Approved Books
Books that do not contain items in the Caution or Avoid sections will be approved. We look for books that demonstrate wholesome values and age-appropriate content for children.
Themes
We approve books with age-appropriate language, themes, and scenarios that are suitable for their intended audience.
Morality & Character
Approved books demonstrate positive character traits and values, including:
- Courage, integrity, kindness, compassion, and perseverance
- Minor character flaws that are addressed and resolved throughout the story
Family & Gender Roles
Books that promote healthy family dynamics are approved, specifically those that:
- Reflect biblical gender roles
- Promote strong family values
- Show siblings who enjoy each other
- Demonstrate respect for parents
Other
We love books that inspire creativity and imagination in young readers.
Caution Books
These books may require parental guidance and discernment. While not automatically rejected, they contain elements that parents should be aware of before sharing with their children.
Violence, Language, and Mature Themes
Books in this category may contain:
- Graphic violence or torture
- Inappropriate language
- Themes and scenarios that may require parental guidance and discernment
Morality & Character
We advise caution with books that include:
- Bad or disrespectful attitudes that go uncorrected
- Negative character traits such as name calling, unkindness, or lying
- An attitude of "I don't need you" towards parents
- Childhood romance
- Romance outside of marriage
- Immodesty
- Feminism
- Effeminate men
- Portraying fathers in a weak or negative light
Self / Psychology Messages
Books that promote self-glorification should be approached with caution.
Other
Additional caution items include:
- References to spirituality and other religions without clarity on biblical truth
- Woke ideologies including DEI, SEL, and environmentalist agenda
- Fluff or content without substance
- Aliens
Avoid Books
We do not carry or recommend books in this category as they contain content that contradicts biblical values or could be harmful to children.
Unbiblical Teachings
Books to avoid include those with:
- Unbiblical doctrines
- LGBTQ+ content
- Evolution or reincarnation
- Taking the Lord's name in vain
- Speaking for Jesus (aside from quoting Scripture)
- Adding or changing content to the Bible, including altered Bible stories
- Calling evil good and good evil
- Suicide
Family & Gender Roles
We avoid books that contain:
- Adultery
- Embracing divorce
- Sexual, pornographic, or erotic content
Magic & Occult
Books involving the occult are not approved, including those with:
- Divination: luck, tarot cards, astrology, crystal gazing
- Magic: sorcery, witchcraft, hexing, enchantment
- Spirits: necromancy, consulting spirits, Ouija boards
- Halloween themes: ghosts, skeletons, zombies, mummies
- Glorification of mysticism, magic, and the occult
Fiction and Non-Fiction
Fiction and non-fiction children's books serve different purposes. Historical books document real events, while fiction authors make deliberate choices about the themes, values, and worldviews they present to children.
We recognize these distinctions require different considerations. Non-fiction may contain difficult content—war, persecution, hardship—because these events actually happened. We evaluate historical books based on how content is presented and whether it's age-appropriate, identifying any concerns according to our guidelines. Fiction narratives can subtly shape a child's understanding of right and wrong, so we hold them to a stricter standard.
We evaluate each book individually, considering its genre, purpose, and how content is framed. We apply our standards with discernment, recognizing that truth-telling about history serves a different purpose than imaginative storytelling.
Choose Wholesome!
Thank you for being here. I'm grateful to have so many like-minded friends who want to make a difference in children's lives through the books they read. I'd love to learn more about you. Be sure to reach out anytime and join our community over on Instagram!Â
Thanks for visiting,
Philippians 4:7,8
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy– think on these things.