Melinda Poling

How refreshing to read a children’s story with an energetic and curious male lead. Helium Pancakes takes a unique idea and packs it full of fun and adventure. This story shows young people how to have a good time while respecting their parents. I love how the author portrays the traditional family in a positive light.

~ Annika Klanderud,
Author of I Lived Through a Windchill Advisory

Melinda is a sweet homeschooling mamma, writer, and friend, to name a few. I’ve known her since I was a little kid going to their church and participating in field trips together. She writes out of a passion and heart for children to hear and know the love of God. Not only can she write it well, but she lives it well.

~ Annamarie Casey

God brought Melinda into my life when I was a brand new mother of two little boys. About a decade ahead of me in her mothering journey, she seemed to be this saintly, wise, and beautiful, “Mother of Many Nations” with her then seven sons. Over the years, as our lives have woven in and out, I have come to see that she is this and much, much more. Melinda candidly speaks the truth in love, and seasons hard topics with grace. Raising children is hard and Melinda gets it. But HOPE is what I find after a few moments spent with this dear lady. Listen to her words, and you also will walk away encouraged.

~ Rachael Burley

Here are some themes I see in your books:

Overcoming the inner push to selfish vainglory, listening to wisdom, being aware of consequences, choosing hope and faith, choosing commitment to family wellbeing, loving the not so lovable, giving others the space to be wonderful, trusting God’s choices for you (like the parents He provided!), following through on your given word, not giving up on yourself, giving adults grace when they fall short, allowing others to shine instead of you, embracing community support, embracing your God-given gifts (even when they cause you trouble), embracing others’ God-given gifts (even when they cause you trouble 😂), and finding humor in crisis. Hope that makes you smile!

~ Kim Robinson

I met Melinda Poling several years ago at a writer’s conference in Oregon. We chatted easily and found we had so much in common. I was drawn to her genuine love for God and people, specifically, her heart for young moms. I asked if she would like to room together the following year. Melinda’s calm and cheerful manner exudes the joy of the Lord. We shared and laughed and prayed together about what God is doing in and through us. It was like coming home to a sister I had never known. Since then, I’ve been a fan of her blogs. Each one is full of solid biblical teaching couched in tender illustrations from life. I have shared almost every one of them with my four daughters or another friend, and they in turn have become fans as well. “God Wooed Me” from March 22, 2025 is one of my favorites. Melinda starts with the question, “Don’t you love a good story?” and of course my answer was yes! I prepared myself to hear one, and I was not disappointed. She shared the details of how she came to know Christ in a personal way–always the best stories ever! It got even better when I followed the link to read how God saved her family. Wow, what a fabulous story it is! I won’t ruin it for you if you haven’t read it yet. ~ Beth Vice

Melinda may just be the most heartfelt, caring, nurturing mom and author I know. Anything she produces will certainly touch deep into the soul.

~ Jesse Rivas