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October 2025 Book Club Recommendations
Book for Children Ages 4-7
Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett
Steven Kellogg
Born as the only daughter in a family with nine sons, Sally Ann’s family realized she was no ordinary daughter. But when she left for the frontier at age eight, Sally Ann’s family realized she was extra special. From wrestling grizzly bears to wrestling crocodiles, Sally Ann always keeps things exciting in her life on the American frontier.
Questions Just for Fun
If you could be involved in any of Sally Ann’s adventures, which one would you want ot join and why?
Questions to Think Critically and Biblically
This story is called a tall tale because it is based on some truth, but it has been stretched in ways that couldn’t be true. Which parts of the story could be true, and which are definitely exaggerated?
Discussion Guide - Discuss how ordinary details like how many children were in her family, where she was born, where she moved to, and who she married could be true. However, all of her adventures are most definitely exaggerated. While she may have encountered a bear, it would be impossible to wrestle its fur off. While she may have had pet eagles, she could not have “invented” bald eagles.
We know that it is important to tell the truth, but many of the tales in this story are not true. Is it okay to listen to tall tales or even to tell them to others?
Discussion Guide - Discuss how knowing that something is a tall tale makes all the difference. If we tell someone a tall tale and claim that it is true, that would be lying. But when everyone involved knows that the tale has been stretched, then we are just enjoying a fun story.
Why is it that humans are the only creatures who make up stories, including tall tales, for fun?
Discussion Guide - Read Genesis 1:27. Discuss how humans have been created in God’s image. As God’s image bearers, we reflect him through creating inventions, buildings, art, music, and even stories!
Book for Children Ages 8-12
The Boxcar Children, Book 1
Gertrude Chandler Warner
Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny are orphans who are sent to live with their grandfather. Believing their grandfather is mean and uncaring, the four children decide to set out on their own. They set up house in a boxcar, and things are going well until Violet falls ill, and they must call on the help of a doctor in town.
Questions Just for Fun
If you were one of the boxcar children, what would you have done to find food?
What is one treasure you would have hoped to find at the dump?
Questions to Think Critically and Biblically
In the opening scene in the bakery, the baker’s wife says multiple times that she does not like children. What should a Christian’s attitude be toward children?
Discussion Guide - Read Matthew 19:13-15 and Mark 10:13-16. Discuss how Jesus loves and cares for children, so Christians should do the same.
Throughout the story, Henry and Jessie faithfully care for their younger siblings, Violet and Benny. Does this align with what the Bible says that families should do for one another?
Discussion Guide - Read 1 Timothy 5:3-8. Though this passage specifically addresses care for widows, the principles outlined apply to family members in general. Discuss how God has called family members to care for one another before caring for others. What Henry and Jessie do in this story aligns with the biblical worldview.
What positive character qualities did you see the Alden children display in this book?
Discussion Guide - Discuss any of the following:
- Love - The Alden children demonstrated love by caring for one another.
- Diligence - Henry worked hard to provide money for the family, and Jessie worked hard to care for their home and provide food.
- Kindness - Violet displayed kindness in the way she helped Jessie and cared for Benny.
- Obedience - Benny obeyed his older siblings when they gave him directions to follow.
- Honesty - The Alden children did not lie when they were asked about their parents. They were honest about being orphans.
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