Christian Family Reading

I have not read all of these books. Some of them are ones I know and love; others are recommendations from friends whose names are mentioned.

If you are looking for excellent Christian books that will build up your children in the faith and represent faithfully the way that God deals with His People, I think you will find something of value in this list.

On this page, I have suggestions for family reading. I am planning a theology page and a practical Christian living page for some future date.

Christian Liberty Academy readers

Whether you find their out-of-print paperback "Eclectic Readers" or buy their new editions, these have many good selections.--Valerie

Christmas Carol Kauffman's books

C. C. Kauffman's biographies and historical fiction books are gripping and fill my heart with awe for God's wonderful work in the lives of his people. Hidden Rainbow, which details the process by which God drew a World War I era Yugoslavian family out of paganism and into His Family is one of the best books I have ever read.

This author is Mennonite, and while you will find that some of her characters hold positions (e.g., pacifism) that the Bible does not teach, I enjoy taking these things as opportunities to instruct my children from the Word of God. There are some bones to pick out but the books are still, in my opinion, incredibly valuable.--Valerie

The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis

If your children are old enough to appreciate allegory, they will enjoy these. The author's allegorical description of Heaven in The Last Battle thrills me. After numerous readings, I still cannot manage to read it aloud without crying.--Valerie

Countess Kate by Charlotte Yonge
Learning to be kind and forbearing with difficult people.

Dutch Color, Huguenot Garden, and Scottish Seas by Douglas Jones

Elizabeth Yates is an outstanding Christian author.

Fair Sunshine by Jock Purves

"I would highly recommend Fair Sunshine by Jock Purves. It gives short biographies about the Scottish Covenanters and it is extremely edifying and challenging." --Mandy

"I agree with your recommendation about Fair Sunshine--what a powerful book!"--Susan

I read Fair Sunshine many years ago and am still affected by it. As Susan said, it truly is a powerful book. My husband is currently reading it and keeps sharing excerpts from it that he finds amazing. Since he is doing this so frequently, I might as well say that I am reading it again.--Amy

God Gives New Life by L'Ann Carwell

This out-of-print paperback picture book is the best introduction to sex education that I have seen. It is absolutely modest and simply teaches children that God is the author of all life. It was published by Concordia House. I have not been able to find, after extensive searching, any more copies but the one I own. I would love to find a copy for each of my children before they have children of their own.--Valerie

How Sleep the Brave by J. H. Hunter

"[This] is Christian fiction set in the times of the Scottish Covenanters. Highly recommended reading if you can get a copy."--Amy

Idelette by Edna Gerstner

This biography of Mrs. John Calvin has been highly recommended to me!--Valerie

Jonathan and Sarah, an Uncommon Union by Edna Gerstner

This biography of Jonathan and Sarah Edwards is excellent for family reading aloud!--Valerie

Lamplighter Publishing
P.O. Box 777
Waverly, PA 18471
(717) 585-1314

"I have greatly enjoyed the reprints of old books by Lamplighters. The Basket of Flowers had me in tears."--Corrie

Just had to echo Corrie on the Lamplighter books! ...these books are reprints of stories written in the 17th to 18th centuries. They are incredible books challenging all ages to seek the Lord with ALL their heart,mind, soul and strength!!! Of all books that I have ever recommended, these are top of my list ! Although they are expensive, about $16 a book, they are worth the investment. I am planning on handing these down for generations."--Sonia

Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen L. Taylor

Mayflower Series for Girls and Pilgrim Series for Boys

Men of the Covenant by Alexander Smellie

Recommended by Mandy.

Pathway Readers

These are Amish readers. For the most part they contain well-written, entertaining stories of children and farm life and excellent excerpts from classic literature. Parents should be aware that there are some biographical selections in the later books which praise pacifism, but these selections are a wonderful opportunity to examine the whole counsel of God to determine what His Word teaches. Against the backdrop of a good story, your children will probably never forget the exercise of probing the whole counsel of God's Word for definitive answers.

If you decide to purchase these, you would save a great deal by buying them directly from Pathway Publishers during their annual May sale. You will not find a lower price anywhere for the new books--and Pathway's sale prices beat the prices I have seen for used copies almost every time.

Thanks to the Amish appreciation for frugality, these are all hardback. If you'd like to order Pathway Readers, send a letter to Pathway Publishers in April and request their sale flyer.

Pathway Publishers
2580N 250W
LaGrange, IN 46761
(There is neither a phone number nor an E-Mail address.)

Paula the Waldensian by Eva Lecomte (out-of-print)

Pilgrim's Progress and The Holy War by John Bunyan

Thy Word Creations
1-800-347-WORD

The War for Mansoul, Ethel Barrett's abridgement of Bunyan's Holy War

These book and tape sets help children memorize Scripture passages and are one of the best investments I have ever made.--Valerie