TOS Review: Who Am I? And What Am I Doing Here? (Apologia)

I have been a huge fan of Apologia's science programs for year.  This year I've read a few of their books and that made me appreciate the company even more.  I've loved everything I've used by them so far, so when I was given the opportunity to review their new Bible program, What We Believe, I was thrilled.  We were given the second book in the series, Who Am I?, and as soon as I opened the box I could see that it was the same high quality that you come to expect from Apologia products.  

About What We Believe

From the company's web site:

Our children are bombarded on a daily basis with competing messages. Every song, movie, book, TV show, blog, and game is full of ideas—ideas about truth, morality, beauty, identity, faith, and more. Not all of these ideas are true. Some are wrong, some are deceptive, and some are outright destructive. It is more important than ever that young children be equipped to discern among competing ideas and stand in the truth. This is why Apologia has teamed with Summit Ministries to bring you the "What We Believe" Series. The "What We Believe" Series is an outstanding way to teach your child the essential beliefs of the Christian faith, but it’s so much more! With this student-directed, Bible-based curriculum, your children will learn how to use Scripture as a lens through which to view the world around them—to see everything the way God sees it—and know the truth.

 I couldn't agree more!  As the mother of two girls, I am not at all impressed with what society would deem appropriate for my daughters.  Skin tight clothing that reveals everything, no thank you.  An equal to adults attitude.  I don't think so.  Do what you have to do to fit in because anything goes.  Uh, NO!  When I saw that we were going to be getting the Who Am I? edition I knew that this was a gift from God.  What could be more perfect for my tween daughter then a study that shows her who she is in God.

The second book in the What We Believe series, Who Am I? (And What Am I Doing Here?) helps children understand what it means to be fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of the Most High God. This study will enable students to develop a healthy self-image based on these biblical truths: God made me in His image and crowned me with glory; He has given me special gifts and a unique purpose in life; I can creatively express God's love; I am meant to think about beautiful and praiseworthy things, especially God and His Word; I must make decisions based on God's truth; I can always know the wise thing to do; I must cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in my life; I am a beloved child of God whose true identity is found in Christ.

Our Experience

My daughter has been LOVING this book.  We received the text, an audio version, a coloring book, and a fabulous note booking journal.  Mackenzie has taken to this like a duck to water.  As this is meant to be a student-directed study she has opted to do it on her own.  Each day she gathers her books, bible, and supplies and goes off to be my herself.  She does not like anyone to be around because she says that this is her private time with God.  Doesn't that just melt your heart?

Mackenzie's thoughts...

I LOVE it!  It makes me feel closer to God and that we are listening to each other more.  My favorite parts are the My Prayer pages in the journal.  I get to write it down and then I have it to look back on.  There is also a Praise Report that helps you see how God is answering your prayers and strengthening your faith.  It shows you how God is working in your life.  I like reading the stories about different children because it tells me about their beliefs and how God is helping them.  They also list different Bible verses in there and they connect me to God like He's telling me something.  It really helps me feel closer to God.

Well if that doesn't sell ya....

What did I think?  I was beyond impressed.  It is everything that you expect an Apologia product to be.  Like the science books, this book was written in a conversational format. My daughter really enjoys reading it and she is writing her heart out in the journal. Each chapter clearly states the learning objectives, includes memory work, encourages Godly character traits, asks thought provoking questions, and introduces different world views.  It is jam packed with lots of information for us to discuss together.

Needless to say, though the review period is over, this book is still well used in our house.  There are four other books in the series and I am already planning which one to use next.  The nice thing about the series is that you can use them in any order so you can pick the topic that best fits your family at that time.  

F.Y.I.

Where to find it:  https://apologia.securesites.net/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=42

Age Range: 6-14

Pricing:  Book $39, Journal $24, Audio CD $19, Coloring Book $8

Sample Lesson

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Disclaimer: I received a copy of these products for review purposes.  All opinions are my own.