Jumat, 11 April 2014

Finding Christian Books For Tweens

By Anita Ortega


Many Christians want to provide literature for their children that adheres to Biblical principles as well as engaging their interest. Christian books for tweens - kids between the ages of ten and twelve - are easy to find if you research publishing houses dedicated to promoting the faith and serving families. Once you know where to look, you can then find customer reviews and excerpts of titles that might fit you needs.

Parents have to decide what is 'suitable'. Many girls enjoy fairy tales and romances, for instance. However, some parents think pre-teen girls do better without romantic fancies in their heads. Even if properly-handled romance is out, there's a lot to choose from . Girl-meets-horse is always a winner, and the infinite possibilities of this scenario open up many life lessons and Biblical principles.

Several Christian publishers solicit three-novel series, which follow a main character through all three books. These are nice, in that growing-up has many transitional phases, each of which has its own challenges and lessons. Pre-teens often feel a lot of pressure to grow up too fast, and reading a fictional account of this and other real-life dilemmas can help parents and children enter into dialog relevant to their own challenges.

For boys, there are many adventure stories or series, as well as sports themes. Of course, boys can like horses, too, and enjoy reading about cowboys and the Old West. Exciting fiction doesn't have to depend on mythical creatures, science fiction, or the struggles between superheroes and world-destroying villains. Some books actually show main characters walking in faith, while others teach Biblical principles like honesty, self-sacrifice, acceptance of authority, and taking responsibility.

Sometimes family discussions can focus on principles that might be lost in the general excitement of the story. 'The Chronicles of Narnia' is an allegorical tale which has found new popularity with the recent movie version. Parental involvement in the reading experience of children is one way to keep the family strong.

There are many books written on the lives of significant people - missionaries, nurses, doctors, pastors, or martyrs - to inspire children. These real-life profiles are often as exciting as fiction, especially when historical accounts are used to substantiate the story and explore the impact each famous person has had on our culture. Every child should recognize the name of Joan of Arc, for instance, and there are many more people worthy of remembrance.

Non-fiction is a whole other category that can be explored. These books are often fun and educational for the whole family; reading aloud each evening and discussing the story is a great family activity. There are great biographies, accounts of scientific discoveries, journals of world travelers, and tales about epic adventures - to the North Pole, to the top of Mount Everest, to the headwaters of the Amazon, or to the moon.

Mainstream society often ignores the fact that many influential men and women were and are Christians. Often this aspect of history is lost. However, thrilling accounts read in the formative years can help pre-teens know who they are and the heritage they have. Sermons and Sunday School lessons can be reinforced and enlivened by great literature both old and new.




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