The Bright Light and the Super Scary Darkness by Dan DeWitt: DeWitt’s newest picture book helps children confront a common fear of the dark through their faith in Jesus. In simple terms, DeWitt shows how the Bible is ultimately a story about light versus dark. After Adam and Eve’s fall, DeWitt writes, “people began to love the darkness more than the light,” and “sometimes it seemed like the darkness was going to win.” But God sent Jesus, and we no longer have to fear because “Jesus is the bright light that defeats the scaredy-cat darkness!” Kids will also love that the book’s cover features glow-in-the-dark ink. (Ages 3-8)

Mountain Born by Elizabeth Yates: This 1944 Newbery Honor Book introduces readers to Peter as he comes of age working on his family’s mountain farm. When Peter’s mother revives a newborn lamb from death to life, the cosset becomes Peter’s charge. The lamb grows into an extraordinary sheep and forges a special bond with Peter as he learns to care for the flock. The story offers gentle wisdom and illustrates how strength and courage are found in faithfully and selflessly doing the work set before you. It also highlights the gift of mentorship from old to young. (Ages 6-12)

Silverbelly by S.J. Dahlstrom: The Wilder Good series continues with Dahlstrom’s latest installment following Wilder’s quest to bag a trophy buck on his grandfather’s Texas ranch. After his grandfather shares the tale of Silverbelly, a legendary buck roaming the region, Wilder makes plans to hunt down the elusive deer. Amid a snowstorm and a sour run-in with a neighbor, however, his grandfather gently teaches Wilder about stewardship in hunting. The book culminates with Wilder facing two difficult decisions. This wholesome and adventurous story would make a great read-aloud for fathers and sons who hunt together. (Ages 9-14)

Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers by Ralph Moody: In the early 1900s at the tender age of 8, Moody moved with his family to Colorado, hoping the climate would improve his father’s failing health. The new ranch is fraught with problems, but the family determines to stick it out. In this 1950 memoir, Moody recalls the eventful (roundups, tornadoes, and irrigation disputes) as well as the ordinary (haying, horses, and holidays). The story emphasizes the father-son relationship and traces Moody’s path to manhood under his father’s wise tutelage. Note: some coarse dialogue and taking of God’s name in vain. (Ages 9-14)

Afterword

Middle-grade boys who savor suspenseful, action-filled reading may enjoy Justin D’Ath’s Extreme Adventures series that opens with Crocodile Attack (Kane Miller, 2010). When Sam Fox stumbles upon a robbery, he must foil a kidnapping while surviving a cyclone—and crocodiles. Although the unfolding plot requires suspension of disbelief, it will entice even reluctant readers to keep turning pages.

WORLD has reviewed other books with heroic plots that would also appeal to boys: In Trenton Lee Stewart’s The Secret Keepers—WORLD’s 2017 Children’s Novel of the Year—Reuben discovers an antique watch with supernatural powers that he must keep from evil hands. Andrew Peterson’s Wingfeather fantasy saga follows the adventures of three children as they discover their destiny while eluding villains. S.D. Smith’s Green Ember series about “rabbits with swords” also features siblings uncovering the truth about their lineage while battling the enemy. To read full reviews, search WORLD’s archives at wng.org using the book title or author’s name. —K.C.