Our family LOVES great read aloud books. I have to confess most of the books I choose come from recommendations from Christain family members and friends – there are so many books out there to choose from and honestly, I want to use every opportunity I have to fill my children’s minds with good and wholesome words, thoughts and adventures. As we spend time in literature, we run into situations which of course need to be talked and taught about, however filling their minds with disrespectful behavior, un-Christlike actions and situations that encourage darkness is NOT a book I desire to have in my home. Therefore, I have and am excited to add to, a list for you of books we have personally read and enjoyed as a family. There has been so many enjoyable ones, I only hope I can share some of our recent favorites:
- Little House on the Prairie Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder I cannot even begin to count how many times we have read this book aloud to our kids. We also have it on CD and it has been listened to even more times than we have read it. Truly a favorite among all ages in our home (including the adults). The first 6 books in the series have been read the most by our family, and the first three we find ourselves quoting the most. The books emphasize hard work, perseverance, family, and adventure while portraying the realities of pioneer life.
- Little House in the Big Woods (1932) – The story begins in the Wisconsin woods, where young Laura lives with her family in a log cabin, experiencing a simple but hardworking pioneer life.
- Farmer Boy (1933) – A departure from Laura’s story, this book follows the childhood of her future husband, Almanzo Wilder, growing up on a farm in New York.
- Little House on the Prairie (1935) – The Ingalls family moves to Kansas, where they build a house on the prairie, interact with Native Americans, and face hardships before having to leave.
- On the Banks of Plum Creek (1937) – Now in Minnesota, the family lives in a sod house, struggles with grasshopper plagues, and Laura begins attending school.
- By the Shores of Silver Lake (1939) – The Ingalls move again, this time to South Dakota, where Pa works on the railroad, and they settle near the growing town of De Smet.
- The Long Winter (1940) – A brutal winter isolates the family and the town of De Smet, forcing them to survive months of blizzards with limited food.
- The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame The novel explores friendship, adventure, and the balance between excitement and responsibility. It also celebrates the beauty of nature and the warmth of home. There are great lessons learned throughout the book, character traits to encourage your own family in and some to stay away from which the story does a great job showing why. I must say my husband is excellent at character voices but if you ever have an opportunity to listen to the dramatize version of The Wind in the Willows, it is a hoot and so good!
- Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers (1950) is the first book in Ralph Moody’s autobiographical series, chronicling his boyhood experiences as his family moves to Colorado in the early 1900s. Often compared to Little House on the Prairie, it provides a realistic and sometimes harsh depiction of frontier life, emphasizing values of hard work, honesty, and resilience. My husband has great memories of his mom reading aloud this book to him and his siblings, and still to this day they will bring up the series in conversation. The book is a coming-of-age story that highlights family, perseverance, and the rugged realities of frontier life.
- The Wheel on the School by Meindert DeJong – This treasured book written in 1954 is a Newbery Medal-winning children’s novel set in a small Dutch fishing village. It is a heartwarming story about curiosity, determination, and the power of community. There are many great themes that arise in this book such as
- Curiosity & Exploration – Encourages children to ask questions and seek answers.
- Perseverance & Teamwork – Shows how working together can accomplish great things.
- Intergenerational Bonds – Highlights the wisdom and contributions of older generations.
- Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham – is a Newbery Medal-winning historical novel based on the life of Nathaniel Bowditch, a self-taught mathematician and navigator who revolutionized maritime navigation in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It is a story of perseverance, intelligence, and overcoming obstacles through hard work. This is a great book for all but especially within our family we desire to encourage of the love of learning, knowing we will never be able to teach our kids everything and wanting to avoid the firehose approach to learning RATHER we want to teach HOW to learn and start a fire within each of our kids to love to learn.
- Heidi by Johanna Spyri – Heidi by Johanna Spyri is a tender story of a cheerful orphan girl whose pure-hearted joy and kindness transform the lives of those around her. Sent to live with her reclusive grandfather in the Swiss Alps, Heidi thrives in the beauty of nature and gradually softens his hardened heart. Though later taken to the city to care for a wealthy, disabled girl named Clara, Heidi’s homesickness reveals her deep connection to the peace and simplicity of the mountains. Through her return, and Clara’s eventual visit and healing, the story beautifully illustrates several biblical and moral lessons. Heidi’s childlike faith reflects Jesus’ call to humility and trust (Matthew 18:3), while her joy in God’s creation echoes Psalm 19:1. Her quiet, consistent kindness demonstrates the power of doing good (Galatians 6:9), and her ability to find contentment in simple blessings mirrors the apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 4:11–13. Ultimately, Heidi is a celebration of compassion, redemption, and the quiet strength of a heart rooted in love and faith.
- Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry – Misty of Chincoteague is a beloved story based on real events, centered around two orphaned children, Paul and Maureen Beebe, and their dream of owning a wild pony named Phantom from Assateague Island. The story follows their hard work, determination, and selflessness as they strive to buy and tame Phantom, only to discover she has a hidden foal—Misty. In the end, the children choose to let Phantom return to the wild, keeping Misty to raise instead. The story highlights biblical and moral themes such as stewardship, sacrificial love, and contentment. Paul and Maureen’s diligence and care for animals reflect the call to responsible dominion over God’s creation (Genesis 1:28). Their willingness to let go of what they deeply desire for the sake of the animal’s freedom speaks to the kind of self-giving love described in Philippians 2:4. The story also reminds readers that true joy often comes not from possessing something, but from doing what is right, reflecting Proverbs 11:25—“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched.” Misty of Chincoteague encourages young hearts to love deeply, work hard, and choose goodness, even when it comes at a cost.
- Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink – Caddie Woodlawn is a spirited, semi-autobiographical novel about a lively and adventurous girl growing up on the American frontier in the 1860s. Unlike many girls of her time, Caddie is allowed to run free with her brothers, learning courage, resilience, and compassion as she explores the woods, befriends Native American neighbors, and faces family trials. Through her journey, Caddie learns to balance her bold spirit with growing maturity and wisdom. The story offers rich biblical and moral lessons: Caddie’s growing sense of responsibility reflects Proverbs 22:6 in the way her parents guide her heart without crushing her spirit. Her respect for the dignity of all people, including Native Americans, demonstrates Christlike love for others regardless of differences (Galatians 3:28). The story also highlights themes of repentance, humility, and choosing integrity over popularity—
- Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White – Charlotte’s Web is a tender and timeless story about friendship, sacrifice, and the beauty of life’s simple moments. It follows the unlikely bond between a pig named Wilbur and a wise, kind-hearted spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur’s life is in danger, Charlotte spins words into her web to save him, ultimately giving her life for his. This gentle tale carries deep biblical and moral truths. Charlotte’s selfless love reflects Jesus’ words in John 15:13—“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” Wilbur learns humility, gratitude, and the value of relationships over fame or comfort. The story also highlights the quiet dignity of faithful work, as Charlotte labors in love without seeking praise, much like Colossians 3:23 encourages—doing all as unto the Lord. Charlotte’s Web beautifully reminds readers that true greatness lies not in what we gain, but in how we give, love, and care for others with sincerity and sacrifice.
- Grandma’s Attic Series by Arleta Richardson – The Grandma’s Attic series is a delightful and faith-filled collection of stories based on true tales from the author’s grandmother’s childhood in the late 1800s. Told through warm, humorous conversations between a young girl and her grandmother, each chapter reveals life lessons wrapped in mischief, laughter, and heartfelt moments. From lessons on honesty, forgiveness, and obedience to trusting God in everyday struggles, the stories offer clear biblical values in an engaging, accessible way. Scriptures are gently woven into the narrative, reinforcing truths like Proverbs 3:5–6 about trusting in the Lord, and Ephesians 4:32 on kindness and forgiveness.
This series is particularly wonderful for family read-alouds because of its conversational tone, short chapter length, and natural opportunities to pause and discuss character choices, biblical applications, or even share your own family stories. The humor and timeless lessons make it appealing across generations, and the multi-generational dialogue encourages deeper connection between parents, children, and even grandparents. Grandma’s Attic not only entertains but gently disciples young hearts in truth, making it a treasured tool for cultivating godly character through shared storytelling.
- The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss – The Swiss Family Robinson is an adventurous tale of a Christian family shipwrecked on a deserted island and working together to survive using resourcefulness, cooperation, and unwavering faith in God. As the family builds their new life, they display strong moral character, ingenuity, and gratitude, frequently pausing to thank God for His provision and protection. The father often uses their experiences to teach his children spiritual lessons, reminding them of God’s sovereignty and the importance of virtue, patience, and hard work—echoing verses like Philippians 4:19 (“And my God will supply every need of yours…”) and Proverbs 6:6–8, which praises diligence.
This classic is a rich choice for family read-alouds because it’s filled with suspenseful episodes, moral instruction, and moments of wonder that spark conversation. The family’s unity and the father’s gentle spiritual leadership provide an excellent model for biblical parenting and family discipleship. With its themes of courage, gratitude, and trusting God in the unknown, The Swiss Family Robinson not only captivates the imagination but also helps families reflect on God’s faithfulness in both trials and triumphs.
- The Green Ember Series by S.D. Smith –The Green Ember Series is an exciting and inspiring fantasy adventure that follows the lives of two young rabbits, Heather and Picket, as they are thrust into a world of battle, courage, and hope. After their family is destroyed, they embark on a journey to rescue their loved ones and reclaim their homeland, all while learning the importance of loyalty, sacrifice, and standing for what is right. The series is rich with themes of bravery in the face of adversity, the power of hope, and the ultimate victory of good over evil, echoing biblical truths such as 1 Corinthians 15:57 (“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”) and Romans 8:37 (“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us”).
This series is perfect for family read-alouds because it blends action, deep moral lessons, and relatable characters that young readers can look up to. The themes of sacrificial love and fighting for justice resonate strongly with biblical principles, making it an excellent tool for discussions about character and the importance of standing firm in faith. The adventurous plot keeps listeners on the edge of their seats, while the gentle, fatherly wisdom in the story provides natural moments for spiritual reflection and conversation. The Green Ember series offers a thrilling yet deeply meaningful reading experience for families, encouraging them to grow in their courage, faith, and love for one another.
There are so many amazing read alouds out there so I hope this gives you a starting point to go off of, until I can write the next post. But I will leave you with these thoughts on family read alouds. Family read-alouds are a powerful way to strengthen the bonds between parents and children while fostering a sense of togetherness and shared experience. As stories unfold, families have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation, discuss important life lessons, and connect on a deeper level through common narratives. These shared moments create a natural space for teaching morals, imparting wisdom, and reflecting on biblical concepts that shape character and guide decision-making. Whether through fictional adventures or real-life stories, read-alouds provide a platform for passing down values, instilling a love for learning, and cultivating a heart for truth. Ultimately, reading together nurtures not just the minds but the souls of each family member, building a foundation for lifelong connection and growth in both faith and family.