Christian

The Apostles’ Creed by Ben Myers

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 21, 2022

A vibrantly illustrated picture book that helps parents explain the historic Apostles' Creed to their children. The Apostles' Creed: For All God's Children by Ben ...

*Carved in Ebony by Jasmine Holmes

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 7, 2022

Carved in Ebony profiles 10 inspiring Black women, looking at their lives, their callings, and their faith. *Carved in Ebony: Lessons from the Black Women ...

‘Twas the Season of Advent

By Megan Saben | Dec 21, 2021

'Twas the Season of Advent is an advent devotional for littles that hearkens back to the classic poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas" but focuses ...

Bible Review: ESV Reformation Study Bible, Student Edition

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 20, 2021

ESV Reformation Study Bible, Student Edition. Ligonier, 2021, 2400 pages. Reading Level: Teens, 12 and up Recommended for: Ages 12 and up The ESV Reformation ...

Meals From Mars by Ben Sciacca

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 9, 2021

Jim and Malik confront their own prejudices as they simultaneously experience God's providence in a dangerous, complicated situation in this modern parable for teens and ...

*Big Questions Series by Chris Morphew

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 2, 2021

The Big Questions Series raises—and answers—life's big questions on a level that middle schoolers will understand and appreciate: suffering, life after death, and more. *The ...

Andrew and the Firedrake by Douglas Wilson

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 26, 2021

In this allegory for middle grades, Andrew journeys on a quest that includes delights, temptations, and dragons. Andrew and the Firedrake by Douglas Wilson. Canon ...

*Little Hearts Prepare Him Room by Holly Mackle

By Megan Saben | Nov 19, 2021

Little Hearts Prepare Him Room by Holly Mackle is a simple Advent devotional with deep theology, suitable for a variety of ages. Little Hearts Prepare ...

Dragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 15, 2021

Dragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester introduces young readers to eight dragon stories along with THE dragon story. Dragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester. Canonball ...

Good News of Great Joy by John Piper

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 3, 2021

John Piper examines why the new is really and eternally good, in the attractive volume of short advent readings. Good News of Great Joy: 25 ...

*The Dawn of Redeeming Grace by Sinclair Ferguson

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 2, 2021

Winsome and pastoral, The Dawn of Redeeming Grace is a thoughtful Advent meditation on Matthew 1-2 for teens and up. *The Dawn of Redeeming Grace: ...

*Is Christmas Unbelievable? by Rebecca McLaughlin

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 2, 2021

Rebecca McLaughlin answers four questions everyone should ask about the Christmas story, beginning with the historicity of Jesus Himself. A great resource for teens. *Is ...

Church History from Kingstone

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 19, 2021

Three publications by Kingstone Media inform readers about Luther, Vladimir, and Martyrs of the 1st-3rd centuries. Luther by Dr. Rich Melheim, illustrated by various artists. ...

Picture Book Roundup: Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospel Music

By Megan Saben | Sep 15, 2021

Hiding Baby Moses, Jesus and the Very Big Surprise, and Clap Your Hands bring fresh eyes to old Truths. Hiding Baby Moses by Judith L. ...

*Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies by Marilyn McEntyre

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 23, 2021

Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies makes readers think through how to be better stewards of words. *Caring for Words in a Culture ...

Stones and Stories by Judith E. Anderson

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 23, 2021

Stones and Stories is a concise primer on literary analysis and hermeneutics, building off the intriguing extended metaphor of stones. Stones and Stories: A Primer ...

John Klassen and Proverbs: A Guest Post from Sarah Hartman*

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 28, 2021

John Klassen's Hat trilogy beautifully illustrates timeless truths from the book of Proverbs. I Want My Hat Back (2011), This is Not My Hat (2012), ...

Christian sexuality, broken Greek statue

*Reading and Talking about Sexuality

By Hayley Morell | Jul 2, 2021

*Note, this post engages with sexuality and includes conversation and books that are suitable for teens and adults. I was hiking in Europe. A French ...

*American History by Thomas Kidd

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 28, 2021

Interesting and readable, American History by Thomas Kidd is an outstanding resource for high school Christian students and teachers. *American History by Thomas Kidd. B&H ...

*Recovering the Lost Art of Reading by Leland Ryken and Glenda Faye Mathes

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 16, 2021

Recovering the Lost Art of Reading invites readers to reconsider how and why they read; it offers ideas and suggestions for Christians who want to ...

God Made Me for Worship by Jared Kennedy

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 10, 2021

Author Jared Kennedy uses Isaiah 6 as a model for explaining the liturgy, in God Made Me for Worship God Made Me for Worship: Helping ...

*Tree Street Kids: Jack vs. the Tornado and The Hunt for Fang

By Megan Saben | Jun 2, 2021

Authentic characters and classic themes shine in a God-honoring series about Jack, his sister, friendship, and a great clubhouse. Tree Street Kids series by Amanda ...

Adulting 101, Book 2: #liveyourbestlife

By Betsy Farquhar | May 12, 2021

Adulting 101, Book 2 is an excellent graduation gift idea or resource for teens heading to college or into the workforce. Adulting 101, Book 2: ...

5 Minutes in Church History and In the Year of Our Lord

By Betsy Farquhar | May 10, 2021

5 Minutes in Church History and In the Year of Our Lord each view church history through an engaging and refreshing lens. ***Giveaway Is Now ...

Graduation Gift List

By Betsy Farquhar | May 6, 2021

Need a graduation gift idea for a new or recent graduate? We've got you covered! 'Tis the season when many young men and women doff ...

*Truths We Confess by R. C. Sproul

By Betsy Farquhar | May 3, 2021

Truths We Confess is a concise, accessible, and systematic exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith, perfect for seniors, new graduates, and Sunday school groups. ...

*Surviving Religion 101 by Michael Kruger

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 28, 2021

With Surviving Religion 101, a Christian father and scholar arms his daughter against attacks on Christianity from skeptical professors and students. *Surviving Religion 101: Letters ...

*Proverbs For You and Solomon Says: 2 Books for Graduates

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 26, 2021

Two recent, excellent books on Proverbs offer biblical wisdom and counsel, perfect for new graduates. Note: both of these books target new adults (and up). ...

*Tell God How You Feel by Christina Fox

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 19, 2021

Tell God How You Feel equips parents and teachers to help kids with hard emotions from a biblical framework. *Tell God How You Feel: Helping ...

*Go and Do Likewise! by John Hendrix

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 8, 2021

In Go and Do Likewise, as in Miracle Man, John Hendrix offers a fresh take on the life and teachings of Christ. *Go and Do ...

What Is “Body Positivity”?

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 6, 2021

"Body Positivity," as a whole, tries to correct a false narrative by substituting an unreal narrative. About 15 years ago, a disturbing trend was popping ...

*The Promise by Jason Helopoulos

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 30, 2021

The Promise takes readers from the beginning of God’s story through the fulfillment of his redemptive purpose, with striking illustrations and compelling prose. *The Promise: ...

Bible Infographics for Kids

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 30, 2021

Bible Infographics for Kids presents Bible facts and concepts in an entertaining, memorable way. Bible Infographics for Kids by Harvest House Publishers, illustrated by Brian ...

Bible Review: NLV Brave Boys and Courageous Girls

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 29, 2021

The Bible for Brave Boys and The Bible for Courageous Girls: New Life Version. Barbour, 2020, 944 pages (text size unavailable) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...

Bible Review: NLT Girls Life Application Study Bible

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 29, 2021

NLT Girls Life Application Study Bible. Tyndale House, 2016, 1568 pages (8 point font). Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: Ages 9-13 Girls ...

*10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 23, 2021

With Christianity increasingly under fire, apologist Rebecca McLaughlin answers 10 questions every young Christian will have to confront. *10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and ...

Retro Review: *Let Justice Roll Down by John Perkins

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 19, 2021

The life of John Perkins offers the only true way to justice, reconciliation, and forgiveness for our tragic racist history. *Let Justice Roll Down by ...

WORLD Children’s Books of the Year: A Report

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 13, 2021

The ALA isn’t the only organization that rewards excellence in children’s books! Since 2014, WORLD News Group has recognized outstanding literature for kids in its ...

*Creative God Colorful Us by Trillia Newbell

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 1, 2021

Creative God Colorful Us invites students to enjoy God's diverse family by loving God and their neighbor and celebrating God's human creation. *Creative God Colorful ...

2021 Newbery Buzz #4: Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 15, 2021

We've been scanning the starred review lists and listening in on the chatter to tell you about the likely Newbery contenders for this year. So ...

Engage with Culture: Two Books for Parents

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 4, 2021

Mama Bear Apologetics and The Pop Culture Parent both aim to help parents interact with the culture surrounding their kids. Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your ...

Courageous World Changers by Shirley Rae Redmond

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 10, 2020

Courageous World Changers briefly covers the lives of 50 women throughout the world and history who lived for Christ. Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories ...

There’s a Lion in My Nativity! by Lizzie Laferton and illustrated by Kim Barnes

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 7, 2020

Rhyming text and colorful illustrations help children understand more about Jesus and the Christmas story in this new Christmas picture book. There's a Lion in ...

A Better Than Anything Christmas by Barbara Reaoch

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 7, 2020

Dig in to the Christmas story a bit more intentionally this year with A Better Than Anything Christmas, a family Advent devotional with interactive questions ...

Thank You, C. S. Lewis

By Hayley Morell | Oct 16, 2020

This morning, doing devotions, I was reflecting on the resurrection. The phrase Deeper magic, before the dawn of time drifted unbidden into my reflections. I ...

The Door on Half-Bald Hill by Helena Sorensen

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 28, 2020

Idris, Bard of Blackthorn, is on a quest for answers in this darkly brooding fantasy for teens and adults. The Door on Half-Bald Hill by ...

The Golden Key and the Christian Imagination

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 23, 2020

Meeting George MacDonald I first met George MacDonald through the pages of his poetry and then, later, in his novels (the versions edited by Michael ...

*The Roar on the Other Side by Suzanne Underwood Rhodes

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 17, 2020

Is poetry writing obsolete? It doesn't have to be, especially for Christians. *The Roar on the Other Side: A Guide for Student Poets by Suzanne ...

Not All Stories Are Created Equal

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 14, 2020

The "Power of Story" is an article of faith among authors, librarians, and other bookish people. But beware its limitations. The “power of story” consistent ...

My Name Is Tani by Tanitoluwa Adewumi

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 31, 2020

My Name is Tani is the hopeful true story of a young boy who finds a place and a passion in America. My Name Is ...

*The Friend Who Forgives by Dan Dewitt

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 6, 2020

In The Friend Who Forgives, we read about impatient, impetuous Peter and his faithful, forgiving friend Jesus. *The Friend Who Forgives: A True Story About ...

Books about Racism for Children and Teens

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 8, 2020

Books About Racism Are Important Books don't save. Only Jesus saves. But books can be terrific discussion starters, particularly when we want to discuss current ...

*God’s Very Good Idea by Trillia Newbell and Catalina Echeverri

By Megan Saben | Jun 6, 2020

God's design for diversity was beautiful from the beginning but marred by sin, requiring a Redeemer to rescue us from our mess. *God's Very Good ...

Dear Class of 2020

By Janie Cheaney | May 22, 2020

Whatever your plans were for this spring, they’ve probably been messed up in a big way. Maybe your plans for the summer, too. Homeschoolers don’t ...

*Epic by Tim Challies

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 15, 2020

Epic takes readers around the globe tracking down fascinating artifacts of Church history. *Epic: An Around-the-World Journey through Christian History by Tim Challies. Zondervan, 2020, ...

Soul-Shaping Poetry: 2 Books for Teens and Adults

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 13, 2020

Soul-Shaping Poetry Have you ever stopped to think about how much poetry has shaped the Christian soul? Poetry is an intrinsic part of our worship ...

Bible Review: NIV Heart of Gold Bible

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 11, 2020

NIV Heart of Gold Bible. Zondervan, 2019, 1088 pages (9 point font) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 8-12 Though “girls” is ...

Bible Review: NIV Ultimate Bible for Girls

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 11, 2020

NIV Ultimate Bible for Girls. Zonderban, 2019, 1504 pages (9 point font) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 8-12 The Ultimate Bible ...

Bible Review: NIV Artisan Collection Bible for Girls

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 10, 2020

NIV Artisan Collection Bible for Girls. Zondervan, 2019, 1600 pages (9.9 point font) Reading level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 12-up The title ...

Bible Review: NIrV Illustrated Holy Bible for Kids

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 10, 2020

NIrV Illustrated Holy Bible for Kids. Zondervan, 2019, 1632 pages (8 point font) Reading Level: 3rd grade Recommended for: Ages 4-8 This new edition of ...

Bible Review: CSB Seven Arrows

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 8, 2020

CSB Seven Arrows: the How-to-Study Bible for Students. B&H Kids, 2019, 1350 pages (9.5-point font) Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 13-18 “Seven ...

CSB Heart of God Study Bible for Teens

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 8, 2020

CSB Heart of God Teen Study Bible. Baker, 2019, 1712 pages (9-point font) Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 12-18 The theme of ...

Exploring the Bible Together by David Murray

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 7, 2020

Exploring the Bible Together launches families on a year-long journey through Scripture in a way that’s both practical and effective. Exploring the Bible Together: a ...

*Get Your Story Straight by Kristen Hatton

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 6, 2020

Get Your Story Straight is a straightforward devotional guide that invites teens to study the story of Scripture, focusing the real hero of the story. ...

A Family Easter

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 3, 2020

What were you doing last February? Possibly, after Valentine’s Day passed and stores cleared their shelves for St. Patrick’s, you were seeing some Easter chicks ...

*Jesus Rose for Me by Jared Kennedy

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 1, 2020

Jesus Rose for Me expands on The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible to help young children rejoice in the Resurrection *Jesus Rose for Me (a Beginner’s ...

Ordinary Hazards by Nikki Grimes: a Discussion

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 14, 2020

Every now and then we read a book that seems to warrant more than a standard review—even a starred one. That was Janie and Betsy’s ...

*By and By: Charles Albert Tindley by Carole Boston Weatherford

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 19, 2020

Charles Albert Tindley rose from abject poverty to preach to thousands and write the anthem of the Civil Rights movement. *By and By: Charles Albert ...

5 Lent Devotionals (for Protestants)

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 10, 2020

Do you observe Lent? Did you know that there are Lent devotionals written with Protestants in mind? The early church officially began marking Lent liturgically ...

*Long Ago, on a Silent Night by Julie Berry

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 3, 2019

What happened "Long Ago on a Silent Night" resonates down the ages, in this lovely, evocative picture book. *Long Ago, on a Silent Night by ...

To Speak of What’s Good: Positive Developments in Children’s Publishing

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 27, 2019

Children's publishing has shown some disturbing trends recently, but there's also much to be thankful for. Recently I (Janie) had the honor of visiting with ...

The Night of His Birth

By Megan Saben | Nov 26, 2019

"Sing out, my soul, the wonder..." How marvelous the mystery of giving birth to the Son of God! What might have been the musings of ...

*Love Came Down At Christmas by Sinclair Ferguson

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 19, 2019

Love Came Down at Christmas is an excellent devotional for Advent for teens and up: meditations on 1 Corinthians 13 by Sinclair Ferguson. *Love Came ...

*Unwrapping the Names of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 18, 2019

Mediate on the names of Jesus during Advent with this helpful, inspiring family devotional. *Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional by Asheritah Ciuciu. ...

*Her Own Two Feet by Meredith Davis

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 15, 2019

Her Own Two Feet is the true story of a severely disabled Rwandan girl who finds hope and healing through a Christian aid organization. *Her ...

How to Really Celebrate Reformation Day

By Megan Saben | Oct 17, 2019

Inventing a Holiday My earliest memory of Halloween was enjoying homemade doughnuts between answering the doorbell and distributing candy to trick-or-treaters. I had no doubt ...

4 Books About the Reading Life: a Literary Nightstand Round-Up

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 16, 2019

Book lovers love books about other book lovers. After all, we share the reading life in common: its challenges, its delights, its unique common language. ...

Tools for Leaving Home: a List for Fledgling Adults

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 2, 2019

A list of books that might help with the difficult transition from teen to adult in today's confusing culture. Let’s get one thing straight: A ...

*Confronting Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin

By Hayley Morell | Aug 1, 2019

Rebecca McLaughlin confronts some of the hardest questions faced by Christians today with thoughtful, engaging responses rooted in Scripture. *Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for ...

*Transformed by Truth by Katherine Forster

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 30, 2019

Transformed by Truth offers a lifelong approach to Bible study with practical helps for teens and adults. *Transformed by Truth: Why and How to Study ...

Don’t Blame the Mud by Marty Machowski

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 9, 2019

Don't Blame the Mud introduces children to the concept of indwelling sin in a way that they can relate to and grasp. Don’t Blame the ...

Summer Reading for Moms

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 3, 2019

Moms need book recommendations, too! Those of you who enjoyed the Faith, Fiction, and Fellowship Read-Along in the spring read through Christina Fox's Closer Than ...

Pilgrim’s Progress Roundup

By Megan Saben | May 29, 2019

When you are ready to introduce your family to a classic edition of Pilgrim’s Progress, two simplified versions complement each other beautifully, providing solid familiarity ...

Bible Review: NASB Children’s Edition

By Janie Cheaney | May 28, 2019

This brand-new Children's Edition of the New American Standard Bible is a must-have for NASB users. NASB Holy Bible, Children’s Edition, Three Sixteen Publishing, 2019, ...

The Pilgrim’s Regress by C. S. Lewis

By Janie Cheaney | May 17, 2019

The Pilgrim’s Regress by C. S. Lewis. Eerdmans, 2014, 256 pages. (Originally published 1933 UK, 1935 US) Reading Level: Teen/adult Recommended for: ages 18-up In ...

The Pilgrim Travels on: Literary References to The Pilgrim’s Progress

By Janie Cheaney | May 16, 2019

Few works of literature have had the cultural reach of John Bunyan's The Pilgrim’s Progress. That’s pretty amazing—who would have thought an adventure story that ...

The Pilgrim’s Progress Movie

By Megan Saben | May 1, 2019

The movie version of Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, which included some creative liberties, was faithful to the themes of the classic allegory and fueled a delightful ...

Adulting 101 by Josh Burnette and Pete Hardesty

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 29, 2019

Adulting 101: #Wisdom4Life by Josh Burnette and Pete Hardesty. Broadstreet Publishing Group, 2018. 192 pages. Reading Level: Ages 16 and up Recommended For: Ages 14 ...

Bible Review: CSB Defend Your Faith

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 20, 2019

The Defend Your Faith Bible equips middle graders for apologetics with arguments for the reasonableness and accuracy of the scriptures. CSB Defend Your Faith Bible: ...

Bible Reviews: NIV God’s Treasure, Polar Adventure, and Incredible Creatures

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 18, 2019

Three recent editions of the NIV from Zondervan target adventurous kids and fantasy lovers. NIV God’s Treasure Holy Bible. Zonderkidz, 2018, 1216 pages (font size ...

*He is Risen: Rocks Tell the Story of Easter by Patti Rokus

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 16, 2019

A beautiful, artistic representation of the story of Easter using rocks set against a black backdrop. Starred review for He is Risen. *He is Risen: ...

Bible Review: the Stampede of “Creative” Bibles

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 15, 2019

A coloring Bible may make a lovely gift for the right recipient, but is it the best choice for reading and studying? The appearance of ...

Sweeter Than Honey by Melissa Deming

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 8, 2019

Sweeter Than Honey offers readers a clear, step-by-step approach to studying the Bible. Sweeter Than Honey: Cultivating an Appetite for the Word of God by ...

*Forward Me Back to You by Mitali Perkins

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 8, 2019

Mitali Perkins' latest novel takes two conflicted teens to India to confront human trafficking and challenges to their Christian faith. *Forward Me Back to You ...

The Faithful Artist: an Interview with John Hendrix

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 5, 2019

John Hendrix grew up in St. Louis, left home to advance his art career, and eventually returned. Along the way he spent some time as ...

You Who by Rachel Jankovic

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 4, 2019

You Who: Why You Matter and How to Deal with It is a refreshing take on the "find yourself" messages blaring from our culture for ...

30+ Women in Church History: A Book List

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 1, 2019

Did you know that March is Women's History Month? Or that the theme for Women's History Month 2019 is "Visionary Women: Champions of Peace & ...

Christians and Mental Illness: an Interview with Simonetta Carr

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 20, 2019

The author of Broken Pieces and the God Who Mends them shares further insights about her experience with schizophrenia. Our readers are familiar with Simonetta's ...

At the Well is a short book urging singles (teens and up) to wait on the Lord for marriage and for his timing. At the Well: Discovering God's Plan for Finding True Love by Kristen Tiber. Kristen Summers LLC, 2018. 146 pages. Reading Level: ...

The Biggest Win by Joshua Cooley

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 29, 2019

In The Biggest Win, players from the 2018 Super Bowl championship team coach young athlete in winning the kingdom of God. The Biggest Win: Pro ...