Want to know how the books for the 12 Days of Christmas sale were chosen? We asked different employees to choose a book that has special meaning to them. In the list below you will find links to several of their stories.
Chickadee Winter
Just a Minute
Next Fine Day
The Princess and the Goblin
Refresh Your Heart
Walking in the Spirit
Escape to Liechtenstein
“When I was in elementary school, I was captivated by the story of these children in World War II. Their bravery in fighting against the enemy and the exciting adventures they experienced were so exciting that I felt like I was in the story with them. I struggled to put the book down, and read through all three in the series one right after the other.” —Andrew
Based on historical events, the Young Refugees Series by Ed Dunlop takes young readers to a time when fighting for your life was an everyday reality. Hans and his younger sister Gretchen risk their own safety to protect others in Nazi-occupied Europe. (ages 9–12)
Jenny Wren
“I read a lot—books of all shapes and sizes—but one of the books that I remember enjoying as a child was Jenny Wren. Looking back, I was probably intrigued by the story since Jenny’s life as an orphan was so different from my life. Hers was filled with instability and left her wary of trusting anyone, even the sweet couple that tried to offer her a safe, loving home. Now that I’m older I think about this story and see a beautiful analogy of God’s love for us woven throughout. I hope it blesses you as much as it has me.” —Carolynn
Grace, love, and forgiveness permeate this youth novel by Dawn L. Watkins. Jenny Wren, a foster child, has just moved to live with the Logans, but she does not expect to stay long. (ages 9–12)
Mumsi Meets a Lion
“I picked Mumsi Meets a Lion because it reminds me of when I was a kid imagining what it would be like if I met a lion. Would I be able to stand still? Would I run away as fast as possible or would I try to fight the lion off? I don’t know, but it sure was fun thinking about it.” —David
And that is exactly what young readers will encounter when they read Kim Stegall’s picture book—an account of a boy named Mumsi and what he does when a lion comes across his path. (picture book)
The Railway Children
“I never read The Railway Children until I was an adult. A friend recommended it to me around the time my second child was born, and I fell in love with the book immediately. Be sure to read the book aloud so that you can fully appreciate the beauty of the author’s language choices and storytelling ability. The story itself celebrates the carefree innocence of childhood and will delight your young child again and again.” —Megan
You’ll find themes of adventure, family values, and trust throughout this wonderful youth novel by Edith Nesbit. (ages 9–12)
What Do I Know About My God?
“I chose What Do I Know About My God? because it’s a book that I return to over and over again when I need to be reminded of what Scripture says about who God is and what He does. As a teenager, I first remember seeing this book at my aunt’s house and wondering if it could teach me more than I already knew about my Lord. Now having finished the book and taking up the challenge to begin my own journal, I can say that God has used this book as a tool in my life to help me grow in my relationship with Him and in my gratefulness for His words. It has also been a source of encouragement as I share the Bible truths with other women God brings into my life.“ —Meredith
This book by Mardi Collier is great for personal growth or group study. Although written for women, it presents truths about God that are valuable for all believers.
What’s Stopping You?
“What’s Stopping You? sounds like something that I could have used when I was a teenager and didn’t really understand God’s Word. It seemed that very few people had the knowledge, the patience, or the time to teach me. I believe that if I had better understood what I needed to do to become more like Christ, some of the wrong choices I made wouldn’t have affected me so much.” —Byron
Written by Nathan Thomas, this book challenges teens to pursue God with all their being.
Have you read any of these books? Share your story with us below.