Overview: Want your kids to read more? Want to make sure what their reading is age-appropriate or wholesome? Here are EASY ways to find wholesome books for kids.
Have you ever started reading a book with your children only to discover that it contains content which is objectionable?
I’ve started reading several books in which I’ve had to skip over or change an occasional word; however, some books have themes with which we don’t agree – or excessive cursing – or descriptions of suicide – or drug and alcohol abuse – or other things which aren’t age appropriate.
If I’m reading the book aloud, I’ve been known to close the book and tell my boys that we will not finish that one and I let them know why. Some of these books are perfectly fine to circle back around to when they’re older and some will stay on our DNR (did not read) pile.
Closing the book is fine if you’re reading the book aloud. But how do you know the book is any good when you hand it to your children to read on their own?
My boys read enough books on their own that I couldn’t possibly preread everything in advance to check for good content.
I rely on several sources to know whether a book is one I feel comfortable handing to my sons.
Here are 10 Ways to Find Wholesome Books for Kids:
1 – Read for the Heart by Sarah Clarkson
I love this book. Sarah has personally read each of the books she recommends and she includes a short synopsis for each of them. She also identifies any mature themes or issues for which parents should be aware. We have chosen lots of great books using this resource.
2 – Honey for a Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt
This book is an oldie but a goodie. Similar to the above book, this book contains recommendations for many quality children’s books.
3 – Recommendations from Friends With Similar Convictions
There are so many books out there and the above books don’t include many of them. Ask other homeschoolers to keep a list of books their family has enjoyed and you can do the same for them.
Swap these lists to get some great book recommendations. Be sure the people you ask have similar convictions to yourself or some of their selections may surprise you.
4 – Classics
Not all classics are suitable for young readers due to their mature content. I had intended for my 11-year-old to read “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury, but the explicit themes and language startled me when I began reading it myself. Plus, there was a lot more cursing than I remembered from when I read this book in high school.
Also, if you’ve ever read “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck or “Madame Bovary” by Gustave Flaubert, you’ll know that just because it’s considered a classic doesn’t mean you want your child to read it. One of the great things about classics is that you can usually find ample information about these books on the internet.
Some of the sites I use for finding out more about these materials are: eNotes, Bookrags, Sparknotes, and Progeny Press.
5 – Book Publishers
Find book publishers you trust and look through their catalogs to find good reading suggestions. I love looking at Veritas Press for book ideas. I think their suggestions are quite advanced, however, and I usually prefer to select books that are a grade or two lower than what they suggest.
I also love Lamplighter Books and nonfiction resources from Answers in Genesis. Most PaperPie (formerly Usborne Books and More) books are excellent suggestions as well, although some of their titles contain material I don’t agree with such as evolution. If we encounter those concepts, however, we discuss how our views differ from what the author is presenting.
6 – Consider the Theme and Message
Choose reading materials that promote positive messages and values. Look for books that teach valuable life lessons, promote kindness, and encourage empathy.
7 – Read Reviews
Read reviews from other parents or experts to get an idea of the content and quality of the reading material. Reviews can provide helpful insights into the book’s themes, messages, and any sensitive or controversial topics. Common Sense Media is a wonderful resource for this.
8 – Visit the library
Start by finding out what your child is interested in. Knowing your child’s interests can help you choose reading materials that will capture their attention and keep them engaged.
Visit your local library and browse the shelves for age-appropriate reading materials. Librarians can also provide recommendations based on your child’s interests and reading level.
9. Your Child’s Internal Sensor
Sometimes your child will choose a book that they want to read. You may not be able to do more than read the front and back flap before you have to make a decision.
At that point, you need to trust that your child has internalized what you’ve taught them. That if they encounter material which they feel is inappropriate, they will put the book down.
We need to make a good effort to present descent, quality material for our children to read. At some point, however, they need to start making these decisions for themselves. Depending on your child’s age and maturity, of course, this is another method for helping them to develop their own ability to discern good reading material.
10 – Discuss the Reading Material
After your child has finished reading the book, discuss the themes, characters, and messages with them. This can help your child develop critical thinking skills and improve their comprehension. It can also help you talk through anything he may have encountered while reading that was confusing or didn’t represent your family’s values.
Reading is an excellent way for our children to learn about the world around them. Once our children begin reading large quantities of books on their own, however, it’s difficult to know whether the books are age-appropriate and wholesome. Using the above methods will help to ensure that they are not only reading books but that they are choosing the right type of books.
Question: How do you find wholesome, age-appropriate books for your child? Do you have any positive or negative experiences you’d like to share? Please comment below.
