In his Confessions, Augustine wrote this on the subject of “time”: “I understand well enough what time is, so long as no one asks me.” In the same way, we recognize leadership but find it hard to define. “Leadership” takes different forms in different circumstances, and it has many components. The best leaders are also good followers. Christians recognize that everyone in authority (the one consistent requirement for leadership) is also subject to a higher authority. To complicate matters further, it’s as important to recognize whom not to follow (in spite of brilliant leadership qualities), as well as whom to follow.
Fiction and nonfiction present outstanding examples of leadership, both good and bad. Here’s a selection of books we’ve reviewed (and a few we haven’t), in four categories or qualities of leadership, arranged from picture books to adult reading:
Overcoming; Beating the Odds
Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Picture-Book Biography about a little-known black artist who overcame war injuries and prejudice to make his mark. Ages 4-8
The Survivor Diaries series. Chapter books for early primary grades: each desperate situation shows kids stepping up to perform acts of courage and determination they never suspected they had. Ages 7-11
Silent Days, Silent Dreams by Allen Say. In this picture book for middle grades, a boy who was autistic and mute learns to create lovely art. Ages 8-12
Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey by Nick Bertozzi. The true story of an epic exploration, in graphic novel format. Ages 10-15
Terror at Bottle Creek by Watt Key. A 13-year-old boy takes responsibility for his neighbor and her little sister as they endure a ferocious hurricane. Ages 12-15.
Auma’s Long Run by Eucabeth Odhiambo. A bright girl in a Kenyan village escapes the cycle of poverty aggravated by the AIDS epidemic. Ages 12-15.
If We Survive by Andrew Klavan. A short-term mission trip to Central America turns deadly for four teens as revolutionaries capture and threaten them. Ages 12-15
The Girl Who Drew Butterflies by Joyce Sidman. Maria Merian challenged the limits imposed on women of her day, in order to study insects in Suriname and make some important scientific discoveries. Ages 10-14
Vesper Holly series by Lloyd Alexander. Vesper Holly, a potential 16-year-old Indiana Jones, follows in the footsteps of her archaeologist father. Ages 12-up
Through Gates of Splendor by Elizabeth Elliot. The true story of how a young widow carried the gospel of Christ to the very people who murdered her husband; a Christian classic. Ages 12-up
Steamboat School by Deborah Hopkinson. How a St. Louis pastor got around an unjust law to offer education to African Americans. Picture book, ages 6-12
Longburrow: Podkin One-Ear by Kieran Larwood. Though the son of a chief Podkin is lackadaisical about his duties until a terrifying enemy destroys his home. Then he’s forced to take on the mantel of leadership. Ages 8-12
Robin Hood by David Calcutt. Tales of the classic outlaw-resistor get a spiffy retelling with glorious illustrations. Ages 8-up
Betty Before X by Ilyasa Shabazz. A compelling look into the life of Betty before X (Malcolm X) and the influence of the black church in the racially charged 1940s. Ages 10-12
The Giver by Lois Lowry. 12-year-old Jonas is content in his almost-perfect community until he’s chosen to be the village “Giver.” Ages 10-up
Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz. The 13-year-old son of Irish ambassadors in WWII Berlin joins the Hitler Youth as a saboteur. Ages 12-15
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai. The girl who was shot in the head by the Taliban tells of her survival and her continuing struggle to secure rights and education for girls all over the world. Ages 12-up
This Changes Everything by Jacquelle Crowe. Just being a committed Christian in today’s culture means bucking the trend. A 19-year-old author outlines steps for growing, acting, and speaking in faith. Ages 15-18
7 Men and the Secret of Their Greatness by Eric Metaxas. Short biographies of consequential figures such as George Washington, William Wilberforce, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer explore the qualities that helped them meet the challenges of their times. (There’s a 7 Women book out now too, but we haven’t reviewed it yet). Ages 12-up
Taking Initiative
Bored, Nothing to Do by Peter Spier. This is out of print, but worth looking for. Two young teens decide to do something constructive with a long afternoon by building a plane–and flying it. Picture book, ages 4-up
The Boy Who Became Buffalo Bill by Andrea Warren. Fatherless at the age of 11, Billy Cody became the chief support of his family, packing a lifetime of adventure in before he was old enough to vote. Ages 10-14
Mary Emma and Company by Ralph Moody. This is a sequel to Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers. The author continues his memoir with stories of how he helped support his intrepid mother and five siblings after his father’s death. Ages 12-up
The Year Money Grew on Trees by Aaron Hawkins. a 13-year-old “inherits” an apple orchard and starts from the ground up, not without agony along with the ecstasy of a profitable crop.
The Boys Who challenged Hitler by Philip Hoose. The true story of Knud Pedersen and his school pals, who offered what may have been the first organized resistance to Nazi rule in Denmark. Ages 12-15
Nine Days by Fred Hiatt. Ethan volunteers to take his Chinese friend Ti-anna into to Communist China on a secret mission to find her missing father. Ages 12-15
Under a Painted Sky by Stacy Lee. Two teen girls, one Chinese American and the other African American, light out for the territories when things get to hot for them in 1850s Missouri.
Bad “Leadership”: Some men women have charisma, charm, courage, determination, skills, and/or initiative–great leadership qualities, used in a bad cause. Besides learning the characteristics of good leaders, we also should learn to recognize the bad ones.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kenny. Greg Heffly, perpetual fifth-grade loser, is not leadership material but he’s so funny young readers might need to be reminded he’s not the best role model.
Always, Abigail by Nancy Cavanaugh. Abigail is looking forward to sixth grade and joining the pom pom squad with her two besties. How far will she follow them into meanness? Ages 8-10
River Rats by Leslie Wyatt. Kenny worships his big brother Jim, who draws admiration like honey draws flies. But there comes a time to stand against the way big brother is going. Ages 10-14
Posted by John David Anderson. Four pals find one of their own being drawn into “the group” of verbal bullies: how can they rescue him? ages 12-15
Twerp by Marc Goldblatt. Julian allows his gang to lead him into participating in an act of cruelty; now he has to redeem himself somehow. ages 12-15
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Janie is the VERY senior staff writer for Redeemed Reader, as well as a long-time contributor to WORLD Magazine and an author of nine books for children. The rest of the time she's long-distance smooching on her four grandchildren (not an easy task). She lives with her equally senior husband of almost-fifty years in the Ozarks of Missouri.
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I always appreciate your booklists!