The Swiss Family Robinson

Over the past year I have been reading old and new children's books to create a list of approved books for (if it is the Lord's will) my future children. The Swiss Family Robinson written by Johann David Wyss was first published in 1812. I grew up watching the movie and never had read the book until earlier this year. It is a delightful and adventurous story of a Swiss family who shipwrecked in the East Indies and must survive by themselves. What I loved about it was the dynamics of the family. Later I learned, it was written by a Swiss pastor who wanted to teach his sons about family values, good husbandry, and the uses of the natural world. No wonder I loved it! Few children's books today mention God or even have a stable family structure. Even though it is a little unrealistic (too Utopian), there are plenty of little lessons of life throughout it. This book would appeal to boys as well as girls. Would make an exciting nighttime read-aloud.

Cornelia's Story

I read Cornelia's Story: Her Life in the Caesarea Ecclesia in the Sixties A.D. a few years ago and really enjoyed it. It wasn't the type of fictionalized Biblical books I've skimmed and disliked because of stretching God's Word. Instead this Christadelphian written book gives us a realistic picture of what it was like to live as Brethren right after Christ's time. "Cornelia's Story is told to us by a 'typical' young believer in the decade of the sixties AD. Our imaginary young sister was baptized in AD 57 by the ecclesia in the city of Caesarea where she lived with her parents." This book was written to express that young people have always had the same struggles and that the Scriptures are relevant to our day and age.

Buy the book here

Stepping Heavenward & Aunt Jane's Hero

Elizabeth Prentiss was a talented 1800s Christian writer. Stepping Heavenward: One Woman's Journey to Godliness is a journal of Katie, starting in 1831 at age sixteen. Over time she matures into a Godly woman but not without trials and tribulation. It will bring tears and perhaps a little laughter because we can identify easily with her struggles with pride, self-reliance, and lack of faith. A spiritually inspiring and uplifting book recommended to anyone ages 12 and up.

Aunt Jane's Hero: Portrait of a Christ-Centered Home is another favorite from the same author. This is a story of a young couple who are led by an elderly kind-hearted woman. Together they learn about love, following Christ's example, and how to rely on God. "I love this book! It is a marriage manual of the highest order... a must-read for every married woman and ought to be required reading for every bride-to-be." -Susan Hunt, back cover

Read S.H. online here
Read A.J.H. online here

Buy S.H. here
Buy A.J.H. here

Heidi

Rarely do I recommend fiction, however Heidi by Johanna Spyri is an excellent exception. Filled with child-like faith, Heidi sparks love and life into her grandfather's worn out heart. She brings joy to everyone she meets and is a servant to all. There is much to learn in this classic about an orphaned girl in the Alps!

Buy it here
(would make a wonderful bed-time read aloud)

The Princess Kiss & The Squire and the Scroll

Jennie Bishop wrote The Princess Kiss for her daughters to teach them about purity. The Squire and the Scroll is a similar story to teach boys the same virtue. These books are great resources for parents to share with their children about the importance of purity. The concept of purity is not promoted by the world so parents need to take advantage of books like these.

The author's website can be found here
Both books and other books by Jennie Bishop can be bought here

Author Debbie Wood

Historical fiction books are plenteous today. Unfortunately, there are just a few that are about Christadelphians. Sister Debbie Wood from the Landenberg Ecclesia in Pennsylvania has written four fiction novels based upon the history of Christadelphians in North America.

A Precious Hope was her first book written in 1999. It is about the struggles, tragedies, and general lives of the members of a close-knit community in Virginia and its small ecclesia in the early 1900s. Like other historical books, it is true to the times but also includes the exciting spread of the Truth. The faith of the various characters bring tears, joy, and inspiration to the readers.

Sister Debbie went on to write three more novels. They are part of The Day Star Legacy series. The first book, The Early Years, starts in 1875 and takes place in Kentucky. The story continues in the books, The New Century and Year by Year following the various lives of families in both Kentucky and Virginia. Filled with the lives of fictional, but realistic Christadelphian brethren, these books show growth, progression, and stable, yet tried, faith. The fourth (and much anticipated) book in the series is in the making.

Two of these are currently out of print. The remaining two books can be purchased here.