Books make the best gifts! Of all the things I’ve been given over the years, books are the gifts that I keep forever. I’m especially reminded of this as we are in the process of moving and we have more boxes of books than anything else (including furniture!). I’ve compiled some of my favorite books from 2015 and grouped them into categories. Any of these would make fantastic gifts for this Christmas.
Leave a comment on the bottom of this post and be entered to win a copy of Prayers That Changed History: From Christopher Columbus to Helen Keller, how God used 25 people to change the world
by Tricia Goyer. Let me know, what have been your favorite books this year?
*Share a link to this post on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest and gain extra entries. Just let me know in the comments which ones you’ve done. Entries accepted until 6 p.m. Sunday Dec. 6 and winner will be announced Monday Dec 7.
My lists from previous years can be found here: 2013 and 2014.
This year’s picks:
For Kids
Especially for (but not only) boys.
Great books for elementary aged boys are tough to find! It’s been my mission to find some this year, and I’ve had success with these. 9 year-old T-Rex highly recommends you buy the 6-9 year-old boys on your list these books:
The Cottonmouth Series: by C.S. Fritz
This 3-book series was captivating and beautiful. The black and white pencil drawings are beautiful and play a big role in the story. T-Rex couldn’t wait for the 3rd book to be release this past spring, and was very sad it was the final book.
From the back cover of the first book:
Tug loves taking Freddie on wild adventures—trips to the moon, building castles, or catching fireflies with Freddie riding on his wide furry back. When Freddie finds a mysterious egg, Tug makes him promise never to eat it. But Freddie is about to discover that broken promises come at a great price.This is the rare children’s story—both bold and tender and brimming with moments of great risk, adventure, and heart. Combining the artistic wonder of Where the Wild Things Are with the timeless storytelling of The Polar Express, this story will capture both the imagination and the intelligence of children and their parents as it sheds light on the power of sin, sacrifice, and redemption.Find them on Amazon or at your local bookstore: Cottonmouth and the Great Gift, Cottonmouth and the River, Cottonmouth and the End (Cottonmouth Series)
Imagination Station, Adventures in Odyssey
I loved the Adventures in Odyssey show as a kid, and I didn’t realize they had a series of books out until recently. I’m very late to the game. I bought T-Rex book one and he said, “It’s like Magic Treehouse, only better.” You can’t get much better of a review than that. So there you have it. Get these for the young readers on your list!
These books also have a strong faith element, along with some historical fiction. Find a boxed set of the first six here, or check your local Christian bookstore:
Imagination Station Boxed Set: Books 1-6 (AIO Imagination Station Books)
Especially for (but not only) girls.
Gutsy Girls: The story of Gladys Aylward
Girls need to see examples of daring, strong, gutsy women. My friend Amy Sullivan is putting together a fantastic series called Gutsy Girls. The first book is about an unlikely missionary to China named Gladys Aylward. You can see my full post about this book here.
I especially recommend for girls ages 5-10 who love adventure and amazing girl stories and good history. Honestly, I loved it too!
Find the book on Amazon here: Gutsy Girls: Strong Christian Women Who Impacted the World: Book One: Gladys Aylward (Volume 1)
NIV Bible for Teen Girls
This is a beautiful Bible for the tween or teen girl on your list. In fact, I want one for myself too. Not only is it a beautiful design, but each book begins with a bit of historical background, of the who, what, when and where of the book. Throughout the Bible are pages that give more background information on different women of the Bible. Also included every few pages are “Growing in Faith, Hope, Love” devotionals written by women authors like Christine Caine, Annie Downs, Bethany Hamilton, and more.
Zondervan.com is offering a 30% discount on all kids’ and teens’ books and Bibles through December 1st. Enter the code CHRISTMAS2015 at check out and receive 30% off of all of the kids’ and teens’ books and Bibles. (This discount is only available when buying online at zondervan.com
Find the hardback version at Zondervan.com here: Hardback version or leather-like here: Leather-like in pink and here: Leather-like in teal
Find it on Amazon here: Growing in Faith, Hope, and Love NIV Bible for Teen Girls (Hardback)
For Boys and Girls and Families to Read Together
Prayers that Changed History by Tricia Goyer
I just received a copy of this book to review and fell in love with it right away. Each chapter features a different person from history. Goyer shares a bit of the historical information on each person, including how their faith and prayers impacted history. Within each chapter is “something to think about” that would be great for families to discuss together, stories from Scripture that illustrate truths to go with the historical story, and questions for your own life.
The chapters are arranged by historical timeline of the prayers beginning with Polycarp in AD 155 and ending with Dietrich Bonhoeffer in 1945. In between you’ll find Saint Patrick, Mother Teresa, Sojourner Truth, Billy Sunday, Florence Nightingale and more.
This is another Zondervan book eligible for the 30% off discount through December 1. Find it on Zondervan’s website here. Enter the code CHRISTMAS2015 at check out and receive 30% off.
Find it on Amazon here: Prayers That Changed History: From Christopher Columbus to Helen Keller, how God used 25 people to change the world
For Little ones
Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd-Jones
I’ve been a Sally Lloyd-Jones fan since the moment I discovered the Jesus Storybook Bible. Song of the Stars is another beautiful, lyrical, meaningful story. This boardbook is a retelling of the Christmas story featuring a song sung by nature, animals, and the stars. I was moved by the meaning that Lloyd-Jones once again puts into the words, gently teaching little ones Who this baby really is: The Mighty King, The Prince of Peace, the Good Shepherd, A Light to light up the whole world!” The paintings by Alison Joy beautifully help tell the story. You’ll cuddle up with your little one and read this one over and over. Anyone want to let me borrow their little one? Sniff.
This book also is part of the Zondervan discount through December 1. Find on Zondervan’s site in hardcover here or board book version here. Enter the code CHRISTMAS2015 at check out and receive 30% off.
Find it on Amazon here: Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story
For parents, moms, really everyone.
Anne of Green Gables, My Daughter and Me by Lorilee Craker
From Goodreads: “A charming and heartwarming true story for anyone who has ever longed for a place to belong. “Anne of Green Gables,” My Daughter, and Me is a witty romp through the classic novel; a visit to the magical shores of Prince Edward Island; and a poignant personal tale of love, faith, and loss.
And it all started with a simple question: “What’s an orphan?” The words from her adopted daughter, Phoebe, during a bedtime reading of Anne of Green Gables stopped Lorilee Craker in her tracks. How could Lorilee, who grew up not knowing her own birth parents, answer Phoebe’s question when she had wrestled all her life with feeling orphaned—and learned too well that not every story has a happy ending?
So Lorilee set off on a quest to find answers in the pages of the very book that started it all, determined to discover—and teach her daughter—what home, family, and belonging really mean. If you loved the poignancy of Orphan Train and the humor of Mennonite in a Little Black Dress, you will be captivated by “Anne of Green Gables,” My Daughter, and Me. It’s a beautiful memoir that deftly braids three lost girls’ stories together, speaks straight to the heart of the orphan in us all, and shows us the way home at last.”
You’ll laugh, cry, and certainly never forget this story of finding a home, a place to belong.
Find it on Amazon here: “Anne of Green Gables,” My Daughter, and Me: What My Favorite Book Taught Me about Grace, Belonging, and the Orphan in Us All
Balance, Busyness, and Not Doing it All, by Brenda Yoder
This book by Brenda Yoder has been one of the books that impacted me the most this year. It’s changed my expectations and how I operate a few things around my home. See my full review here. It’s filled with Scripture and practical helps. Every mom should read this book.
From the back cover: “Busyness is epidemic, and the Christian family isn’t exempt. Women caring for today’s families are pulled in every direction. Balance, Busyness, and Not Doing It All is a practical, faith-based book equipping moms to say yes to what’s most important in life during the busiest years of parenting. Whether you’re a working mom, a stay-at-home-mom, this book is filled with answers for your physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. The suggestions will surprise, challenge, and free you to do less, while embracing more out of life both personally and in your family. From practical housekeeping tools to personal growth, this book will equip you with things to use today to manage your family well, while taking care of and honoring yourself, and deepening your faith.”
Find it on Amazon here: Balance, Busyness, and Not Doing It All: Finding Balance During the Busiest Years of Parenting
Historical Fiction Lovers
Maggie Bright, by Tracy Groot
From the Back Cover: “Maggie Bright is set in 1940 England during Hitler’s “Blitzkrieg” which had the entire British army in retreat with little hope for rescue at the shallow beaches of Dunkirk. With time running out, Churchill recruits civilian watercraft to help. Clare Childs knew life would change when she unexpectedly inherited the “Maggie Bright”–a noble fifty-two-foot yacht. In fact, she’s counting on it. But the boat harbors secrets.”
Maggie Bright is another home run by Groot. I didn’t want this story to end, and wanted to know more. I could feel the spray of the saltwater, held the tension of the conflict in my shoulders, and felt like I was there, which is the magic of Groot’s writing. What a magnificent historical tale, and one I’d now like to read more about – the sign of great fiction, wanting to learn more of the historical setting.
Find it on Amazon Here: Maggie Bright: A Novel of Dunkirk
A Cup of Dust, by Susie Finkbeiner
A cup of Dust is a gripping coming-of-age tale about ten-year-old Pearl Spence who’s living in Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl. It’s a beautifully written story, and I couldn’t put it down. I could practically taste and feel the dust in my mouth while reading. Her vivid descriptions put me in the place, and the mystery kept me guessing and turning the pages until the very end.
In her typical storytelling fashion, Finkbeiner isn’t afraid to deal with the hard issues in life, yet she always does so with grace and hope. A Cup of Dust is a riveting tale of faith, hope, and a reminder that your past does not define your future
Find it on Amazon here: A Cup of Dust: A Novel of the Dust Bowl
Those interested in Prayer
Prayer, by Timothy Keller
I read this book earlier in the year, and I still use the practical tools offered in the book and refer back to it often. It stays in a prominent spot on my reference book shelf. I appreciated the deep teaching on prayer and how it’s connected to our study of Scripture.
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God
Writers, Artists, Designers, Creatives
The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield
I listened to this book on audio, and wished I had the print version so I could highlight it, mark it up and review it over and over. Anyone who creates will appreciate the struggle Pressfield defines and the routines and tips he offers for overcoming the obstacles to creativity. One of my favorite lines came from the opening: “There’s a secret real writers know that wanna be writers don’t. It’s not writing that’s the hard part. What’s hard is sitting down to write.”
From Goodreads: “The Art of War meets “The Artist’s Way” in this no-nonsense, profoundly inspiring guide to overcoming creative blocks of every kind.”
Find it on Amazon: The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
Steal Like an Artist and Show Your Work, by Austin Kleon
I heard Kleon speak at the Story Conference this past fall, and loved him. He gave one of the funniest, most-memorable talks of the weekend. His topic was “how to make friends on the internet” and he used many of the main points from his books. A hot topic among writers these days is “platform” and the frustration of needing X numbers of followers. Kleon (who has a massive following on Twitter) related a story about how he made a real friend on the internet, and how it wouldn’t have happened if it were not for Twitter. He calls himself a writer who draws and his books are quirky and quippy, but practical and powerful.
Case in point: “Don’t wait until you know who you are to get started….Write the book you want to read…Do good work and share it with people…Be nice….” and more. His drawings and blackout poetry within each chapter make the book quite simply fun.
Find them on Amazon: Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative
Remember to leave a comment on this post and be entered to win a copy of Prayers That Changed History: From Christopher Columbus to Helen Keller, how God used 25 people to change the world
*Share a link to this post on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest and gain extra entries. Just let me know in the comments which ones you’ve done. Entries accepted until 6 p.m. Sunday Dec. 6 and winner will be announced Monday Dec 7.
Oh, I love Song of the Stars. One of my favorites. I’m excited to check out Cottonmouth and the River with my son.
This year, I have loved Sharon Brown’s new book: Two Steps Forward. Also (definitely not a Christian book but a captivating story none the less) I loved A Man Called Ove.
Thanks for those, Erin! I haven’t read Sharon’s new one yet, and I love a good storyline, Christian or not!
I love your book list! I will certainly check them out! My favorite books from this year have been as follows: Shared with the kids: Little Britches by Ralph Moody (T-rex might enjoy this!), Heidi by Johanna Spyri, and The Winged Watchman by Hilda von Stockum (another good boy book!) and for my littlest, The Llama Llama books. Personal development: Are You Fully Charged by Tom Rath and As A Man Thinketh by James Allen. I’ve really been enjoying biographies as well. My favorites this year have been Jumping Through Fires by David Nassar, I Dared Call Him Father by Bisques Sheikh, A Lucky Child by Thomas Buergenthal, and Abraham by Charles Stanley.
Sorry. I Dared Call Him Father is by Bilquis Sheikh.
Oooh that’s a really good list! Thanks for sharing, especially the boy books. We read Llama Llama books over and over when mine were little!
Thanks for sharing this list! I hope to read many of those titles. This fall I enjoyed reading Growing Grateful Kids. Last summer we read Peter Pan in Scarlet. It’s the official sequal to Peter Pan. We’ve also been reading the Mary Poppins books. She has many more adventures than what you see in the movie. My son has recently taken a liking to The Berenstain Bear books. There are lots of good lessons to learn from the bear family.
Oooh, Growing Grateful sounds awesome. I’ll have to pass along the Peter Pan sequel to Little Miss. She just read the original, and I got her the first Mary Poppins last year. I couldn’t believe how many were in the series!
THanks Amelia–this is HUGELY helpful with my Christmas list!
You’re welcome! Enjoy!
Great Recommendations! Thank you!