LDS Semi-Annual General Conference is coming up and that provides inspiration, encouragement and motivation to live better lives. So what could be better than reading books that do the same thing? I've assembled an assortment of books that will not only inspire, but also books by LDS authors that are most enjoyable to read.
Let's begin with books that inform and inspire. I love this newly published book, Why? Powerful Answers and Practical Reasons for Living LDS Standards, by John Hilton III and Anthony Sweat. This book addresses the very pertinent, and up-to-date problems and life-styles, that so many of the youth today are dealing with. It answers pertinent questions that kids will want to know and incorporates gospel standards, inspiring quotes and messages from our prophet and the apostles. Some of the chapters include spiritual and pragmatic solutions to: body piercing and tattoos, friends, going steady and gaining an education. Even though the book is large, it's an easy and kid-friendly read as it has photos, graphs and colorful graphics throughout. Every household should have this book on the shelf!
The 7 Habits of Happy Kids, by Sean Covey, and illustrated by Stacy Curtis, takes on the task of Covey Sr. with his most popular book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” only this book is geared for the younger stages of life. The author has masterly combined the most important elements of his father's 7 habits and created a story to teach each habit. The book is about a community and the cute animal friends who live there. Each chapter is an adventure that features some of these friends, but each chapter is actually teaching youngsters valuable character traits that will become invaluable throughout their lives. If the previous book is precious to the teenager, this is a must for the youngster! When is the best time to teach being proactive and controlling your own life? It's now, but it would be even better while you're young!
The Book of Virtues for Boys and Girls, edited by William J. Bennett, is rich with stories that teach honesty, courage, loyalty, friendship and hard work. Each chapter has a virtue heading and the stories, quotes and poetry that follow support the theme. These chapters include stories and poetry that are a quick read, helping you pick and choose the value you want to teach after dinner or just before bedtime. Included in the book are stories from some our best and most beloved authors, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Anne Frank and Aesop.
There aren't many who paint the Savior with such beauty and refinement as Greg Olsen. If the Savior Stood Beside Me brings out the refining fires in us all as you look upon the vibrant color and detail in this picture book. The words and paintings become one as you begin to imagine how life would be if Christ stood by your side. This book truly puts the important things of life in their true perspective!
Hope is an Open Heart, by Lauren Thompson, is a wonderful picture book that, if written by an LDS author, might have been titled “Faith is an Open Heart”. It holds the necessary components of getting through the most difficult times in our lives. Photos of children of all races with members of their families go hand-in-hand with the powerful, yet simple, text of gathering hope from inside us to continue living.
The next two books depict people who lived extraordinary lives that surely will inspire all who read them. Anne Frank, by David Colbert, is part of the “10 Days” series that highlights 10 critical days in her life as she and her Jewish family hid from the Nazi's in Holland. This biography is a shortened version of her life in order to reach and teach kids ages 11 and up about the terrible atrocities of World War II, but also shows the vulnerability of a young teen who began to notice boys and liked wearing new clothes and now suddenly her life completely changes when her family goes into hiding. This book is an inspiration to all!
Helen Keller: The World in her Heart, by Lesa Cline-Ransome, and illustrated by James Ransome, will surely invoke the richness of life that we all should appreciate as we enjoy our senses. This picture book will also enlighten youngsters about a woman who, as a young girl, had much to overcome and was able to learn and to love.
LDS authors wrote the last three books. Adventures Wanted: Slathbog's Gold, by M. L. Forman, is as good as the Brandon Mull fantasies – and it's his first novel. It's one of those books that once you begin reading, the adventure takes you on a most thrilling experience and chances are you won't want to stop reading! When 15-year-old Alex enters a bookstore, he notices an unusual sign in the window: “Adventurers Wanted”. Little does he know that he is about to meet a dwarf and a giant who sign him on to be part of their band that is about to seek the treasure of a dragon.
Bright Blue Miracle, by Becca Wilhite, is a story that all ages can relate to. Seventeen-year-old Leigh is dealing with her mom's remarriage after losing her father. This new marriage brings a new step-sister who is attractive, bright and witty. Leigh is sure she's not going to like her one bit. But with the help of her sweetest, coolest grandmother, she's about to have a bright blue miracle!
