Picture Books (Books for Lower Grade and Younger Readers)
The Biggest Story ABC by Kevin DeYoung, ill. by Don Clark
DeYoung walks readers through God's plan for humanity and salvation as outlined in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation by using one sentence phrases that highlight and explain one term that starts (or incorporates for X) the letter of the alphabet. This is an exemplary work of summarizing the message of the Bible succinctly and doing it chronologically AND alphabetically. There are people who have written entire multi-volume doorstoppers to say what DeYoung says in just 26 sentences. The artwork will suck in the little readers. If you want more, this is an adaptation of a longer picture book that is pretty ageless in its audience.
The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross (Tales That Tell the Truth) by Carl Laferton, ill. by Catalina Echeverri
This book gives an overview of basic points of the Bible to point out to kids how sin entered the world, how it separates people from God, and how Jesus' death and resurrection provides a way for that separation from God to be fixed. This is another very succinct but kid-friendly way to explain how Bible stories relate, what sin is, and why Jesus died on the cross for sins. The illustrations are great too, very fun and attractive and incorporates a historical feel accurate for the time periods.
An Extraordinary Teacher: a Bible Story about Priscilla (Called and Courageous Girls) by Rachel Spier Weaver & Anna Haggard, ill. by Eric Elwell
An extrapolated biography of Priscilla from the New Testament based on the information about her in the Bible. The Bible doesn't give a detailed biography of Priscilla but the authors stayed true to everything we do know for sure and filled in some of the gaps with their own imaginations. I thought they did a good job of not adding too much but helping to make a story that flows. This focuses specifically on how God gave Priscilla a gift to teach and that she used it for God's glory.
Miracle Man: the Story of Jesus by John Hendrix
Think of this book kinda like an illustrated summary of the heart of the gospels, the life of Jesus and purpose of his time on Earth all condensed into 38 pages. It is composed of both illustrations and words in graphic design. (Click the title for more details, because I just don’t have room here.)
Paul Writes (a Letter) by Chris Raschka
Raschka introduces Paul and depicts him writing his various letters that appear in the Bible. Raschka picks a few verses from each and rephrases them in his own words. (Again, click the title for more details. Too much to say, not enough space.)
Who Is My Neighbor? by Amy-Jill Levine & Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, ill. by Denise Turu
Yes, I know. This could totally be shelved in the fiction section of a library. But it is also a retelling of the parable of the Good Samaritan featuring a land where Yellows mix only with Yellows and Blues mix only with Blues, but when a Blue is hurt when he falls off his bike who will help him? A guide for parents and educators with further notes on the original parable and discussion questions is provided in the back of the book. Every child, no matter where they live or go to school has to deal with “them” and “us” and this book provides a very easy way to talk about that and how to be more loving to all others. (These authors have retellings of the Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Parable of the Mustard Seed I also recommend.)
Middle Grade Books
How Sweet the Sound: the Story of Amazing Grace by Carole Boston Weatherford; ill. by Frank Morrison
Told in just a few lines of rhyme per page, the powerful story of John Newton's life from child to adult through many turbulent experiences and a drastic life change when he turned from rough sea captain of a slave ship to eventually a Christian preacher who spoke out against the slave trade and penned the original lines of "Amazing Grace." The illustrations in this are stunning and help convey the turbulent times of Newton's life and then his change. Definitely read the back notes! Though this is a picture book biography, based on the vocabulary used and the stories included, this is more aimed at upper elementary and middle school readers.
A Kid’s Guide to the Names of God (A Kid’s Guide…) by Tony Evans
Tony Evans introduces kids to the various names of God that appear in the Bible, such as Elohim, Jehovah Jireh, Immanuel, etc.. Ten names are focused on and get one chapter each with interactive questions and suggested application activities along the way. I was impressed by the depth of this book. It not only educates, it shows applications and disciples along the way, and does it all in language kids can grasp.
Love Does for Kids by Bob Goff & Lindsey Goff Viducich, ill. by Michael Lauritano
Bob Goff, with the help of his daughter Lindsay, shares with kids stories from his own life that demonstrate principles of a healthy walk with God and how to practically love others. Each of the stories is about 4-6 pages in length and illustrated. Kids should enjoy the stories, as Bob has a good mixture of amazing stories and very relatable stories. But they each share a different point that kids can easily grasp and immediately put into practice to strengthen their walk with God and with others.
Young Adult Book
The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler by John Hendrix
A highly illustrated/graphic novel biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer a German pastor who decided he needed to do something to stop Hitler and joined a group plotting to kill him. Hendrix not only illustrated every single page of this 175 page book, he also did a fantastic job of summarizing the main points of Bonhoeffer's life, beliefs, convictions, and part in WWII. Hendrix also does a splendid job of setting the stage and explaining the rise of Hitler to power in Germany, the complicated atmosphere of Germany at that time, and how WWII in Europe started.
Adult Books
The Case for Miracles: a Journalist Investigates Evidence for the Supernatural by Lee Strobel
Lee Strobel starts off his investigation into whether or not miracles happen, and whether or not it is reasonable to even believe they happen, by addressing the case against the miraculous with an interview of the editor of Skeptic magazine, Dr. Michael Shermer. Strobel then goes on to explore the opposing view, that miracles do happen, with interviews of other experts from a variety of faiths, including scientists, theologians, missionaries, and detectives. Along the way Strobel seeks to establish how a miracle can be well-documented, why some people - even Christians - are reluctant to believe in the supernatural, and what to do with miracles that don’t happen despite many prayers. There are other books on miracles out there, but I feel like this is the most honest, respectful, well-researched, and yet easily readable text on the topic.
Everybody Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People by Bob Goff
Bob Goff shares illustrations from his own life of how God is challenging him to love everyone around him, not just the people who are easy to love. He shares stories that range from touching to wild, everyday events to once in several centuries experiences. Bob Goff's stories are so readable, he makes it feel like you're just chatting over coffee or something and he's sharing what God taught him through a relationship with someone the other day.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Polite and respectful comments are welcome.