Growing a Man

I have to teach my boy to become a man.

A little tough, since I've never been a man, but I know how a Godly man should be. Joshua, Samuel, and Jesus's disciples (after the resurrection) are all examples of men of courage and integrity. There are Godly men in children's books too, although they don't always resemble a human being. Whether the character is a talking mouse, or a boy living in the jungles of South America, the same depth of character comes across, along with the adventure of traveling in someone else's shoes, and the understanding that moral courage is universal. These books are my allies as I am raising my son.

I have had a friend ask what books I would recommend for her seven-year-old son. I myself, after years of reading picture books (and knowing every author and illustrator worth knowing) am researching this new territory of chapter books and early readers. Parents have also asked me about books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, the 'Goosebumps' books, and the 'Harry Potter' series. I'm starting with the tried-and-true classics, and when I have time, I might peruse the newer 'popular' books. This list isn't very long yet, because I am personally reading each of these books myself, but it will grow. Check back occasionally for new suggestions! And if you have suggestions to add, please do so!

If you'd like to see the recommended book list for girls, go to Growing a Lady.

A Good Start for Your Beginning Readers

Commander Toad Series, by Jane Yolen

This series is full of quirky puns, but master writer Jane Yolen crafts a story about frogs and toads in space that all boys (and girls) love. Woven in are lessons on what courage means, for men and frogs alike. (FYI- There is one book in the series that is based on evolution.)

The Drinking Gourd, by F.N. Monjo

This story about a boy meeting runaway slaves and helping them through the Underground Railroad is a level 2 or 3 reader. It is great for talking about right and wrong, human worth, and courage.

Wagon Wheels, by Barbara Brenner

Another great historical level 2 or 3 reader. This one is about the real-life Muldie family and their search for a home of their own in unsettled Kansas. When their father travels ahead to stake out the land, the three Muldie brothers must take care of each other until they are reunited with their father. Many of the incidents in the book are based on true accounts.

Stewart Stork, by Ross Martin Madsen

Steward is a stork who is unhappy with his physical qualities. He does crazy things to try to change himself, but his friends are able to convince him that he doesn't need to change a thing!

Tales of Oliver Pig, by Jean Van Leeuwen

More Tales of Oliver Pig

Oliver Pig at School

Oliver and Albert, Friends Forever

This is a series that I absolutely adore! Gentle and sweet, the books start with Oliver learning to get along with his new little sister. In the subsequent books, he learns lessons about family, school, and friends. There are thirteen books altogether, some with Oliver and Amanda together, and some mainly about Amanda and her adventures with her best friend Lollipop (my kids love that name!) All are worth reading!

Poppleton, by Cynthia Rylant
The Poppleton series is about a pig named Poppleton, his next door llama named Cherry Sue, and his neighborhood friends. The stories are funny and sweet, and the illustrations by Mark Teague are rich and colorful.

The Sword in the Tree, by Clyde Robert Bulla
If your son loves stories about knights, this is the story for him… justice, honor, courage, with a cameo by King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table.

Great for Read-alouds or More Advanced Readers

Call It Courage, by Armstrong Sperry

A Polynesian boy faces his fear of the ocean and learns to survive by himself on an island. I thought it was too slow for my son, but he couldn't put the book down! Note: Polynesians are polytheistic. Their gods play a role in this tale, making it a good platform for teaching about world cultures and religions.

The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis

If you don't want your child reading about sword fighting and witches, then don't read this series. But what your child can learn in the fantasy world of Narnia is so much more than swords and witches. Honor, sacrificial love, goodness... Biblical values are only thinly veiled throughout these books. My children all long to be friends with Aslan and to become a king or queen in Narnia.

Little House on the Prairie Series, by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Full of adventure, details of frontier living, and 'real stories', girls and boys alike love this series. Boys especially will enjoy Farmer Boy, which is about Almonzo Wilder, Laura's husband, when he was growing up on a farm in upstate New York. This one is also one of my personal favorites, because it is full of delicious descriptions of food!

The Mouse and the Motorcycle, by Beverly Cleary

A simple story about a mouse and boy becoming friends because of a shared love for motorcycles. What I love the most is the lesson that Ralph the mouse learns when he breaks the boy's trust.

The Phantom Tollbooth, by Norton Juster

Language, math, learning, and curiosity come alive in this fun book that I have loved for years. If your child ever says, "I'm bored!", then this is the book to read.

The Genius of Willie MacMichael, by George MacDonald

The Boyhood of Ranald Bannerman

The Wanderings of Clare Skymer

Any story by George MacDonald is worth reading, but these chapter books are especially relevant to young boys. My husband and I call these the 'Boy Books' because each tells the story of a boy and his struggle to live by integrity as he faces a world that is sometimes cruel and harsh. There is death and injustice in some of these, so be prepared to discuss them with your child as you read.

The Princess and the Goblin, by George MacDonald
The Princess and Curdie
If you love fairytales and are not familiar with George MacDonald, you're missing out! George MacDonald was a great influence on J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S.Lewis and wrote collections of short stories and "children's" books that hold many hidden gems of wisdom. Boys and girls alike will enjoy The Princess and the Goblin and its sequel.

The Sign of the Beaver, by Elizabeth George Speare

I had read The Witch of Blackbird Pond, but never Speare's historical fiction about a young man learning to survive in Indian territory. Not only does Speare pay great attention to detail, she also brings a new perspective to history. While befriending his Native American neighbors, the protagonist learns about humbleness, respect, and cultural diversity.

Caddie Woodlawn, by Carol Ryrie Brink

Carol Ryrie Brink remembers sitting and listening to her grandmother tell stories of growing up on the Wisconsin frontier in the 1860s. That grandmother's name was Caddie Woodlawn. Though the book features a female protagonist, boys will enjoy reading this book as much as girls (there were parts where my son just laughed out loud!) Each chapter is a glimpse into the life of Caddie and her family on the frontier, and how the girl may often act 'improper' and 'unladylike', but when it really matters, she does what is right, despite what others may say.

Charlotte's Web, by E. B. White

The classic tale of a deep and wonderful friendship between a pig and a spider. I don't normally like spiders, and even I can't help but want to become a person more like Charlotte!

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, by Barbara Robinson

My all-time favorite Christmas read, this story is funny and poignant and gives the reader a new perspective on the Christmas story.

Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner, by A. A. Milne

Always sweet, the original Winnie-the-Pooh stories are a must-read if you know only the Disney character. It's great as a read-aloud, but the illustrations and way that Milne lays out the text also add to the quiet humor of the stories.

On the Wings of Heroes, by Richard Peck

A boy's story about World War II and his two greatest heroes-- his father and his older brother. Full of details from the time period, and plenty of humor and memorable moments.

Sarah, Plain and Tall, by Patricia MacLachlan
Simply and beautifully told, this is the story of a family in search of a new mother. The sequel Skylark is also worth reading.

Babe, the Gallant Pig, by Dick King-Smith
Sweet story about a polite and chivalrous young pig who wants to be a sheep-dog (I mean, sheep-pig!)

By the Great Horn Spoon!, by Sid Fleischman
This book's central character may be a humble butler, but he is honorable, respectful, loyal, level-headed, and brave, what every father and husband should be. The story is also a fun lesson in the California Gold Rush!

The Whipping Boy, by Sid Fleischman
A fun, short story about friendship and seeing life from someone else's perspective.

Five Little Peppers and How They Grew, by Margaret Sidney
This book began as a series more than 100 years ago! The poor Pepper family sticks together through thick and thin and remind each other that they are blessed, despite their hardships.

For Junior High/Highschoolers

Freckles, by Gene Stratton Porter

An orphaned and disabled boy overcomes his handicaps through perseverance, honesty, and his love for the trees and creatures in the forest in which he lives.

The Bronze Bow, by Elizabeth George Speare

A young Jewish man has vowed to avenge his father's death in the hands of the Romans. He is waiting for the Messiah to come and lead an army of fighters, but is surprised and confused when he meets Jesus of Nazareth. A younger reader can handle this book, but the message of love, grace, faith, and forgiveness may be lost if not discussed.

The Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens

This story is classic, and I would have put it in the read-aloud section if all children could handle the older writing style. And like many stories that people 'think' they know, the original is worth reading because of the depth, insight, and Christian message that is often left out of the movies and retellings.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond, by Elizabeth George Speare
When I finished this book, I was so impressed by how the author handled the different personalities and religious views without pointing fingers at anyone (except one, who is an unloving, negligent mother and cantankerous wife). A great book to discuss loving one's neighbor and not being judgmental.

Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry
I remember seeing this book in the library when I was young, but I never read it. If only I had known what I was missing! Based on historical facts, the book tells of how the country of Denmark helped save their Jewish residents during German occupation. It is a heavy subject matter (as any book having to do with WW2 would be), but a very uplifting and amazing story.