Resources for Christian parents abound—but how are parents to comb through all the offerings in order to find books that will be truly helpful? Each year we read the newest selections on the market and award the most helpful ones our “best new book” designation. We also offer resources pages for parents, where you will find selections recommended by our staff and steering committee. We hope you enjoy this year’s books!
Honorable Mention
Grounded in Grace, Helping Kids Build Their Identity in Christ by Jonathan D. Holmes (New Growth Press)
Our children live in a world that increasingly pressures them to define their identity through their desires and emotions. As parents, we often feel overwhelmed by the daunting task of navigating the ever-changing tides of culture while trying to keep up with all the terminology.
As a seasoned counselor, Holmes points out the problems that occur when identity is “rooted in one’s own feelings and self-determination” (p.10). On the other hand, “a gospel identity comes from outside of us and relies on the unchanging, steadfast words of a God who is the final authority” (p.11). Holmes’ clear and concise definitions throughout the book helped to relieve many of my personal fears of the overwhelming number of cultural nuances I find difficult to navigate.
This book empowered me to take a compassionate posture as I guide my children in the power of God’s Word. Holmes helped me to remember the beauty and power of the gospel. I am challenged to be a better listener to my children and to lean into the Holy Spirit and trust that God will do the work.
Honorable Mention
What Do I Say When…? A Parents’ Guide to Navigating Cultural Chaos for Children & Teens By Andrew T. Walker and Christian Walker (Crossway)
Andrew and Christian Walker’s book is meant to be a quick reference guide, encouraging parents to become more proactive in addressing cultural issues. The Walkers urge parents to continue their studies in cultural topics, and they recommend many resources to help.
This book helps parents formulate theological answers to many difficult hot-button issues. At the end of each chapter, the authors break down biblical answers along with questions to help with conversations. I found it most helpful that they provided the reader with simple to more in depth biblical explanations to share with different aged children.
In the chapter on technology they write, “Christian wisdom about technology must take into consideration what we’re using our technology for. If you’re an adult who insists on technology’s presence throughout every area of your life, have you considered whether it is an impediment too?” (p.109). Their thoughtful question made me pause to reevaluate my own personal use of technology before talking to my children about their usage. This book is a wonderful resource that helps parents proactively engage with our children with more wisdom.
Honorable Mention
Parenting With Hope (Raising Teens For Christ In A Secular Age) by Melissa Kruger (Harvest House Publishers)
Melissa Kruger’s Parenting With Hope is truly a hope filled book. Rather than offering new or enlightening concepts, Kruger encouraged me by bringing me back to the basics. She begins her book by reminding us of the importance of consistently being in God’s Word, praying regularly for and with our children, and being a part of the local church.
Right away as I read through the first part of her book, I was convicted to reevaluate our family priorities. She asks really great questions:
“What are the foundations we need to cling to, and what are the rules we need to relax?” and “How do my own idols (my misplaced desires and affections) impact my parenting?” (p. 13)
Throughout her book, Kruger gently reminds parents that so much of parenting is what our children catch from us. We as parents need to keep in mind that “our personal habits leave such a deep impression on them” (p.33). Especially in the teen years, “how we react to our teen’s social dilemmas is an important lesson for our children” (p.143).
With a 13-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter who already seems like a teen, I kept reading Parenting With Hope with a sigh of relief. There are so many nuggets of wisdom to take to heart. The biggest take away for me was “…to distinguish between sinful choices and unplanned mistakes” (p.168). And furthermore, to prepare for these moments! “Preparing our heart for these interactions is vital. Our expectations greatly impact our reactions” (p.168).
This book is encouraging and also brings us back to how the gospel shapes our family patterns, which impacts how we guide and love our teenage children.
Winner
Parenting without Panic in an LGBT-Affirming World: Discipling Our Kids with Jesus’ Truth and Love (A Christian Parent’s Guide to What the Bible Says About Sex, Sexuality, Gender, and Relationships) by Rachel Gilson (The Good Book Company)
Just as the title suggests, Rachel Gilson’s book removes the many layers of panic when it comes to talking to our children about sex and sexuality. She offers clear language for parents to use when approaching conversations on LGBT-related topics, first reminding the reader of the impact sin has had on ALL of us. In her book she says, “If we approach LGBT+ questions as if brokenness and sin is only out there and not first in ourselves, we will tell a lie. We need the gospel first ourselves” (p.46).
Gilson helped me view the questions my children may ask as opportunities for gospel conversations and expressing gospel hope. She helps the reader to see that the LGBT+ community should be seen as a mission field to “love and pray for, rather than to judge or fear” (p.62). I was so convicted and humbled as I read, and also grateful to be equipped to help guide my children more purposefully.
Gilson’s book helps us to distinguish the difference between recognizing the experiences of those who identify as LGBT+ without affirming and adopting their view. She helps us shift our posture toward a community we often fear. This shift allows us to teach our children how Christ followers are to respond.
Furthermore, at the end of each chapter, Gilson offers suggested practices for parenting as well as one sentence takeaways. This book is incredibly valuable in helping Christian families be a better model of Christ to our children and to all who do not yet know Jesus.
The 2024 Book Awards team includes Chelsea Kingston Erickson, Tim Franks, Natalie Lett, and Tracy Yi.
In 2024, Rooted had the honor of publishing three new books for teenagers: The Jesus I Wish I Knew in High School, Asian American Edition (by Rooted authors); Longing for Christmas (Rooted authors), and Identity: Discovering Who You Are in Christ by Lindsey Carlson.
