Finding Positive, Wholesome Books for Children and Families

Linda Harvey

Because there is so much harmful material that publishers and libraries offer children these days, I thought I would pass along the information I’ve gathered about how to evaluate books for your children and then, find positive, appropriate books for children.

I’ve also included a few titles for parents as they navigate the challenges of raising their offspring in today’s America.

This is not an all-inclusive list but it’s a start. I have read some of these books, though not all. If you find something that you don't think fits here, please let me know.

Let’s start with several sites developed to report on books by applying sound, moral values instead of the rigged, left-leaning review system owned by the American Library Association and many libraries. Their reviews are less than helpful because they tend to tolerate or even applaud explicit or inappropriate content.

Take a look at https://www.ratedbooks.org/books and http://booklooks.org/ratings-system .

And of course, Deborah DeGroff’s BETWEEN THE COVERS, What’s Inside a Children’s Book? Deb’s book as well as her website/articles are a wealth of eye-opening information about popular titles, authors and publishers.

Below are positive books from respected authors/sites and their books, and I will let you choose from among their child-friendly titles.

Ellie Klipp --But I Just Wanna Be a Kid, Choosing, and others

Denise Shick books on gender/sexuality issues: Amazing Amanda, I’m Glad God Made Me A Girl, What’s Up with Cousin Stacy? and others

Advocates Protecting Children: God Created Them Male and Female: K-5th Grade Children's Ministry Curriculum. Also books by and about de-transitioners, those who overcame gender confusion, like Erin Brewer

Vicki Watson: Sonrise Stable series (for kids who are horse-lovers) and Following the Narrow Path: Devotions from the World of Horses

Barb Anderson, Just Ducky and Whoo Am I?

D.R. Melanson, Dalen the Duck

Of course, I must mention my own book: Maybe He’s Not Gay: Another View on Homosexuality

Judy Bruns’ books: Now I’m a Big Girl, Now I’m a Big Boy and others

She is She and He is He by Bethany and Ryan Bomberger

Mimi's Strategy books--- A sweet series, with grandma's advice for children.

Elizabeth Johnston –Little Lives Matter and Little Lives Matter book 2

Not Consumed—14 Must Read Christian Books for Teens

As You Grow by Kirk Cameron and many other titles at Brave Books.

Here are books on overcoming homosexuality or gender confusion. Not sure if these are appropriate for a school library, but some may be appropriate for high schoolers and certainly, if you have a need among family members:

Restored Hope Network—Resources for Parents/Family

Freedom Realized by Stephen Black

Desist, Detrans, & Detox: Getting Your Child Out of the Gender Cult by Maria Keffler

And this book, which has quickly become a staple in understanding/confronting gender deception:

Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters by Abigail Shrier

The Invincible Family by Kimberley Ells

Then there are books about raising godly children and teaching them about bodily respect:

I Said No! A Kid-to-kid Guide to Keeping Private Parts Private by Kimberly King

Kissed the Girls and Made Them Cry: Why Women Lose When They Give In by Lisa Bevere

The Mission: Boy to Man by Tim Loper and Ami Loper

Raising Real Men: Surviving, Teaching and Appreciating Boys by Hal Young & Melanie Young

God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies (God Made Me) by Justin S. Holcomb and Lindsey A. Holcomb