July 2026 Book Club Recommendations
Book for Children Ages 8-12
A Place to Hang the Moon
Kate Albus
Upon the death of their formidable grandmother, William, Edmond, and Anna Pearce find themselves without family, a guardian, or anyone to care for them. Then their grandmother’s lawyer comes up with a harebrained scheme to find them a forever family. The children will evacuate London with the rest of the school-age children seeking shelter from the 1940s bombings and hope that the family who takes them in will want to adopt them. As the children settle into their new lodgings in the country, they wonder whether they will ever find more than a simple home, but loving parents who think the children are wonderful enough to “hang the moon.”
Questions Just for Fun
If you spent every afternoon in a library like the Pearce children, what type of books would you want to read?
If you moved from Mrs. Griffith’s apartment to Mrs. Müeller’s cottage, what would be some of your favorite things about your new billet?
Questions to Think Critically and Biblically
Throughout the book, we see different people treated unfairly because of their circumstances. Jack and Simon harass the Pearce children and view them as “filthy vackies.” The townspeople view Mrs. Müeller as “unsuitable” because her German husband is missing. What is the biblical view of treating people in such ways?
Discussion Guide - Read James 2:1-9. Discuss how treating people unjustly because of their situation in life is the sin of partiality. God has commanded us not to practice partiality but to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.
Throughout the book, Edmond’s temper, mouth, and sense of humor consistently get him in trouble. That is, until he is under the care of Mrs. Müeller. How does Mrs. Müeller show Edmond unconditional love?
Discussion Guide - Discuss how Mrs. Müeller loves Edmond as he is. She doesn’t look down on him for his mistakes, but she also does not encourage his poor behavior. She lets him know that he is valuable and that he should take care in how he acts and speaks.
William, Edmond, and Anna all long for parents who will care for them. William longs for someone to take the burden of caring for his younger siblings off his shoulders. Edmond longs for someone who loves him just as he is. Anna longs for someone who will “properly” tuck her in and care for her. According to the biblical worldview, why do all children long for parents to care for them?
Discussion Guide - Read Isaiah 49:13-15, Romans 8:15-17, and 1 John 3:1-2. Discuss how the parental role reflects God as our Heavenly Father. We were ultimately designed to long for and find our fullness in God. The longing every child has for their parents was created to point us to God.
Book for Children Ages 4-7
The Prisoners, the Earthquake and the Midnight Song (Tales That Tell the Truth)
Bob Hartman
There is a noise coming from two prisoners deep within a dark, lonely prison. But it’s not the sound you would expect. It is not moaning or groaning, shouting or complaining. It is singing. Who are these two mysterious prisoners, and why are they singing?
Questions Just for Fun
Do you think being part of an earthquake would be scary or exciting? Why?
Questions to Think Critically and Biblically
Why were Paul and Silas able to sing praises to God even after they had been arrested, beaten, and put in prison?
Discussion Guide - Read Romans 5:3-5. Discuss how Christians can rejoice in their suffering because God uses suffering to grow us in endurance, character, and hope.
What were the three truths about Jesus that Paul and Silas shared with everyone they met?
Discussion Guide - 1. Jesus died so we can be forgiven. 2. He came back from the dead so we can live forever. 3. He sent his Holy Spirit so we can follow him as our King.
How did God use Paul and Silas being put in jail for good?
Discussion Guide - Discuss how God used their imprisonment to lead the jailer and his family to trust in Jesus.
Bonus Question - If you have taken your child through Foundation Attributes of God Curriculum, ask, “What are one or two of God’s attributes that we see in this part of Bible history?”
Discussion Guide - Discuss any of the following attributes:
- God Is Omnipotent - God Is All Powerful
- God Is Wise - God Always Knows and Does What Is Best
- God Is Good - God Always Acts Kindly Toward His Creation
- God Is Merciful - God Does Not Give Us the Punishment We Deserve
- God Is Gracious - God Gives Good Gifts to Those Who Deserve Punishment
You can help solidify each attribute you discuss by reviewing one of the games from the curriculum included with the lesson for that attribute, and by reviewing the Scripture memory.
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