deby

While I don’t fit the specific target audience (I’m a dad, not a mom), as one who has lived in the “land of Holland” raising a child with special needs for more than 31 years now, I would say that Mattie Book has done a great job of keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus while helping to provide a roadmap for the unique journeys of each mom and the special stars they are raising. I greatly appreciated the mix of "one-third of my story and two-thirds of His story" which I believe kept the book useful for all regardless of the vast differences of abilities in the special stars being raised.

I would highly recommend this book! As a special education teacher, this book gave me great perspective from a mom's point of view, and it inspired me to love and serve the special stars in my class! The book is easy to read, but it invites you to slow down and think about what is said and how God is speaking to you. Mattie Book's heart so clearly shines through her writing. Please read this book! You won't regret it!

An amazing book by the most thoughtful, talented, kind, and passionate nurse and momma I know! I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next! This book is a must read and recommended for all!

This book is a must have read and study for not only Moms or Dads raising children with special needs and as inspiration towards encouraging their spouse as they walk that journey together. I, myself am not raising a child with special needs but this book inspires me to be a friend to my Momma friends that do, in the way I can best help, encourage or uplift them. I want them to know that I’ll get in the boat with them when uncertainty or overwhelming medical appointments or waiting for answers comes... or if they simply need someone beside them when they take some steps into the unknown, to take those steps with them. Walking into anything alone can feel lonely and as sisters in Christ, no matter the circumstance, we should be doing that for each other in whatever ways are helpful. Mattie inspires me to “get in the boat” with other Mom’s facing the unknowns of raising children with special needs and be someone that can stand with them as they step out and trust Jesus to lead their journey when the waves rock their boat. This is a great gift for your Momma friend AND for anyone wanting to lean into and grasp the perspective of what a parent raising children with special needs walks through at times and brings insight on how we can show up for them.

While I am not the target audience for this book, I am not a mom or parent raising children with special needs. I am a speech language pathologist working with children with special needs. Mattie’s book spoke to me. It reminded me that our parents receiving any sort of diagnosis may need support to see all the great things God has planned for their child, even with special needs. I have always tried to reach out to parents to celebrate their student’s big successes. Mattie’s insights have shown me that by reaching out to celebrate these successes I may be able to help a parent to remember that God sees their child as a masterpiece. Mattie included sweet stories about her daughters to help bring the love of God to life. As a single woman, it reminded me to have faith and trust that God does have a plan for my life. I truly believe that this bible study is great for all moms, whether they are “raising special stars” or not, and for those of us educating “special stars”. If you don’t fall into either of those categories, I still believe there's a lot of insight to gain about supporting our mom’s (parent’s) as they raise “special stars” and a great reminder that God has a plan for your life.

Mattie Book has so thoughtfully and carefully listened to God and written down what He said. I have no children of my own, but I now know so much more about the all too often silent struggle special needs moms experience. With this book I know better about how to support and pray for these mothers. But even though I have no children, this didn't stop me from highlighting things in almost every chapter! The beautiful truths that I needed a reminder of and the eloquence of Mattie's delivery often left me struck and thinking about how to apply these lessons to my own journey. This includes the well formed questions at the end of each chapter. I highly recommend this book to anyone: those who have a special needs child, those that know someone with a special needs child, and those who want to understand and support families with special needs children. Mattie, thank you for the time and energy you put into this book. Thank you for sharing your story with us.