From the very beginning, I’ve tried to instill a love of reading in my children. I read books to them all the time when they were babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Some of my best memories are of snuggling up with them on the living room couch with a funny picture book or classic tale.
I’m so thrilled that both of them now enjoy reading on their own. With this new stage they’re in, however, it has been somewhat challenging to direct them towards good, wholesome books that fill their mind while shaping their character.
Many books aimed at elementary aged children and tweens are either just plain twaddle, or full of magical fantasy, ghosts and horror.
Thankfully over the years I’ve managed to find several alternatives that both delight and inspire my children. Here are 12 great choices that will give your kids the joy of reading and help build their faith!
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1. Little Pilgrim’s Progress
In this simplified version of John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress adapted for younger readers, a young boy faces many pitfalls on his journey towards the Celestial City.
Little Pilgrim’s Progress is both a simple adventure story and profound allegory of the Christian journey through life, with a message kids ages 6 to 12 can understand and remember. This was one of my son’s favorites this past summer!
2. Light Keepers for Boys and Girls
These engaging biographies of famous Christians who used their talents for God’s glory will inspire your children to want to do the same. Christian legends and unsung heroes like Helen Roseveare, Samuel Morse, Anne Lawson and C.S. Lewis all become like friends they can understand and look up to.
In a world where role models of real integrity are few and far between, the Light Keepers Series fills the gap! Each of the five books in the girls’ and boys’ box set include devotional thoughts, prayers and quizzes.
3. The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls
Geared for 6-9 year olds, The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls helps children discover the Bible. Siblings Peter, Mary and Hank go back in time to key biblical events after finding a powerful scroll and need to unlock its mysteries before getting trapped in history forever.
This time-travel adventure series is a good way to give context to Bible stories and discuss Creation Science!
4. The Prince Warriors
My nine-year-old son devoured the first two books in this series, and he can’t wait to start on the third! Priscilla Shirer’s epic trilogy, The Prince Warriors, brings the invisible struggle ensuing in the spiritual realm to life.
Two brothers and their friends enter a mysterious land called Ahoratos. There they meet their guide, Ruwach, who offers wisdom and direction as the kids’ initial adventure begins— an adventure filled with armor and danger and a very real enemy.
5. The Green Ember Series
A captivating story with sword-bearing rabbits, daring quests, and moments of poignant beauty, The Green Ember is a tale that will delight and inspire 8 to 12-year-olds to both courage and creativity.
The cuteness of two hero rabbits named Heather and Picket, juxtaposed with the scariness of wolves and hawks, reach a younger audience with the realities of good vs. evil without directly confronting them with the harsh truths of the world around them.
6. Christian Heroes: Then and Now
My kids have been greatly inspired by this Christian Heroes Series, all about ordinary people who sacrificed comfort and convenience to spread the Gospel.
There are so many celebrities, singers, sports stars, or philanthropists that my children could look up to, but these are the kind of men and women I want them to call their heroes.
Your kids will be encouraged to follow the examples of role models such as Amy Carmichael, Hudson Taylor and Corrie ten Boom, and accomplish great things for the Kingdom of God!
7. Chronicles of Narnia
I loved The Chronicles of Narnia series when I was a child, and I’m thrilled to share them now with my kids. Epic battles of good versus evil are beautifully told in C. S. Lewis’ classic allegory of the Christian life.
Four adventurous siblings— Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy— step through a wardrobe door and into the land of Narnia, a land frozen in eternal winter and enslaved by the power of the White Witch.
But when almost all hope is lost, the return of the Great Lion, Aslan, signals a great change… and a great sacrifice.
8. The Cooper Kids Adventure Series
The Cooper Kids Adventure Series full of incredible encounters with a biblical perspective won’t disappoint! 
With the truth of God and His Word, they aren’t afraid to delve into mysterious things like the Dragon’s Throat cavern to find out what lays on the other side.
9. The Farm Mystery Series
Join Jason and Andy as they try to solve the mysterious happenings on the Nelson family’s farm, while learning lessons in obedience and responsibility. There are no murders and other objectionable elements such as boy-girl relationships or questionable language.
The Farm Mystery Series is recommended for ages 9-13, but depending on reading level and maturity can be read by slightly younger readers.
10. The Imagination Station
With each book in this Imagination Station Series by Adventures in Odyssey, kids are whisked away with cousins Patrick and Beth to embark on a new journey around the world and back in time.
Combining historical fiction with timeless biblical truths, these fast-paced stories teach 3rd through 5th graders what God’s Word says about tough issues and how to live out godly values.
11. The Cul-de-Sac Kids
The mysterious adventures, hilarious antics and fun-filled exploits of The Cul-de-Sac Kids contain valuable lessons about relationships, kindness, honesty, courage, keeping promises and the fruit of the Spirit.
This series is great for 7 to 10-year-olds to read on their own and learn how to rely on Jesus!
12. Kingdom Series
Chuck Black gives kids a biblical worldview along with swords and the cosmic battle between good and evil in this allegorical Bible based fiction.
The 6 books in the Kingdom Series collection will get preteens excited about the significant role of Jesus Christ in history and His mission to save mankind. Best of all, there are good end of chapter questions to spark some great conversations with your child!
Yup ! I concur with this list! I actually was going to write a blog list for girls and boys…and a lot of your choices were on my list too. I wholeheartedly agree with directing kids towards books that feed the direction you want to be encouraging your kids in.
just wondering if there are LDS leanings in the first book. looking to avoid that.
Tori, I can verify that there are no LDS leanings in “Little Pilgrim’s Progress”. It is an adapted version of John Bunyan’s work of fiction originally written in the 1600s.
Thank you so much for this list! What we feed will grow, right? So, let’s feed their faith. Blessings.