Kai – Making it Count

Looking for Christian books for kids about courage and doing the right thing when it’s hard?

When Kai gets chosen for his school’s team on Jayden’s Maths Maze—his favourite TV show—it should be the best day of his life. But when he sees an elderly woman being attacked outside the TV studio, he faces an impossible choice: help her and miss his big moment, or stay silent and chase his dream.

Kai – Making it Count is a Christian book for children that honestly explores what courage looks like when doing the right thing is hard. When Kai faces bullying and then has to choose between his dream and helping someone in need, young readers discover that true courage isn’t about looking good – it’s about making choices that honour God, even when nobody’s watching.

Who is Kai – Making it Count written for?

This book is perfect for children aged 6-9 learning to follow Jesus in everyday life, particularly those who struggle with bullying, feeling overlooked, or wondering if their choices really matter. If your child questions whether doing the right thing is worth it when it’s hard, or needs reassurance that God sees them even when others don’t, Kai’s story will resonate deeply.

It also features questions at the back that you can chat through with your child to help them engage with the story and open up faith discussions.

Why does my child need this book?

It shows that Jesus is always with us when we are doing the right thing. When Kai helps Mrs Johnson, nobody believes him. His teacher is disappointed. His best friend is hurt. This prepares children for the reality that following Jesus can be costly, but Jesus is always with them when they are doing the right thing, and they can count on him.

It teaches children to find their worth in God’s voice, not people’s opinions. Kai clings to Isaiah 43:1: “I have called you by name; you are mine.” Even when everyone thinks he’s done wrong, Kai is assured that God knows his name. Young readers learn to anchor their identity in what God says about them.

It demonstrates that God sees every act of obedience. Kai’s simple prayer in the rain is answered in ways that ultimately reveal the truth. Children discover that even when circumstances look terrible, God is working.

Here’s what others have said about the book:

“This book is amazing! I read alternate chapters with children and we really got into the story, not wanting to put it down. The story is so clever; the characters drawn so well and I love the way living for Jesus is explored.” (Ms KB on Amazon)

A really interesting children’s book, which raises some super-important topics of bullying, and challenging stereotypes regarding disability…The book helps children to have self-confidence, and shows that everyone is special. The book is about friendship. It’s about doing the right thing, helping others and being truthful. (Emma on Amazon)

Sounds great, but can I read a sample first?

Of course! Here’s the moment when Kai faces his impossible choice:

Extract from Chapter 7

Kai looked at the old lady lying on the ground and wondered if he should run back to Studio 6 and ask someone to help. He turned and took a couple of steps along the corridor, but something felt very wrong. His tummy felt like it was full of worms. He hurried back to the window and looked out. The rain was falling on the woman, who still hadn’t moved.

As Kai wondered what he should do, he leaned on the bar of the fire door. He was surprised when it started to move. Was it a sign? Should he go outside and help the woman? But if Kai went outside, he wouldn’t be able to get back in. He’d probably miss the filming of Jayden’s Maths Maze. He’d miss his chance to show the world, and Harry, that he was important and worth something.

‘What should I do?’ Kai said under his breath. He knew if Zoe were there, she’d say they should pray. It was still new to Kai, but he gave it a try. ‘Jesus, what should I do?’ he asked.

As he stood and watched the old woman on the ground, in his imagination he could picture Jesus running over to help her. Although Kai hadn’t learned much about Jesus, he knew that He always wanted to help people. Jesus wouldn’t be standing at the fire door, dithering. He’d be there already, helping her.

In that moment, Kai knew what he had to do. He pushed the bar on the fire door with all his might and raced out of the building. He heard an alarm go off near the door but didn’t stop to think about it. He ran over to the woman on the ground. Her eyes were closed, and she wasn’t moving. Kai took a deep breath.

‘Hello. Hello? Can you hear me?’ Kai called, cautiously kneeling next to her in the rain.

Excerpt from Kai – Making it Count © Joy Vee, 2021

Ok, you’ve convinced me. Where Can I Purchase the Book?

You can buy paperbacks & ebooks directly from us here.

Kai – Making it count is part of the Kai series. You can buy the whole series as an extra value bundle here.

Joy is willing to speak to your Schools, Churches and Book Clubs, either in person or over Zoom. Please contact us for these and bulk purchasing options.

If you’d love this book but cannot afford it, we do run a bursary programme. Please contact us to request a book.