Beautiful Outlaw by John Eldredge

What was Jesus really like? This book is  a revelation in capturing the personality of the man, the king, the warrior, the Savior. Again, small passages read to family from this book can help you celebrate the world's most remarkable human.

Excerpt: "I mentioned earlier my anger in the museum at the classic art depicting the birth of Jesus the Superbaby. I was angry not because the art was done badly, but because it was done so beautifully, so very reverently, making it all the more difficult to remember that Jesus was human."

Who is This Man? by John Ortberg

One of my favorite books. It's a collection of historical facts presenting a case that Jesus has had more influence on human history than any other single man. You'll have a new appreciation for how Jesus put his fingerprints on every significant arena of modern day living, including government, sexuality, art, architecture, medicine, education, women's rights. 

Excerpt: On the day after Jesus' death, it looked as if whatever small mark he left on the world would rapidly disappear. Instead, his impact on human history has been unparalleled. After his disappearance form earth, the days of his unusual influence began. That influence is what this book is about..."

Loving Our Kids on Purpose by Danny Silk

Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). Rather than the traditional approaches that train children to learn to accept being controlled by well-meaning parents and adults, this book teaches parents how to train children to manage their freedoms and protect their important

How Children Raise Parents by Dan Allendar, PhD

Parenting with Humility...We often realize that we learn as much from our children as they learn from us. So why don’t parents approach the task of child-rearing as a learning experience, rather than a mandate to make sure their kids succeed in life? To reduce the pressure and enjoy greater closeness in your family, turn your parenting upside-down by allowing God to use your children to help you grow up. Imagine what would happen if you began to prize what you’re being taught by your children’s quirks, failures, and normal childhood dilemmas…

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Meg Meeker M.D.

“As a new father to an 8-month old girl, I felt confident on how to be a good dad. But after reading 'Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters, I didn't realize how much poison our culture contains for little girls to face. This book a a thought-provoking and inspiring work that gives all fathers the tools and courage to fight for their daughters. A father will learn that he plays a huge role in his daughter's development into adulthood. He will learn that he is the most important man in his daughter's life. And he will walk away from this book knowing that he must be the hero his daughter deserves.” - A Father’s Review

Raising Boys and Girls Podcast by Sarah Bragg,

Yeah, I know this is not a book but a podcast. I don’t care. I want you to know about this.

Both seasons are great, but season 2 in particular has profoundly helped answer the questions “What is going on, by God’s design, in my child"? and “What do they need from me now?” Both seasons of Raising Boys and Girls have free Discussion Questions that you can use with your people, either in pairs or in a small group.

Mother & Son, The Respect Effect by Emerson Eggerichs, Ph.D.

Love is important but it is respect that is the key to your son’s heart. As Emerson Eggerichs transformed millions of marital relationships with a biblical understanding of love and respect, he now turns these principles to one of the most important relationships of all, a mother and her son. The idea of moms respecting their sons may sound alien to some, but it seems to ignite curiosity across the board. It is easy to relate to the need for all of us to feel a mother’s love, but is that the same thing as respect? Even for young boys, the effect of respect is nothing short of astounding when applied properly.

Becoming a King by Morgan Snyder

Morgan Snyder’s Becoming a King unabashedly speaks directly to men, teaching them the life-changing truth about the power that God intends for them to responsibly step into for his kingdom, while also giving women an honest peek behind the curtain into the lives and hearts of the men they know and love.

It is God’s design, desire, and intention to empower humans and entrust them to participate in the ongoing creativity of the universe. Yet a look at our history and the world around us shows that the story of most men is being entrusted with power and having that power bring harm to themselves and those under their care.

Adam’s Return by Richard Rohr

“Based on decades of work, travel, and experience, Rohr, a Franciscan brother and best-selling author, unearths the complexities of male spiritual maturation and helps us to understand the importance of male initiation rights in both culture and the church.” - Amazon Summary

This book sheds light on the 5 inevitable truths the masculine soul must embrace to leave immaturity and embracing authentic manhood.

The Way of the Wild Heart by John Eldredge

This book is no longer in publication (but may still be ordered). it is now being reprinted as Fathered by god (see below)

Fathered by God by John Eldredge

“There is a path leading to authentic manhood, cut by men who have gone before us, sons following in the footsteps of their fathers, generation after generation. There are perils along the trail, even disasters? All the more reason to rely on the guidance of a Father who has gone before.

But in an age when true fathers are in short supply, how do you find the path to manhood? How do you steer clear of the dangers?” -Amazon Summary

The Action Bible - Sergio Cariello and Doug Mouss

I have to include this because it is simply so so good. I asked Baer this past year how he knew so many Bible stories compared to other kids and he told me it was because he'd read this so many times. It is captivating, cover to cover, even for adults. Your kids will want to read God's whole story, comic book style, with these awe-inspiring illustrations. At $15.29 on Amazon this has been the best gift we've given kids over the last several years. A perfect Christmas gift.