Inspirational Books
Adventure Bible (I Can Read series) published by ZonderKidz
Individual Bible stories are published in an easy-to-read format. These books are written on five different reading levels: My First level is for sharing with children who are not yet reading on their own, Level 1 books have simple sentences for beginning readers, Level 2 books have interesting stories for developing readers, Level 3 books have stories with more complex plots for more advanced readers, and Level 4 books are a bridge to chapter books.
Adventures in Odyssey series by Paul McCusker
This Christian fiction series is based on a radio drama/comedy show of the same name. The books center on best friends Mark and Patti and their adventures in the small town of Odyssey. Themes include friendship, obedience, honesty, forgiveness and responsibility. Recommended by the publisher for ages 10-14 due to some mature subject matter. GRL: P
The Arch Book Bible Story Library published by Concordia Publishing House
These picture books are written in poetry in order to better engage young readers. Both Old Testament and New Testament stories are available.
The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule created by Stan & Jan Berenstain with Mike Berenstain
Sister Bear learns the meaning of Matthew 7:12, the “Golden Rule”.
Faith That Sticks series published by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
These leveled books for beginning readers include Bible stories (eg. Daniel and his Faithful Friends), nonfiction stories (eg. God Made Puppies) and stories with a moral (eg. Prickle Says I’m Sorry).
Frank and Bean series by Kathy-jo Wargin
Frank and his dog Beans learn to practice virtues such as kindness and patience during their many exploits together. This beginning-to-read Christian fiction series is published by Zonderkidz. RL 1
Gigi – God’s Little Princess series by Sheila Walsh
This picture book series for young Christian girls shows them that they are princesses in God’s kingdom. Virtues such as kindness and flexibility are also embedded in these stories. Although written at a third grade level, they are appropriate for the advanced younger reader or as a read aloud for preschoolers and younger elementary school students.
Go, Jade, Go! by Tony and Lauren Dungy
Justin’s older brother helps him identify his special talent and then he uses it to encourage his sister. RL 2
Here Comes the Parade! by Tony Dungy and Lauren Dungy
Justin’s older siblings help him do the right thing when he finds a lost wallet at a parade. RL 2
Heroes for Young Readers series by Renee Taft Meloche
This series introduces children to Christian “heroes” through rhyming text and colorful pictures. Men and women introduced include Hudson Taylor, Nate Saint, Amy Carmichael, Corrie ten Boom, and many more.
High Hurdle series by Lauraine Snelling
This series is recommended for ten – fifteen year olds. Girls who love horses will love these Christian fiction books! (Look for more books by this author on her website, www.laurainesnelling.com.)
#1 Olympic Dreams – Thirteen year old DJ Randall dreams of becoming an Olympic show jumper but a few things stand in her way. The biggest is not having a horse. At home DJ lives with her widowed grandmother and her single mom who is juggling a full-time job and college classes. When Grandma starts seriously dating a widowed police officer, DJ’s life is turned upside down. Through Grandma’s example and words, DJ is guided to bring everything to the Lord in prayer and she finds out how He can provide the best in every situation. Girls will like this horse story with a main character who deals with several common adolescent problems (eg. lack of money, a busy parent, a mean kid who shirks responsibility). Parents will appreciate the book because it subtly reinforces values such as setting goals and working hard. They may also appreciate the lack of teenage romance. Parents may want to note that DJ’s dad left the family when she was very young. (He resurfaces in a later book.)
#3 Setting the Pace – DJ is still at Briones Riding Academy, this time jumping with her own horse, Major. Find out how she tackles challenges such as her mother’s engagement and a racist newcomer at the stables with the help and encouragement of her grandparents.
I’m Not a Scaredy – Cat: A Prayer for When You Wish You Were Brave by Max Lucado
A young cat learns to overcome scary situations by praying a simple prayer. The repetition in this story makes it easy for young readers to remember the prayer so that they can also face their fears with bravery.
The King’s Book by Louise Vernon
Nat Culver, son of a Bible translator, must untangle a mysterious web of incidences surrounding accusations of treason against his father. This historical fiction novel gives a detailed account of the printing of the King James Bible in 1611. Publisher recommends this book for ages 9+. Author Louise Vernon has written two series, Historical Fiction and Religious Heritage, to acquaint children with church history figures such as William Tyndale, John Wycliffe, and Martin Luther.
The Light and the Glory for Children by Peter Marshall and David Manuel
The subtitle gives a good summary – “Discovering God’s Plan for America from Christopher Columbus to George Washington”. This book reveals the spiritual history of the United States by looking at several individuals and groups including Christopher Columbus, the Puritans, the Pilgrims, early missionaries to the southwest and northeast and George Washington. It includes a glossary and study questions. Publisher recommends for children 9 – 12.
Mandie series by Lois Gladys Leppard
Mandie and her friends have adventures and solve mysteries in this Christian fiction series set in the early 1900’s in North Carolina. Parents of young readers may want to be aware of some setting appropriate characters, such as bootleggers and a thirteen year old boy who has already chosen his future wife in Mandie and the Cherokee Legend. The author was mindful that her books would not touch anything “vulgar” and strove to teach morals and motivate children to read more. Most books are written on a fourth – fifth grade reading level.
The Missing Cupcake Mystery by Tony and Lauren Dungy
Justin, Jordan, and Jade have to solve the mystery of the missing cupcake before they can eat dessert! Along the way, one of them also learns a valuable lesson in honesty. A related Bible verse is on the dedication page. RL 2
A Night Night Prayer and other books by Amy Parker
Beautifully crafted for young readers, Mrs. Parker’s books introduce children to God and the wonders of the world around them.
Niko’s Night and Day – A Story of Opposites in God’s Creation by Colleen Oakes
Niko searches the woods for his lost train and experiences the wonders of God’s creation at night while recalling the beauty of the previous day.
A Perfect Pony by Dandi Daley Mackall
In addition to lessons in gratitude and repentance, Jen learns that God always knows best, even when her best friend Dave gets a swift, beautiful pony for his birthday.
Rainforest Friends series by Cheryl Crouch
Follow the adventures of Troo, a tree kangaroo, as he learns lessons of having consideration for others, getting along with siblings, and obedience. Bible references are included in these books for beginning readers.
Retta Barre’s Oregon Trail series by Stephen Bly
This Christian historical fiction series follows Retta Barre as she joins her family on the long trip to Oregon. Along the way, Retta finds adventure mixed in with the mundane. Parents may want to note that there is “girl-talk” about boys. RL 3-4
Sugar Creek Gang series by Paul Hutchens
Adventure stories geared toward boys but girls may enjoy them too. This Christian fiction series has been delighting readers for more than fifty years. The books thoughtfully portray boys from different family backgrounds. Original and updated versions available. RL 5
Super Ace series by Cheryl Crouch
Join Super Ace and his sidekick Ned as they zoom through deep, dark space helping others. Each book is written to exemplify a character trait and includes a Bible reference at the beginning of the book. RL2
This is the Day! by Amy Parker
Based by Psalm 118:24, this story inspires children to start the day in a joyful way.
Trailblazer series by Dave and Neta Jackson
Each book in this historical fiction series looks at a significant period in a well-known Christian’s life through the eyes of a fictional child. The forty books cover approximately five hundred years of world history. RL 5
A Voice as Soft as a Honey Bee’s Flutter by Jan Spivey Gilchrist
Inspired by Psalm 46, an award-winning illustrator recounts a true story of her brother learning to be still and know God.
What About Cimmaron? by Lauraine Snelling
Thirteen-year-old Sarah loves living in the Toutle Valley of Washington with her family and her horse, Cimmaron. But when Mount Saint Helen’s erupts nearby, they are forced to evacuate and leave all their farm animals behind, including Sarah’s beloved horse. Now she has a lot to think about and hard decisions to make – Is God even real? If God isn’t real, why does she still automatically pray to him? How can she find Cimmaron? Parents may want to note that this historical fiction novel depicts experiences of people living near the volcanic eruption in 1979, including the injuries and deaths of people and animals. Publisher recommended for ages 9 – 12 years old.
The World is Awake: A Celebration of Everyday Blessings by Linsey Davis
A lyrical picture book that highlights some of the many everyday blessings God has given us.
You Can Be a Friend by Tony and Lauren Dungy
This picture book shows that true friendship can overcome our personal limitations.
You Can Do It! by Tony Dungy
The true story of how Coach Dungy’s younger brother found a dream of his own.
Zonderkidz I Can Read series published by Zonderkidsz
These beginning readers from a Christian publishing company are leveled for children who are emergent readers to those who are ready for chapter books.