These books are particularly suited to reading aloud and contain something for each family member.

Disclaimer: No book, apart from the Holy Scriptures of God, is wholly pure. I have personally read each of the books listed here and found them to be chiefly wholesome, uplifting, and doctrinally sound. If I have reservations about a specific book I have included them in bold type.

Would you like to recommend your own favorite family books?  Please email me.

fiction

Adam of the Road, Elizabeth Jane Gray.

Adam and his father Roger are traveling minstrels in thirteenth century England. Roger tells his son about the road: “It brings all kinds of people and parts of England together. And it’s home to a minstrel, even though he may happen to be sleeping in a castle.” Accidentally separated from his father while searching for the man who stole his beloved dog Nick, Adam encounters many exciting adventures on the road—including robber knights, dishonest minstrels, and a concussion. Throughout all, Adam keeps to the road and depends on it to bring a happy reunion.  There is reference in one of the minstrel’s story to fairies.

This fictionalized account introduces children to the “Yankee stargazer” Nathaniel Bowditch, a largely self-taught American mathematician credited as the founder of modern maritime navigation. Jean Lee Latham's Newberry award-winning book Carry On, Mr Bowditch! is a stellar example of children's literature. Latham does not pretend to "stoop" to a child's level with simplistic vocabulary, foolish characters and vapid dialogue, but instead provides a rich feast for hungry young (and older) minds. She is not afraid to use technical terms (masterfully explained) or to discuss topics of lasting importance and interest—mathematics, navigation and astronomy among them. She does not assume her audience to be a group of lazy, school-hating children—or at least she does not sympathize with them. She gives them a strong and humble character, a boy and then man who never allows difficult circumstances to hinder his deep desire to learn and teach. Unlike many popular children's authors, Latham refuses to dramatize authority struggles but rather reinforces the virtues of honor and submission. Neither does she play that wearying chord of sibling tension. Though the Bowditch family suffers many trials, they remain kind and loving throughout. Whether sister Lizzy proudly exclaims over Nathaniel's gaining height or Nathaniel remembers brother Hab's admonition to protect women and keep them from worrying, there is a refreshing theme of familial love. Carry On, Mr Bowditch! is a classic that inspires children to think and do, and gives them a great respect for family affection, honor, diligence, hard work and self-directed education. [251 pages]

Centerburg Tales, Robert McCloskey

Homer Price, Uncle Ulysses, and our favorite stuttering sheriff are back with another set of zany but surprisingly relevant tall tales. Gather ‘round to hear Grandpa Hercules’ astonishing if doubtful tales. Save the world from Dulcy Dooner’s menacing Experiment 13. Listen to a smooth salesman wax eloquent about his fantastical product. Join Homer and Freddy as they seek to liberate the town from an all-too-catchy tune. The lively text is accompanied by equally lively sketches from one of America’s great writers and illustrators. [190 p] See the first book of a pair below: Homer Price.

Children of the Covered Wagon: A Story of Old Oregon, Mary Jane Carr

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, Mark Twain

This is a riotously funny story, but it makes you think too. It all begins when Twain meets a strange man with an even stranger story. Hank Morgan is a self-reliant Yankee who is sent to the Middle Ages by a blow on the head. After a few close shaves with death, “Sir Boss” becomes second-in-command after King Arthur and begins his campaign to bring the nineteenth century to the sixteenth: firearms, science, modern language, the telephone, bicycles, and even baseball. He is not without adversaries. He must contend with a jealous Merlin, a quick-tempered knight, a slave-master, the Catholic Church—and himself. A thought-provoking comparison of governments, economics, education, and religion, all wrapped up in the brilliant wit of America’s most famous humorist! (Written later in Twain’s career, this book does foreshadow some of the pessimism that would mark Twain’s last years. A sobering close.) Some discretion required. Some graphic details may not be appropriate for younger children. [500 pages]

The Door in the Wall, Marguerite de Angeli

[121 p]

Five Little Peppers and How They Grew, Margaret Sidney

The five happy little Peppers are steady Ben, industrious Polly, playful Dave, mischievous Joey, and charming little Phronsie. This book is sweet with accounts of how the Pepper children seek to bless their poor and widowed "Mamsie" in all things. Through nearly tragic circumstances, the Pepper family makes friends with Jasper, the son of wealthy and irascible Mr. King. This friendship will change their lives forever when a surprising discovery is thus made. [275 pages]

The Gift of the Magi, O. Henry

I favor the edition illustrated by Patrick James Lynch.

Homer Price, Robert McCloskey

The House at Pooh Corner, A. A. Milne [ill. Ernest Shepherd]

Lad: A Dog, Albert Payson Terhune

On His Own, Horatio Alger, Jr. [A Beka Edition]

When his guardian loses Rodney’s fortune, Rodney Ropes must leave his expensive boarding school and look for work. He is about to embark on a series of adventures he will never forget. Along the way he must repeatedly ward off a clever thief, a jealous co-worker, and even kidnappers. The children will cheer for Rodney as he overcomes malicious slander and bad circumstances with cheerfulness, honesty, persistence, and hard work. Readers learn that, though a good character will not always be rewarded instantly, it ultimately pays.  At the end of this action-filled narrative, good triumphs and evil is punished.

Otto of the Silver Hand, Howard Pyle

Conrad of of Drachenhausen is a robber baron in the days of lawless Germany. When his beloved wife Matilda dies, leaving an infant behind, Conrad sends him to the sanctuary of a monastery and the company of gentle monks. Twelve years later, he takes his son Otto back to the castle, but only to the tragic result of revengeful spirits. What follows is a suspenseful tale of intrigue, escape, and ultimate sacrifice. “Better is a silver hand than a hand of iron.”

The Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan

The Railway Children, E. Nesbit

When their father is mysteriously taken away, Roberta, Peter, and Phyllis must leave to a country cottage with their mother. It is a beautiful, wonderful place, but the most enthralling thing of all is the railway train that speeds by, a train that is bound to bring them much joy and a few puzzles. The three children endear themselves to the prickly station porter Perks, meet the kindly Old Gentleman, save a train from a serious accident, rescue a “hound,” care for a poor Russian exile, and wonder where their father could possibly be. An incredibly moving ending to this beautiful story. [225 pages]

The Ransom of Red Chief, O. Henry

I favor the edition illustrated by Paul Frame.

Swiss Family Robinson, J. D. Wyss

Let’s go to the Hundred Acre Wood and visit Winnie-the-Pooh and his companions—kind Piglet, gloomy Eeyore, sensible Rabbit, indomitable Tigger, and all the rest. Whether they are rescuing each other, going on an Expedition, or just playing Pooh-sticks, life in the Hundred Acre Wood is full of adventure and humor. A perennial treat for grownups and children alike!  Be sure to get only Milne’s original text illustrated by Shepherd’s timeless watercolors. “‘When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,’ said Piglet at last, ‘what’s the first thing you say to yourself?’ ‘What’s for breakfast?’ said Pooh. ‘What do you say Piglet?’ ‘I say, I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?’ said Piglet. Pooh nodded thoughtfully. ‘It’s the same thing,’ he said.”

Winter’s Folly, Mrs. O. F. Walton

This is one of Mrs. O. F. Walton’s best books, a wonderful, endearing story that you will laugh with and cry over. It tells of two young girls who learn that shedding tears for hurting people is not enough—they must go to them with the healing power of God. Even young children are capable of making a huge impact in a person's life, as Myrtle and Ivy did in the life an old, impoverished man with a secret past. A beautiful surprise ending to a story that you will cherish and want to read again and again! A paperback edition is available from Keepers of the Faith.

nonfiction

The Gift of Music: Great Composers and Their Influence, Jane Stuart Smith with Betty Carlson

[299 p]

James Herriot’s Treasury for Children, James Herriot

Leading Little Ones to God, Marian M. Schoolland

Midnight Alarm, Mary Kay Phelan

The Story of the Boston Massacre, Mary Kay Phelan

The Story of the Boston Tea Party, Mary Kay Phelan

poetry

The Best Loved Poems of the American People, Compiled by Hazel Felleman

This is the volume that inspired my love for good poetry. With such favorites as "Touched by the Master's Hand," "Home, Sweet Home," "The Blue Bowl," "My Mother's Garden," and "The Worried Skipper," this old book is absolutely chock-full with jewels to uncover through many a contented hour. Indulge your taste for romance, inspiration, whimsy, and humor. Some poems may not be appropriate for all members of the family.  Parental discretion should be employed. [648 pages and indexes]

The Collected Verse of Edgar Guest, Edgar Guest