Books on Books for Kids
These are books about books for kids—children and teenagers. They provide stimulating ways of thinking about books, plus loads of book suggestions. Enjoy!
Originally written in 1969 and revised numerous times since then, this classic resource has now been update and expanded by Gladys’s son, Mark, who was read to as a child and who is now himself a father reading to his children. The first half of the book is a collection of chapters that show how the reading of books can help to shape your family, to develop your children both intellectually and spiritually, and to make good decisions about what to read. Two chapters on fantasy and poetry are helpful for gaining an appreciation of these often misunderstood genres. The second half contains a series of recommended book lists organized by age and genre. Mark’s main contribution in this edition has been to update the reading lists with books published since 2002, including books in alternative formats (e.g., audiobooks, e-books)—but still asking the question, “What titles draw in the reader and challenge, inspire, and stretch our souls and thinking?”
As a companion volume to Honey for a Child’s Heart, this book provides a wealth of advice on books for teenagers—about how to find good books that stir the imagination. In addition, Hunt and Hampton show how good books can facilitate conversation between parents and teens. They write: “This book talks about reading and listening to each other, talking about ideas…. We believe it is possible to have a growing friendship with our children as they mature, rather than a growing alienation.” The second half of the book offers a series of recommended book lists, organized by genre, comprising over 400 books written for teens—an invaluable resource.
As the subtitle implies, this is a book for cultivating discernment and imagination in children. Authored by a team of four Christian book reviewers, The Redeemed Reader aims to help parents and children find good books and know what makes them good. It helps to develop critical awareness in both parents and children when thinking about books, and it encourages us to face all kinds of literature in the light of scripture. Of particular interest is the section about “messy books” which grapples with things in our sinful world we may not want our children exposed to but which are often found in books. In addition to lists of books, here you will find your perspective being transformed so that you come to see value in all kinds of literature rather than in just some. Also useful is the associated and easily searchable website, https://redeemedreader.com/book-reviews/.