Children’s / Teenage fiction: Religious and spiritual stories

Book SynopsisA child, a manger, and a warm glow of lightThis classic image represents the real spirit of Christmas. Celebrate one of the most recognizable Christmas songs, brought to life with all the luminous charm of the Kinkade style.

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Book SynopsisAn engrossing and thoughtful contemporary tale that tackles faith, friendship, family, anxiety, and the potential apocalypse from Katie Henry, the acclaimed author of Heretics Anonymous.There are many ways the world could end.Trade Review“Henry writes witty dialogue, creates complicated characters, and treats different religious beliefs with sincerity and respect... This one’s a gem.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “A rare YA novel in its approach to religious faith as a life-giving, if complicated, aspect of a young adult’s life... Ellis is a protagonist to root for.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “A whip-smart and compelling protagonist who grapples with deep questions about the nature of belief, identity, and control... One of the few YA titles with a Mormon protagonist... Humorous dialogue and richly developed supporting characters add to the appeal.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “As Ellis learns to consider the hopeful alongside the negative scenarios, the story rushes toward its intriguing, suspenseful conclusion... A too-rare, well-rounded portrayal of a religious adolescent, from the author of Heretics Anonymous.” — The Horn Book “Henry treats Ellis’ faith with respect and sensitivity while still realistically depicting her struggles to find love and acceptance of herself in a community that is not always supportive of LGBTQ+ individuals... the final few chapters send the reader on a satisfying rollercoaster.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books Praise for Heretics Anonymous: “With a page-ripping plot and realistic character development, Henry’s funny, heartwarming tale of unlikely rebels soars: an auspicious debut.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Most impressive here is Henry’s multifaceted take on religion. Come for the arch first-person narrative and puppy love, stay for the examination into belief.” — ALA Booklist (starred review) “In addition to being a frequently hilarious comedy with its share of complicated romance, the story presents a thought-provoking look at faith, questioning but ultimately respectful of Catholicism and other beliefs.” — Horn Book Magazine “The story adeptly asks readers to question what they believe and why, without being preachy, judgmental, or dismissive. Humor interlaced with more serious ideas make for an interesting and enjoyable read. Highly recommended, especially for teens who are passionate about a cause.” — School Library Journal “In this entertaining coming-of-age story, five free-thinking students launch a clandestine campaign against their school’s rigid policies and practices, with unanticipated consequences. Snappy dialogue sparkles throughout this skillfully crafted debut.” — Publishers Weekly “Genuine and heartfelt doctrinal questions arise in between the pranks and the conversations Michael has with his new friends, allowing both believing and nonbelieving readers to find their way into this exploration of the way feelings about family and faith intersect. A balanced perspective of possibilities of faith and skepticism.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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Book SynopsisAn engrossing and thoughtful contemporary tale that tackles faith, friendship, family, anxiety, and the potential apocalypse from Katie Henry, the acclaimed author of Heretics Anonymous.There are many ways the world could end.Trade Review“Henry writes witty dialogue, creates complicated characters, and treats different religious beliefs with sincerity and respect... This one’s a gem.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “A rare YA novel in its approach to religious faith as a life-giving, if complicated, aspect of a young adult’s life... Ellis is a protagonist to root for.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “A whip-smart and compelling protagonist who grapples with deep questions about the nature of belief, identity, and control... One of the few YA titles with a Mormon protagonist... Humorous dialogue and richly developed supporting characters add to the appeal.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “As Ellis learns to consider the hopeful alongside the negative scenarios, the story rushes toward its intriguing, suspenseful conclusion... A too-rare, well-rounded portrayal of a religious adolescent, from the author of Heretics Anonymous.” — The Horn Book “Henry treats Ellis’ faith with respect and sensitivity while still realistically depicting her struggles to find love and acceptance of herself in a community that is not always supportive of LGBTQ+ individuals... the final few chapters send the reader on a satisfying rollercoaster.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books Praise for Heretics Anonymous: “With a page-ripping plot and realistic character development, Henry’s funny, heartwarming tale of unlikely rebels soars: an auspicious debut.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Most impressive here is Henry’s multifaceted take on religion. Come for the arch first-person narrative and puppy love, stay for the examination into belief.” — ALA Booklist (starred review) “In addition to being a frequently hilarious comedy with its share of complicated romance, the story presents a thought-provoking look at faith, questioning but ultimately respectful of Catholicism and other beliefs.” — Horn Book Magazine “The story adeptly asks readers to question what they believe and why, without being preachy, judgmental, or dismissive. Humor interlaced with more serious ideas make for an interesting and enjoyable read. Highly recommended, especially for teens who are passionate about a cause.” — School Library Journal “In this entertaining coming-of-age story, five free-thinking students launch a clandestine campaign against their school’s rigid policies and practices, with unanticipated consequences. Snappy dialogue sparkles throughout this skillfully crafted debut.” — Publishers Weekly “Genuine and heartfelt doctrinal questions arise in between the pranks and the conversations Michael has with his new friends, allowing both believing and nonbelieving readers to find their way into this exploration of the way feelings about family and faith intersect. A balanced perspective of possibilities of faith and skepticism.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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Book SynopsisIn A Ceiling Made of Eggshells, Newbery Honor-winning author Gail Carson Levine tells a moving and ambitious story set during the expulsion of Jews from Spain, about a young Jewish girl full of heart who must play her own role in her people’s epic history—no matter the sacrifice.Trade Review"Heart pounding and heart wrenching in equal measure." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Infusing her title with historical details about costume, food, and customs, Newbery Honoree Levine (Ella Enchanted) deftly conveys the obstacles facing the Jewish community under King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.... Loma memorably navigates tumult and danger, bravely taking control of her destiny." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Inspired by family history, Levine’s latest novel offers a fascinating portrayal of Loma as a shy, conciliatory, intelligent child whose unusual upbringing leads to broad understanding and insights into power. The first-person narrative uses details of daily life to bring the period more sharply into focus for readers, while the appended author’s note offers further information. A well-researched historical novel from an accomplished storyteller." — Booklist "Levine skillfully juxtaposes the larger religious battles taking place in Spain with Loma’s dreams for her future. This story of adventure and bravery under unstable circumstances will appeal to mature readers who enjoy historical fiction and tales of courage." — School Library Journal (starred review) "Loma is a girl very much of her time and place in valuing family and faith above all, and her honest voice, transparent frustrations, and growing agency make for a satisfying character arc against a dark yet intriguing slice of history." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books "Rich descriptions in Paloma’s first-person narration make for an immersive experience of her palpably precarious situation." — Horn Book Magazine

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Book SynopsisIn A Ceiling Made of Eggshells, Newbery Honor-winning author Gail Carson Levine tells a moving and ambitious story set during the expulsion of Jews from Spain, about a young Jewish girl full of heart who must play her own role in her people’s epic history—no matter the sacrifice.Trade Review"Heart pounding and heart wrenching in equal measure." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Infusing her title with historical details about costume, food, and customs, Newbery Honoree Levine (Ella Enchanted) deftly conveys the obstacles facing the Jewish community under King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.... Loma memorably navigates tumult and danger, bravely taking control of her destiny." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Inspired by family history, Levine’s latest novel offers a fascinating portrayal of Loma as a shy, conciliatory, intelligent child whose unusual upbringing leads to broad understanding and insights into power. The first-person narrative uses details of daily life to bring the period more sharply into focus for readers, while the appended author’s note offers further information. A well-researched historical novel from an accomplished storyteller." — Booklist "Levine skillfully juxtaposes the larger religious battles taking place in Spain with Loma’s dreams for her future. This story of adventure and bravery under unstable circumstances will appeal to mature readers who enjoy historical fiction and tales of courage." — School Library Journal (starred review) "Loma is a girl very much of her time and place in valuing family and faith above all, and her honest voice, transparent frustrations, and growing agency make for a satisfying character arc against a dark yet intriguing slice of history." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books "Rich descriptions in Paloma’s first-person narration make for an immersive experience of her palpably precarious situation." — Horn Book Magazine

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Shveta Thakrar spirits you away to a richly imagined dream of a fantasy!” — Xiran Jay Zhao, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Iron Widow “Utterly unique, The Dream Runners uses magnificent world-building to explore how much of our own stories we can change.” — Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wish You Were Here “The Dream Runners is a novel greater than the sum of its (already vast and sparkling) parts—an emotionally resonant and supremely satisfying read.” — Camille DeAngelis, Alex Award–winning author of Bones & All “Multifaceted characters, a splash of romance, and complex, intriguing worldbuilding deliver an engaging fantasy read.” — Publishers Weekly “A lush fantasy.” — Kirkus Reviews Praise for Star Daughter: "Take a journey to the heavenly courts in this luscious, shimmering fantasy, so dripping with beauty and imagination you’ll want to eat it with a spoon.” — New York Times bestselling author Laini Taylor "My favorite tales are the ones that sneakily draw you out of one world and slip you into the next. This is one of those. I emerged from Star Daughter dusted with constellations and wonder. Thakrar's imagination is a feast for the senses." — Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Touched Queen and The Gilded Wolves “Nothing short of dazzling.” — Booklist "Absolutely magical and captivatingly lyrical." — Sandhya Menon, New York Times bestselling author of When Dimple Met Rishi “Shveta Thakrar's prose is as beautiful as starlight.” — Holly Black, New York Times bestselling author “An enchanting story about love, family, finding your voice, and searching for home. Thakrar’s sparkling command of language weaves magic on every page. This book is a joy, and will speak to anyone who yearns to belong.” — Claire Legrand, New York Times bestselling author of Furyborn and Kingsbane “A magical debut full of wonder, wit, myths, and adventure. Reading Thakrar's words is like swimming through the most beautiful imagination—every page is a delight." — Natasha Ngan, New York Times bestselling author of Girls of Paper and Fire "A gorgeously written tale of magic and family, of finding and fighting for your place, Star Daughter has a heart that shines as brilliantly as its celestial court." — S. A. Chakraborty, author of the bestselling Daevabad Trilogy “Full of wonder and enchantment. Thakrar has crafted an excellent story about the power of the younger generations to carve their own path amidst the traditions and expectations of their elders.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books "Shveta Thakrar’s writing shines as bright as any star." — Laura Sebastian, New York Times bestselling author of the Ash Princess series “Luminously beautiful, with a mythic heart.” — Tasha Suri, author of Empire of Sand “Absolutely magical. Thakrar weaves her words so tightly around you that you are completely immersed in her world, a victim of its lyrical starsong.” — Ellen Oh, author of the Prophecy series and editor of A Thousand Beginnings and Endings “Radiant. Readers will be enchanted by Sheetal and the starry court.” — Kristen Ciccarelli, internationally bestselling author of The Last Namsara “A wondrous delight, Shveta Thakrar’s debut is a feast for the senses." — Cindy Pon, author of Want and Serpentine “Star Daughter is a love letter to every desi girl wanting to believe in her own magic.” — Tanaz Bhathena, author of A Girl Like That and Hunted by the Sky “A dreamy, diasporic, diverse fantasy. A story about stars, yes—and about family, friends, falling in love, and finding your voice, your place. Places. A shimmering debut.” — Tanuja Desai Hidier, author of Born Confused and sequel Bombay Blues “A luminous debut. Star Daughter’s sparkling coming-of-age tale of transformation and love is among the best kinds of fantasy: one that reminds us to reach for the stars while keeping our feet firmly on the ground.” — Fran Wilde, Nebula Award-winning author of The Bone Universe series and Riverland “A stunning tale of self-acceptance, family, and liminal spaces.” — Jacqueline Koyanagi

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"This book will likely be a hit with precocious youngsters who are already skeptical of the Santa Claus tale. A fun thought-provoker for the scientifically inclined." — Kirkus Reviews "A soaring tribute to an annual feat that combines magic, science, and engineering." — Booklist "A rollicking tale that explains how Santa’s trip requires “a little science and engineering and a whole lot of Christmas magic." — Publishers Weekly “This super-entertaining book reveals the science behind Santa’s Christmas Eve magic.” — Horn Book Magazine "This STEM-oriented Christmas extravaganza speaks to elementary school-age readers and is a unique and entertaining take on Santa’s iconic voyage." — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisA sweet rhyming picture book that reminds young readers that to make their dreams come true—“a spoonful of faith is all it takes!”—from debut author-illustrator Jena Holliday.Trade ReviewAn uplifting, rhyming picture book offering food for the soul. — Kirkus Reviews An evergreen topic of one family’s coping, with sweet illustrations. — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisIn this irresistible spin on a timeless holiday tale, debut author Heather Pierczynski and artist Skylar Hogan’s reveal why only a mouse is singled out within The Night Before Christmas. He had never heard of a mouse not stirring.It was the most glorious night of the year!So he stirred.Trade Review"[A]n enjoyable romp. Fun Yuletide fare for the up-all-night crowd." — Kirkus Reviews “?’Twas the night before Christmas' in this variation on 'A Visit from St. Nicholas,' but the poem’s leading creature, Mouse, can’t seem to settle down. Luckily, the big guy has just the right gift for the wide-awake mouse. Hogan’s digital illustrations glow with toasty reds and oranges—coloring that suggests the holiday and Mouse’s energy alike. It’s hard not to sympathize with the over-excited Mouse’s night-before plight in this wind- down story from Pierczynski." — Publishers Weekly "A fun take on the Christmas classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas that will have readers laughing and guessing what mischief might happen next. Children will easily relate to how difficult it is to get to sleep and dream of sugar plums when they are too excited for the arrival of a special visitor." — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisThat adorable Emma Kate has an imaginary friend. They walk to school together every morning and sit together in class. They sleep over at each other’s houses and do their homework side by side. They even have their tonsils out and eat gallons of pink ice cream together. But a hilarious twist will have readers realizing there’s more to this imaginary friend than meets the eye!

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Book SynopsisChildren ages 2-6 will love this adorable and interactive board book that encourages them to embrace their unique gifts and talents. Little ones will also learn throughout the story that God made each of us to be different, and our differences are what make us special.Allie the bunny can hop up and down, Lincoln the fox can run fast, Joey the giraffe can reach high up into the sky … but what can Tanner the turtle do? Feeling embarrassed by his lack of talent, Tanner pulls himself into his shell to hide. But when he emerges, he’s surprised to see his animal friends are amazed by what he can do.Turtle Finds His Talent: Has child-friendly content that is meaningful and speaks to a child’s inquisitive mind, with features that encourage imagination and play Includes a fun, interactive pull tab feature that allows toddlers and preschoolers ages 2-6 to help Tanner hide and come out of his

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Book SynopsisLet's Learn About the Forest is an interactive oversized board book that encourages little ones to use their imaginations and power of discovery to find the different animals and items in the forest God created. As they do, they will also learn interesting facts about the different animals and their habitats.

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Book SynopsisLove is Kind, written by bestselling author Laura Sassi, tells the sweet story of Little Owl who discovers the real meaning of love on his quest to find his grammy the perfect gift.Trade ReviewLove Is Kind is a heartwarming story about Little Owl who hopes to buy his grammy a heart-shaped box of chocolates for her birthday. On his quest for the chocolates, he's thwarted at every turn, but ends up discovering the real meaning of love as described in 1 Corinthians 13. Told in simple prose by author Laura Sassi and charmingly illustrated by Lison Chaperon, this heartfelt and humorous board book for children ages 4-7 is a sweet reminder that real love isn't found in a box - even one filled with chocolates. Very highly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, Sunday School, and community library board book collections, 'Love Is Kind' takes a charming and gentle approach to teaching kids the true meaning of love, while celebrating the bonds that kids have with their grandparents, and the many forms that love and happiness can take. * Midwest Book Review, Children’s Bookwatch, November 2019 *

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Book SynopsisIn My First Chanukah, Tomie dePaola?s gentle text and understated artwork provide insight and background into the holiday for young readers. Eye-catching foil lights up the cover!

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Book SynopsisECPA BESTSELLER • Over one million copies sold—now in a sturdy board book format, perfect for the littlest readers! As Little Cub and her family prepare to celebrate the most special day of the year, the curious young polar bear begins to wonder . . . “Who invented Christmas?” Mama’s answer only leads to more questions like “Is God more important than Santa?” So she and Little Cub head off on a polar expedition to find God and to see how he gave them Christmas. Along the way, they find signs that God is at work all around them. Through Mama’s gentle guidance, Little Cub learns about the very first Christmas and discovers that Jesus is the best present of all. This enchanting tale provides the perfect opportunity to help young children celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and to discover how very much God loves them.

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Book SynopsisIndian folklore meets fantasy adventure in this captivating novel . . . An action-packed, evocative portrayal of courage, friendship, and belonging. —Kirkus Reviews on Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom.Fresh off the exciting discovery that her sketches of a beautiful kingdom and band of rebel kids have come to life in another world, Kiki Kallira has an unexpected visitor. One of those rebel kids has come into the real world to ask for her help—again. The river Kaveri, a crucial source of water for Mysore, has suddenly vanished! With no water to grow food or for wildlife to drink, Kiki's kingdom is doomed.Kiki enters her sketchbook once again, and her search for answers reveals the origin of the Kaveri: it's actually a princess from long ago who was transformed into water by a terrible curse. It's up to Kiki and her friends to restore the river without sacrificing the princess again—easier said than done! And with her mounting anxi

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Book SynopsisYou''ve met the latkes, you''ve met the matzah...now it''s time to meet the hamantaschen in this zany Purim story!There''s a problem with Purim!The Purim play is about to start, but the megillah is missing! Without the scroll that recounts the Purim story, how can the show go on? Never fear: three determined hamantaschen—DETECTIVES!Right. Three determined DETECTIVES are on the case. With the help of a mysterious stranger and a few disguises, the detectives uncover the facts so the true story of Purim can be told.In this companion to Meet the Latkes and Meet the Matzah, holiday mistellings have never been so fun.

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Book SynopsisTwenty-five years and 1.7 million copies after it first touched children's lives, Just in Case You Ever Wonder by Max Lucado now includes Eve Tharlet's breathtaking artwork to remind a whole new generation that they are loved no matter what.

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThe Youtube trailer for this book will show you why children will love it!

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Book SynopsisClassic stories from the Wally McDoogle series now with new designs and spot illustrations throughout.Chased by thieves through roaring rapids, over a killer waterfall, and into the hands of jungle natives!This isn’t exactly what Dad had in mind when he took his son on a mission trip to the South American rain forest. But he should have known better. After all, we are talking about Wally-If-Anything-Can-Go-Wrong-It-Will McDoogle. My Life as Crocodile Junk Food keeps readers laughing as Wally stumbles into a whole new set of impossible (and man-eating) predicaments … until he finally understands the need and joy of sharing Jesus Christ with others.

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Book SynopsisIt's nearly spring, which means it's time to celebrate the cheerful Jewish holiday of Purim. Purim recounts the time when Esther, Queen of Persia, saved the Jews from the evil Haman, who wanted to execute the Jewish people. It's a time to dress up in costumes, fill the hamantashen, swing the noisemakers, and read the Megillah scroll. Join a family as they celebrate the bravery of Queen Esther and the joy of being together.

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Book SynopsisTreat yourself to a visit to the wackiest restaurant ever!Ten-year-old Shoshi and her eight-year-old brother, Moshe, arrive in New York in 1898 from Russia with their mother and Snigger, the baby dragon that saved them from an attack by Cossack soldiers. Five years earlier, their father had also come to New York to make his fortune, but no one has heard from him since. Through a series of adventures and misadventures, Shoshi and Moshe use their wits to navigate through New York City's Lower East Side, making new friends and even a few foes: Salty, the seaman who helps the family smuggle Snigger through Ellis Island; Aloysius P. Thornswaddle, carnival barker extraordinaire; Dingle Hinglehoffer, pitcher for the Brooklyn Slobbers; and the mysterious Man in the Black Cape. With the help of Snigger, they set out to solve the mystery behind their father's disappearance, helping to free the Lower East Side from the tyrannical rule of gangster Nick the Stick along the way. Mrs. Kaputnik's P

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Book SynopsisFunny and poignant, Amanda Panitch''s new middle-grade novel The Two Wrong Halves of Ruby Taylor is an exploration of mixed families, identity, hundred-year-old curses, and the terrifying challenge of standing up for yourself against your loved ones.Of her two granddaughters, Grandma Yvette clearly prefers Ruby Taylor''s perfectand perfectly Jewishcousin, Sarah. They do everything together, including bake cookies and have secret sleep overs that Ruby isn''t invited to. Twelve-year-old Ruby suspects Grandma Yvette doesn''t think she''s Jewish enough. The Jewish religion is matrilineal, which means it''s passed down from mother to child, and unlike Sarah, Ruby's mother isn't Jewish.But when Sarah starts acting out--trading in her skirts and cardigans for ripped jeans and stained t-shirts, getting in trouble at school--Ruby can't help but be somewhat pleased. Then Sarah suddenly takes things too far, and Ruby is convinced Sarah is poss

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Book SynopsisDa las buenas noches a tu pequeño ángel junto a un pequeño zorro ártico y sus dulces amigos esta temporada navideña en este encantador libro de cuentos Night Night de Amy Parker.

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Book SynopsisJoin the big trucks on the construction site!Little ones will love to explore these tactile pages—from rubbery tires to gritty dirt—and learn from the trucks how much fun it can be to work together. With touch-and-feel elements to increase sensory development and simple rhymes to boost vocabulary, Big Trucks will help your child discover something new with every read!

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Book SynopsisHave a meal with some of your favorite dinosaurs!When a group of dinosaurs get hungry, they know exactly what to do! Children everywhere will love joining goofy Stego, Bronto, Raptor, Tri, and Rex as they go through the steps of preparing dinner—including a trip to the store, making the food, setting the table, and even encouraging each other to try healthy foods.With dinos, mealtime is the best part of the day!

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Book SynopsisThis is Pay It Forward meets the #BeKind movement, as seen through a Jewish principle.It''s Grandpop''s birthday, and all he wants is one little thing: for Sophie to change the world.He wants Sophie to do a mitzvah—something kind for others. But what exactly does that mean?As Sophie shares, teaches, helps her friends, takes care of birds, and picks up litter, she wonders which of these acts, if any, might change the world. By performing this sequence of poignant mitzvahs with an open heart, unending empathy, and a big imagination, Sophie''s about to discover that what sounds like an impossible task just might be the best way to live life.In this exploration of an essential part of Jewish traditional teaching, Sophie''s efforts to grant Grandpop''s wish show that the smallest acts of kindness are what truly change the world.TIMELESS: Mitzvahs are a time-honored tradition and a central part of Judaic practice. This universal, ti

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