Zion Learns to See

Opening Our Eyes to Homelessness

by Terence Lester and Zion Lester
Illustrated by Subi Bosa

Zion Learns to See

Hardback

$18.99

Length: 32 pages
Dimensions: 9 × 9 in
Published: March 12, 2024
Imprint: IVP Kids
ISBN: 9781514006696

Available at all major retailers!
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Other Formats:

ebook

From May 1-August 31, a portion of the proceeds from Zion Learns to See will be donated to Zion's Closet, a resource center in schools created by Love Beyond Walls for families facing poverty and homelessness.

2025 Independent Press Awards – Picture Books Ages 4-8

2024 Moonbeam Children's Book Award Winner

2024 Black Authors Matter Childrens Book Award Winner

Every person matters to God. And that means every person should matter to us.

Join Zion and her dad on a life-changing Saturday in Zion Learns to See, a heartwarming story by father-daughter duo Terence and Zion Lester. Based ona true story, this beautifully illustrated book teaches lessons of connection, compassion, and faith in action.

Follow young Zion as she accompanies her father to a local community center serving people experiencing homelessness. What begins as an ordinary day soon becomes a powerful lesson that changes Zion's perspective. As Zion learns about people experiencing homelessness, young readers will see how everyone matters to God and feel inspired to make a difference in their own communities.

With dynamic illustrations by Subi Bosa and an author’s note encouraging further conversation about the content, this book is perfect for families, churches, and classrooms that want to foster deeper conversation and discuss practical waysto extend God’s love to the marginalized.

Why You'll Love This Book:

Teaches Important Values: Introduces themes of mercy, justice, and community in ways that are age-appropriate and accessible
Builds Compassion: Encourages children to see and care for others the way God does
Encourages Deeper Conversation: A note from the author facilitates meaningful conversations about homelessness and howfaith moves us to action.

Discover what happens when children learn to see that every person matters to God. Add Zion Learns to See to your collection today and share with children the things that matter to God!

REVIEWS

"I wholeheartedly recommend reading my daughter's inspiring book, where a young girl's compassion and kindness shine as she befriends and supports a person experiencing homelessness. This touching story beautifully captures the importance of empathy and the impact of small acts of kindness. I'm incredibly proud of her for creating a narrative that fosters understanding and compassion in readers of all ages."Cecilia Lester, corporate professional, community leader, and cofounder of Love Beyond Walls

"Zion Learns to See is a delightful read and a necessary nudge. In the Gospels, Jesus was filled with compassion when he saw people who were marginalized by society and religion. This book gives us an opportunity to be like Jesus and motivates readers to join Zion in seeing and loving our neighbors as fellow image bearers. Let's be that generation empowered with a fresh vision of neighborly love, building a better world where everyone flourishes!"Dorena Williamson, bridge builder and author of The Celebration Place

"With beautiful illustrations and powerful storytelling, Zion Learns to See shows readers that living a life of love depends on both our words and our actions, and we each have a unique role in being God's hands and feet. Through Zion's eyes, we are reminded of timeless, invaluable truths: dignity is for everyone, generosity is contagious, and no one is invisible."Danielle Coke Balfour, artivist and author of A Heart on Fire

"Zion Learns to See is a heartwarming children's book that tackles a sensitive topic with grace and compassion. Through the eyes of young Zion, readers embark on a journey of understanding and empathy as she accompanies her father to work and discovers the realities of people experiencing homelessness. This beautifully illustrated story not only educates children about the challenges faced by those without stable homes but also instills in them the importance of kindness, compassion, and the power of small acts of generosity. Zion Learns to See is a must-read for parents, teachers, and children. It encourages conversations about social issues and nurtures a sense of community and care for others."Latasha Morrison, author of Be the Bridge and founder and CEO of Be the Bridge

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Learn More about Zion's Closet

ABOUT Terence Lester

Terence Lester (PhD, Union Institute and University) is a storyteller, public scholar, speaker, community activist, and author. He is the founder and executive director of Love Beyond Walls, a nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness about poverty, homelessness, and on community mobilization. He also serves as the director of public policy and social change and as a professor at Simmons College of Kentucky (HBCU). He is the author of I See You, When We Stand, andAll God's Children, and he coauthored with his daughter, Zion, the children's book, Zion Learns to See. He and his family live in Atlanta.

ABOUT Zion Lester

Zion Lester became interested in her dad's work on a Saturday morning when she was seven years old. Since then, she has grown to become a community leader, writer, and speaker. She has also continued to regularly serve with Love Beyond Walls and encourages others her age and younger to volunteer too.

Zion Learns to See

Opening Our Eyes to Homelessness