‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Serving Humanity:

Stories to Inspire

 

True stories about the soul-stirring life and powerful actions of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá come alive in our new book—‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Serving Humanity. Did you know that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s service to humanity includes playing jump-rope with kids and sharing sugar with a mouse? Or that as a youth, He galloped His horse ahead of everyone to snatch a few moments of rest—until His horse gave Him a little kick to wake Him up again? Can you imagine Him applauding a little girl who outraces all the boys on her pony? Or upending social conventions in Paris, a mountain town in Colorado, and His home in ‘Akká, by insisting that all are welcome? You’ll find these stories and many more featured in our new book: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Serving Humanity.

 

Accomplished authors recount stories that draw the heart and inspire action as they portray ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s actions as a young adult and throughout His momentous travels in Europe and North America. In rich, glowing color and splendid detail, 29 artists bring the stories to life in this beautifully illustrated, hardcover book—a book to inspire children and families to use their power to change the world.

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In these stories, readers will accompany ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as He embraces humanity’s diverse peoples and personalities; upends racial prejudice and gender stereotypes; and puts into practice the love that can melt opposition and help build a world of peace, justice, and joy.

 

This gorgeous collection, crafted for reading aloud or independently, invites children to think about, talk about, and learn from the example of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. A perfect gift for your children and their friends!

 

All stories have been meticulously authenticated and are presented in historically and culturally accurate detail. Each story has been field-tested and refined with input from children and families. Serving Humanity invites you into this intriguing, heart-warming, and humorous world of stories for all ages.

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What Readers Are Saying

​As part of the editing process, dozens of adults and children read pre-publication drafts of the stories in Serving Humanity: Stories to Inspire. There is so much great feedback, we can't share it all on this page, but these will provide a taste of the feedback we received.

 

Responses to the story, The Perfect Servant
We like that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá named Himself the perfect servant. We like it that Robert Turner met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. We like that He told Robert to sit down [at the same table] and [that He] served everyone Himself. *Readers, age 8, 9, and 11

Responses to the story, Arna Meets ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
‘Abdu’l-Bahá was so nice to the girl. He asked her if she wanted to play with other kids. I loved that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá played jump rope.  *Reader, age 5

I loved that Arna dressed up as a Persian girl and no one notices and that they played a trick on her mother.    *Reader, age 8

Response to the story, Twenty Years
I like it that Temi’s friends missed her and wanted to reach out to her to make it better. I like it that the teacher was really young but still teaching. *Reader, age 10

Response to the story, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Glenwood Springs
I like the characters in the story and I like the story. Really good. This is one of my favorites.  *Reader, age 11

Responses to the story, Ellie and Maggie Learn about Nettie Tobin’s Special Gift
Cool that Nettie Tobin kept trying to get the stone to the House of Worship. She called on lots of friends and thought of different ways to get it there. *Reader, age 12

I liked the animals in the story. I didn’t know that Nettie was a Native American. * Reader, age 9

Comments from Parents and Grandparents

 

My kids could really relate to this story, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Wave. It showed how some people are “lit by a fire” and others are “steadfast and calm like water.”

 

I love this story! It’s a sweet and hopeful story and will give courage to girls all over the world who will always need ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s encouragement to study and excel in their chosen fields of service.

 

The story has action, fun, promise of food, kids taking the lead, and a connection to the original little girl’s dream leading her and to mother to actually meet ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Paris.

 

It’s lovely to get a glimpse into the household life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and how fun life could be for them even in the Prison City of ‘Akká.    

 

It’s been wonderful reading these stories. Thank you for the privilege!​