Christian parents know the importance of selecting edifying literature, music, movies, and activities for their children. Although finding Christian books for tweens might seem difficult, it's really not that hard. Past generations wrote novels and non-fiction in abundance, and today many publishing houses specialize in family-friendly literature of all sorts. If you know where to look, you can find books, reviews, and even recommended reading lists provided by ministries.
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.
Often a publishing house will contract for three-volume series, which gives the author a chance to follow the main character through several story lines. Growing up is a transition, so following a character who is also growing both physically and in the Lord can be inspirational as well as entertaining. Pre-teens often feel pressured to grow too fast or conform to peers, and the right books can certainly spark dialog with parents on these issues.
Of course, boys sometimes like adventure or sports stories better than animal stories, as do many girls. There are lots of novels, both old and new, that are exciting without depending on mythical characters, superheroes, and world-destroying villains. Some of them portray Christian principles while others show characters that are walking out their faith.
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.
Biographies that are well-written and true to fact make great reading for all ages. Stories of heroic doctors, nurses, missionaries, explorers, or martyrs abound. Many true accounts rival fiction, like the discovery of penicillin or the Dead Sea Scrolls. The internet is a great resource to tie in actual news reports of significant events; finding the Rosetta Stone comes to mind.
There is a wealth of non-fiction, which is an acquired taste for many. It's never too soon to expose kids to momentous true tales, like how people got to the North Pole or to the moon. Again, this kind of reading can be a great family activity; tales that might be tedious to read alone can be great when Dad or Mom reads aloud and everyone talks about them afterwards.
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.
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.
Often a publishing house will contract for three-volume series, which gives the author a chance to follow the main character through several story lines. Growing up is a transition, so following a character who is also growing both physically and in the Lord can be inspirational as well as entertaining. Pre-teens often feel pressured to grow too fast or conform to peers, and the right books can certainly spark dialog with parents on these issues.
Of course, boys sometimes like adventure or sports stories better than animal stories, as do many girls. There are lots of novels, both old and new, that are exciting without depending on mythical characters, superheroes, and world-destroying villains. Some of them portray Christian principles while others show characters that are walking out their faith.
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.
Biographies that are well-written and true to fact make great reading for all ages. Stories of heroic doctors, nurses, missionaries, explorers, or martyrs abound. Many true accounts rival fiction, like the discovery of penicillin or the Dead Sea Scrolls. The internet is a great resource to tie in actual news reports of significant events; finding the Rosetta Stone comes to mind.
There is a wealth of non-fiction, which is an acquired taste for many. It's never too soon to expose kids to momentous true tales, like how people got to the North Pole or to the moon. Again, this kind of reading can be a great family activity; tales that might be tedious to read alone can be great when Dad or Mom reads aloud and everyone talks about them afterwards.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment