Featured Books

We are delighted to feature the books that young clergy women have published via YCWI’s book line with Chalice Press. You can view descriptions of the books, along with links to purchase, below. You can also browse the books via our Bookshop.org affiliate book list. Customers outside of the US can order directly through Chalice Press; email their customer service department at customerservice@chalicepress.com for international shipping.

If you’re a YCWI member or a young clergy woman interested in publishing with us, visit https://youngclergywomen.org/books/ to learn more.

Making Paper Cranes

by Mihee Kim-Kort

Drawing on memories of making paper cranes with her mother at the kitchen table, Mihee Kim-Kort begins with one of her favorite stories from childhood about the tradition of making a thousand cranes. Intrigued by the symbol of the crane, she explores the migrations and movements of the community of Asian American women. What results is a theological endeavor that engages the social histories, literary texts, and narratives of Asian American women as well as the constructive theologies of feminist and liberation theologians. But, it is ultimately one young woman’s embrace of living into this community and identity, and articulating a particular theology that is hopefully accessible to all who have experienced powerlessness and marginalization.

Simply put, Making Paper Cranes is about Asian American mothers, daughters, sisters, and women who courageously discover the grace in the struggle, the survival, and the song.

Read our review in Fidelia here.

Available in the US via Bookshop.org

Available everywhere via Chalice Press

Disclosure: YCWI is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will earn a commission if you click through the link above and make a purchase.

Bless Her Heart Cover

Bless Her Heart: Life as a Young Clergy Woman

by Ashley-Anne Masters and Stacey Smith

In October 2011, our first book with Chalice Press was released.

Bless Her Heart: Life as a Young Clergy Woman by Ashley-Anne Masters and Stacy Smith was inspired by the stories shared in Fidelia published since 2007.

Comprising essays from young women clergy, this book is a reflection on the everyday realities of pastoral ministry for the young, female professional. Presenting real-life, first-person scenarios from young, female pastors in a variety of denominations, church sizes and ministries, this book is intended for young women in ministry, as well as those considering a ministerial calling.

Read the review in Fidelia here.

Available in the US via Bookshop.org

Available everywhere via Chalice Press

Disclosure: YCWI is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will earn a commission if you click through the link above and make a purchase.

When Kids Ask Hard Questions, Volume 2: More Faith-Filled Responses for Tough Topics

by Bromleigh McCleneghan and Karen Ware Jackson

From the creators of When Kids Ask Hard Questions come MORE questions—and thank goodness, responses!—on today’s tough topics. In an increasingly complex world, children deserve thoughtful responses informed by our progressive faith values. In this second volume for parents, teachers, and faith leaders, respected experts, pastors, and parents address more than two dozen tough topics, offering theological perspectives and suggestions for comforting and spiritually guiding children.

Available in the US via Bookshop.org

Available everywhere via Chalice Press

Disclosure: YCWI is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will earn a commission if you click through the link above and make a purchase.

Faithful Families

by Traci Smith

A new and expanded version of Seamless Faith, now with more than a dozen new spiritual practices, space to personalize it with your own favorite practices and scriptures, and additional resources for parents, kids, grandparents, and communities that care about families!

Add family faith moments to your daily routine with little or no prep, and share meaningful spiritual experiences with your children! Traci Smith, a pastor and mother of three, offers ways to discover and develop new spiritual practices as a family, whether you’re a new seeker or a lifelong follower. Faithful Families is brimming with more than 50 easy, do-it-yourself ideas for transforming your family’s everyday moments into sacred moments!

Read our interview with the author in Fidelia here.

Available in the US via Bookshop.org

Available everywhere via Chalice Press

Disclosure: YCWI is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will earn a commission if you click through the link above and make a purchase.

Blessed Are the Crazy

By Sarah Griffith Lund

When do you learn that “normal” doesn’t include lots of yelling, lots of sleeping, lots of beating? In Blessed Are the Crazy: Breaking the Silence about Mental Illness, Family, and Church, Sarah Griffith Lund looks back at her father’s battle with bipolar disorder, and the helpless sense of déjà vu as her brother and cousin endure mental illness, as well. With a small group study guide and “Ten Steps for Developing a Mental Health Ministry in Your Congregation,” Blessed Are the Crazy is more than memoir—it’s a resource for churches and other faith-based groups to provide healing and comfort.

Read our review in Fidelia here.

Available in the US via Bookshop.org

Available everywhere via Chalice Press

Disclosure: YCWI is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will earn a commission if you click through the link above and make a purchase.

Sabbath in the Suburbs

By Mary Ann McKibben Dana

“Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” Yeah, right. Sabbath-keeping seems quaint in our 24/7, twenty-first century world. Life often feels impossibly full, what with work, to-do lists, kid activities, chores, and errands. And laundry… always and forever laundry.  But the Sabbath isn’t just one of the ten commandments; it is a delight that can transform the other six days of the week. Join one family’s quest to take Sabbath to heart and change their frenetic way of living by keeping a Sabbath day each week for one year. With lively and compelling prose, MaryAnn McKibben Dana documents their experiment with holy time as a guide for families of all shapes and sizes. Tips are included in each chapter to help make your own Sabbath experiment successful.

Read our review in Fidelia here.

Available in the US via Bookshop.org

Available everywhere via Chalice Press

Disclosure: YCWI is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will earn a commission if you click through the link above and make a purchase.

Previously Published

Partners in Prayer: Advent 2015

Edited by April Berends, Emily Brown, Brenda Lovick, Kelly Boubel Shriver

Reflect daily during Advent with brief meditations written by members of The Young Clergy Women Project.

Any Day A Beautiful Change

Katherine Willis Pershey (2012)

In this collection of interrelated personal essays, Katherine Willis Pershey chronicles the story of her life as a young pastor, mother, and wife.

Read our review in Fidelia here.

Who’s Got Time?

Amy Fetterman and Teri Peterson (2013)

Learn new ways of incorporating spiritual practices into the busy lives of Generations X, Y, and beyond.

Read our review in Fidelia here.