Faith-building finds for young readers

The Really Radical Book for Kids

Champ Thornton
(New Growth Press 2023)

In this follow-up to his 2016 book The Radical Book for Kids, Thornton offers 41 more lessons intended to help families cultivate Christian worldviews. At first glance the stand-alone chapters may seem ­random, with topics ranging from Bible battles to mini bios of faithful Christians. As a whole, however, the book’s chapters work together to push readers toward greater Biblical literacy as they investigate Scriptural principles and ponder tough questions (such as how to spot a cultural lie and how to make a case for the existence of God). Scot McDonald’s design and illustrations turn challenging concepts into a visually engaging read for kids of all ages. Ages 8-14

Exploring the Earliest Gospel

Rebecca McLaughlin
(Moody 2023)

McLaughlin worked with her tween daughters to create this Bible study on the book of Mark, which aims to help kids grow in their love of God’s Word as they learn to study it. The book divides the first Gospel into six acts, summarizing key themes and moments before unpacking each section verse by verse. Sprinkled throughout the 66 chapters are additional fact boxes that offer more explanation about something or someone mentioned in the Scripture reading. While the book is intended for children to use on their own as they learn how to study the Bible for themselves, it could also work in a family devotional setting with ­parents and children reading and discussing together. Ages 8-13

Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days

Jill Miller
(New Growth Press 2022)

Miller draws from her humorous and delightful experiences raising animals in rural Pennsylvania to share faith concepts in an accessible way with ­children of all abilities. Through 52 entries (one for each week of the year), Miller’s stories of fainting goats, donkeys, golden retrievers, and even tick bites serve to remind children of how God is working in their daily lives to take upside-down souls and set them right side up. Although the book is marketed as a family devotional, some of the simple stories are lean on Scripture and deeper Biblical study, thus making the book better suited as a read-aloud that parents use to spur faith conversations with their young children. Ages 4-8

The True King

Nancy Guthrie
(10Publishing 2022)

In this little book, Guthrie focuses on God’s promise to bring a True King who will be unlike any other kings of this world and whose kingdom will be different from those of this world. The book highlights key moments in God’s epic kingdom plan and the ongoing struggle with Satan’s kingdom of darkness. Guthrie then explains how Jesus used His time on earth to reveal to us what His future kingdom will be like: He healed the infirm to show that sickness will be no more, and He cast out demons to demonstrate that evil will have no place. The conclusion encourages children to look forward to Jesus’ return and His kingdom come. Ages 6-10