IVP Academic authors and respected biblical scholars Nijay K. Gupta and Carmen Joy Imes will be turning their writing focus toward a much younger audience with a newly contracted IVP Kids book about women of Scripture. Written for children ages 6 to 12, this hardcover book will be available in 2026.  

Gupta released Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church in March 2023. In it he cast a light on the many inspiring contributions by women leaders of the early church. He wrote, “These women leaders of the early church are more than just extras on the set of the gospel drama. They were key figures.” 

Now Gupta, along with Imes, associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University, will introduce young readers to twenty-five women of the Bible, telling their stories of faith, gifting, courage, and wisdom. This collection will also offer an illustration depicting each figure. 

“Through their writing and teaching in Old and New Testament studies, Carmen and Nijay have helped us recognize the many ways that God has worked through women in Scripture. And we are eager to have them share this insight with the next generation,” said Elissa Schauer, IVP Executive Editor. “Our hope is that in hearing these stories and in learning more about these figures, kids begin to recognize that God can and will work through them too!” 

Nijay K. Gupta (PhD, University of Durham) is professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary. His books include Tell Her Story, A Beginner’s Guide to New Testament Studies, Paul and the Language of Faith, and commentaries on Galatians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1–2 Thessalonians.  He has co-edited The State of New Testament Studies, Dictionary of Paul and His Letters (2nd ed.), and The State of Pauline Studies.

Carmen Joy Imes (PhD, Wheaton College) is the author of Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matters, Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends, and Being God’s Image: Why Creation Still Matters.