The  Internet is full of pictures of families getting ready for back-to-school. Backpacks and home school rooms are well-stocked with pencils, notebooks, markers, and rulers. There is one thing to be added to the list:

books.

Choosing great books for Christian children can be a challenge.

Last evening, I spent a long, long time at one of my favorite places – the children’s section of my local bookstore. I am always interested in seeing what families choose for their purchases. I love hearing what the kids are asking for as they check out the multitude of books on the shelves.

Over the next few weeks, I would like to explore some things to consider when searching for great books for Christian children and teens. Here is a list (in no particular order) that can get us started.

• CONTENT – What is the topic of the book?
• TONE – How is the content presented?
• AUTHOR – Has the author written other trusted books?
• INTEREST – Is the young reader interested in the book?
• READING LEVEL – What is the reading level of the book? How does that fit the child’s reading skill?
• PURPOSE – Is the book required reading? Is it a book for pleasure reading?
• FORMAT – Does the book include mostly text? A combination of print, pictures, and other visual aids? Is it a graphic novel?
• POPULARITY – Are peers reading the book? That  may or may not be a reason to choose the title.
• RECOMMENDATION – Who has recommended the book? Peers? Parents? Educators?
• REVIEWS – What are the online and print reviews of the book?

What do you consider when choosing books for your children and grandchildren?

CAROL