10 Good Reasons to Buy Christian Fiction for the Children You Love

In the past, Christian fiction has had a bad name for being preachy, boring, badly written and old-fashioned. But now there are some brilliant, engaging, relevant stories that are just waiting to thrill our children! Why should we cough up the cash, though?

10 Reasons to Buy Christian Fiction for the Children You Love

1. Stories with Christian characters can encourage children in their own faith

Church kids are often thrilled to find a Christian hero/heroine in a 'real' story! They can also be inspired to follow their example.

2. We remember stories better than straight information

Jesus told stories for a reason! Not only are stories with a message so much more memorable than a list of bullet points, they are so much more enjoyable. Church and non-church children alike can learn about how valued they are, how the Lord loves them, and that prayer changes things, all through the medium of a great book.

3. It's great to encourage children to read books with Christian values

We are all influenced by what we put into our minds, and there is a lot of ungodly stuff out there filling our children's heads and hearts. In a world that is imperfect, stories written from a Christian perspective can encourage our children to find and stay on the right path. 

 

4. A novel is a non-threatening gift

Books make thoughtful gifts and are generally gratefully received. Why not buy books for children who attend Messy Church, kids clubs and camps?

5. Kids see faith being outworked in a way relevant to their own culture

Bible stories can become over-familiar to church kids . . . but it can be exciting to read about how faith works in every day situations, to children just like them.

6. Children make sense of their world through stories

Children can reflect on subjects such as faith, prayer, justice and forgiveness in the safe place of a story. If you have read the book, you can talk about these issues with them, too.

7. Children can lend books to their friends (at no extra cost!)

Why not buy a load for your own kids then lend them out to all their school friends and their families? Think of the potential! If you get tongue-tied, but would like to pass on the good news to kids going through a rough time, a book can take the message for you. 

 

8. Like to have spiritual input but can't due to distance?

Grandparents/parents/significant others who are separated from their children by distance (or who can't talk about their faith openly), but would still like to have some spiritual input, can do so by sending Christian books, or reading stories over Skype!

9. Like more family time? Reading stories together is great for bonding!

Reading an exciting novel aloud is a great way to spend quality time together. Discussing the plot and the characters' reactions to events is a great way to open communication.

10. Words are powerful – a book may sow seeds that will bear fruit in years to come

We have all read books that have affected the way we have thought about things. Never underestimate the power of a story to change lives.

Www.dernierpublishing.com/aboutus.php

Happy reading :-)

Janet

Dernier Publishing Books for 8-11s

Here are all our current titles for 8-11s, to encourage and inspire these precious children in their faith and show non-church kids what they are missing :-)  We are passionate about our books and the difference they can make in children's lives. Think how you have been influenced by something you have read . . . our children so badly need to read books that will influence them for good.

To help you choose, follow the links below each book to read the first chapters online. All our books are available from your local Christian bookshop or to order from our website if you don't have a bookshop near you!

Deepest Darkness by Denise Hayward

Ten-year-old Abi suffers from terrible nightmares and her life is ruled by fear. On holiday in Canada, she makes a new friend who shows her that true light shines, even if the deepest darkness. Facing her fears one by one, Abi opens up her life to the light and finds a freedom that she never thought possible. A gripping, sensitive story with action in the Canadian rainforest, including meeting a bear at night! Perfect to give to any child  you know who suffers from fear - or indeed for any 8-11-year-old who enjoys curling up with a good book.

Some reviews: 
“This is a brilliant story all about a girl called Abi. She's got a fear of everything, but a trip to Canada brings a new friend and some important answers. This is one of the best books I've read – EVER!” - Maddie

“It is a fantastic adventure and God is really real.” - Natalie

“I enjoyed the story very much. I felt for Abi and all the characters, and was really excited while reading the book.” - Polina

ISBN 978 0 9536963 5 2 / £5.99

http://www.dernierpublishing.com/deepestdarkness.php 

The Birthday Shoes by Mary Weeks Millard

All Emily Jane wants for her birthday is a pair of fashionable boots, but instead she is given old-fashioned, fake crocodile-skin shoes. Alone in her bedroom, Emily Jane tries on the hated shoes. She hopes they might not fit, but discovers instead that they hold an amazing secret! Join her as she goes on a series of adventures, making friends and some exciting discoveries about God along the way.

This is currently one of our best selling books and it really is a fun story, but with an important message woven in. Emily Jane comes from a Christian home, but discovers that she needs to make a commitment to follow Jesus for herself. If you know girls who know all the Bible stories, this could be just the ideal gift. Equally, those with no church background would find out what it really means to be a Christian.

Some reviews: 

“My favourite part was when Emily Jane put on her shoes for the first time and ended up in Africa. It made me feel like I was there!” - Susanna

“A very interesting story. It shows how if you ask God for something then he will answer.” - Rebekkah

“I really liked the parts when Emily Jane puts on her shoes and goes to different places in Africa. I liked these parts because it felt really magical!” - Bethany

http://www.dernierpublishing.com/birthdayshoes.php
ISBN 9780 9536963 8 3 / £5.99

 

I Want to Be an Airline Pilot by Mary Weeks Millard

Shema, an eight-year-old Rwandan goatherd from a child-led family, has many adventures, including a goat eating his only T-shirt, a frightening visit to a medicine man and a dangerously close brush with a spitting black cobra! Through them all, little by little, Shema learns about “Mister God” and discovers that although he is an orphan, he has a Father in heaven who cares for him. A victorious, heart-warming story, with lovely background to life in rural Rwanda.

We have had some amazing responses from both children and adults who have read this book - it really is an exciting and touching story. The sequel, Living in Hope, is due for release very soon and is every bit as good!

Some reviews: 

“A thrilling adventure story about three orphans' dreams coming true when their prayers were answered.” - Jonathan

“I give this book 10/10.” - Ellie

“I think this book is very good, it made me feel happy, sad and really excited; I think the most interesting part is when Shema killed the black cobra. It was also very moving when in the book Ishimwe starts to cry because her parents died. I really enjoyed this book, it is one of my favourites.” - Kemi

ISBN 978 0 9536963 6 9 / £5.99

 

http://www.dernierpublishing.com/airlinepilot.php

 

Living in Hope by Mary Weeks Millard 

 

Please find more information about this sequel to I Want to Be an Airline Pilot in an earlier blog, entitled "Books for autumn release".  It is another really inspiring and encouraging story from Mary! Both of these books can be enjoyed by church or non-church kids, but one thing they have in common is the theme of triumph over adversity, of God caring for children in need, so if you were looking for a book for a child from a broken home, these might just fit the bill. Read the first chapter of Living in Hope here:

http://www.dernierpublishing.com/coming_soon.php

The Treasure Hunt by J.M. Evans. 

For 8-11-year-old boys and girls.

Ravi, Debbie, Joel and Lance's first exciting mystery adventure. Who is in the back of the white lorry and why are they there? Prayer, faith and their Bible knowledge all help, but when the case takes an unexpected turn, the friends also need to be courageous and obedient. Will they find out what is going on and find the real treasure?

'The best book I've ever read!' - Emily 'Brilliant!' - Ben

'I really like The Treasure Hunt because I enjoy mystery books but mystery books that are still to do with God and Christians. I like the characters and how they often pray in some of the chapters.' - Emma

ISBN 9780953696314 94pp £4.99

http://www.dernierpublishing.com/treasurehunt.php

These two mystery adventure stories feature four young friends from a church youth club, who discover that God does use children as well as adults. They also learn the importance of prayer and obedience, and the relevance of the Bible today. Fun, cringe-free stories that show that it's great to be a Christian!

Mystery in the Snow by J.M. Evans

Not long after solving their first mystery (The Treasure Hunt), Ravi, Debbie, Lance and Joel find themselves with another problem; Ravi's shed has been burgled. Can they find out who did it? The plot thickens as an old lady's handbag goes missing, then a cat disappears. Can all these things be connected? Join the Christian friends as they find answers in unexpected places.

Some reviews: 

“I loved reading Mystery in the Snow. I especially liked it when they kept finding more and more evidence. It was so exciting that I couldn’t put it down! It’s one of my favourite books ever. I think it’s good because it shows you that when you pray to God amazing things can happen and that we can pray any time, anywhere and in any situation.” - Lydia

“I would definitely recommend it.” - Joshua

“I like mystery and Christian books and found this one very exciting, adventurous and mysterious.” - Emma

ISBN 978 0 9536963 3 8 / £5.99

http://www.dernierpublishing.com/mysteryinthesnow.php

Dernier Publishing chick-lit for 10-14s

 Here are our books by Eleanor Watkins for 10-14-year-old girls - they are such great stories! You can read the first chapters of all our books on our website - follow the links after each book and click on more info :-) All these books are equally suitable for encouraging young people in their faith or to show non-church girls what they are missing! Who will tell them if we don't? A book is such a non-threatening gift; we need to make the most of every opportunity we have, because the time is short.

Beech Bank Girls, Every Girl Has a Story by Eleanor Watkins

Shortlisted for Christian Resources Together Book of the Year Awards, children over 12 category . . . which means that this book is one of the three most popular books in the UK for this age group!

This is the first of  the Beech Bank Girls books. Eleanor is such a great author - her 40th book is due for publication soon! This is an immensely readable and truly inspiring series of novels, not hiding from any of the most difficult issues of teenage life.

In this story, six teenage friends draw nearer to God and each other through real life issues in a moving, honest and fun way. Amber, Holly, Willow, Annie, Rachel and Chloe share their laughter, their tears, their hopes, their fears and their secrets with each other and with us. Miracle and party included!

 Here are some reviews: 

“Really enjoyed it and found it helpful at the same time.” - Claire

“I loved reading about the different girls' lives and how they struggled with different problems at school, at home and with their Christian lives. It also teaches us more about God, like how he knows each and every one of us, he loves us all, listens to us and will help us with everything.” - Emma

“I have really enjoyed reading this book; it was engaging and its cliff hangers pushed me to continue reading on.” - Sade

ISBN 978 0 9536963 4 5 / £5.99

http://www.dernierpublishing.com/beechbankgirls.php

 

 Beech Bank Girls II, Making a Difference by Eleanor Watkins 

The second book in the Beech Bank Girls series. More chick-lit for 10-14s! Not long after Chloe's party (Beech Bank Girls, Every Girl Has A Story), the Beech Bank Girls are back! Holly is in Australia, but Willow, Amber, Chloe, Annie and Rachel discover that they do not have to wait until their gap year to start helping people in need. An interesting hike, a new culture on their doorstep, an emotional night out . . . the girls learn from some tough issues that they can make a difference right where they are and have lots of fun at the same time!

Here are some reviews: “A very exciting, fun to read, really well written and easy to understand book. Looking forward to the next one!” - Taylor

“When the girls get into bad situations or dilemmas, they all get together and pray . . . makes you want to read more and find out what happens next.” - Ellie

“A great story.” - Eleanor

ISBN 978 0 9536963 7 6 / £5.99

http://www.dernierpublishing.com/makingdifference.php

 For information on Beech Bank Girls III, Christmas is Coming!, see previous post entitled 'Books for autumn release' :-) I can't wait for this book to arrive. When I first read the manuscript, the word that came to mind was 'inspired'. It really does touch on important issues in a way which is so encouraging - friendships, eating disorders, the true meaning of Christmas to name but three.  Eleanor told me that she had prayed for inspiration for this book more than for any other she has ever written. Bearing in mind that this is Eleanor's 40th book, that's saying something. I do truly believe that all three of these books could touch many girls' lives. A wonderful way to show the girls that you love, that it is great to be a Christian!

http://www.dernierpublishing.com/coming_soon.php