Firm foundations

12 Truths Every Teen Can Trust

Paul David Tripp
Crossway, 176 pages

One of WORLD’s honorable mentions for 2025’s Books of the Year was How To Teach Kids Theology, and Tripp’s recent book for teens would pair well with it. This resource, which is rooted in the Westminster Confession of Faith, pre­sents solid theology in accessible terms by focusing on 12 core essentials of the Christian faith. The book is not meant to be read in one sitting, and attempting to do so would limit the reader’s ability to adequately ponder and reflect on the subject matter. With seven readings for each doctrine, the book can serve as a 12-­week daily devotional that allows for steady digestion of the material. The volume’s presentation will resonate with adults, too, making this a valuable tool from which the whole family can benefit. Ages 13–18

The Amazing Generation

Jonathan Haidt & Catherine Price
Rocky Pond, 240 pages

This follow-up to The Anxious Generation, Haidt’s 2024 exposé of the detrimental effects of a phone-based childhood, targets tweens to help them set healthy tech habits and break free from patterns that can hijack their lives. The format is part handbook and part graphic novel with lots of illustrations to keep the intended audience engaged. The overall message of the book is solid and timely, whether the reader has tech devices or not, but at times the book communicates ideas antithetical to a Biblical worldview. One section, for example, encourages readers to consider how they feel after doing something, and “If you feel good, it was probably a good use of your time.” But this doesn’t account for how sin often feels or seems good when it’s not. Ages 9–14

Teach Me To Pray

Kristen Wetherell
Crossway, 112 pages

In Teach Me To Pray, Wetherell provides a tool parents and grandparents can use to help elementary-age children learn how to pray about all areas of life. Alphabetically arranged, the 52 prayers address many matters of the heart (such as attitude, identity, and vanity) and model how children can structure their prayer time. The prayer for obedience exclaims, “Within my heart I feel a fight, Resistance to the way that’s right! Please give me strength to follow you, To love what’s lovely like you do.” Other prayers point children to look beyond themselves to the needs of their community and world through prayers for orphans, missionaries, and the unborn. Each prayer is accompanied by Scripture, short commentary about the subject matter, and then an action step. Ages 7–12

The Kingdom and the King Storybook Bible

Bob Hartman
The Good Book Company, 176 pages

Hartman’s volume of 70 stories spanning both Testaments offers a slightly different approach than some other storybook Bibles. His selection of stories revolves around the theme of Christ the King and His kingdom. Old Testament entries illustrate the continual foreshadowing of Jesus the King, while New Testament entries demonstrate how Jesus was the King of all and how His followers were to practice kingdom living. With Catalina Echeverri’s trademark illustrations, Hartman recounts the stories with children in mind, simplifying and summarizing key accounts that relate to the overall King and kingdom theme. His conclusion reminds children that lots of things will vie to be king of their lives, but only the True King will ever satisfy. Note: Pictures depict Jesus’ face. Ages 4–8