The Book of Belonging

The book is broken up into the Old and New Testaments, with 20 stories from the former and 22 from the latter.^[8] Stories are flanked by "mindful moments" and "wonder moments", which encourage readers to ask questions and reflect on the story.^[5]

Clark chose to use the original Hebrew and Greek names of Biblical figures.^[8]

Illustrator Rachel Eleanor aimed to depict figures in historically and culturally accurate ways. Eleanor also aimed for her illustrations to include more women, people of all ages and body types, and disabled people.^[2] God is often portrayed in the book as wind.^[5] Her illustrations include details not expanded upon in the text, such as a border referencing the stations of the cross, or scenes from Sarah and Hagar's story, included to allow parents to expand on the story with their children as they saw fit.^[1][6][8] One of Eleanor's favorite illustrations in the book is the story of Esther, which is presented in a graphic novel format, distinct from the rest of the book.^[2][3]

Some stories in the book include the Crucifixion, the Garden of Eden, King David, Esther, Jael, the Last Supper, Moses and the burning bush, the Prodigal Son, Sarah and Hagar, and Zelophelad's daughters.^[1][5][6][8]

The Book of Belonging was positively received by Kirkus Reviews^[9] and by various religious publications, including Englewood Review,^[5] The Presbyterian Outlook,^[1] and Sojourners.^[6][10] Reviewers praised both Clark's writing and Eleanor's illustrations.^[10]