Children & Teen Books/Devotionals
by David Murray
This simple, gospel-centered, 365-day Bible reading plan guides children ages 6-12 through the most important passages of the Bible, helping them see and appreciate the big-picture storyline of Scripture.
Each entry includes a brief Scripture passage and space to write a daily prayer, along with either a question to answer or a verse to write out. Also features book introductions and space for weekly sermon notes.
192 pages, softcover from Crossway.
by Marty Machowski
God Made Boys and Girls helps children understand that their gender is a gift from the God who made them and loves them. The story begins as the girls and boys at Grace Christian School are discussing if boys will always be boys and girls will always be girls.
Their teacher explains that God gives each of us the gift of being male or female before we are born, and that you continue to be a boy or a girl whether you like to climb trees or play house, play tag or color pictures, cause a ruckus or sit quietly.
In a world where there is so much confusion about gender and identity, pastor and best-selling author Marty Machowski shares the simple, clear truth that all of us are made in God's image as either male or female--and what God made is very good!
Included in the back of the book is a special section just for parents and caregivers that gives biblical guidance and help as they have this important conversation with their children.
by Justin Holcomb, Lindsey Holcomb, Trish Mahoney (Illustrator)
One day, a group of students and their teacher travel to a zoo safari park to learn all about the different animals. During a fun jeep ride around the park, the guide shares fascinating information about lions, rhinoceroses, elephants, buffalo, and more, pointing out distinctive characteristics about each animal’s body and how those qualities make the animals special. Along the way, the children start to notice how their differences in appearance make each of them special too. Their teacher helps them reflect on their own body image and teaches them how they were created uniquely in God’s image.
Because bodies can be confusing and sometimes embarrassing to children, Justin and Lindsey Holcomb wrote God Made Me in His Image for parents to use in helping their kids understand how God made their bodies in his image. Parents and caregivers can use this powerful book, illustrated by Trish Mahoney, to help children understand their feelings about their bodies and help them accept them by highlighting God’s loving design of our individual physical characteristics.
by Jared Kennedy, Trish Mahoney
Understanding the different parts of a worship service can be confusing for any young child. One minute everyone is singing loudly, the next everyone is sitting and listening quietly. Sometimes the adults know something that should be said out loud, like, “Thanks be to God!” How did they know what to say? What is communion all about? And why does the pastor raise his hands and pray at the end of the service? Using the vision of Isaiah 6, God Made Me for Worship by Jared Kennedy focuses on teaching kids about the key liturgical movements in a worship gathering, including the call to worship, praise and adoration, confession, assurance and passing the peace, ministry of the Word and sacraments, and benediction and sending. This bright and colorful children’s book illustrated by Trish Mahoney celebrates how God reveals himself to his people in the movements of worship. All the parts of worship tell the story of the gospel, and since Jesus is the object of our worship, his story of redemption gives shape to our worship. The author guides parents to help their kids understand why we’re intentional about worship, encouraging them to engage—not just to manage behavior during a worship gathering, and invites children to respond to God along with the whole church body.
God Made Me for Worship is part of the God Made Me series which equips parents to have important, impactful conversations with their children, helping them to grow in understanding of God, themselves, and others. Each book in the series contains a special section just for parents and caregivers that provides biblical guidance and offers additional information and resources for talking about the topic addressed in the story.
by Marty Machowski, Trish Mahoney (Illustrator)
Children have lots of questions about God and heaven. While most kids have ideas of what heaven will be like, do they know what God says? Kids (and many adults) picture heaven as up in the sky, among the clouds, with angels who have wings and harps. They have a general understanding that heaven is with God, but few realize our ultimate destination is not up in the sky.
God Made Me for Heaven invites children to understand that God made each person for heaven and provided a way to get there, through his son Jesus. In heaven, there will be no more sickness, suffering, or death. Marty Machowski shares deep theological truths through a creative story. Told through the perspective of a grandmother sharing her hope of heaven to her grandchildren and their friends, this picture book beautifully illustrated by Trish Mahoney includes a gospel presentation and speaks about eternity in simple language kids can understand.
by Shai Linne
This beautifully illustrated children s book invites kids to explore God’s design for ethnic diversity and challenges readers both parents and children to learn and live out counter-cultural, biblical views, fostering a lifelong celebration of diversity for the glory of God. Designed for four- to eleven-year-olds, God Made Me and You by Shai Linne is the second book in the God Made Me series, starting with God Made All of Me by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb. Because Scripture teaches that ethnic diversity is not something that should be tolerated but rather enthusiastically embraced, Christian hip hop artist Shai Linne helps children, parents, and caregivers to celebrate this biblical truth through a lyrical, rhyming style and colorful illustrations. God Made Me and You is an approachable guide for families to begin conversations about cultivating a God s perspective on ethnic diversity, confronting the sins of racism, bigotry, and ethnic pride. Because children learn from family members, media, or peers, parents and caretakers have a responsibility to teach their children what God has to say about the beauty of diversity in his image-bearers, with a particular focus on ethnic diversity. This colorful and compelling children s book serves as a resource and lifelong gift for children and parents, helping families understand diversity from a biblical perspective and with a clear picture of the beauty and glory of God.
by Joni and Friends
God Made Me Unique, a beautifully illustrated picture book, helps parents and caregivers teach children that God creates every person in the image of God and each individual has tremendous value, regardless of his or her appearance or abilities.
The story is set in a Sunday school classroom where a new girl, Brie, is introduced by her mom. Brie's Sunday school teacher takes the time to welcome Brie and to explain to the other children why she is wearing headphones. Through getting to know Brie, the children are guided into a biblical understanding of the uniqueness of each of God's children. Along the way they learn to ask questions and gain an understanding about their new friend.
Told in a charming rhyming style, this colorful, hardcover book will help eliminate fear and misconceptions about those who have special needs and emphasizes that every person deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.
The back of the book contains a special section just for parents and caregivers that will guide them in how to have biblical, loving conversations with children and gives them additional information and resources to equip them in talking about this important subject.
by Scott James
Why do we have to wear a mask? Why can’t we see Grandma and Grandpa today? And what if I get sick? Children have lots of hard-to-answer questions, and Dr. Scott James uses the true-to-life story of Lucas to help with the answers. As children follow Lucas through his sick day, they will discover how God cares for them and how they can care for others when they are sick.
When Lucas wakes up with a sore throat, his parents show that God is always caring for him—even when he doesn’t feel well. They remind Lucas that Jesus is with him even during difficult days, and he can always go to Jesus and ask for help. When he visits the doctor, Lucas also learns how important it is to care for those around him and to make sure that everyone does their best to not let others get sick.
This timely book helps parents and caregivers talk with children about illness and how to keep themselves and others safe when sick. Ideally suited for children between the ages of five to eight, the book teaches that although anyone can get sick, that God is caring for them and will be with them through whatever they face. They will also learn how they can show God’s love to their friends and family by helping to keep them safe.
by Susan Hunt, Richie Hunt
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Deuteronomy 6:6-7a Your children are a blessing from God. A gift that brings an abundance of joy and the privilege of teaching them God's ways. When they're young their potential to learn is amazing. And because actions and beliefs go hand in hand, the lessons they learn from you now will shape their lives forever. This wonderful book, with its easy-to-use story format, can help you teach the basic truths of the Christian faith to your children. They'll learn right along with Caleb and Cassie that God's ways are the best--and that even as kids, they can live for His glory every day.
by Karyn Henley
Sword Fighting? Precisely! When Jesus was tempted, he reached for his sword—the written Word of God. Using the power of Scripture memory, this book will equip your elementary-age children to fight temptation and strengthen their character. But Is It Fun? Absolutely! Sword Fighting can be played as part of family or personal devotions and home-school Bible study to help child learn to use the Word of God in daily decision making.
"[Sword Fighting] is a companion to Henley's Day by Day Kid's Bible* (which is a chronological bible for kids that we have been reading at dinner for a few years now as it really has been encouraging to all of us). It has a weekly bible verse to memorize and daily readings that go along with the topic. A topic may be "kindness" or "self-control" or "responsibility." You do not need the bible to use the Sword Fighting devotional though.” —Lara Kastelein, CTK Nursery Coordinator
[*Note, inside the pages of Sword Fighting, this bible is referred to as God's Story Bible (its former title).]
by Kenneth N. Taylor, Jenny Brake
Encourage your little ones to learn and grow with God with Everything a Child Should Know About God from bestselling author Kenneth N. Taylor. Designed for parents to read aloud to children, this hardbound book features whimsical illustrations throughout, each chapter has a brief explanation and a related question to pose to children. Dr. Taylor explains in child-friendly language the essential Bible truths you want your child to know, such as why Jesus came to earth and how the Holy Spirit helps us.
by Marty Machowski
A Page-Turning Storybook of Theology for Kids In the cellar of the old stone cathedral, Carla and Timothy uncover a life-changing treasure, a carefully wrapped ancient book known as The Ology. What adults might describe as a beautifully illustrated storybook of systematic theology, the kids discover to be a story of adventure, mystery, and wonder that leads them to the truth about God, themselves, and the world around them. Truth is for kids, not just for adults! So The Ology gives kids of all ages a beginner s theology book to help them understand who God is and how we, as his children, relate to him. Arranged within a traditional systematic theological framework, each truth in The Ology is also connected to the larger redemptive story of Scripture. The doctrine of God, for example, is presented in the larger framework of creation, where the attributes of God are on display and easier to understand. Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, this flexible resource includes built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together. Read The Ology to preschoolers, read it with grade-school kids, and let older kids discover the hidden truths by reading the corresponding Scripture passages for each section. However you read it, The Ology will give your children a gift that will last a lifetime a solid foundation of life-changing biblical truth that will point them to the God who loves them and gave himself for them. A beginner s book of systematic theology in the form of a beautifully illustrated storybook. Clearly explains life-changing theological truths with everyday examples and simple language that kids can understand. Uses illustrations, analogies, and word pictures to help kids understand God, the world, and themselves. Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, with built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together.
by Champ Thornton
The Radical Book for Kids is a fun-filled explorer's guide to the Bible, church history, and life for boys and girls age 8 and up. Along with examining some of the most exciting realities in the universe, the handbook is vibrantly illustrated and chock-full of fun facts and ideas. Deep truths are communicated to elementary and middle-school aged kids while stimulating their curiosity and sense of adventure within a gospel-centered framework. This power-packed book is "radical" in more ways than you might think! It is "radical" in the sense of the original meaning of the word, “going to the root or origin.” The Radical Book for Kids will take children on a fascinating journey into the ancient roots of the Christian faith. But it’s also “radical” in the more modern sense of being revolutionary. Kids read about men and women who learned to trust Jesus and stand for him--displaying radical faith--even when everything seemed against them. But The Radical Book for Kids is also “radical”--meaning fun or cool--in the eyes of a child. Kids read about ancient weapons (and how to make one), learn about jewels, create pottery, discover ancient languages, use secret codes, locate stars, tell time using the sun, play a board game that’s 3,000 years old--and more. Check out the table of contents, skip around, or read straight through. However a child chooses to explore it, The Radical Book for Kids will open new vistas for their imagination and help to make straight paths for their feet.
by Lisa Updike
Lisa Updike is the Director of Children’s Ministry at Covenant Presbyterian in Harrisonburg, VA. She has extensive ministry experience, which includes curriculum writing, training children’s volunteers, and spearheading children’s programs in several churches over the last thirty years. In working with children and youth, she found that kids understand the importance of the Bible and value it. They know that through it, they can know God’s heart! So they pick up a Bible, flip through the pages, read a little bit, but end up putting the Bible down, discouraged, because they don’t know how to begin. She remembers feeling the same way. Lisa wanted to provide a tool that would benefit parents, teachers, and kids alike. She hopes that The Bible Is Not Boring will serve as such a tool.
by Lisa Updike
Without preparation, going to church can seem pretty boring, especially to children who have "graduated to big church." In this easy to read chapter book, Lisa Updike shares with children and their parents the story of a typical family who struggles with staying focused at church on Sunday mornings until they learn how to prepare for worship throughout the week. Parents are encouraged to read this book with their children and to help them be ready for corporate worship together.
by Alison Mitchell
XTB (Explore the Bible) devotional series include daily Bible-reading notes with puzzles, pictures, prayers, and stickers! This Issue One book focuses on Genesis, Matthew, and Acts, including the beginning of the universe, the beginning of the early church and the beginning of Jesus' life and teaching on earth. 65 activity days plus 26 days of extra reading.
Children will be introduced to the inductive method of studying God’s Word for themselves as they witness His personal message, His purpose, and His promises unfold in their daily lives.
Series titles include:
How to Study Your Bible for Kids
Cracking the Covenant Code for Kids
God Has Big Plans for You, Esther
Wrong Way, Jonah!
Becoming God’s Champion
Fast Forward to The Future, Daniel 7-12
by Martin Cole
Discover: Issue 1, Bible Notes for Young People provides 3 months of exploring God's Word for youth ages 11 to 13. Using fun puzzles along with Scripture readings will help young readers develop a daily routine of Bible study and prayer. Book 1 contains studies on: Genesis 1-11: In the Beginning, Mark 1-5: All about Jesus, 1 & 2 Kings (Elijah): Fiery Prophet, and Jonah - The runaway.
ABOUT THE SERIES: Discover Bible notes have been helping young people understand and apply the Bible for over a decade. Now, these popular devotions have been turned into a collection of 12 books that covers the major Bible books, events and characters. Discover encourages a daily routine of Bible study and prayer, which will help young people set a pattern for the rest of their lives.
by Kristen A Jenson
Want a natural and comfortable way to talk to your kids about pornography? This newly revised edition of the original bestseller makes that daunting discussion easy! Good Pictures Bad Pictures is a read-aloud story about a mom and dad who explain what pornography is, why it's dangerous, and how to reject it. Featuring easy-to-understand science and simple analogies, this internationally-acclaimed book engages young kids to porn-proof their own brains. With Good Pictures Bad Pictures, your child will never be caught off guard by disturbing videos or peer pressure! The 5-point CAN DO Plan teaches kids exactly what to do to protect their young minds when they see pornography.
Parents don't need to wonder what to say--simply read Good Pictures Bad Pictures to your child and move forward with confidence! You can even use this book before beginning the sex talks!
Check out these new features in the second edition:
-"Let's Talk!" discussion questions at the end of each chapter help kids deepen their understanding so they'll be even more prepared to reject pornography.
-All new Tips for Parents and Caregivers section offers practical advice for raising porn-proof kids in the digital age.
-The most up-to-date science provides kids with even more powerful arguments against pornography.
-A beautifully redesigned interior makes it easier and more fun to read!
by Kristen A. Jenson
Young children deserve to be armed early against internet dangers. Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr. makes it easy for parents to protect their young kids ages 3 to 6. Using gentle, age-appropriate messages, children will learn to Turn, Run & Tell when they are accidentally exposed to inappropriate content.Written by best-selling author Kristen A. Jenson of the original Good Pictures Bad Pictures book, the Jr. version is a comfortable, effective way for proactive parents to empower their young kids with their first internal filter!
by Caryn Rivadeneira
Experience the grit and grace of seventeen women of the Bible through creative first-person retellings of each person's story. This book connects preteen girls with the women of the Bible, showing them that they are created in the image of God to do mighty things in this world. Through stories, reflection questions, and action ideas, the book helps readers become the gutsy, grace-filled girls God made them to be.
by Anna Trimiew
This faithful adaptation for young readers is a priceless tool to teach children the gospel and encourage them as they grow deeper in their relationship to Christ. Follow along with a pilgrim named Christian as he meets some of the most unforgettable characters in literature —Obstinate, Pliable, Worldly Wiseman, Hopeful, Faithful, and more. Your children will learn important truths of the gospel and gain a richer understanding of who Christ is and his work in the life of a believer.
Recorded by John M. Duncan and Kent Madison
Word-for-word dramatic reading of Pilgrim's Progress storybook with multiple character voices, musical interludes, and sound effects=
Ideal for children to follow the story in the car, at home, in church, at school, and more.
Audiobook, 2 CDs, 13 chapters, total playing time 1 hour and 43 minutes.
by Martin Cole
Engage exists to help you plug into your Bible. Through Engage's pages we want to plunge into God's awesome word: discovering who God is and what He's like; seeing what God's done for us through Jesus; and exploring practical ways of living for Him. The Bible is packed with amazing stories and life-changing teaching. It's time to dive into the Bible and see God change our lives...
The first issue of Engage - daily Bible reading notes for teenagers. This issue looks at Psalms, John, Genesis, Amos, Colossians and Jonah! It also examines questions like 'has Science disproved Christianity?', 'what's the bible anyway?' and contains articles on the Trinity and looking after the planet.
by Jaquelle Crowe
The teen years have been hijacked—by fashion, music, movies, and games; by the pressures of school, peers, and society; and by superficial expectations set by the world. But there is something more glorious than all these influences that has the power to change the life of a teenager: the gospel.
Written by a teenager for teenagers, This Changes Everything is a deeply theological yet practical and accessible book on how the gospel radically transforms every aspect of the teen years, including pursuing relationships, managing time, combating personal sin, and cultivating healthy habits. In a culture awash with low expectations for young people, this book exhorts teenagers to embrace a gospel-centered perspective on their lives and pursue wholehearted devotion to Christ now.