Give the Gift of Connection
Our Favorite Books and Parenting Resources
Have you checked out our parenting resources?
Connected Families has many fantastic parenting books and e-courses. If you’ve never checked out those resources, take a look at those first. Many are even free!
The parenting resources you’ll find on this page
However, from time to time, we also suggest the resources of the other amazing individuals and organizations that are helping parents lead their families with grace.
This page includes some of the best parenting resources we like to recommend.* It’s a bit of a hodgepodge. We’ve got children’s books on growing in empathy, to help deepen their faith, and on learning to understand people who are different. We’ve also got books for you to read yourself, as you learn to accept the grace that you want to give to your kids. Some of these resources are explicitly Christian parenting resources. Others aren’t, but we believe you’ll find them helpful.
And, just for fun, we’ve got some of our team’s favorite kids podcasts that we actually listen to with our kids. They’re pretty random, but we hope you enjoy them! Scroll through and see what resources might support your family’s journey or bring a bit of joy into your life.
*Most of the links on this page are affiliate links and we will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on the link we’ve provided. Thank you for supporting our work here at Connected Families!
The best parenting (and some non-parenting) books to support the framework
If you are not familiar with Connected Family’s parenting framework (and the messages it teaches), you can download this free ebook. These four messages will transform how you discipline.
Here are several of the books we love that support building a foundation of safety in your home. These are great books to read as you focus on sending a consistent message to your kids, “You are safe with me.”
Here are several of the books we love that help parents focus on demonstrating both their love and their “like” toward their kids.
Here are several books we love that will help you guide your kids in wisdom and prepare them for good decision-making. These books all aim toward teaching you to instill the message of being called and capable in your children.
These books are to help you learn to be an effective corrector when your kids misbehave. Because kids do misbehave!
FOR KIDS: Our favorite children’s books to build up the messages of the framework
Books are a great way to instill the core messages of the Framework in children.
Picture Books
Author: Rebecca Patterson
Ages: 2-5
Description: Bella has a terrible day, and she’s not very nice about it. She yells about her egg and how her friend wants to play. She screams through the grocery store, hates her bath, and tantrums over bedtime. But her mother remains steady. She doesn’t lose it, and she patiently reminds Bella that maybe tomorrow will be a better day. She demonstrates safety and loving a child at her worst! Every child will relate to Bella’s day and find reassurance in the kind words of Bella’s mother.
Middle Grades & Young Adult Novels
Author: Mitali Perkins
Ages: 6-11
Description: Among the stories we reviewed, few so clearly fit in every level of the Connected Families framework. Naima makes a mistake (with good intentions) that costs her family dearly, but the beautiful and grace-filled response of her parents (compared to the more judgmental villagers) demonstrate to Naima right off that her family is a place it’s safe to make mistakes and that she is loved no matter what. She goes onto struggle with societal expectations, coming to the conclusion that even as a girl in Bangladeshi society, she is called and capable of meaningful work, and she must use this capability to make things right for her family. Please note: this is not about Christian characters or a Christian family. However, seeing other characters with different faiths is a great chance for conversation with your children.
Picture Books
I Love You All the Same
Author: Donna Keith
Ages: 2-6
Description: This sweet rhyming board book tells the story of a bear family with 3 bear cubs who are very different. They have different interests and talents, food preferences, different sounds, and each look different from each other. Their parents celebrate those differences, reassure them that each is loved the same, and that God put their family together for a purpose.
This book is a great discussion starter for topics like sibling relationships, celebrating differences, adoption, families who don’t match, unconditional love, and God’s creativity.
Author: Barbara M. Joosse
Ages: 2-7
Description: With beautiful paintings depicting an Arctic landscape, this book both puts Inuit culture on display and shows the love between a mother and her child. The child starts by asking if and how much her mother loves her. But then she moves into questions, such as “What if I turn into a walrus?” or even misbehaves. Still, her mother affirms she will love her just the same.
Author: Jennifer Plecas
Ages: 3-7
Description: Jimmy and his dad spend the day pretending together, first on a boat/couch, then climbing the mountain of a deserted island/the stairs, and finally building a fort together. In the end, they decide what’s not pretend is their enjoyment of each other.
Author: Phil Vischer
Ages: 4-10
Description: Sidney and Norman are next-door neighbors, but they couldn’t be more different. Norman’s always on time, looking neat, and following every rule. Sidney’s a mess, disheveled, and always late. Norman looks down on those like Sidney, and Sidney cowers in shame. Then God asks to meet with each of them. And a message of deep, deep grace and love for every person, regardless of their behavior, is brought to life.
Middle Grades & Young Adult Novels
Author: Dean Pitchford
Ages: 7-12
Description: Newt Newman is good at making his home more comfortable and better organized for his parents and older brother. What he’s not good at is getting noticed by either classmates or family, or so he and his two best friends feel. Then Newt’s football star older brother gets in an accident that knocks him into a coma. What starts off as a Halloween costume turns into a new secret identity: the superhero Captain Nobody. He gets into all sorts of scrapes, saves the day a few times, and learns that he is not loved more for saving the day or being hero. His friends and family show him the true meaning of love no-matter-what, all while he learns that he’s a great deal more capable of helping others than anyone thinks.
Author: Mitali Perkins
Ages: 6-11
Description: Among the stories we reviewed, few so clearly fit in every level of the Connected Families framework. Naima makes a mistake (with good intentions) that costs her family dearly, but the beautiful and grace-filled response of her parents (compared to the more judgmental villagers) demonstrate to Naima right off that her family is a place it’s safe to make mistakes and that she is loved no matter what. She goes onto struggle with societal expectations, coming to the conclusion that even as a girl in Bangladeshi society, she is called and capable of meaningful work, and she must use this capability to make things right for her family. Please note: this is not about Christian characters or a Christian family. However, seeing other characters with different faiths is a great chance for conversation with your children.
Picture Books
Author: Nicole Wilke, Ph.D.
Ages: 3-8
Description: 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.
Author: Jessica Sinarski
Ages: 3-7
Description: Riley the Brave is the story of a little bear with big emotions. With the help of his friends he learns healthy ways to navigate his emotions, ask for help, and learn more about letting someone into his heart.
Authors: Stephanie Madrigal & Michelle Garcia Winner
Ages: 5-10
Description: Help your child gain a new vocabulary for mastery flexibility. If your child loses every time plans change or things don’t go his way, introduce him to Superflex (the hero) and Glassman (the villain that makes people fall apart like glass). Expect great conversations and a chance to refer to the book at those moments when you ask your child to show extra flexibility. Key Message: You are called and capable of going with the flow.
Authors: John Trent & Gary Smalley
Ages: 4-8
Description: A lion, an otter, a golden retriever, and a beaver must set out on a journey to find the golden keys to the treasure tree. The book invites your kids to discover their own personality strengths and to appreciate the personalities of those different than themselves. Key Message: You are called and capable of problem-solving as a team.
Authors: Michelle Garcia Winner and Pamela Crooke
Ages: 5-11
Description: If you’ve got a young child that struggles with social skills, this funny comic book can help. The book goes through the social clues that all of us can use to figure out what other people are thinking or about to do. Key Message: You are called and capable of noticing other people’s feelings.
Authors: Abbey Wedgeworth
Ages: 3-7
Description: Practical, fun parenting resource for raising kids. Encourages good behavior motivated by the gospel.
This charming rhyming book celebrates God’s good design for our hands, motivating children aged 3+ to use their hands to glorify God.
Children will be inspired by all the creative and interesting things their hands can do―they can even use them to bring comfort and joy to others! They’ll discover that Jesus had hands just like ours and that he always used his hands in the most amazing ways, including to save us.
Not only that: the way that Jesus used his hands means that we can be forgiven when we use our hands in the wrong way. Children are invited to pray for forgiveness when they make mistakes, and for help to use their hands in the ways God intends. The book’s fun rhyming style and colorful illustrations make it easy to engage with this life-altering message of repentance, forgiveness, and grace-fueled obedience.
Author: JoAnne Deak, PhD
Ages: 4-8
Description: Just like your other muscles develop with exercise, so does your brain! And what’s one of the best ways of strengthening and stretching your brain? Making mistakes.
In this book, your child learns a bit of brain anatomy and is introduced to a growth mindset (ie. the idea that if you’re not good at something now, you might be later with enough perseverance).
A great book for kids afraid of making mistakes or prone to beating themselves up over what they’re not good at. Key Message: You are called and capable of learning new things.
Zones of Regulation, app or chart
The Zones of Regulation uses a systematic, cognitive-behavioral approach to teach self-regulation. If your child struggles with self-regulation (and most little children do), this system can be a great support for teaching self awareness.
Middle Grades & Young Adult Novels
Author: Dean Pitchford
Ages: 7-12
Description: Newt Newman is good at making his home more comfortable and better organized for his parents and older brother. What he’s not good at is getting noticed by either classmates or family, or so he and his two best friends feel. Then Newt’s football star older brother gets in an accident that knocks him into a coma. What starts off as a Halloween costume turns into a new secret identity: the superhero Captain Nobody. He gets into all sorts of scrapes, saves the day a few times, and learns that he is not loved more for saving the day or being hero. His friends and family show him the true meaning of love no-matter-what, all while he learns that he’s a great deal more capable of helping others than anyone thinks.
Author: Mitali Perkins
Ages: 6-11
Description: Among the stories we reviewed, few so clearly fit in every level of the Connected Families framework. Naima makes a mistake (with good intentions) that costs her family dearly, but the beautiful and grace-filled response of her parents (compared to the more judgmental villagers) demonstrate to Naima right off that her family is a place it’s safe to make mistakes and that she is loved no matter what. She goes onto struggle with societal expectations, coming to the conclusion that even as a girl in Bangladeshi society, she is called and capable of meaningful work, and she must use this capability to make things right for her family. Please note: this is not about Christian characters or a Christian family. However, seeing other characters with different faiths is a great chance for conversation with your children.
Author: Dai Hankey
Ages: 4-7
Description: Eric gives a powerful kick to his soccer ball, sending it over the hedge and smashing into his neighbor’s pansy pots. At first he does what many kids will do: hiding his mistake, shifting the blame, lying, etc. When he gets around to confessing, his father offers grace and a plan to make things right again. It’s a great lesson for kids still struggling with how to apologize and take responsibility well.
Author: Jane Yolen
Ages: 3-5
Description: “Even though friends may occasionally fight, there’s always a way of making everything right.” The book starts with a bunch of humorous anti-examples of things a child might do after a fight, but tells us those are not what dinosaurs do. Instead, dinosaurs work at reconciling and we’re given all sorts of ideas for what that might look like: writing a nice note, giving gifts, hugging their friend. This book sets a great standard for kids that they can make things right again, even after a big fight.
Middle Grades & Young Adult Novels
Author: Elizabeth Wintrop
Ages: 8-12
Description: William is devastated to learn his caretaker is leaving to return to England. When he discovers a piece of magic that shrinks people, he takes it upon himself to shrink her, so he can force her to stay. What follows is his realization of the wrongness of his behavior and his slowly developing realization that he must make things right again, even at potentially great personal cost. He embarks on a quest to make things right and learns a great deal about bravery and friendship along the way.
Author: Mitali Perkins
Ages: 6-11
Description: Among the stories we reviewed, few so clearly fit in every level of the Connected Families framework. Naima makes a mistake (with good intentions) that costs her family dearly, but the beautiful and grace-filled response of her parents (compared to the more judgmental villagers) demonstrate to Naima right off that her family is a place it’s safe to make mistakes and that she is loved no matter what. She goes onto struggle with societal expectations, coming to the conclusion that even as a girl in Bangladeshi society, she is called and capable of meaningful work, and she must use this capability to make things right for her family. Please note: this is not about Christian characters or a Christian family. However, seeing other characters with different faiths is a great chance for conversation with your children.
FOR KIDS: Our favorite books for teaching empathy to kids
Books are a great place to stretch your child’s empathy muscles. Invite them into another character’s perspective, and let them practice thinking how others might feel. The key to great empathy-building books, however, is to pick books with a variety life experiences, some of which will feel very different to your child. That’s good. You want your child to learn to empathize with people different than themselves.
Picture books
Author: Mark Hamby
Ages: 6-10
Description: A true story from the 1800s about a little girl who sacrificed her savings for a starving beggar. It is the timeless story of kindness and sacrifice that laid the foundation of a child’s character and a nation’s future. Full-color illustrations will capture the hearts of children as they learn that sacrifice is the cornerstone for surprising blessings.
Author: Dr. Seuss
Ages: 4-9
Description: Horton hears a tiny voice coming from a speck of dust. Does a voice so small really matter? Should he care if that speck of dust falls in the water? Should he attempt to save it, at great cost to himself, when others are sure the speck is just a speck of dust? This classic Dr. Seuss book inspires fantastic conversations with children about caring for others and how you know right from wrong.
Author: Cori Doerrfeld
Ages: 3-5
Description: When Taylor’s block construction gets knocked down, he doesn’t know what do with all his sadness. Several animals come and make suggestions: the chicken to talk about it, the bear to yell about it, the hyena to laugh about it, and so forth. Finally, the rabbit comes, cuddles, and listens, and Taylor feels better. It’s a profound statement that showing empathy doesn’t always mean solving, fixing, or distracting: just listening and being present. Great lesson for grownups too!
Author: Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah
Ages: 3-7
Description: Every child will relate to thinking another child’s food looks yucky… and the instinct to tell them, even when those words are hurtful. Unfortunately when Lily and Salma do exactly this about each other’s sandwiches (PB&J and hummus pita, respectively), it starts a school-wide battle in the diverse school. The book offers a gentle story in forgiveness and openness to different cultures for young children.
Middle grades and young adult novels
Author: Barbara Robinson
Ages: 7-12
Description: If you are looking for a new belly-aching Christmas laugh, this book is the perfect read aloud for your family. While most Christmas books focus on warm, cozy feelings, The Best Christmas Pageant‘s whole premise is what happens when the “worst” kids in the town take over the very proper church’s Christmas pageant. The result is hilarious, but somewhere in the middle of all the laughter tears, you realize you and your kids have just rediscovered the meaning of Christmas and the beauty of the grace freely given to us.
Author: Natalie Savage Carlson
Ages: 8-12
Description: The heartwarming and memorable Newbery Honor-winning book about finding family in the unlikeliest places, featuring artwork by beloved illustrator Garth Williams. This classic middle grade novel is a welcome and meaningful read, especially at Christmastime.
Armand, an old man living on the streets of Paris, relishes his solitary life in the beautiful city. He is happy with his carefree existence, begging and doing odd jobs to keep himself warm and fed. With simple pleasures and no cares, what more could he need?
Then one day just before Christmas, Armand returns to his favorite spot beneath the bridge to find three cold and hungry children. Although he has no interest in children, Armand soon finds himself caring for the small family. It does not take Armand very long to realize that he must do whatever it takes to get them a real home.
Author: Kate diCamillo
Ages: 7-12
Description: Desperaux is a mouse unlike other mice. He loves music, stories, and a human princess named Pea. Roscuro was a rat who loved light, but has now turned deep into darkness. Miggery Sow is a serving maid who has suffered at the hands of too many people. All of these characters will find themselves in a terrible, dark dungeon with only empathy and love able to guide the characters out what could otherwise be a horrible ending.
Author: Karina Yan Glaser
Ages: 8-12
Description: The Vanderbeekers are a multi-racial family with five siblings (four girls and a boy) living in a brownstone in Harlem, New York City. When their hermit-like landlord announces he’s not renewing their lease right before Christmas, the siblings get together to change his mind. The result is both hilarious and heartwarming, as everyone learns more empathy for each other.
You want your kids to care about more than their own needs. If you’re looking to raise Kingdom-centered world-changers, books are a great place to start inspiring. Here are some of our favorites!
Picture books
Author: Mary Hoffman
Ages: 4-8
Description: Beautiful watercolor illustrations bring to life the little girl who loves stories and can’t wait to be Peter Pan in her class play. She’s discouraged when a classmate tells her she can’t because she’s a girl, and another because she’s black. Her mom and grandma encourage her that she can do anything if she puts her mind to it. With the inspiration of a role model, she perseveres, auditions, and in the end, feels like she could fly!
This book provides a great opportunity to discuss and graciously challenge biases our kids (and we) may have. It also encourages kids to not give up, to use their gifts, and to be confident in the skin they are in!
Recognized in A Reading Rainbow Selection, An ALA Notable Book, A Booklist Editors’ Choice, A BCCB Blue Ribbon Book, Horn Book Fanfare, and A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year.
Author: Dorothy Sterling
Ages: 11+
Description: Born as a slave in South Carolina, Robert Smalls became a hero in the Civil War. He became the best ship pilot in Charleston but was still “boy” until Fort Sumter fell and he decided to escape to freedom. With great courage and daring, he coolly piloted the Planter– a paddle wheel steamer ship capable of transporting a thousand men- past the guns of Sumter.
Then he became a man. A man who fought for freedom in the United States Navy. A man who talked for freedom in the meeting halls and churches of the North. A man who finally went to Congress and continued the fight through the hopes and bitter disillusionment of Reconstruction.
This riveting true story of Robert Small’s life would be a great book for middle school to high school readers who want to hear what life was like for a slave in the South during and after the Civil War.
Author: Floyd Cooper
Ages: 6-10
Description: Mazie doesn’t like to hear the word “no.” So, as she gets ready for her community’s Juneteenth celebration, her father tells her all the times her ancestors unfairly heard the word “no.” She learns the stories, struggles, and triumphs from the time of slavery to the present day.
With beautiful illustrations, we watch Mazie’s growing understanding of why she celebrates, and the reader remembers with her.
Author: Doreen Rappaport
Ages: 6-8**
Description:
This powerful, but simple, picture book biography tells the story of Martin Luther King Jr. The author, using her words, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s words, weaves the story of a boy who grew up in the segregated south, being raised in the church, who grew up to become a minister and use the big words his parents had taught him. From the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and for the next 10 years, black Americans peacefully protested for equal rights. Despite being “jailed and beaten and murdered,” they remained peaceful and refused to stop. It took 10 years, but the “White Only” signs finally came down. He cared about all people and was admired all over the world. In 1968, while helping others, he was shot and died.
This book is an impactful book and way to discuss the Civil Rights Movement and the message and life of Martin Luther King, Jr. The end of the book includes a list of important dates and a list of additional books and websites.
**This book addresses violence in racism as it mentions the protesters being jailed, beaten, and murdered. It says that MLK was hated, some threatened to kill him and his family; his house was bombed (and his brother’s house), and eventually he was shot dead.
A Caldecott Honor Book, Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book, Child Magazine Best Book and 2001 New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Children’s Book
Author: Jabari Asim
Ages: 5-11
Description: Young John Lewis would grow up to join the Freedom Riders and become one of the most well-known Civil Rights leaders. But, first, he was a boy who wanted to be a preacher, so he practiced among his only flock: the chickens he raised.
Author: Duncan Tonatiuh
Ages: 6-10
Description: When Sylvia Mendez moved to Westminster, California, in the 1940s, she quickly found out that not everyone was welcome in her new neighborhood. Sylvia and her brother have to attend the “Mexican” school—Hoover School. Hoover is situated next to a cow field, had an electric fence, dirty halls, no playground, and unmotivated teachers, while local white children went to the much better 17th Street Elementary School. Eventually, the Mendez family and others filed a lawsuit, Mendez v. Westminster, that predated Brown v. Board of Education by almost 10 years. It would desegregate schools in California, affecting more than 5,000 Latino children. Carefully taking actual text from trials and interviews with Sylvia Mendez, Tonatiuh edits the original language to fit the pacing of the story for the intended audience. Legal terms and Spanish words are translated and explained so young listeners will be able to comprehend this important story.
Author: Robert Coles
Ages: 6-10
Description: The year is 1960, and six-year-old Ruby Bridges and her family have recently moved from Mississippi to New Orleans in search of a better life. When a judge orders Ruby to attend first grade at William Frantz Elementary, an all-white school, Ruby must face angry mobs of parents who refuse to send their children to school with her. Told with Robert Coles’ powerful narrative and dramatically illustrated by George Ford, Ruby’s story of courage, faith, and hope is now available in this special 50th anniversary edition with an updated afterword!
There are some scarier moments in this book as Ruby is walking through the mobs to get into school each day. But these moments are balanced with her faith and kindness towards the people who are angry. This story is also filled with the faith of Ruby’s family and how it guided them through this tough situation.
Author: Barroux
Ages: 4-8
Description: Three polar bears, enjoying their home, are suddenly separated when they drift to sea. They’re scared and want help and to find a new home, but the animals they ask find all kinds of reasons they can’t stay. Their ice is shrinking and time is running out when they come to an empty island they can finally call home. When some monkeys come, looking for a new home, the polar bears extend their welcome.
This story was inspired by the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis and is a wonderful way to begin the discussion on the trouble migrants face. The illustrations and humor incorporated throughout keeps otherwise heavy topics lighter.
Author: Cynthia Levinson
Ages: 5-10
Description:
Meet the youngest known child to be arrested for a civil rights protest in Birmingham, Alabama, 1963, in this moving picture book that proves you’re never too little to make a difference.
Nine-year-old Audrey Faye Hendricks heard church leaders talking about civil rights and marching. She decided she wanted to picket as well. She figured she’d just go to jail with all the grownups.
This is a remarkable story about the role one child played during the Civil Rights Movement.
Middle grades and young adult novels
Author: Kelly Yang
Ages: 8-12
Description: Winner of the Asian / Pacific American Award for Children’s Literature!
Mia Tang has a lot of secrets.
Number 1: She lives in a motel, not a big house. Every day, while her immigrant parents clean the rooms, ten-year-old Mia manages the front desk of the Calivista Motel and tends to its guests.
Number 2: Her parents hide immigrants. And if the mean motel owner, Mr. Yao, finds out they’ve been letting them stay in the empty rooms for free, the Tangs will be doomed.
Number 3: She wants to be a writer. But how can she when her mom thinks she should stick to math because English is not her first language?
It will take all of Mia’s courage, kindness, and hard work to get through this year. Will she be able to hold on to her job, help the immigrants and guests, escape Mr. Yao, and go for her dreams?
Author: Beverly Naidoo
Ages: 9+
Description: After witnessing their mother’s murder, Sade and Femi escape out of Nigeria to the U.K. on false passports, awaiting their father’s soon escape as well. But things go wrong when their uncle, whom they were supposed to meet, has gone missing. Suddenly thrust into the world of foster families, not knowing who they can trust, Femi and Sade struggle to find their voice and to follow the moral compass passed to them by their loving parents. This is a great book to build understanding for refugees.
These are some of our favorite books told from non-white or Hispanic perspectives.
NOTE: This section doesn’t include the many wonderful books on Civil Rights leaders, even though they include a non-white perspective. You can find those fantastic books in the section above, titled “Stories that cultivate a heart for social justice issues.” Instead, this section focuses primarily on the real and fictional lives of non-white characters living well.
Picture books
Author: Mary Hoffman
Ages: 4-8
Description: Beautiful watercolor illustrations bring to life the little girl who loves stories and can’t wait to be Peter Pan in her class play. She’s discouraged when a classmate tells her she can’t because she’s a girl, and another because she’s black. Her mom and grandma encourage her that she can do anything if she puts her mind to it. With the inspiration of a role model, she perseveres, auditions, and in the end, feels like she could fly!
This book provides a great opportunity to discuss and graciously challenge biases our kids (and we) may have. It also encourages kids to not give up, to use their gifts, and to be confident in the skin they are in!
Recognized in A Reading Rainbow Selection, An ALA Notable Book, A Booklist Editors’ Choice, A BCCB Blue Ribbon Book, Horn Book Fanfare, and A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year.
Author: Aya Khalil
Ages: 6-10
Description: When Kanzi’s family comes to America from Egypt, she just wants to fit in. She does little things to try to avoid looking different, but when her mom shows up at school wearing a hijab and using Arabic, the teasing begins. The teacher then assigns a creative class project to learn the beauty of bilingualism. This is a great book for every child who will be exposed to a bilingual classmate—which is probably every child.
Author: Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Ages: 6-10*
Description: Lewis’s father, Lewis Michaux Sr, opened a very unusual bookstore in a very unusual time: the National Memorial African Bookstore in Harlem during the 1930’s. Young Lewis tells of meeting famous Civil Rights leaders like Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X and the ways his father’s bookstore fostered new ideas.
*Parents should be aware Malcolm X’s death features in the book. This is an opportunity for conversation about racially targeted violence.
Author: Karen Katz
Ages: 4-8
Description: Lena, a 7 year old, walks with her mom throughout their neighborhood and she discovers that brown isn’t just brown when it comes to skin. The people in her life are all different shades of brown. Lena describes the browns using comparisons kids can relate to like cinnamon, peachy and tan, fall leaves, honey, chocolate, and more. She gets out her paints and creates “the colors of us!”
This book does a great job of celebrating diversity, and giving language to help kids describe skin colors, appreciating the beauty of all the shades we come in.
Author: Helaine Becker
Ages: 5-8
Description: The award-winning,bold story of Katherine Johnson, an African-American mathematician who worked for NASA during the space race and was depicted in the film Hidden Figures.
You’ve likely heard of the historic Apollo 13 moon landing. But do you know about the mathematical genius who made sure that Apollo 13 returned safely home?
As a child, Katherine Johnson loved to count. She counted the steps on the road, the number of dishes and spoons she washed in the kitchen sink, everything! Boundless, curious, and excited by calculations, young Katherine longed to know as much as she could about math, about the universe.
From Katherine’s early beginnings as a gifted student to her heroic accomplishments as a prominent mathematician at NASA, Counting on Katherine is the story of a groundbreaking American woman who not only calculated the course of moon landings but, in turn, saved lives and made enormous contributions to history.
Author: Margo Lee Shetterly
Ages: 5-8
Description: Based on the New York Times bestselling book and the Academy Award–nominated movie, author Margot Lee Shetterly and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award winner Laura Freeman bring the incredibly inspiring true story of four black women who helped NASA launch men into space to picture book readers!
Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were good at math…really good. They participated in some of NASA’s greatest successes, like providing the calculations for America’s first journeys into space. And they did so during a time when being black and a woman limited what they could do. But they worked hard. They persisted. And they used their genius minds to change the world.
Author: Roda Ahmed
Ages: 4-8
Description: A beautiful picture book for sharing and marking special occasions such as graduation, inspired by the life of the first African American woman to travel in space, Mae Jemison.
A great classroom and bedtime read-aloud, Mae Among the Stars is the perfect book for young readers who have big dreams and even bigger hearts. Little Mae’s curiosity, intelligence, and determination, matched with her parents’ encouraging words, paved the way for her incredible success at NASA as the first African American woman to travel in space.
This book will inspire other young girls to reach for the stars, to aspire for the impossible, and to persist with childlike imagination.
Author: Margaree King Mitchell
Ages: 4-8
Description: Sarah Jean’s Uncle Jed was the only black barber in the county. He had a kind heart and a warm smile. And he had a dream.
Everyone has a favorite relative. For Sarah Jean, it was her Uncle Jed.
Living in the segregated South of the 1920s, where most people were sharecroppers, Uncle Jed had to travel all over the county to cut his customers’ hair. He lived for the day when he could open his very own barbershop. But it was a long time, and many setbacks—from five-year-old Sarah Jean’s emergency operation to the bank failures of the Great Depression—before the joyful day when Uncle Jed opened his shiny new shop and twirled a now grown-up Sarah Jean around in the barber chair.
With James E. Ransome’s richly colored paintings brimming with life, this is a stirring story of dreams long deferred and finally realized.
Middle grade and young adult novels
Author: Daniel Nayeri
Ages: 10+
Description: A sprawling, evocative, and groundbreaking autobiographical novel told in the unforgettable and hilarious voice of a young Iranian refugee. It is a powerfully layered novel that poses the questions: Who owns the truth? Who speaks it? Who believes it?
“A patchwork story is the shame of the refugee,” Nayeri writes early in the novel. In an Oklahoman middle school, Khosrou (whom everyone calls Daniel) stands in front of a skeptical audience of classmates, telling the tales of his family’s history, stretching back years, decades, and centuries. At the core is Daniel’s story of how they became refugees—starting with his mother’s vocal embrace of Christianity in a country that made such a thing a capital offense, and continuing through their midnight flight from the secret police, bribing their way onto a plane-to-anywhere. Anywhere becomes the sad, cement refugee camps of Italy, and then finally asylum in the U.S.
Author: Kelly Yang
Ages: 8-12
Description: Winner of the Asian / Pacific American Award for Children’s Literature!
Mia Tang has a lot of secrets.
Number 1: She lives in a motel, not a big house. Every day, while her immigrant parents clean the rooms, ten-year-old Mia manages the front desk of the Calivista Motel and tends to its guests.
Number 2: Her parents hide immigrants. And if the mean motel owner, Mr. Yao, finds out they’ve been letting them stay in the empty rooms for free, the Tangs will be doomed.
Number 3: She wants to be a writer. But how can she when her mom thinks she should stick to math because English is not her first language?
It will take all of Mia’s courage, kindness, and hard work to get through this year. Will she be able to hold on to her job, help the immigrants and guests, escape Mr. Yao, and go for her dreams?
Author: Beverly Naidoo
Ages: 9+
Description: After witnessing their mother’s murder, Sade and Femi escape out of Nigeria to the U.K. on false passports, awaiting their father’s soon escape as well. But things go wrong when their uncle, whom they were supposed to meet, has gone missing. Suddenly thrust into the world of foster families, not knowing who they can trust, Femi and Sade struggle to find their voice and to follow the moral compass passed to them by their loving parents. This is a great book to build understanding for refugees.
Author: Jasmine Warga
Ages: 8-12
Description: Jude never thought she’d be leaving her beloved older brother and father behind, all the way across the ocean in Syria. But when things in her hometown start becoming volatile, Jude and her mother are sent to live in Cincinnati with relatives.
At first, everything in America seems too fast and too loud. The American movies that Jude has always loved haven’t quite prepared her for starting school in the US—and her new label of “Middle Eastern,” an identity she’s never known before.
But this life also brings unexpected surprises—there are new friends, a whole new family, and a school musical that Jude might just try out for. Maybe America, too, is a place where Jude can be seen as she really is.
Author: Mitali Perkins
Ages: 6-11
Description: Among the stories we reviewed, few so clearly fit in every level of the Connected Families framework. Naima makes a mistake (with good intentions) that costs her family dearly, but the beautiful and grace-filled response of her parents (compared to the more judgmental villagers) demonstrate to Naima right off that her family is a place it’s safe to make mistakes and that she is loved no matter what. She goes onto struggle with societal expectations, coming to the conclusion that even as a girl in Bangladeshi society, she is called and capable of meaningful work, and she must use this capability to make things right for her family. Please note: this is not about Christian characters or a Christian family. However, seeing other characters with different faiths is a great chance for conversation with your children.
Author: Karina Yan Glaser
Ages: 8-12
Description: The Vanderbeekers are a multi-racial family with five siblings (four girls and a boy) living in a brownstone in Harlem, New York City. When their hermit-like landlord announces he’s not renewing their lease right before Christmas, the siblings get together to change his mind. The result is both hilarious and heartwarming, as everyone learns more empathy for each other.
Author: Grace Lin
Ages: 7-12
Description: Inspired by Chinese folklore, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon tells the beautiful story of Minli. She lives with her parents in poverty and sees her parents struggles. Inspired by her father’s stories about the Old Man on the Moon, she takes it upon herself to change her family’s circumstances by traveling to meet him. Along the way, she meets many characters, but it always her compassion and empathy for others that propels her adventure.
Picture Books
Author: Susan Wood
Ages: 6-12
Description: Juan Garcia Esquivel was born in Mexico and grew up to the sounds of mariachi bands. He loved music and became a musical explorer. Defying convention, he created music that made people laugh and planted images in their minds. Juan’s space-age lounge music–popular in the fifties and sixties–has found a new generation of listeners. And Duncan Tonatiuh’s fresh and quirky illustrations bring Esquivel’s spirit to life.
Occasional longer blocks of text make this title best suited for elementary students.
Pura Belpré Honor Book
ALA Notable Children’s Book
Junior Library Guild Selection
Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year
Author: Barbara M. Joosse
Ages: 2-7
Description: With beautiful paintings depicting an Arctic landscape, this book both puts Inuit culture on display and shows the love between a mother and her child. The child starts by asking if and how much her mother loves her. But then she moves into questions, such as “What if I turn into a walrus?” or even misbehaves. Still, her mother affirms she will love her just the same.
Middle Grades & Young Adult Novels
Author: Maria Parr
Ages: 6-12
Description: This story takes place in Norway, embracing a childlike and innocent experience of the world, all while friends learn true compassion for each other’s life experiences.
Lena is Trille’s best friend, even if she is a girl. And there is never an ordinary day when you’ve got a best friend like Lena.
Hardly a day passes without Trille and Lena inventing some kind of adventure that often ends in trouble. Whether it’s coaxing a cow onto a boat or sledding down the steepest and iciest hill with a chicken, there is always a thrill—and sometimes an injury—to be had. Trille loves to share everything with Lena, even Auntie Granny’s waffles. But when Lena has to move away and Auntie Granny leaves the world, it sometimes seems like nothing will ever be right again. The warmth of friendship and the support of family suffuse this lightly illustrated novel, proving that when times are tough, a little taste of sweetness can make all the difference.
Author: Natalie Savage Carlson
Ages: 8-12
Description: The heartwarming and memorable Newbery Honor-winning book about finding family in the unlikeliest places, featuring artwork by beloved illustrator Garth Williams. This classic middle grade novel is a welcome and meaningful read, especially at Christmastime.
Armand, an old man living on the streets of Paris, relishes his solitary life in the beautiful city. He is happy with his carefree existence, begging and doing odd jobs to keep himself warm and fed. With simple pleasures and no cares, what more could he need?
Then one day just before Christmas, Armand returns to his favorite spot beneath the bridge to find three cold and hungry children. Although he has no interest in children, Armand soon finds himself caring for the small family. It does not take Armand very long to realize that he must do whatever it takes to get them a real home.
Author: Beverly Naidoo
Ages: 8+
Description: After witnessing their mother’s murder, Sade and Femi escape out of Nigeria to the U.K. on false passports, awaiting their father’s soon escape as well. But things go wrong when their uncle, whom they were supposed to meet, has gone missing. Suddenly thrust into the world of foster families, not knowing who they can trust, Femi and Sade struggle to find their voice and to follow the moral compass passed to them by their loving parents. This is a great book to build understanding for refugees.
Author: Mitali Perkins
Ages: 6-11
Description: Among the stories we reviewed, few so clearly fit in every level of the Connected Families framework. Naima makes a mistake (with good intentions) that costs her family dearly, but the beautiful and grace-filled response of her parents (compared to the more judgmental villagers) demonstrate to Naima right off that her family is a place it’s safe to make mistakes and that she is loved no matter what. She goes onto struggle with societal expectations, coming to the conclusion that even as a girl in Bangladeshi society, she is called and capable of meaningful work, and she must use this capability to make things right for her family. Please note: this is not about Christian characters or a Christian family. However, seeing other characters with different faiths is a great chance for conversation with your children.
Author: Grace Lin
Ages: 7-12
Description: Inspired by Chinese folklore, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon tells the beautiful story of Minli. She lives with her parents in poverty and sees her parents struggles. Inspired by her father’s stories about the Old Man on the Moon, she takes it upon herself to change her family’s circumstances by traveling to meet him. Along the way, she meets many characters, but it is always her compassion and empathy for others that propels her adventure.
Author: Joni and Friends
Ages: 4-8
Description: God Made Me Unique is a sweet introduction to the idea that different people have special needs, but all children with all different abilities and needs belong in the church and a part of God’s family. The story begins in a classroom where a new child is about to be introduced. The teacher explains that this child has a disability and that the children to need to be aware that this child is particularly sensitive to loud noises. The story follows the children asking questions to ultimately learning how to be friends with the new child.
Author: Krista Horning
Ages: All ages
Description: This coffee table-style book is full of photographs, poetry, scripture, and stories that simple enough to read with a child. The author, Krista, has a disability and understands the challenge and serious of seeing God at work in the midst of hard things.
Author: James Catchpole
Ages: 3-9
Description: This delightful and ever-so-slightly snarky story about a little boy with one leg who is barraged constantly with other children’s curious questions. Everyone wants to know “what happened” to him, when he just wants to play pirates! In the end, he is able to help the other children learn to get past their focus on his leg and appreciate the imaginative fun he brings to the table. The author himself has a disability and wrote it in part based on his own experiences. This book and the next in the series are fantastic for building understanding in your normally abled kids and helping your kids with disabilities feel seen.
Author: James & Lucy Catchpole
Ages: 3-9
Description: Though this is the second book in the “What Happened to You” series, the story stands alone. Joe, a boy with one leg, is tired of being labeled as “amazing” and “inspiring” for doing nothing at all. He’s either “Amazing Joe” or “Poor Joe.” He eventually finds solace with his friends who don’t tell him everything he does is amazing or make him feel like he’s on the Joe Show. He gets to just be himself. Again, this is a great book for helping a child with a disability feel seen, but it’s equally good for teaching kids how to be more like Joe’s friends and not define others by their disabilities.
Author: Natalie Sutyak
Ages: 4-8
Description: Has God touched your life through adoption? This sweet picture book is a wonderful resource for anyone wanting to describe how God lovingly designs all kinds of families through this special gift.
Beautifully illustrated, this book is also filled with pictures of real families who have adopted.
Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren
Ages: 1-5
Description: This book will resonate with many adopted children as well as their adoptive parents. The story is presented as a cherished and much-repeated bit of bedtime conversation between Mama Fox and Little Fox. Asked about “the day I came home,” Mama talks about how long she dreamed about and waited for Little Fox. Little Fox asks, “You were lonely for me?” and Mama’s affirmative response, for which several spreads of illustrations are provided, makes them cuddle all the closer: her pain is simultaneously shared and assuaged by Little Fox. Little Fox also asks about why he couldn’t stay “with the mother who had me,” and Mama responds in a warm and assuring tone. Bryant’s appealing images, mostly gentle pastels, are sweet but not saccharine, portraying these anthropomorphous animals as intelligent, loving, and wonderfully matched. A nice introduction to adoption for any child, adopted or not.
Author: Carol Bauman
Ages: 4-8
Description: Mason, a boy with brown skin, was adopted by white parents. Mason asks his mom about why their skin doesn’t match and they engage in a discussion on how God paints each person all kinds of different colors. It makes us special and unique.
This short story can introduce discussion on skin color, adoption, and families who may not match in appearance.
Author: Keiko Kasza
Ages: 2-5
Description: Family is about love no matter how different parents and children may be, adopted or not.
Choco wishes he had a mother, but who could she be? He sets off to find her, asking all kinds of animals, but he doesn’t meet anyone who looks just like him. He doesn’t even think of asking Mrs. Bear if she’s his mother, but then she starts to do just the things a mommy might do. And when she brings him home, he meets her other children-a piglet, a hippo, and an alligator-and learns that families can come in all shapes and sizes and still fit together.
Keiko Kasza’s twist on the “Are you my mother?” theme has become one of the most highly recommended stories about adoption for children.
Author: Kendall & Tamara Schmitke
Ages: 4-8
Description: A sparrow’s nest is broken but her egg is hatching! She hurries to choose a new home for her baby before it hatches. What will she do when she finds the best nest? This story is a touching and realistic look at the love of a mother for her child. It explores the complexity of adoption in a way a child can understand.
Author: Arnold Adoff
Ages: 3-9
Description: Brown-skinned mama, the color of chocolate milk and pumpkin pie. White-skinned daddy, not the color of milk or snow, but light with pinks and tiny tans. And their two children, the beautiful colors of both.
For an all-American family, full of joy, warmth, and love, this is the way it is for us / this is the way we areWhen it was first published in 1973, black is brown is tan featured the first interracial family in children’s books. Decades later, Arnold Adoff’s and Emily Arnold McCully’s picture book continues to offer a joyous and loving celebration of all the colors of the race, now newly embellished with bright watercolor paintings that depict a contemporary family of the twenty-first century.
Author: Dorena Williamson
Ages: 4-8
Description: Two siblings and their neighbor discover the beauty of God’s creation and the variety of colors He used. What a different world it would be with no color! Granny Mac helps the kids appreciate the world around them, and leads them in a discussion about the beauty in how God created the variety of colors people come in as well! The book shares a gracious challenge to the colorblind approach to race and invites children to celebrate God’s design in creating people with different skin colors.
Includes a Parent Connection page at the end of the book with Bible passages to read and discuss along with six thoughtful questions to help you engage your children in discussion about the story.
Author: Karen Katz
Ages: 4-8
Description: Lena, a 7 year old, walks with her mom throughout their neighborhood and she discovers that brown isn’t just brown when it comes to skin. The people in her life are all different shades of brown. Lena describes the browns using comparisons kids can relate to like cinnamon, peachy and tan, fall leaves, honey, chocolate, and more. She gets out her paints and creates “the colors of us!”
This book does a great job of celebrating diversity, and giving language to help kids describe skin colors, appreciating the beauty of all the shades we come in.
Author: Shai Linne
Ages: 4-8
Description: This story is filled with color and rhyme that not only catches the eye and ear, but the heart of God in creating diversity among people. A teacher helps her class see God’s design. From creation, the effects of the Fall, Christ’s work on the cross, all the way to the vision God shared of the nations, tribes, tongues, and every people worshiping God for eternity – this book helps open important discussions. The gospel informs how we see and respond to diversity and invites us to celebrate the beauty of the people He created today, and for all eternity. The book ends with “Six Ways to Help Your Child Appreciate God’s Design for Ethnic Diversity,” giving parents practical applications to not just close the book, but to continue the conversation.
Author: Carol Bauman
Ages: 4-8
Description: Mason, a boy with brown skin, was adopted by white parents. Mason asks his mom about why their skin doesn’t match and they engage in a discussion on how God paints each person all kinds of different colors. It makes us special and unique.
This short story can introduce discussion on skin color, adoption, and families who may not match in appearance.
Author: Trillia Newbell
Ages: 4-8
Description: We are all God’s creation, reflecting His image, even though we may be different from each other. But that was God’s design from the very beginning. Though people have differences (gender, interests, appearances, and languages), they are all valuable. Children are introduced to how sin messed up God’s design and how we love Him and each other. We all need forgiveness. But that did not surprise God. He had a plan to rescue His Very Good Idea – Jesus! Jesus showed a different way to live and He offers us a chance to live differently too. From creation, to the cross, to Christ’s return, this book gives a simple and powerful description of how God made, rescued, and will finish his Very Good Idea. And children are introduced to how they can be a part of it even now!
Great book for introducing discussions on the overarching message of the Bible, the gospel, God’s family (the Church), diversity, and salvation.
This book is also available in the series “Tales that Tell the Truth.”
Author: Michael Tyler
Ages: 4-8
Description: The Skin You Live In is a gentle rhyming ode to all the different shades of skin, as well as the hopes and dreams that are housed within. While attaching delectable dessert names (such as “butterscotch gold skin” and “lemon tart bold skin”) to different shades of skin, your young child is taught that each is worth celebrating. They also learn that noticing and discussing skin isn’t shameful. But more than that, they’re taught “you’re more than you seem. You’re all that you think and hope and dream.”
Author: Bobby Jane Kates
Ages: 3-7
Description: We’re all different – our noses, hair, skin, mouths, eyes, bodies, and feelings. But we’re also the same. Our noses all smell, our skin feels warm and cold. We all feel lonely, worried, happy, and loving. Even though there are things different between us, on the inside, we are very much alike. And we are all wonderful.
This Sesame Street book is a simple way to introduce discussions on the differences between people, but also how we are unified and very similar as well. Though not written from a Christian perspective, this story is a way to celebrate God’s creative design in the uniqueness and unity when He created people.
Author: Matthew Paul Turner
Ages: 3-7
Description: This rhyming story tells of how God had a plan, from the beginning of time, for each person He created. Each person is unique, with a special purpose, special look, voice, and personality. The world would not be the same without you and God delights in you!
This book gives a beautiful and fun look at God’s unique design in creating each person and how He delights in the diversity, creativity, and our unique place in this world.
FOR KIDS: Our favorite resources for cultivating faith in your kids
Author: Ken Hindman, Landry Holmes, and Jan Magruder
Description: Today’s parents feel ill-equipped to spiritually train and educate their preschoolers, elementary kids, and teenagers. Based on the principle that kids and teens learn and comprehend concepts differently as they grow in maturity, Every Age, Every Stage provides an age-suitable discipleship approach, equipping parents to teach their children biblical truths from the ten concept areas of God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Bible, Salvation, Creation, Church, People, Family, and Community and World.
The wise discipleship plan presented in Every Age, Every Stage is known as Levels of Biblical Learning©. This framework for babies through teens was developed over a period of several years by thought leaders in preschool, kids, student, and next-gen ministries. Levels of Biblical Learning has been taught at workshops, colleges, and seminaries, and incorporated in Bible Study curriculum.
Author: Matt Chandler & Adam Griffin
Description: Pastors Matt Chandler and Adam Griffin have made it their mission to help you develop a sustainable rhythm of gospel-centered discipleship focused in three key areas: time, moments, and milestones. Filled with suggestions, sample plans, and Scripture references, this book begins with the end in mind―equipping you to create a unique plan for your family as you raise your children in the love and fear of the Lord.
Description: FDP is a podcast of imperfect parents having conversations about the critically important and mostly ordinary work of leading at home, hosted by Adam Griffin, Chelsea Griffin, and Cassie Bryant.
Author: Stan & Brenna Jones
Description: Every parent struggles through how to approach the topic of sex with their kids, especially so if they don’t feel they were offered a healthy model of how to approach sex with kids, when they were kids. Stan and Brenna Jones provide insight in how to address children’s questions in an age-appropriate way. As part of this series, they have also written books for different ages to read with your kids. This series is an excellent resource to help your kids come to understand God’s plan for sex and address some of their harder questions as they get older, such as on pornography or gender identity.
Author: Mariko Clark
Ages: 6-12
Description: The Book of Belonging is designed for families seeking a Bible storybook that reflects the diversity of God’s people and for every reader seeking a more expansive and wondrous view of God. The thoughtful text and rich illustrations present some of Scripture’s most important and overlooked stories—including many female-centered ones—alongside old favorites reimagined to convey greater inclusivity, diversity, and historical representation.
Through narratives, mindful practices, and guided wonder moments, children and grown-ups alike will learn who God is and be reminded over and over that God tells each of us, “You are Beloved, you Belong, and you are Delightful.” Because when it comes to the love of God, everyone belongs.
Author: Marty Machowski
Ages: Mixed ages
Description: There are lots of ways of cultivating faith in your kids. For younger kids, usually cuddling together and reading storybook bibles plants the seeds of faith that will grow. However, what about when it’s time to dig a little deeper and read the real Bible texts? Marty Machowski has created quick, short 10-minute devotions in Long Story Short (as well as in the sequel, Old Story New) that manage to dig deep and spark conversations about passages you read together. And, let’s face it, sometimes 10 minutes is the maximum you can keep your gaggle of mixed-age kids paying attention, but 10 minutes is all you need to plant a seed and start a conversation.
Author: Sally Lloyd-Jones
Ages: All ages
Description: If you have never read The Jesus Storybook Bible, you’re missing out on a beautiful piece of literature and spiritual growth. While written for children, you’ve probably heard more than one parent talk about wiping away tears while reading this storybook bible to their children. What’s most special is that Sally Lloyd-Jones repeatedly brings each story, New Testament or Old, back to how it points to the amazing message of God’s great love for us and His Son, Jesus. Curl up with your children and remind them that they are are loved no-matter-what by a good Father in Heaven.
Author: Marty Machowski
Ages: 6-12
Description: This beautifully illustrated book takes elementary age kids through a systemic study of theology, helping kids answer the question, “What do we as Christians believe?” Each truth includes scripture passages that you can choose to look up with your child, as well as shorter passages printed in the book. It quickly applies the truth about God to the child’s life, as well as the bigger picture of God’s redemption.
Author: Joanna Rivard & Tim Penner
Ages: 4-8
Description: The Tiny Truths Illustrated Bible gives a simple, yet thorough, look at the big story of the Bible. It ties Old Testament stories to Jesus and unfolds classic children’s stories, along with some not usually included, in a way that invites children into the grand story God is writing. The illustrations reflect the ethnicities of the people in the Bible, giving a more accurate picture than many children’s Bibles portray. From Genesis to Revelation, this Bible helps children understand who God is, who He created us to be, and what we’re made for – sharing the love He’s given us with others.
Author: Ann Voskamp
Ages: All ages
Description: This beautiful Advent book takes kids through the major Bible stories leading up to Jesus’ birth. There are printable ornaments available for free (or you can purchase a collector’s set) on Ann Voskamp’s website. With the readings and the ornaments that your kids can color, you have everything you need to create your own Jesse Tree (or Jesse Wall, Jesse Fireplace Mantle, or whatever makes sense in your family). The retellings of Bible stories are paired with readings from the actual Bible, bringing your child through God’s redemption story, starting December 1st and ending on Christmas Eve. This is a beautiful way to prepare your kids to celebrate Jesus’ birth and understand why Jesus coming as the Messiah was so very significant, and why it matters to them. Start a magical family tradition centered entirely on remembering why Jesus came.
Author: Ben Myers
Ages: 4-8
Description: Join FatCat, the friendly feline, as he learns the traditional text of the Apostles’ Creed―the earliest summary of the apostles’ teaching. Through the Creed, children can encounter the God of the Bible who creates, redeems, and sanctifies. Enjoy vibrantly illustrated scenes of Jesus’s life and search for FatCat on every page!
Young readers and families will read a line from the creed along with a simple reflection to tuck into their hearts. With a list of Scriptures for further learning and a family prayer, this FatCat book is perfect to read again and again.
Author: Carl Laferton
Ages: 4-8
Description: Take a stroll through the Garden of Eden and discover the impact of the Fall, as you see the curtain that separated the people of God from God’s presence in the Temple. Then celebrate as the curtain tears, and we are invited into God’s presence yet again. This simple picture book brings the entire Good News of Jesus’ death and resurrection to the level even a young child can understand, while not watering down or diminishing the Gospel in any way.
Author: Trillia Newbell
Ages: 4-8
Description: We are all God’s creation, reflecting His image, even though we may be different from each other. But that was God’s design from the very beginning. Though people have differences (gender, interests, appearances, and languages), they are all valuable. Children are introduced to how sin messed up God’s design and how we love Him and each other. We all need forgiveness. But that did not surprise God. He had a plan to rescue His Very Good Idea – Jesus! Jesus showed a different way to live and He offers us a chance to live differently too. From creation, to the cross, to Christ’s return, this book gives a simple and powerful description of how God made, rescued, and will finish his Very Good Idea. And children are introduced to how they can be a part of it even now!
Great book for introducing discussions on the overarching message of the Bible, the gospel, God’s family (the Church), diversity, and salvation.
This book is also available in the series “Tales that Tell the Truth.”
Author: R. C. Sproul
Ages: 4-10
Description: With The Prince’s Poison Cup, Dr. R.C. Sproul continues his series of books designed to present deep biblical truths to children on their own level. In this work, he focuses in on the atonement to show that Jesus had to endure the curse of sin in order to redeem His people from their spiritual death.
When Ella gets sick and has to take yucky medicine, she wonders why something that will help her get well has to taste so bad. When she puts the question to Grandpa, he tells her the story of a great King and His subjects who enjoyed wonderful times together―until the people rebelled against the King and drank from a forbidden well. To their horror, they found that the beautiful water in the well made their hearts turn to stone. To reclaim His people, the King asks His Son, the Prince, to drink from a well of horrid poison. The poison will surely kill the Prince―but He is willing to drink it to please His Father and help His people.
Richly illustrated, The Prince’s Poison Cup will help children appreciate the great love of God for His people and the awful price Jesus had to pay because of sin. A “For Parents” section provides assistance in unfolding the biblical elements of the story.
Author: Phil Vischer
Ages: 4-10
Description: Sidney and Norman are next-door neighbors, but they couldn’t be more different. Norman’s always on time, looking neat, and following every rule. Sidney’s a mess, disheveled, and always late. Norman looks down on those like Sidney, and Sidney cowers in shame. Then God asks to meet with each of them. And a message of deep, deep grace and love for every person, regardless of their behavior, is brought to life.
Authors: Abbey Wedgeworth
Ages: 3-7
Description: Practical, fun parenting resource for raising kids. Encourages good behavior motivated by the gospel.
This charming rhyming book celebrates God’s good design for our hands, motivating children aged 3+ to use their hands to glorify God.
Children will be inspired by all the creative and interesting things their hands can do―they can even use them to bring comfort and joy to others! They’ll discover that Jesus had hands just like ours and that he always used his hands in the most amazing ways, including to save us.
Not only that: the way that Jesus used his hands means that we can be forgiven when we use our hands in the wrong way. Children are invited to pray for forgiveness when they make mistakes, and for help to use their hands in the ways God intends. The book’s fun rhyming style and colorful illustrations make it easy to engage with this life-altering message of repentance, forgiveness, and grace-fueled obedience.
Author: C.S. Lewis
Ages: 7+
Description: Step into wardrobe and cross into Narnia with Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. The magical realm of Narnia and all its talking creatures will enchant your children, while the simple truths expressed by Aslan will point them back to God and spark new conversations about faith.
Author: Adapted by Helen L. Taylor from John Paul’s classic
Ages: 8-12
Description: Join Christian on his journey to the Celestial City. Faithfully adapted by Helen Taylor, the story of Christian’s struggles is not watered down and will inspired your children as it has millions of other readers. Few books delve into the very real struggles of the Christian faith as well as Pilgrim’s Progress. Joe Sutphin’s gorgeous illustrations will bring the story to life and make it accessible even to younger listeners as a family read aloud.
Author: Stan & Brenna Jones
For PARENTS
Description: Every parent struggles through how to approach the topic of sex with their kids, especially so if they don’t feel they were offered a healthy model of how to approach sex with kids, when they were kids. Stan and Brenna Jones provide insight in how to address children’s questions in an age-appropriate way. As part of this series, they have also written books for different ages to read with your kids. This series is an excellent resource to help your kids come to understand God’s plan for sex and address some of their harder questions as they get older, such as on pornography or gender identity.
Authors: Stan & Brenna Jones
Ages: 3-5
Description: Even from an early age, kids are curious about many things―including bodies and babies. Although it can be challenging to determine how much information to give them early on, young children can begin to develop a wonder and appreciation for God’s marvelous gift of sexuality by understanding the basics of pregnancy, birth, and growth.
Using age-appropriate language and illustrations, The Story of Me explains:
- The growth of a child inside a mother’s body
- How a mother gives birth
- How breastfeeding works
- How babies grow once they are born
- What makes girl and boy babies different
- Bodily autonomy and privacy
Framing everything within the larger story of God’s wonderful design, your child can begin to understand that God is the giver of good gifts, including the gift of our bodies.
Authors: Stan & Brenna Jones
Ages: 5-8
Description: From a very early age, many children start to notice and become curious about bodies, babies, and where they come from. Clear, informative, and child friendly, Before I Was Born is the perfect way to introduce your child to the first conversations about reproduction and pregnancy.
Before I Was Born emphasizes God’s good design for our bodies and lays a biblical foundation for understanding sexuality. Using age-appropriate language and illustrations, this book introduces children to:
- A tactful but clear explanation of the basics of sex
- The changes boys’ and girls’ bodies go through as they grow
- The science behind conception and pregnancy
- How a mother gives birth
- How breastfeeding works
Framing everything within the larger story of God’s wonderful design, your child can begin to understand that God is the giver of good gifts, including the gift of our bodies.
Authors: Stan & Brenna Jones
Ages: 8-12
Description: Even at a young age, your kids probably know about sex. But what they’ve gathered from TV, other kids, or the internet is often distorted and incomplete. Designed to foster age-appropriate conversations about sexuality, What’s the Big Deal provides kids with a safe space to ask hard questions that they might find embarrassing.
With questions and prompts so you can easily read together and have healthy discussions, this book explains:
- Why God made adults with a desire to have sex
- What God says in the Bible about sex and why it’s designed for marriage
- The amazing changes that happen to a child’s body as they grow
- How to respond to sexual pressure from friends, TV shows, movies, and magazines
- The importance of committing to purity and chastity
- Now revised and updated with:
- Chapters on pornography, same-sex relationships, and sexual abuse
- Separate chapters on puberty for boys and girls
Authors: Stan & Brenna Jones
Ages: 12-16
Description: Puberty is an exciting but often stressful time of transition to adulthood. It marks the beginning of significant changes in a child’s relationships with their parents and with the opposite sex. Facing the Facts will give your child clear and comprehensive information to help them understand what’s happening to their body and why God designed it that way.
Designed so they can read with you, your child will learn about:
- How girls’ and boys’ bodies change, both inside and out
- The science behind pregnancy and how a woman gives birth
- Why sex is a good and beautiful gift
- Romance, dating, and how relationships mature
- Protecting their purity and sexual health
Now revised and updated with:
- Chapters on masturbation, sexual addiction, gender identity, and same-sex love
- An introduction to different worldviews about sex
- Age-appropriate material on the broader theological meaning of sex