You Are Extraordinary - Hardcover

Johnson, Craig; Johnson, Samantha

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1400209137 ISBN 13: 9781400209132

Publisher: Tommy Nelson, 2019

Synopsis

In You Are Extraordinary, Craig and Samantha Johnson use fun rhymes and colorful pictures to celebrate kids who have unique challenges and gifts. Every page in this book focuses on a different ability or diverse circumstance, such as autism, different ethnicities, unique sizes and body types, physical limitations, cancer, adoptions, and more. You Are Extraordinary is an inspiring reminder to treat others with kindness and live out the truth that you are loved! And a letter to parents at the beginning of the book will encourage parents and caregivers and remind them that they're not alone.

As the parents of a child with special needs, Craig and Samantha Johnson understand that kids who are a bit different from others sometimes need extra reassurance that God has an amazing purpose for them—not just despite their differences but because of them! The authors are the founders of Champions Club, an international ministry of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, for kids, teens, and adults with special needs. Joel Osteen, the senior pastor of Lakewood, is one of the many well-known supporters of Champions Clubs around the country.

With its fun and uplifting message, You Are Extraordinary reminds children and adults alike that the world is a beautiful place when we treat everyone as the exceptional people they are!

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About this title

About the Author:

Craig Johnson is currently the senior director of ministries at Lakewood Church with Joel Osteen, overseeing all pastoral ministries and staff, and is the founder of Champions Foundation and the Champions Club developmental centers for special needs, with over 75 centers across the world. Craig is the coauthor of Champions Curriculum, a full-scope Christian curriculum for those with special needs. He is the author of Lead Vertically: Inspire People to Volunteer and Build Great Teams That Last and Champion: How One Boy’s Miraculous Journey Through Autism Is Changing the World. Craig and his wife of 29 years, Samantha, have three children: Cory, Courtney, and Connor.

Samantha Johnson is the cofounder of Champions Foundation and the Champions Club developmental centers for special needs, with over 75 centers across the world. Sam serves on staff with the Lakewood Missions Team and Lakewood Champions Club. She is a wife and mom of three children, Cory, Courtney, and Connor. Sam is a special needs advocate and inspiration to mothers with special needs all around the globe. Sam and her husband, Craig, have been in full-time ministry for over 28 years.

Sally was brought up in small town in the Higlands of Scotland and studied illustration at Edinburgh College of Art, before moving to Glasgow. Sally has always loved drawing and had a passion for children’s literature and illustration.

Review:

'This book is a delight to the eye, the ear, and the heart. It speaks in a powerful and encouraging way about God's care and love for all children, however they feel about who they are. This is a book that will be a blessing to children, parents, and families.' -- Rev. Canon J.John, international evangelist and author

'You Are Extraordinary is a wonderful and inspiring book for all ages. The Johnsons fully understand that God made no mistakes in His creation of humanity and all of us are created with God-given potential to do good in this world with the special and unique gifts, talents, and abilities God has given to us.' -- Pierce Bush, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star

'Few couples have done as much as Craig and Samantha Johnson to advance the cause of kids with disabilities in the church. You Are Extraordinary is a wonderful resource for parents and grandparents to share the love of Christ with children in their lives who have special needs or chronic health concerns.' -- Stephen Grcevich, MD, president and founder of Key Ministry, and author of Mental Health and the Church

'You Are Extraordinary is a must-have in every parent's library. Psalm 139:14 teaches us that every child is designed by God with unique abilities and talents, no matter the circumstances. Craig and Samantha beautifully accentuate this truth by helping children learn that God created them, loves them, and has a special plan for them to accomplish with their life. If you want your child to understand who they are in Christ and the great plans He has for them, I recommend this book wholeheartedly.' -- Mike Johnson, executive producer of ISeeIt! Productions and president of We Support Ministries

'Reading this lovely little book together will bless both parent and child. The world tries to force us all to conform through many kinds of bullying, but claiming and celebrating our uniqueness is essential to fulfilling our divine purpose. Craig and Samantha have given us a new family classic!' -- Mary Tutterow, author of The Heart of the Caregiver

'We live in a society where more and more frequently our children experience trauma. This is heart-breaking to God and to those who love and follow Him. What can we do for our children? How can we help equip them to overcome adversity and reach their God-given destiny? The answer is to teach them how to put on the garment of resilience. Resilience is the ability to overcome adversity, trauma, abuse, emotional pain, and significant sources of stress. Resilience is learned and cultivated. Resilience says. 'I can overcome whatever happened, is happening, or will happen because my God loves me and made me extraordinary. He is my protector; He will never leave me. He makes me feel brave; He makes me feel smart. I am His star!' You Are Extraordinary provides the language we need to become resilient members of God's family. Thank you, Sam and Craig Johnson, for providing this much-needed resource to children and parents/caregivers as we journey together to fulfill our purpose in this life and the life to come.' -- Sandy Robinson, PhD, co-author of Champions Curriculum

'Pastors Craig and Samantha Johnson have written a book that is a must-read in every family. It's a great reminder that every person is specially created and deeply loved. This heart-warming book belongs in every home!' -- Ryan Frank, CEO/publisher of KidzMatter

'You Are Extraordinary brings powerful truths to life with words and illustrations that will connect to every child's heart. What a blessing as a parent to share this with my kids. Thanks, Craig and Samantha, for living this message out!' -- Jess McLean, children’s pastor of Hillsong Australia

'We couldn't be prouder of our friends Craig and Samantha Johnson for bringing You Are Extraordinary into the world! Every page is a beautiful reminder to pour love on everyone you meet and to be kind despite our differences. As parents of a child with special needs, we love that this book includes our whole family.' -- Andrew and Amy Hood, of Champions Club at Hope UC and Champions Club Australia

'In a bumpy, stormy world, Craig and Samantha Johnson take readers on a hope-filled journey of celebrating the unique differences that make everyone extraordinary. You Are Extraordinary is a must read for those who need to know that kindness is contagious.' -- Lori Bethran, senior director of children’s ministries at Lakewood Church

'Craig and Samantha Johnson's lives embody the encouragement, love, and kindness that they have written about on these pages. You Are Extraordinary is a one-of-a-kind children's book that communicates God's truth to kids in a fun and impactful way. It includes children who face challenges ranging from physical limitations to loneliness, so every child will be able to see themselves in this book. It's going to be a life-changing resource for many!' -- Lisa Osteen Comes, author of You Are Made for More

'Craig and Samantha Johnson are the most genuine and compassionate people; they bring such godly wisdom to this sacred space of inclusion. This book will bless and inspire and continue to tell the story that 'there is a place for everyone at the table.' You Are Extraordinary: a celebration of uniqueness.' -- Darlene Zschech, singer-songwriter, copastor of Hope UC, and co-founder of HopeGlobal

'You Are Extraordinary is such a precious little book. And who would know any better than Samantha and Craig about what it's like to be a part of the special-needs community. Everyone is special in some way, and this book will help bring out the uniqueness in each person. I salute them for writing it and Jesus for making everyone so very special.'and szlig; -- Dodie Osteen, cofounder of Lakewood Church

'As a parent of a special-needs child, I understand how vital it is that our kids continually hear words of life, hope, and future! That is why I love this life-giving new children's book, You Are Extraordinary by Craig and Samantha Johnson. Every family needs it!' -- Nicole Binion, recording artist and copastor of Dwell Church, Dallas, TX

'You Are Extraordinary is so much more than a bedtime story; it's an affirming message for any young--and even older--life. What I love the most about this book is how it naturally shows people from all different backgrounds--different races and different needs--and we see them how God sees them: equal, loved, and extraordinary. You Are Extraordinary is a much-needed book for all families.' -- Dan Lee-Archer (Funny Man Dan), international children’s entertainer, writer, actor, and producer

About this edition

• Publisher: Tommy Nelson
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 1400209137
• ISBN 13: 9781400209132
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Garland Sally