🇬🇧 Sarah Young & Tama Fortner – Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids (Boys Edition)

INTRODUCTION:

Does your son rush through devotional time just to check a box, or does he genuinely struggle to connect with spiritual content? Many boys find traditional devotionals unrelatable or boring, making daily faith-building feel like a chore. Sarah Young partnered with Tama Fortner to create a version of the beloved Jesus Calling specifically tailored to how boys think, process emotions, and experience the world. Together, they bring decades of ministry experience and understanding of young male development to craft something that speaks directly to boys’ hearts and minds.

BOOK CONTENT:

This devotional presents 365 daily entries written from Jesus’s perspective, addressing topics that resonate with boys’ everyday experiences. The reflections tackle subjects like handling competition, dealing with bullies, managing anger, navigating friendships, facing fears about performance, and finding courage in challenging situations. Each entry acknowledges the specific pressures boys face without minimizing their struggles.

The writing style differs noticeably from generic children’s devotionals. Fortner and Young use straightforward language that respects boys’ intelligence while remaining accessible. The tone avoids being preachy or overly sentimental, instead offering companionship and understanding. Each devotion is concise enough to hold attention but substantial enough to provide genuine spiritual nourishment.

What sets this edition apart is its acknowledgment of how boys process faith differently. Rather than emphasizing feelings-centered spirituality, the devotions focus on trust, action, and God’s steady presence during both victories and defeats. The content addresses adventure, purpose, identity, and strength through a lens that feels authentic to male experience.

Every entry includes carefully selected Scripture verses that reinforce the day’s message. The biblical references aren’t arbitrary but connect directly to situations boys encounter at school, in sports, with family, and among peers. This grounding in Scripture helps boys see the Bible as relevant to their actual lives rather than distant history.

WHO IS THIS BOOK FOR:

This devotional serves boys roughly ages eight through fourteen, though some younger or older readers may benefit depending on maturity level. Parents wanting to establish consistent spiritual habits with sons who resist traditional devotionals will find this particularly useful. Fathers looking for meaningful content to share during morning routines or bedtime will appreciate the boy-friendly approach.

Youth leaders, coaches involved in faith-based programs, and mentors working with preteen and early teen boys can use these devotions in group settings. Boys who already love reading devotionals might enjoy this, but it’s especially designed for those who typically find spiritual reading disconnected from their reality. If your son is significantly younger than eight or deeply engaged with adult-level theology, this might not match his developmental stage.

CONCLUSION:

Jesus Calling Boys Edition meets boys where they are, offering daily encouragement that respects their unique way of experiencing faith. It’s a practical tool for helping young men discover that Jesus understands their world and walks with them through every challenge and triumph.