Nat Enough: A Christian Perspective

I borrowed the graphic novel Nat Enough by Maria Scrivan from the library a while back. The story focuses on Natalie, whose best friend has decided not to hang out with her anymore because she doesn’t think she’s cool enough. Natalie tries to be cool enough to be her friend again, but thanks to her peers, she eventually learns to appreciate herself for who she is and to focus on her strengths instead of her weaknesses.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the lesson about not focusing on your shortcomings or what other people think of you. Instead you must focus on your strengths and who you are.

I like how the book encourages readers to surround yourself with people who are kind and who will support you while also giving you good advice. Nat’s two new friends stand by her and also teach her the lesson of learning to appreciate yourself and focusing on your good qualities. We should surround ourselves with people like Nat’s friends; people who build you up and give us biblical advice and guidance. 

The art style is beautiful and funny. 

The only thing I disliked was how Natalie had a crush on this other boy, mainly because I don’t think kids her age should be worrying about those types of things. But it's not a main part of the story, so it wasn’t so bad. 

It can be easy to think about the things you aren’t good at and compare yourself to others and worry about what others think about you. But God doesn't want us to worry about that. We have to focus on who we are in Christ. We can look to scriptures that tell us who we are in Him. We are children of God. Although we may make mistakes, we shouldn’t beat ourselves up about it. We should acknowledge them, learn from them, and then move on. If we sin, we repent and ask God to forgive us, and He will. We mustn't forget to spend time with God, worship Him, talk to Him, pray, and to focus on having a relationship with Him.

Also, while it is important to focus on our own talents that God has given us, we shouldn’t think that our talents make us who we are or that our talents are our identity. If you have given your life to Jesus, then your identity is that you are a child of God.

This is a children’s book, but I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys graphic novels with a lighthearted tone, and for those who want books with a positive message for children and adults alike. Thank you for spending time reading my thoughts on this book and I hope God blesses you and guides you every day.