February 2025 Book Club Recommendations

The Foundation Worldview Book Club aims to equip parents and caregivers to engage children in meaningful discussions by examining the worldviews presented in literature and comparing them to a biblical worldview. While we strive to select books with insightful themes that help children think critically, not all books reflect a biblical perspective. Our recommendations are not blanket endorsements of the books, their authors, or their other works. We encourage you to preview each book to determine if it aligns with the convictions and framework you have established for your family, church, or classroom. Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning Foundation Worldview may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.

Book for Children Ages 8-12

Questions Just for Fun

If you were one of the children in this book, which would you choose to be and why?

Which idea did you think was the best for convincing Mr. Beiderman that the Vanderbeekers should stay?

Questions to Think Critically and Biblically

In the book, we see a big conflict arise between the twins, Isa and Jessie. What was the root cause of this conflict?
Discussion Guide - Discuss how Jessie withheld the truth from Isa because she was scared of losing her friendship with Isa. Then, discuss how this is a temptation we will all face at times and what the appropriate response is (telling the truth).

What did the Vanderbeekers love most about life on 141st Street? Is this love something that aligns with the biblical worldview or not?
Discussion Guide - Discuss how what the Vanderbeekers loved most was the relationships they had with their neighbors on 141st Street. Read Genesis 1:26-27 and John 13:34-35. Discuss how God has created all humans in His image. Because God is relational, we are relational. So, relationships should be important to humans! Then discuss how Jesus calls His followers to love others. This means that relationships should be even more important to Christians.

In what ways did we see Oliver grow throughout the book?
Discussion Guide - Discuss how Oliver mostly thought about himself and his wants at the beginning of the book. However, as he and his sisters worked on “Project Beiderman,” he realized he was thinking selfishly and he started thinking about how he could intentionally love his family.

Toward the end of the book, the Vanderbeeker children learn that Mr. Beiderman lost his wife and daughter in an accident and that Isa’s violin playing continually reminds Mr. Beiderman of that loss. How did understanding Mr. Beiderman’s situation help the children love him better?
Discussion Guide - Discuss how, before they learned of his situation, the Vanderbeeker kids focused solely on keeping their home. Once they learned the truth, they changed their focus to caring for Mr. Beiderman, showing him that he was loved and being willing to give up what they wanted for his good.

Book for Children Ages 4-7

Questions Just for Fun

Who are two or three people you love? Take some time to write a Valentine’s Day card, letting them know you love them.

Questions to Think Critically and Biblically

When Mr. Hatch was alone, he felt sad. Why do we feel sad when we are always alone?
Discussion Guide - Read Genesis 1:26. Talk about how God designed humans in His image. God is one being and three persons (“let us”). This means that God is relational. As His image-bearers, He designed us to be relational. So, it is not in our nature to always be alone.

When Mr. Hatch received the card that says, “Somebody loves YOU,” he completely changed because he realized he was loved. But did anyone love him before he received the card?
Discussion Guide - Read John 3:16 and 1 John 4:8. Talk about how God loved us first, and He loves us more than anyone else ever will. Even if nobody else loved us, God would still love us because He is love.

When Mr. Hatch realized he was loved, he became friendly, kind, and helpful. Once we know that God loves us, how should we respond?
Discussion Guide - Read John 14:15. Talk about how once we turn from our sin and follow Jesus, we demonstrate our love for Him by obeying Him. Discuss what it looks like for you and your child to obey God’s commands (e.g. being kind to others, helping your neighbors, telling the truth, etc.)