So, the question of what to get your kids to read, especially Christian literature is upon me once again by a blog reader who wants to start a book group for kids [how neat is that!], and I must say I am not as well versed in this area of Christian books for kids. As I noted in a different  post, my middle school kids have honestly told me that they see Christian lit as boring, and that may be my fault as I have not exposed them to much of it [so, starting earlier as one mom wants to do is a great idea and one I should maybe do for our 6 year old].

Maybe, due to the past quality, there is reason for the “boring” label reputation that Christian lit has. Sometimes, now I am speaking in general terms, Christian books for kids [and for adults in the past] have the reputation for being too simplistic. They too quickly spell out the moral of the story – again, just a reputation that I have heard without honestly giving them much chance.

But, to me,  a good book should have the lesson, the moral, within the context of the story and its characters and not spelled out so easily.

Some have said to me, okay, Cornelia, you write the books you want your kids to read and maybe someday…

But for now, I offer a few suggestions for ages 8-10 for now… based upon asking some Christian friends who have their kids read Christian books as well as my own research. If you  have any other ideas, by all means, write to me. I link to some websites as well for additional follow up.

Of course, lists depend on the style of books you like, mystery, biography, fantasy, etc. so this list has a combination of ideas.

I must add that I have books here that are not “Christian” per se, but have Christian values and are classics in the sense of the literary word. To me, those are every bit as important.

Here goes:

First of all is CS Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia- everyone has to read this series- read it to your younger ones then have them read it. 

Again.

Then, The Wrinkle in Time series by Madeleine L’Engle-

She is a believer and has written non-fiction for adults as well as poetry.

 Priest with Dirty Clothes by RC Sproul    [a wonderful Christian author for adults as well]

 Abel’s Island by  William Steig

 Christian Heroes: Then & Now by G Benge and Janet Benge

OTHER BOOKS –classics –

Tale of Three Trees by Angela Hunt

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Lyman Frank Baum

 Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

The Story of Babar by Jean De Brunhoff

6

I'd love to have you join me in the journey of our stories so please keep in touch by adding your email address here.

SUBSCRIBE!

You have Successfully Subscribed!