Christian Books for Christian Homes

Including recommended titles by Stephen Ross ©2024 (first published 1991)

1. Biblical Warning and Exhortation

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Colossians 2:8

Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Proverbs 6:27

I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. Psalm 101:3

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Galatians 6:8

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

2. Echoes from Glory
Thou and Thy House
There is, I should say, a very serious error involved in a Christian parent's committing the training of his children to unconverted persons, or even to those whose hearts are not one with him as to separation from the world. It is natural that a child should look up to, and follow, the example of, one who has the training and management of him. Now, what can a teacher make of a child, save what he is himself? What principles can he instill, save those which govern his own mind, and form the basis of his own character? The same principle applies to the reading of books. A book is decidedly a silent teacher and former of the mind and character; if I am called to look well to the character and the principles of the living teacher, I am equally so to look to those of the silent teacher. I am quite convinced that in reference both to books and teachers we need to have our consciences stirred and instructed.
—C. H. Mackintosh (1820-1896)

Bad Books
However strong and exalted your character, never read a bad book. By the time you get through the first chapter you will see the drift. If you find the marks of the hoofs of the devil in the pictures, or in the style, or in the plot, away with it. You may tear your coat, or break a vase, and repair them again, but the point where the rip or fracture took place will always be evident. It takes less than an hour to do your heart a damage which no time can entirely repair. Look carefully over your child's library; see what book it is that he reads after he has gone to bed, with the gas turned upon the pillow. Do not always take it for granted that a book is good because it is a Sunday school book. As far as possible, know who wrote it, who illustrated it, who published it, who sold it.
—T. DeWitt Talmage (1832-1902)

Printed Poison
There are some so-called Christian homes today with books on the shelves of the library that have no more business there than a rattler crawling about on the floor, or poison within the child's reach.
—Billy Sunday (1862-1935)

Take Heed What You Read
Give the Bible the honour due to it every day you live. Whatever you read, read that first. And beware of bad books: there are plenty in this day. Take heed what you read. I suspect there is more harm done to souls in this way than most people have an idea is possible. Value all books in proportion as they are agreeable to Scripture. Those that are nearest to it are the best, and those that are farthest from it, and most contrary to it, the worst.
—J. C. Ryle (1816-1900)

3. Good Christian Reading
A frequently overlooked or oft times neglected necessity in the proper training of our children is monitoring what our children read and providing in the home good Christian literature which will guide them to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, encourage them to serve Him and obey His Word, and will teach them honesty, kindness, purity, self-control, faithfulness, etc.

It is also important to inculcate in our children the life-long practice of reading good Christian literature and the knowledge needed to discern that which is not Christian and biblical.

God's precious and Holy Word can not be overemphasized in our homes and in our lives! As soon as our children can walk, they should be given their own small New Testament (KJV) to carry to Sunday school and church services, and for family worship in the home. By kindergarten age, they should have been taught to properly respect God's Word and can be given a complete Authorized KJV Bible. In the past, children learned to read using the Holy Scriptures, so there is no reason why our children cannot be reading the Bible from the beginning of their reading experience. It is God's Word, and it is the Book of books!

4. Selective List of Christian Literature for the Christian Home
The following is a selective list of Christian books which we have read in our family and can recommend to believers in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. All the titles are in print and may be purchased from the sources named, a Christian bookstore or on the Web.

Bible Truth Publishers
P.O. Box 649
Addison, Illinois 60101 U.S.A.
Phone: 630-543-1441
Email: BTPorders@bibletruthpublishers.com
Web: BibleTruthPublishers.com

Excellent source for children's books as well as Gospel wall and pocket calendars which are available in several languages.

Titles are coded by the publisher as follows:
(Esy) Easy readers (preschool-4th grade);
(Jr) Junior readers 5th-6th grade);
(YP) Young people (7th-10th grade);
(Adt) Adults.

Alexander Mackay: The Christian Who Changed the Face of Uganda. J. J. Ellis. (Jr, Adt) Biography of a pioneer missionary to Africa.

Among the Lions: Adoniram Judson and the Story of Mission Work in Burma. Caroline J. Ladd (Jr, Adt)

Ann H. Judson of Burma. Emma R. Pitman (Adt)
The story of Mrs. Judson's trials as the devoted companion of her noble husband.

Another Hive of Bees. Beverly Soderholm (Esy, Jr)
Excellent short stories told by a grandmother to her grandchildren. Full of good lessons.

Christie's Old Organ. Mrs. O. F. Walton (Esy, Jr)
A young boy and an old man find a home when they find the Lord. The classic story as originally written. Free eBook.

Comfort of the Scriptures. J. B. Marchbanks.
Meditations for each day of the year to exalt Christ and comfort and encouragement His own.

Daily Light. Jonathan Bagster and Family.
Daily thematic Scripture readings for morning and evening. KJV. A classic—a beloved best-seller for over a century. Free Web edition and Email signup

Dangerous Bandit, The. Vivian D. Gunderson (Esy, Jr)
An excellent collection of true short stories, illustrating the value of the Word of God.

Doll That Grew, The. Margaret Jean Tuininga (Esy)
An excellent collection of 23 true short stories—appropriate for bedtime, story-time or anytime. 98 pages.

Enemy Guest, The. Vivian D. Gunderson (Esy, Jr)
True short stories illustrating specific Scripture verses on Christian conduct.

Face to Face with Lions. Margaret Jean Tuininga (Esy, Jr)
23 true short stories including adventure, suspense, and clear, simple and solid spiritual lessons.

Hidden Rainbow. Christmas Carol Kauffman (YP, Adt)
True story of the Olesh family from a Catholic community in Yugoslavia in their quest for peace in Christ. The author's most popular book.

Hive of Busy Bees, A. Effie Williams (Esy, Jr)
Twenty excellent short stories with lessons in Christian behavior as told by a grandmother to her visiting grandchildren. Includes the story of Cripple Tom.
Free eBook.

Hugo and the Condors. Teri Smith (Jr, YP)
A collection of 35 true stories from Latin America.

Ian and the Gigantic Leafy Obstacle. Sheila Miller (Esy)
Set in Thailand, this true story for children demonstrates how God works to answer prayer.

In Search of a Song. C. L. Jacobsen (YP, Adt)
Growing up in a small New England village, Jennie and her friends struggle with resentment and rebellion, but they learn that the Lord's perfect will for them can bring purpose and peace.

Island Prisoner. Vivian D. Gunderson (Esy, Jr)
Excellent true short stories appropriate for bedtime, story time or anytime — each illustrating a Scripture verse dealing with godly behavior.

John Wesley for Young Readers. Teri Smith (Jr, YP)
A new story of John Wesley's life, written and illustrated for young readers. Let your children learn how God cared for this boy and then saved and used him as His fearless servant. Free edition.

John Wicliffe, the Morning Star of the Reformation David J. Deane (YP, Adt)
A classic biography of the forerunner of the Reformation who spent his life preparing the way for our English Bible and for the religious freedoms we enjoy. Free eBook PDF.

Johnny! Don Morris (Esy)
Johnny shares with boys and girls, through this true story, how he found happiness and the forgiveness of sins in the Lord Jesus Christ. Full-colored illustrations throughout.

Johnny's Adventure. Don Morris (Esy)
In this true story, Johnny and his brothers find the adventure they were looking for—and more. Through these experiences they share simple childhood lessons, hoping that many children will be saved through faith in the Lord Jesus. Full-color illustrations throughout. Bilingual (English-Spanish) edition.

King's Cupbearer, The. Mrs. O.F. Walton (Jr, YP)
This carefully written account of the life of Nehemiah not only draws lessons from his life but also draws you into his life in Artaxerxes' palace, in the desert, and surrounded by enemies at Jerusalem.

Lambs and Lamb's Quarters. Myra L. Wilhelm (Esy, Jr)
Little Mary Jane is led from soul loneliness into a warm relationship with the Lord Jesus and some of His dear children. Enjoy following Mary's interaction with bad bulls, coyotes, horses, rattlesnakes and her interesting family on a prairie ranch; and learn life-lessons with her.

Leopard Man and Other Missionary Stories, The. Margaret Jean Tuininga. (Jr)
A fascinating collection of true missionary stories from Africa, Mexico, China and other lands.

Little Woodchopper, The. Mrs. Mary M. Sherwood (Jr, YP)
Left alone by his brothers in the deep forest, William turns for help to the one and only true Friend he had come to know and love, the Lord Jesus Christ. Read this heart-touching story and see the marvelous way the Lord works in the life of one of His own.

Lost in the Woods. Margaret Jean Tuininga (Esy)
Collection of 23 true short stories presenting the gospel and many practical lessons.

Martinko. Kristina Roy (Jr)
A Slovak shepherd boy finds the Saviour. Classic fiction, with excellent lessons.

Mary Jones and Her Bible. Mary E. Ropes (Jr, YP)
Determination, devotion, and persistence characterize Mary Jones in this true story as she struggles to earn enough money to buy a Bible in her own Welsh language. Her example and appreciation of the Word of God awaken others to the need of publishing it. Reprint of original edition.

On the Alaska Trail. Margaret Jean Tuininga (Jr)
Nine true and exciting missionary stories take you outside of your environment to other countries in the world with their peoples and customs. Each one displays God's matchless love and grace to lost boys and girls and older folks, too. Former title: The Wallpaper That Talked.

Saved at Sea. Mrs. O. F. Walton (Esy, Jr)
Life in a lighthouse, a wreck on a stormy night, the discovery of little Timpey, and many other adventures are interwoven with the gospel of God's saving grace. Free edition HTML.

Stand By, Boys! K. Norel (Jr, YP)
A moving, vivid account of the tragedy and heroism found during the flood of 1953 in Holland, interwoven with a sweet gospel message and evidences of the Lord's care for His own.

Stories of the Grace of God in Bolivia. Frances Smith (YP, Adt)
The story of Eric Smith who, while young, left family, friends and homeland to carry the gospel to the Inca Indians of Bolivia. Witness the joys, sorrows, hardships, persecutions, and divine provision associated with pioneer mission work and the presentation of Christ to the lost.

Sunshine Country. Kristina Roy (Jr, YP)
Palko, in the care of strangers and not knowing a thing about his real parents, finds peace and security in the Lord Jesus. In his Czechoslovakian "sunshine valley" on earth, he has the joy of pointing father Malina to the "sunshine country" above. This heart-touching story has been Roy's most popular for almost a century, because of its sweet and simple presentation of the gospel.

Three Comrades, The. Kristina Roy (Jr, YP)
Those who learned to know Palko in Sunshine Country will enjoy reading more about him in this story of how Palko and his friends share the gospel with others.
Free eBook.

Wonders of God's Creation. Sidney R. Gill (YP)
With logic and precision our God has created every aspect of the world in which we live. The sea, the stars, the animals and more are explored in this fascinating collection. Volumes 1-4.

Wrong Road, The. Vivian D. Gunderson (Esy, Jr)
Short, true stories illustrating specific Scriptures on sin.

Sword of the Lord Ministries
P.O. Box 1099
Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37133-1099
Customer Service: 800-247-9673
Web: swordbooks.com

Cowboy Boots in Darkest Africa. Evangelist Bill Rice, ©1968, Rev. ed. 1998.
The account of Bill Rice's trip to Africa including stories and pictures of adventures with elephants, lions, a black panther, murdering spear men, and of multitudes who heard the Gospel. Application of Bible truth. See sample Chapter 14--The Valley of Thirst.

More Adventures in Animal Land! Hugh Pyle.
Four stories (The Fire in Fable Forest, The Wedding in Woodsey Wallow, The Trip to Mighty Mountain, and The Midnight Cat Fight) for children ages 5-12.

Profiles in Evangelism. Dr. Fred Barlow.
Biographical sketches of forty-five soul winning evangelists, pastors, missionaries, and musicians including D. L. Moody, C. H. Spurgeon, Billy Sunday, R. A. Torrey, John Wesley, etc. including portraits of each. See Sample chapter.

Scamper Squirrel. Hugh Pyle.
A story for children about Scamper Squirrel of Fable Forest.

Those Kids in Proverbsville. Elizabeth Rice Handford.
Stories that teach how good Christian kids ought to act in all sorts of hard situations. There is a Proverb for each story.

5. Other Suggestions
Reese Publications
Note: These biographies are currently out-of-print..

The following biographies in the Christian Hall of Fame series by Ed Reese are suggested: Philip Bliss, David Brainerd, Billy Bray, J. Wilbur Chapman, Fanny Crosby, Jonathan Edwards, Christmas Evans, Harry Ironside, Sam Jones, Adoniram Judson, Dwight L. Moody, George Mueller, Ira Sankey, Gipsy Smith, J. Hudson Taylor, R. A. Torrey, John Wesley, and George Whitefield. Each booklet is 7-10 pages, includes a portrait on the cover and provides good material for Sunday School lessons, family devotions, and reading for young people and adults.

Bible Truth Music
PO Box 1881
Newport News, VA 23601
Phone: 757-365-9956
Toll-Free: 877-276-6683
Web: www.bibletruthmusic.com

Bible Truth Hymns—A hymnbook of 682 hymns, songs, and choruses, with a wide variety of styles, eras, and subjects represented. General, topical and author indexes available online for review.

Adoniram Judson: God's Man in Burma by Sharon Hambrick. Greenville, S.C.: Bob Jones University Press, ©2001. Ages 9-12. "This life story of Adoniram Judson follows him from childhood and youthful unbelief to trust in Jesus Christ and service on the mission field of Burma."

Billy Sunday: Home Run to Heaven by Robert A. Allen. Fenton, MI: Mott Media, ©1985. 5th grade. Biography of a professional baseball player who dedicated his life to Christ and became an evangelist of the early twentieth century.

C. T. Studd: No Retreat by Janet & Geoff Benge. Seattle, Wash.: YWAM, ©2005. Ages 10 and up. A star English cricket player in his youth, C.T. did nothing halfway. Serving in China, India, and finally Central Africa, C.T. unceasingly pursued a life devoted to Christ.

The Christian Home by R. K. Campbell. Rev. ed. Beamsville, Ontario, Canada: Believer's Bookshelf Canada, Inc., 2008. Balanced, comprehensive and helpful. Available from publisher and Bible Truth Publishers.

Captive Treasure by Milly Howard. Greenville, S.C.: Bob Jones University Press, ©1988. Ages 9-12. Fiction. "This is a story of great courage and stirring adventure, of spiritual growth and personal relationships with God ... of a brave girl who learns to stand alone for God in difficult circumstances.

Christian Men of Science: Eleven Men Who Changed the World. George Mulfinger & Julia Mulfinger Orozco. Greenville, S.C.: Ambassador Emerald International, ©2004. ISBN 1932307222. Interesting short biographies of eleven men who changed the world: Johannes Kepler, Robert Boyle, Sir David Brewster, Michael Faraday, Samuel F. B. Morse, Matthew Fontaine Murray, Lord Kelvin (William Thomson), James Clerk Maxwell, Howard Atwood Kelly, M.D., Dr. Henry Morris, and Dr. Walt Brown.

Carrying Light in Darkness. David Cloud. ©1982. "Biography of a blind Nepali evangelist who carries the Gospel across the most rugged mountains in the world, the mighty Himalayas." Originally published by Way of Life Literature. Out-of-print. Electronic text edition used with permission.

David Livingstone: African Explorer by John Hudson Tiner. Fenton, MI: ©1997. ISBN 0880621648. 6th grade. Biography of an explorer, missionary, scientist and doctor. His exciting exploits in Africa tell a story of unsurpassed courage and determination.

George Muller: Man of Faith and Miracles by Basil Miller. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 1972. 160 pages.

George Washington Carver: Man's Slave Becomes God's Scientist by David Collins. Fenton, MI: Mott Media, ©1981. 6th grade. The story of one man's rise from slavery and the struggles and triumphs of his faith.

Giants of the Missionary Trail. The Life Stories of Eight Men Who Defied Death and Demons by Eugene M. Harrison. Reprint. Originally published in 1948. Interesting biographies of the following missionaries: Henry Nott, William Carey, George Grenfell, Adoniram Judson, Samuel Marsden, David Livingstone, James Chalmers and Jonathan Goforth. Also Free eBook edition.

Gladys Aylward: The Little Woman by Gladys Aylward and Christine Hunter. Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, ©1970. The life story of Gladys Aylward, who by faith, trusted God to provide for all her needs as a missionary in China.

God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew with John and Elizabeth Sherrill. Bloomington, MN: Chosen Books, 2015.

The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom with Elizabeth and John Sherrill. Grand Rapids, MI : Chosen Books, 2006, ©1971. Personal narrative of Corrie Ten Boom's experiences in German-occupied Holland during WWII, the role of she and her family in the Dutch Resistance who helped Jews escape from the Nazis and her subsequent imprisonment.

Incredible Journey in the Steps of Greatness by James R. Ray. Chattanooga, TN: BIMI Publications International, ©2001. Go with the author to Olney, England, the home of "Amazing Grace." Travel to Belgium and see the site where William Tyndale, the great Bible translator, was martyred. Then go on to Amy Carmichael's Ireland. Follow in the steps of William Carey, David Livingstone, John Wesley, F. B. Meyer, and many others. This work explores some of the greatest lives ever lived. Many illustrations and portraits. Available from publisher.

Isaac Newton: Inventor, Scientist, and Teacher by John Hudson Tiner. Fenton, MI: Mott Media, ©1976. 8th grade. Biography of the seventeenth-century English astronomer and mathematician who discovered the law of gravity.

Meena of Nepal. Linda Cloud. ©1982. "Missionary challenge for children or adults by an independent Baptist missionary nurse who worked in Nepal." Originally published by Way of Life Literature. Out-of-print. Electronic text edition used with permission.

Never Alone by Katherine Needham; illustrated by Nfunywi Eugene. ©2003. ISBN 9780978932589. The exciting adventures of a rebellious, thirteen year old African boy who becomes a Christian and seeks to live and witness for his Lord. "Valuable lessons about growing in Christ and trusting God in every circumstance." Ages 8-12. For information/ordering, Email: neveralonebooks@gmail.com

101 Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Kregel Publications, 1982. The true stories behind 101 favorite hymns.

101 More Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck. Grand Rapids, Mich: Kregel Publications, 1985. The true stories behind 101 favorite hymns.

The Pilgrim's Progress. John Bunyan.
First published in 1678, this Christian classic is available in numerous editions from a variety of sources.

R. G. LeTourneau: Mover of Men and Mountains. The autobiography of R. G. LeTourneau. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 1967. Interesting read! LeTourneau shows what it means for a businessmen to live for God and work with and for Him.

Ten Traps of Television. Francie Taylor. Murfreesboro, TN: Sword of the Lord Publishers, ©2003. The Time Waster, Dulling Your Light, Hindering Your Prayer Life, Discontentment for Sale, Sowing Seeds of Spiritual Confusion, Developmental Problems in Young Children, Cultivating Rebellion and Worldliness, Spoiling Christians in Their Later Years, Marriage Pollution, and Glorifying 'Strange Womanhood'. Excellent! Available from Sword of the Lord Ministries.

To the Golden Shore: The Life of Adoniram Judson by Courtney Anderson. Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 1987. Biography of a man who experienced bitter hardships, imprisonment, and family tragedy, but never wavered in his commitment to win people to faith in Christ and to translate the Bible into the Burmese language.

Treasure in the Big Woods by Margaret Jean Tuininga. Addison, IL: Bible Truth Publishers, 1995. Peggy and her two sisters found the wonderful treasure while homesteading in the big woods of northern Minnesota. Many happy and exciting things happen in this story of growing up and learning of God's love. 5-6th grade. Available from publisher.

Uncle Walter's Animal Stories by Walter L. Wilson. Milton, FL: Gospel Projects Press, 1997. Originally published by Zondervan, 1945. Six short delightful stories for children showing the wonders of God's creation with valuable lessons. Available from Bible Truth Publishers.