Does God Love Boys More? A Review of The Book of Belonging

When Mariko Clark’s young daughter looked up and asked, “Mom, does God love boys more than girls?” it stopped her in her tracks. The question didn’t come out of nowhere—it came from noticing that in her Bible storybook, hardly any girls were mentioned.

What her daughter felt in that moment is something all of us, whether as parents, grandparents, or teachers, should take seriously: children are reading the silences in our stories just as much as the words.

That question inspired Clark’s new children’s Bible storybook, The Book of Belonging, created with illustrator Rachel Eleanor. And what a gift it is.

Why Representation Matters in Bible Stories

The Book of Belonging doesn’t rewrite Scripture—it simply highlights what has always been there. Women, who often fade to the background in story retellings, are woven back into the fabric of the narrative where they belong. Sarah, Miriam, Mary, Deborah, Esther, and so many others are given their rightful place as essential voices in God’s story.

The result? Children see that God’s love and calling are not limited by gender. Girls get to recognize themselves in the story of redemption, and boys learn from women of faith who stood with courage, wisdom, and devotion.

A Window into Ancient Israel

Another strength of this book is how it draws children into the cultural richness of the biblical world. Names are presented in their cultural context, connecting young readers to the setting of ancient Israel in a way that feels real and respectful. For many families, this will be the first time kids encounter biblical names in a way that helps them feel like part of a living story rather than a distant tale.

It’s not just about adding “diversity” for the sake of it—it’s about grounding kids in the reality that God’s story has always been multicultural, woven through families, nations, and cultures.

Why I Love This Book

As a mom and an educator, I’ve seen how much the stories we tell shape identity and belonging. When girls never see themselves in the story, or when cultural names are skipped over for easier ones, the unspoken message is: you don’t really belong here.

The Book of Belonging corrects that quietly but powerfully. It says to every child: You are seen. You are part of God’s story. You belong.

Who Should Read It

• Parents looking for a children’s Bible storybook that celebrates the fullness of God’s family.
• Teachers and Sunday school leaders who want resources that honor both boys and girls.
• Anyone who wants to pass on a vision of faith that reflects the beauty of God’s diverse, welcoming kingdom.

Final Thoughts

If you’re building your family library or looking for a meaningful gift, The Book of Belonging is a wonderful choice. It opens wide the doors of God’s story so that every child can walk in and see themselves reflected in His love.

Because sometimes the most important answer we can give a child’s hard question is not just with our words—but with the stories we choose to place in their hands.