The Bluebonnet flower grows in very poor soil. One would never guess this truth but the bright, proud bonnets tell no lies. Not even the unkempt soil can keep a Bluebonnet from producing its lovely blossoms. People can be similar to the Bluebonnet flower. They are born into poor soil and have to live with the challenges presented to them. Kids from neglectful or abusive families are Bluebonnet children. We are trained in children's and family ministry that the parent is the primary faith nurturer. But what happens to a child who does not have a healthy parent to nourish them? Whether you serve in a school, nonprofit program, or the local church, this book will equip you with helpful tools and inspire you with hope-filled stories. While the tale of the Bluebonnet child is heavy, in Christ there is hope. He is counting on you to shower them with the healing waters of His grace as they bloom through life. ""Anyone who has worked with children (or youth) will recognize exactly what Meggie Calvin means when she speaks of bluebonnet children, who like the bluebonnet can thrive in the poorest of conditions. But how do we influence children to become a bluebonnet? Through sharing personal experiences, quality research, and practical support, she proclaims hope in an otherwise overwhelming task. I heartily recommend it for pastors, teachers, youth, and children's workers."" --Ashlee Alley, Clergy Recruitment and Development Coordinator, Great Plains United Methodist Conference ""Ministering to children who come from hurt places is not easy or often intuitive, but it is essential. In The Bluebonnet Child, Meggie Calvin faithfully walks through Scripture to reveal how to best embrace and serve children from hurt places. . . . I wish I had this book when we started! Calvin has provided a robust resource to empower the local church, ministry leaders, and families to reach children more effectively and with God-glorifying love."" --Matt Guevara, Executive Director, International Network of Children's Ministry ""The Bluebonnet Child is a call to minister to all of God's children, including those who come from challenging home environments. Meg guides the reader with her inspiring personal story and with her years of experience in ministering to the bluebonnet child. Be prepared for spiritual discomfort and a compelling learning experience that cannot be missed!"" --David Brian Smith, Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church-Winfield Meggie Lee Calvin's roots are in Texas, but she has served in the Sunflower State as the Director of Children's Ministry at the FUMC of Winfield (www.winfieldfumc.org) for nearly a decade. She has a BA in Religion from Southwestern College of Kansas and an MA in Children's and Family Ministry from Bethel Seminary of Minnesota. She blogs at www.thebluebonnetchild.com. She and her husband spend most of their free time playing tag with their young daughter.