National Book Month: A Reading List for Christian Families

October is National Book Month, and what better way to celebrate than by diving into some inspiring reads? Whether you’re a busy mom seeking spiritual growth or looking for engaging books to share with your children, this curated reading list has something for everyone. Let’s embrace the autumn chill with warm blankets, hot cocoa, and good books!

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For Parents: Spiritual Growth and Parenting Wisdom

1. Faith Like a Child by Lacy Finn Borgo
   • Perfect for crisp autumn evenings, this book explores the importance of play in our relationship with God.
   • Includes a thought-provoking chapter on “The Spirituality of Play.”
2. The Flourishing Family by Dr. David and Amanda Erickson
   • Child development meets theology in this new book full of stories from humble parents seeking to use discipline that disciples.
3. Becoming an Intentional Family by Anastasia Corbin
   • As we head into the holiday season, learn ideas for creating meaningful memories and building confidence in kids.
4. The Spiritually Vibrant Home by Don Everts
   • Discover the power of messy prayers, loud tables, and open doors as you prepare for cozy fall gatherings.
   • Features original research from Barna.
5. Peaceful Discipline by Sarah R. Moore
   • A guide to positive parenting techniques, ideal for maintaining calm as holiday excitement builds.
   • Uses storytelling in an impactful way.
6. Discipline That Connects with Your Child’s Heart by Jim and Lynne Jackson
   • Valuable insights on nurturing a strong parent-child connection during misbehavior in a grace-filled framework.
7. How to Grow a Connected Family by Jim and Lynne Jackson
   • Strategies for fostering contagious love and faith within the family as you spend more time indoors.

For Kids: Engaging Stories and Life Lessons

1. Sea Kids Book Series by Lee Ann Mancini
   • Fun adventures with important faith lessons to enjoy on chilly October evenings. 
   • You can also watch the stories in an animated series.
2. “The Rabbit Listened”
   • A simple yet powerful story about the importance of listening, ideal for quiet autumn afternoons.
3. Little House on the Prairie Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
   • Classic tales of family, resilience, and American frontier life to transport you to simpler times.
4. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
   • Timeless fantasy adventures with Christian allegories, perfect for sparking imagination as the days grow shorter.
   • Read more on this series here.

Reading Together: Building Family Bonds

National Book Month is the perfect time to establish or reinforce family reading habits. As the weather cools and we spend more time indoors, why not create a cozy reading nook? Pile up some pillows, add a soft throw blanket, and designate a special time each day or week for family reading. Whether it’s cuddling up with a picture book or taking turns reading chapters of a longer story, shared reading experiences can create lasting memories and spark meaningful conversations.

Remember, reading doesn’t always have to be serious or educational. Sometimes, the best books are those that simply bring joy and spark imagination. This October, make time for both growth-oriented reading and pure fun!

Embrace National Book Month

Here are some ideas to make the most of National Book Month:

1. Start a family book club and discuss one new book each week.
2. Visit your local library and explore their October book displays.
3. Host a book-themed Halloween party, with costumes inspired by favorite literary characters.
4. Set a family reading challenge – how many books can you collectively read this month?
5. Create bookmarks or book covers as a fun family craft activity.

What’s on your National Book Month reading list? I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments below!