Practical advice that is rooted in Scripture and supported by scientific research
Trauma doesn't have the last word.
Trauma is not the defining characteristic of a child's identity or their life. With the right tools and mindset, it can become a footnote to a much greater story God is writing in our children’s lives.
Culture warns that early adversity permanently damages children, setting them up for a lifetime of low expectations and struggle. But we know that Scripture, science, and personal experience disagree: Children can overcome adversity with the right support.
As parents and caregivers, we have the opportunity to change the cultural narrative for our children by giving them tools to overcome past trauma and successfully navigate future adversity. We wrote these two books to give you a clear roadmap to nurturing resilience, one simple step at a time.
Confidently Address Adversity
Learn the biblical and scientific evidence behind resilience—so you can have confidence you’re helping children grow in the right direction.
Expand Your Toolbox
Get simple, practical tools you can use to navigate hard conversations and big emotions.
Equip Your Children for the Future
Discover how early adversity can actually build the necessary life skills to successfully navigate future adversity.
Overcoming
What Scripture & Science Say About Resilience
With its unique Christian worldview and holistic approach, Overcoming is an empowering resource that shows how adversity may define the present, but it doesn't have to dictate the future.
Through compelling stories, examples, and explanations of important studies, scientific research is integrated with biblical truth to reveal how adversity can become an essential ingredient for cultivating resilience. Nine practical, relationship-centered strategies provide guidance for those looking to nurture resilience in children who have experienced early adversity.
Whether you work with vulnerable children or you’re raising a child who has experienced adversity, this book will equip you to care for children with compassion and confidence.
What You’ll Learn
You don’t need a degree in counseling to transform adversity into resilience. Small, faithful acts of connection make a lasting impact in the life of a child.
Learn what research says about adversity, resilience, and overcoming
Gain clarity on what resilience is and how it’s developed
See where everyday resources can act as building blocks for resilience
Understand the vital role of parents and caregivers in building child resilience
Hear real-life stories from fellow parents and caregivers
Access practical solutions to facilitate resilience and support better outcomes in children who have experienced early adversity
Experience God’s tender heart toward children who have experienced the brokenness of our world and be encouraged by His restoration
“A must-read for those looking to understand resilience through the lens of both science and faith. Overcoming compassionately delves into childhood adversity, offering hope and practical strategies for adults to help the kids they care about succeed.”
“This is the right time and message from the right people to deliver it. I am grateful for the scholarship and practical application offered by Drs. Wilke and Howard in this valuable project. Specifically, the focus on resilience is a gift to this community and will spark many meaningful conversations in the years to come.”
“Overcoming demonstrates over and over how science and scripture show us that children belong in families, thrive with the love of permanent and caring caregivers, and that science proves the miracle that trauma can be healed and resilience grown at any stage of a person's life. This is vitally important work for anyone working with or caring for a vulnerable child who has experienced separation and trauma - and hope for the success of those efforts.”
"This book is like a strong yet gentle hand that holds us all by the chins and slowly lifts our eyes up to see that our past and present circumstances are not the end of the story. Both science and scripture affirm - we are resilient, and there is hope."
A Bilingual Picture Book: Overcoming Adversity with Resilience
Meet Caleb Koala, a sweet and spirited young koala who lives with his grandfather and loves nothing more than riding his bike with his wild hair blowing in the wind. Caleb is no stranger to adversity but has overcome challenges and physical limitations to find joy in keeping up with others on his bike. However, when a sudden fall leaves him injured, doubt creeps in and Caleb decides he is now a koala who will no longer ride a bike. But with the love and support of his beloved Grandpa, Caleb embarks on a heartwarming journey and discovers his God-given ability to do hard things.
This bilingual picture book is an essential read for adults caring for children who have experienced early adversity, from parents and grandparents to social workers, therapists, global orphan care providers, and church ministry leaders.
Choose your language (all contain the English text):
Initiate Important Conversations about Resilience with Caleb Koala
Because of the brokenness of our world, all of us will experience varying degrees of stress, adversity, or even trauma. How we navigate hardship determines its impact on our life.
As parents and caregivers, our instinct to protect children from pain is natural. But when we don’t allow them to experience difficulty, we rob them of the opportunity to build resilience and overcome future adversity. Caleb Koala’s Comeback Ride gives adults and children alike common language to engage with big emotions, have difficult conversations, and overcome adversity together.
Enjoy an engaging picture book with lessons about adversity that are rooted in Scripture and supported by scientific research
Give children the language to talk about big emotions and doing hard things
Access questions in the back of the book to start important conversations about resilience and overcoming
Experience God’s love for us as mirrored through Caleb Koala’s relationship with his grandfather
"As a 'Grammy' to seven, this is the cutest book to read to my littlest ones about overcoming hard things. Obstacles are real for all of us, and this resource helps show our young ones that we can all be overcomers if we trust God to show us how!"
"As a parent, I am always looking for resources that not only instill confidence, kindness, and problem-solving skills in my children but also reinforce who God has made them to be. This book weaves together the concept of resilience with God's unwavering love while incorporating research-based language that children can easily grasp. Our family loved this book about resilience and overcoming, and we know that you will too!"
Download BONUS Resources
We created additional resources for you to use with your children to help make big concepts more approachable so you can nurture resilience within your entire family.
Caleb Koala
Coloring Sheet
Your kids can color their way into Caleb's story by bringing his world to life with their own artistic flair.
Free Printable
Caleb Koala's empowering phrase "I'm an Overcomer!" is perfect for reinforcing the message about conquering challenges.
Scripture Memorization Guide
Start memorizing verses with your children that can prepare them to be overcomes, just like Caleb Koala!
About the Authors
Nicole Gilbertson Wilke, Ph.D
Nicole Wilke, PhD, is a child welfare researcher, missionary, author, and marriage and family therapist dedicated to improving care for vulnerable children and families globally. She currently serves as Director of the Center on Applied Research for Vulnerable Children and Families, bridging research and practice to improve faith-based care for vulnerable children and families around the globe. Her passion for this field stems from her family's experience with adoption and fostering and her extensive professional work with children and families at risk. Having lived on four continents, Nicole currently resides with her family in Peru, where they work to improve the nationwide system for children in alternative care.
Amanda Hiles Howard, Ph.D
Amanda Hiles Howard, PhD is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Samford University. Her scholarly work centers on understanding the impact of adversity on vulnerable children and their families, with a dedicated focus on enhancing the quality of services provided by communities, organizations, and governments. Amanda serves as the Senior Scholar for the Christian Alliance for Orphans, supporting faith-based organizations in delivering exemplary care to at-risk children worldwide. In her free time, she enjoys camping and hiking with her husband, John, and their teenage sons, Elias and Silas.
Aixa de López
Aixa was born in Guatemala City and it’s where she has lived her entire life. She’s married to Alex López (pastor) and is mom to four: Two of which came through the miracle of adoption. After their decision to adopt, Alex and Aixa have become a voice for the vulnerable children of their country.
She holds a degree in graphic design, is a published author (Lágrimas Valientes/Brave Tears-and -upcoming- Para Siempre/Forever, Lifeway Español) writes regularly on her blog Corazón a Papel (Heart to paper) and other online magazines and is a public speaker. She serves as President to Alianza Cristiana para los Huérfanos de Guatemala, an organization that serves as bridge connecting vulnerable children to the resources of the Church in Latin America.
Podcast Appearances
Listen to Overcoming author Nicole Wilke's engaging conversations with podcast hosts on all things
resilience, parenting, and supporting children to face life's challenges.
Connected Families Podcast
OCTOBER 28, 2024
Think Global Do Justice Podcast
NOVEMBER 12, 2024
Collected Podcast
NOVEMBER 21, 2024
Called to Love Podcast
JANUARY 7, 2025
The Adoption & Foster Care Journey Podcast
JANUARY 13, 2025
Bridging the Gap Podcast
FEBRUARY 4, 2025
Undaunted Life Podcast
APRIL 9, 2025
ReStoried | A Podcast by Hope Bridge
APRIL 14, 2025
Moms Take Ten Podcast
MAY 26, 2025
Nothing is Wasted Podcast
JUNE 26, 2025
Restoration Home Podcast
JULY 8, 2025
This Unexpected Life Podcast
JULY 22, 2025
Reimagine Childhood Podcast
AUGUST 11, 2025
Practice Makes Parent Podcast
OCTOBER 15, 2025
The Value of Resilience
As Christians, researchers, and moms, we know that resilience is one of the biggest indicators of positive outcomes in a child’s life.
Romans 12:2 exhorts Christians to “not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” As is often the case, science affirms the truth of Scripture. Renewing our minds is not just a metaphor; it’s possible to actually rewire our brains to overcome early adversity.
Just as we build muscle by consistently and slowly challenging our bodies, we also have to build our emotional and mental capacity to navigate the challenges of life. Adversity might always be part of a child’s story, but it doesn’t have the last word. As parents and caregivers, we can faithfully build a foundation of resilience one small step at a time.
Start Building Resilience Today
Overcoming childhood adversity doesn’t require expensive programs or a specialized degree. We can all do our part in raising resilient children who can face the future with confidence. Let these books guide you in the work of nurturing resilience in children.
