nextgenbooklist
NextGen Ministry Christmas Book List
Looking for a gift that will help a young person deepen their faith?
Take a look at the resources below.
Select an age range to jump to that section.
Preschool (Birth-5yrs)
Read and Share Bible by Thomas Nelson
The Read and Share Bible is unique in its format and solid in Bible teaching. Packed with 200 stories that are simple re-tellings, the gigantic message of God's love and care is sure to win the hearts of little ones and give them a strong Bible foundation to guide their lives. With over 400 pieces of art, this Bible Storybook is highly interactive as it encourages scripture memory and reinforces comprehension with quick activities for you and your children.
The Jesus Bible Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones
While other kids' Bibles contain stories from the Old and New Testament, this Storybook Bible tells the Story beneath all the stories in the Bible, pointing to Jesus as our Savior. From the Old Testament through the New Testament, as the Story unfolds, children will clearly see that Jesus is at the center of God's great story of salvation—and at the center of their story too.
Any Time, Any Place, Any Prayer Board Book by Laura Wifler
This book uses simple sentences and splendid illustrations to teach toddlers about prayer and how they can talk with Jesus, anytime, anywhere. Toddlers will understand that they can pray when they are happy or sad, they can say thank you, help and sorry and it is amazing to talk to God.
Laugh and Grow Bible for Little Ones by Phil Vischer
Fifteen beautifully-illustrated, whimsically-written Bible stories that will introduce little learners to God's great story. The simple board book written by VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer is a delightful tool that will introduce toddlers and preschoolers to beloved, gospel-focused Bible stories.
My Little Library of God's Great Love by Sally Lloyd-Jones
These simply written board books remind little ones of God's enduring love, his nearness, and his protection. From the author of the bestselling The Jesus Storybook Bible comes this 4-book boxed set, which encourages young and old alike to remember that we are all loved in very special ways by God.
What Are Hands For? Board Book by Abbey Wedgeworth
A fun lift-the-flap board book that motivates small children to use their hands in a Christ-like way. This helpful and engaging training tool will help parents teach their kids that God didn't make their hands for behaviors like snatching, pushing, or hitting but for positive actions like waving, clapping, praying, helping and serving. Not only will children be encouraged to follow Jesus' example, but they'll also be reassured that he loves us no matter what we do.
Jesus Loves Me & Other Bible Songs by Kidsbook Publishing
Introduce your little one to God's love with this interactive sound book featuring six beloved Bible songs. Engaging melodies help instill faith and joy in young hearts while encouraging early learning through music.
You Are Special by Max Lucado
In the town of Wemmickville there lives a Wemmick named Punchinello. Each day the residents award stickers—gold stars for the talented, smart, and attractive Wemmicks, and gray dots for those who make mistakes or are just plain ordinary. Punchinello, covered in gray dots, begins to feel worthless. Then one day he visits Eli the woodcarver, his creator, and he learns that his worth comes from a different source. Max Lucado's story reminds us that we are special to God just the way we are.
The Big Mess by Justin Whitmel Early
This adventure-filled picture book is packed with humor, chaos, and of course, a big mess! This heartwarming and relatable story about two siblings who must learn to get along reminds readers that, no matter how messy, life is better when shared with the ones you love.
Early Elementary (K-3rd grades)
Kid's Quest Study Bible (NIrV version)
Kids have lots of questions about the Bible and God. With over 500 real questions that were asked by kids, this is a great resource for children eager to learn more. Let your kids get answers to the Bible questions they have and questions they haven't yet pondered!
The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin DeYoung
This beautiful and substantial book takes kids on a Genesis-to-Revelation journey that demonstrates how all parts of Scripture fit together. Using clear, kid-friendly language, he introduces big sections of the Bible, like the Gospels, and then provides engaging retellings of individual stories, ending each one with a short prayer.
Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids by Phil Vischer
Written by VeggieTales® creator Phil Vischer this Bible is a deep, engaging, and whimsical gospel experience that guides young readers from Genesis to Revelation, retelling beloved Bible stories, and tackling tricky questions like "What is sin?" Each story is vividly illustrated, takes just five minutes to read, and includes a Family Connection section to encourage family Bible study and help readers learn, talk, and pray together.
Jesus Calling: 365 Devotionals for Kids (Boys Edition) by Sarah Young
This devotional focuses on the biblical promise of peace, which can be experienced at any time and in all circumstances. With peace-filled reminders from the Word of God, these devotions will intimately and gently connect your children with Jesus, the One who meets them where they are. Written as if Jesus Himself is speaking directly to the reader, this devotional will engage your children and help them find lifelong encouragement in Him.
Prayer Journal for Kids by Gratefulista Journals
This journal is designed to help children grow closer to God and to remember the important conversations they have with Him. Inside is space to write their prayers and reflections on how God answered them. Journaling can be an important step in helping to feel closer to God and recognize and appreciate his blessings in life.
Jesus and the Gift of Friendship by Trillia Newbell
Friends are one of the greatest gifts from God and reflect his ultimate gift—Jesus! But what happens when the desire for friendship goes unmet? Where should kids turn in their moments of sadness? In this thoughtful children's book, readers journey with Zeke as he suffers from missing a close friend and experiences rejection after inviting a neighborhood boy to play. With help from his mom and consistent prayer, Zeke develops an unlikely friendship and an important dependence on Christ.
Dream Big for Kids by Bob Goff and Lindsay Goff
Invites readers on a journey of discovering what it means to dream big. From writing songs to climbing mountains to fighting sickness as a doctor or scientist, dreams don't look the same for everyone. And they don't become "big dreams" because they're loud or popular. Dreams grow from the creative spirit and individual spark God put in each of us to make a difference, to build something new, and to help the world.
The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls: Book 3 by M.J. Thomas
Peter, Mary, and their faithful dog Hank journey to the pyramid-studded desert of ancient Egypt as they discover ancient scrolls that transport them back to key moments in biblical history. When the trio become friends with Pharaoh's daughter, they witness first-hand as Moses petitions Pharaoh for the Israelites' freedom. Plagues wreak havoc as the group races to decode the scroll, gets chased by a panther, and battles Pharaoh's cunning advisor, the Great Magician. Young readers will anxiously follow along as Peter and Mary's thrilling adventures bring the biblical story of Exodus to life.
Peril in the Palace by Marianne Hering & Paul McCusker
The Imagination Station adventures continue as cousins Patrick and Beth are kidnapped by Mongol warriors. Only the friendship of fellow traveler Marco Polo saves them from harm. They are brought to the Mongol palace, where the Kublai Khan dislikes both their gifts and their message about Christianity. The tension grows when the Mongol magicians challenge the cousins to a spiritual power showdown. As war breaks out, Beth and Patrick are locked in a secret room to prevent their escape. How do they escape the city and find the Imagination Station? Enter the perilous palace and find out!
Little Prayers for Big Feelings: Book One by Cynthia Radtke
This unique and positive picture book is designed to guide kids through their emotions with the power of scripture and prayer woven into every page. Whether they're excited, grumpy, or worried, this book shows that no feeling is too big for God's love.
Brave as a Lion by Kirk Cameron
Long ago, before Freedom Island had its name, a timid little mouse lived in constant fear. When his town is threatened by the evil tiger Black Heart, Mr. Mouse must face his greatest fears and seek help from the very creatures he fears most—cats. Through his journey, he learns that true bravery is facing fears for the sake of others.
Elementary (4th & 5th grades)
Hands On Bible (NLT Version)
Jesus taught with hands-on lessons and illustrations. The Hands On Bible uses the same experience-based learning to communicate God's Word in an active, understandable way. With hundreds of fun, memorable activities, this Bible is packed with activities and experiences that invite kids to crawl inside the Scriptures and live out God's Word.
BibleForce: The First Heroes Bible by Janice Emmerson
This graphic novel style Bible storybook gets kids absorbed in a fast-paced narrative that they can truly understand. From Genesis to Revelation, they will learn about the most epic stories with additional hero profiles, timelines, and maps.
Don't Worry, Warrior! by Levi Lusko
One of the hardest things when it comes to parenting tweens who struggle with worry and anxiety, is feeling like you are not providing adequate support. Tweens may not even have the right words to describe some of these big feelings. Through Biblical teaching and practical tools, children will learn God gave them power over what they think and feel.
Once a Queen by Sarah Arthur
When 14-year-old Ava Joyce spends the summer at an old family estate, mysteries about her long-lost grandmother come to the surface. She soon discovers the manor staff and the house itself are hiding lots of secrets. Kids will be transported to other worlds as Eva uncovers her past. This is the first in a series of three books.
The Dragon Lord Saga Volume 1: Martin and Marco by Jonny Jimison
This graphic novel is full of humor, heroism, and action. Martin Millar is a second-string soldier with a thirst for adventure. Marco Millar, Martin's brother, is a stableboy who would rather stay at home. As the king's guard launches the dragon crusade, Martin and Marco are drawn into an unexpected journey that lands them in the path of bandits, monsters, a cursed satchel, and even a talking horse - not to mention dragons!
How to Pray: A Guide for Young Explorers by Pete Greig & Gemma Hunt
Filled with fun stories and activities that will help children develop a deeper understanding of prayer, this book covers topics like unanswered prayer and seeking forgiveness. Teach your child the life-giving power of prayer so that they can experience the amazing gift of talking with God every day.
Middle School (6th - 8th grades)
The Unlikely Intrusion of Adams Klein by John Greco
Fourteen-year-old Adams Klein lives by one simple rule: don't do anything that might change the course of history. To protect him from a murderous tyrant, Adams was hidden away in the year 2015. A refugee from the distant future, his existence is a secret. But when he witnesses a tragedy unfolding, he can't stand by and do nothing. Now history is changing, and Adams and his new friends are being hunted by a villain who'll stop at nothing to retain his iron grip on the world of the future, even if it means destroying the past.
The Outsider: Ruth - A Retelling by Katy Morgan
The story of Ruth is imaginatively brought to life in this biblically faithful chapter book that helps kids engage with God's word. Readers will find themselves immersed in the hearts and minds of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz as they experience difficulty, uncertainty, danger, and rescue.
Winning the War in Your Mind for Teens by Craig Groeschel
As teens, it can feel difficult to find a way out of our bad habits and unhealthy thought patterns, too often feeling like our thoughts are running out of control and finding ourselves off-track from where we want to be. Pastor and New York Times bestselling author Craig Groeschel explains how you too can challenge your thinking and change the course of your life for the better, revealing the strategies he's found that help.
Pray First for Young Readers by Chris Hodges
The practice of prayer can be intimidating at any age, but this guidebook shows how to pray and what to pray about, gives children the tools they need to add prayer to their daily routine, and reveals how a close relationship with Jesus is what leads to a lifelong faith. This resource will give kids the confidence they need to go to God for every need, to intercede for others, and to praise Him.
Inspirational Stories of Christian Women for Young Readers by Esther Vayle
Everyone's journey is different, but these incredible Christian women all had one thing in common: a deep trust in God and the courage to live out their purpose, even in the face of danger, rejection, or fear. Their stories shine with hope, bravery, and compassion. Each biography is carefully written for young readers, filled with powerful moments from the lives of world-changing women like Corrie Ten Boom, Elisabeth Elliot, Florence Nightingale, and Fanny Crosby.
How Do We Know That Christianity Is Really True? By Chris Morphew
Sooner or later, kids have big questions about God, life, faith, and the Bible, especially when their friends start asking them about what they believe. A common one is: How do we know Christianity is really true? Big questions deserve good answers. This book looks at what the Bible says to help middle schoolers think through this big question for themselves. It explains why we can trust the Gospels as real historical documents, and walks through the evidence for Jesus' resurrection. Lively stories and illustrations make this book easy to engage with.
Mission Possible: A Daily Devotional for Young Readers by Tim Tebow
Life can be hard, and it's tempting to settle for the path of comfort, ease, and conformity—just do as you're told, be like everyone else, and lower your expectations. But God has other plans. Through 365 daily readings, Tim will help the reader understand God-given identity, changing mindsets, making wise choices, and doing hard things.
God Is—A Devotional for Teen Girls & Young Women by Alena Franklin
From joining friend groups to figuring out what to do after high school and even declaring what career path to pursue, teens are constantly asked to identify themselves in some way. But what if the most important thing about who a teen girl is, isn't her popularity or college major? What if it's her creator? This illustrated devotional contains 60 readings unpacking God's characteristics.
Get Your Hopes Up by Carlos Whittaker
Tweens and teens will encounter much-needed hope, read inspiring true stories, and learn to love generously and why connection matters in this 90-day devotional. With Bible truths, stories of real hope and joy, and Carlos's "let's do this" energy, kids will be empowered to thrive no matter how life tries to discourage them, make them anxious, or cause them to feel isolated.
Best News Ever: Your 100-Day Guide to the Gospel of Mark by Chris Morphew
When was the last time you heard really incredible news that you couldn't wait to share? The Gospel of Mark is that kind of good news! It's a life-changing announcement about who Jesus is, and what he's done. This devotional takes tweens on a 100-day journey through Mark's fast-paced, action-packed story—helping them to understand the confusing bits, showing them how it connects with their life, and bringing them face to face with Jesus, the one who changes everything.
Listen Up: Ten Minute Family Devotions on the Parables by Marty Machowski
After teaching a parable Jesus often said, "Whoever has ears, let him hear." In other words, this is important, so you better listen up and what could be more important than the good news of the kingdom of God? This family devotional provides a unique opportunity for parents to help their children listen up and hear the gospel as Jesus himself shared it. Jesus told simple stories using everyday activities and objects that point to surprising spiritual truths about life in his kingdom.
High School (9th - 12th grades)
Blaze by Hope Bolinger
Danny knew his sophomore year would be stressful . . . but he didn't expect his school to burn down on the first day. To make matters worse, he — and his three best friends — receive an email in their inboxes from the principal of their rival, King's Academy, offering full rides to attend the town's prestigious boarding school. Danny wants nothing to do with King's Academy and says no. Of course, his mother says yes. From day one at King's, Danny encounters hazing and mocking insults from girls at the "popular and pretty" table. Danny will have to overcome his fears of failure, rejection, and loneliness—while standing strong in his beliefs and walking into the fire.
See You Monday by Kristen Terrette
Honor student, Grace Warner, had it easy. Popularity, friends, attention from her crush, even a soccer scholarship offer—if only she can figure out her senior project to graduate on time. Getting approval to write about someone's life-changing event, Grace recruits her sassy grandma as her mentor. Her grandma lived through the early sixties—the civil rights movement, desegregation, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s iconic speech, and President Kennedy's assassination. Grace didn't know the project would have her noticing hardships and prejudices at her school she hadn't before. When the homecoming court is announced and new kid, Jacob Horton, is nominated as a colossal prank, the nomination brings Grace to a choice, much like her grandmother years before her. God is about to use her in a miracle if she chooses correctly.
12 Truths Every Teen Can Trust by Paul David Tripp
As Christian teens mature into righteous adults, understanding the core tenets of the faith could not be more critical, especially as they face indoctrination from the outside world. But understanding doctrine is more than just comprehending the truths of Scripture; it's a God-honoring lifestyle shaped directly by biblical belief. Tripp examines 12 core doctrines of the Christian faith to see how they can transform a teen's heart and life. He defines doctrines such as God's sovereignty, justification, and glorification, helping young people fall deeper in love with their Creator.
Iconic: Being God's Image in Your World by Mike McGarry
At the core, what makes you "You"? Is it the way you look, your family or your accomplishments? The more you try to look within, the more confusing it can become. The good news is, your identity is a gift from God, not something you have to discover within yourself. God created us to be his image-bearers, as icons who remind the world of his majesty and nature. When we discover our purpose in his big story, it helps us make sense of our individual stories. In Iconic, see how being and bearing God's image helps you discover your identity as a loved child of God.
How to Read the Bible by David Platt
This simple and practical guide to studying and understanding Scripture will help the reader see the Bible as a priceless treasure that reveals God's love and His relentless pursuit of a deeper relationship. This guide is an invitation to experience God's Word in a way that transforms. Whether new to reading the Bible or seeking a fresh approach to study and apply it, this provides the tools and insights needed to explore Scripture with greater clarity and purpose.
Dare to Be True by Madison Prewett Troutt
The lies we believe—about ourselves, our worth, and what will truly make us whole—keep us bound in invisible chains. But there is a way out. The author invites us to confront the lies that are holding us hostage and to step boldly into the life you were created to live—a life anchored in truth that leads to a freer you. Dare to Be True is real talk from Madison's own life lessons and experiences that will help us live in truth and freedom.
10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin
Going to school, hanging out with friends, or scrolling through social media feeds, teenagers are sure to face real challenges to faith in Jesus Christ. Backed by state-of-the-art research, personal stories, Harry Potter illustrations (warning: spoilers!), and careful biblical study, this book doesn't dodge tough questions. Instead, it invites teenagers to ask their hardest questions about Christianity and to find surprising, life-giving answers.
The Jesus I Wish I Knew in High School by Cameron Cole
The pressure of being a teenager can be overwhelming. School, sports, jobs, and relationships all press in at the same time. But the hardest thing can be feeling alone. Thirty authors from many different backgrounds come together to say, "We get it—and Jesus gets it too. Here is who Jesus is and how he wants to meet you in this intense time." They share firsthand stories of bullying, eating disorders, pregnancy, addiction, racism, family conflict, expectations, and the intense pressure to achieve. See how their encounters with Jesus brought healing, rest, and purpose to their lives and hear what they wish they knew earlier.
What If Jesus Was Serious About Prayer? by Skye Jethani
While God certainly cares for our deepest needs, Skye Jethani wants us to know that prayer is so much more than a two-way transaction with a heavenly vending machine. Jesus didn't pray like that. Skye wants to take us deeper into what Jesus, the lover of our souls, had to say about talking with God. Prayer isn't about getting answers but getting God. We need more prayer in our lives—not because God can give us what we crave, but because He offers himself to us in love.
The Lion and the Bear by Caroline Shankle
God sent a lion and a bear to David to prepare him for battle before he fought Goliath. In the same way, each challenge we face in life is preparation for the next one--even if we'd much rather avoid conflict altogether. Whether it's mean girl culture, peer pressure, a difficult home life, physical or emotional challenges, or the constant barrage of social media slights, we have your share of lions and bears to contend with! This devotional is our guidebook for how to defeat those giants by trusting God through Scripture, reflection, and prayer.
Know Your Bible for Teen Guys compiled by Barbour Staff
This easy-to-understand guidebook is written especially for teen guys to get to know their Bibles. Inside find highlights, summaries, key verses, and unique features of each book of the Bible as well as challenging, encouraging devotions on the young men of scripture.
Daily Prayers for Morning and Evening compiled by Barbour Staff
The all-powerful God we serve is interested in what we have to say! This lovely prayer book will resonate with young hearts. Every page includes a prayer for morning and evening—touching on topics like grace, blessings, joy, serving, patience, love, and more—alongside related, easy-to-understand scripture selections. It will encourage spending regular time in conversation with the one who loves us most!