Summer Reading is Here!

We’ve been planning Faith & Fortitude, our 2021 summer reading program, for months, and it’s finally here! We officially begin on Monday, June 14th–that’s this coming Monday!

It’s not too late to join in the fun (even if you’re reading this after Monday). Read on to find out more about our 2021 summer reading challenge.

Christian Summer Reading Program

First, Faith & Fortitude is a Christian summer reading program. What does that mean? Our summer reading programs have always sought to help families disciple their children as they read together during the summer. Sometimes that looks like intentionally reading novels and fairy tales with discussion questions and a keen eye to common grace.

This year, our program is looking at church history, both around the world and in our own communities. This is not a stuffy church history program loaded down with heavy texts. This is an adventurous romp through some of the many ways God has worked through and in his people. You will discover hidden secrets lurking in your own community even as you read about people in foreign lands and in other time periods.

Like our previous summer reading programs, Faith & Fortitude includes weekly emails with devotionals and discussion questions to help you disciple your children as you read and adventure together!

Curated Book List

It’s easy to pick up a book from a library shelf, read it, and check the “summer reading” box. Odds are good that “box checkers” won’t actually remember much of what they read.

Summer reading can be so much more rewarding! Faith & Fortitude includes LOTS of reading suggestions, carefully curated for our audience. You don’t have to read all of them; in fact, that would be hard to do in between pool time, visits with grandparents, and summer camp.

Instead, our suggestions are simply there to help you pick the books that will benefit your family the most in terms of ages and interest levels (and time to read). You won’t have to worry that our book lists have questionable titles that you need to pre-read. We’ve been reading ahead for you!

Fun Activities

Everyone scatters to grade level activities and friends in the school year, but summer is a time to make memories and spend time with family. We’ve got a short list of recommended activities for each week of Faith & Fortitude that correspond with that week’s theme. Some of them are screen-based and free (such as a virtual tour of a famous site from Christian history). Others will have you out and about your community as you hunt down the oldest church in your area or find out more about the history of your own church. Singing, writing letters, and even cooking recipes are also in the mix. There’s a little something for everyone, and you get to choose which one(s) you do.

Summer Reading E-Zine

This year, for the first time, we’ve got a summer reading “e-zine” just for you! Print it out or read it on your screen. In addition to summaries of the program and book lists, we’ve got some special articles and extras from people you’ll love hearing from: Tim Challies, Trillia Newbell, Aaron Rothermel, Simonetta Carr, Bethany Chmil, and more.

We’ve included a simple “passport tracker” in the e-zine to help you keep track of what you read and where you go. Turn it in at the end for a chance to win a prize box of books or a gift subscription to our Fellowship. Reading is more about intrinsic rewards than extrinsic, but prizes are still fun!

Register for Summer Reading Today!

When you register, you’ll get access to a Summer Reading Hub with a link for the e-zine and, soon, all the weekly devotionals and discussion questions. (They will be uploaded each week of the program.)