Reading establishes relationships both in real life and on the page. My love of reading began with my parents. When we were little, our mom and dad would tuck us into bed and read us a few chapters of a story, which at first mostly consisted of Bible stories and illustrated picture books. Then, as our vocabulary and comprehension developed, we upgraded to chapter books, and with the advent of homeschool came novels and nonfiction and poetry (oh my!). When I was old enough to read books on my own, I would discuss them with my parents and get their thoughts on what was happening in the stories, which prompted many deep conversations that brought us closer together. I tore through children’s classics such as The Chronicles of Narnia and The Little House on the Prairie, finding noble characters who inspired me to become a better person. I learned faithfulness from Lucy Pevensie and dedication to family from Laura Ingalls Wilder, to name a few. Now, as a college student, these memories and characters have helped me recognize how much reading impacts kids and families. I want to help your families find well-written books with timeless values that will inspire you and your children to live in abundance.
What values are we talking about? Well, here at Azure Standard, we live in community with family and faith, so loving God and others is a key part of what we do. Building off of this main standard are the twelve Core Values of Azure. Each of these book recommendations uplifts many of these values as worthy of working towards and crucial to an abundant lifestyle. I hope you and your family are as blessed as I’ve been by these books!
The Little House on the Prairie (series)
When Laura Ingalls and her family move out to the American frontier, she learns how to survive and thrive in the prairies she comes to call home. They face wolves, farms, tensions between native Americans and settlers, and even ice storms in their quest to build a better life.
I’m sure many of you who live on a farm or even who have just recently moved can relate to some of the Ingalls family’s struggles! Laura and her older sister Mary adjust to many new spaces and grow up learning how to, in Azure value terms, do more with less. They work hard, helping their parents take care of their homestead and farmland with little outside help. The family’s initial isolation in the prairies shows them the value of community when they move close to a nearby town. This series is perfect for those looking for a slice-of-life historical fiction book that shows the reality of frontier life alongside the joy of learning new things and surmounting struggles with the help of family and friends.
Activity: Gather your loved ones to work on a project together, whether some DIY home renovation or making a large craft such as a quilt. Many hands make light work, as the saying goes, and you’ll make some fun memories to go along with your project!
Anne of Green Gables (series)
This classic children's series features the imaginative and spirited Anne Shirley, an orphan who is adopted by elderly siblings who originally wanted a boy farmhand, and despite the mix-up are drawn into her exciting world of wonder as she explores their little Canadian town of Avonlea.
The series chronicles Anne's growing up from a vivacious preteen to a wife and mother. I've only read the first three books, but I'm happy to report that even during her time at a rigorous college, Anne never loses her optimistic, abundance-oriented mindset. She lights up a room with her creativity and passion, and finds new ways to make each day exciting, whether arranging a picnic or hosting a tea party. Though she makes plenty of mistakes while adjusting to life in the town of Avonlea, she is quick to repent and grow because of them. She is truly a role model for young adults everywhere.
Activity: Anne loves having friends over for a cup of tea, a joy that is consistent across her life. Gather family and friends for your own tea party — whether using dainty cups or handprinted mugs, create a cozy atmosphere for your guests so you can all relax into sharing stories and supporting one another. Make this a regular part of your month and see how your friendships are deepened by your time together!
Little Women
When Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy find themselves poor at Christmastime and their father away serving in the army, they must cultivate a mindset of pilgrimage and devotion to each other and to their Heavenly Father. With the help of their mother Marmie and the boy next door Laurie, they learn from their mistakes and rejoice at their triumphs in this classic coming-of-age story.
Each March sister has a distinct personality and accompanying faults which they learn to overcome, from fiery Jo to sophisticated Amy, making them relatable and inspiring for young and old alike. They learn how to embrace change and foster good relationships with all kinds of people, prompting discussions about friendship, love, duty and dreams. They work hard at their respective tasks but make time for delightful excursions as well, such as Christmas plays and summer picnics by the sea. Though there is a large female cast, I wouldn’t overlook the value of this book for boys as well! Both genders can relate to the trials of growing up and the adventures of optimistic spirits. This book is perfect for historical fiction lovers, families, and anyone who’s young at heart.
Activity: In the first chapter of the story, the March sisters put on a play written by Jo and starring Meg, with Beth and Amy in varied roles as needed. They move around furniture for their set and create costumes by hand as well as rehearse until their entertainment is the best it can be. Find or write a play, gather some amateur actors, and put on a show for your family and friends!
Caddie Woodlawn
This Newbery Medal winner tells the episodic stories of Caddie, a fiery tomboy who runs wild in the Western Frontier with her brothers when she should be learning to be a "young lady.” Her bravery and creativity get her into and out of plenty of scrapes, from pranking her prim city cousin to healing a rift between the native Americans and the local townsfolk. She learns that the responsibility of growing up is not something to be avoided but embraced with wholehearted joy.
I read this book over and over as a kid! Caddie’s escapades are worlds away from my suburban life, and I love seeing how she fearlessly makes each day an exciting adventure. When she inevitably runs into difficulties, she works to overcome them. This book also upholds both traditionally masculine and feminine roles as worthy of cherishing, and having skill sets in both, regardless of gender, can help teach valuable life lessons. For instance, Caddie hates sewing initially, but when she realizes how beautiful she can make a quilt with a needle and thread, she and her brothers tackle sewing with vigor, and all learn patience in the process. This standalone novel is great for elementary and middle-school children and all free spirits.
Activity: Caddie and her brothers spend most of their time outside, and often swim in the local creek. Get out there with your family and friends and explore your local parks and swimming spots, whether a swimming pool, creek, lake, or ocean! (Just make sure to follow the posted safety guidelines.)
Charlotte's Web
When farmer's daughter Fern saves a runt piglet named Wilbur, the two misfits become devoted friends. But when he later learns that the farmer plans to turn him into bacon, Wilbur teams up with clever spider Charlotte to preserve his humble life. To do so, she writes compliments about him in her web, to the amazement of the local townsfolk.
This classic tale features the power of unlikely friendship and creativity. The farm animals all become involved in the mission to save Wilbur, and though their personalities clash as they work toward the shared goal, they grow through the experience. Though their ability to help Wilbur is limited, they work with what tools they do have, whether spinning webs, honking loudly, or scurrying around to save him. This story will appeal to elementary children, middle-schoolers, and kids-at-heart who love a humorous and sweet story.
Activity: Go to the local zoo or your own backyard and observe the animals there. Record your observations by writing down notes or sketching the wildlife. What are your favorite animals and why? How do their relationships help each other and the ecosystem?
The Secret Garden
When spoiled orphan Margaret is sent away to live in her reclusive uncle's manor, she discovers a neglected garden. In the process of restoring it, she finds that growing flowers also strengthens the soul, but can she use her newfound hobby to heal her broken extended family?
This story is a testament to the power of nature, hard work, and friendship to shape our lives for the better. Frances Hodgson Burnett’s vibrant descriptions of the garden and surrounding Scottish landscape make me want to get my hands in the dirt and grow something, and Margaret’s friendships with a kindhearted shepherd boy and her petulant sickly cousin change their lives; what Margaret learns from the shepherd she passes on to her cousin, and how that influences others we’ll wait for you to read and find out! This story is perfect for those looking for a cozy read filled with wholesome friendships and beautiful descriptions.
Activity: What better activity to do after reading The Secret Garden than garden yourself? Start small with a few varieties of flowers and foods in pots and teach your kids how to care for them. My family has had great success with potted cherry tomato plants!
My Side of the Mountain
Eager for a life of independence away from his large family, Sam Gribley runs away from home to live in New York's Catskill Mountains. Though he initially struggles to survive, he uses his ingenuity and courage to learn how to thrive in the woods he loves. His knowledge of wilderness survival and his realization of his need for community brings this realistic adventure story to a satisfying close.
With episodic chapters detailing his adventures, Sam’s growth from a scared city-dweller to an accomplished outdoorsman is an inspiration. As he lives in the woods he cultivates hard work and patience as he sets traps for meat and forages for wild plants and herbs. Though he is quite mature for his age, he does not lose his childlike sense of wonder at his surroundings. He constantly adapts to the rigors of wilderness living, moving forward in the face of each setback. This story is a treat for anyone who loves nature and is working to achieve their dreams.
Activity: Homeschool moms, this book could easily be paired with a natural science exploration of what you could use to survive in your own backyard! (Check out this article for a list of edible and healing wild plants and herbs to look out for!)
The Hobbit
Hobbit Bilbo Baggins is content with his quiet life in the Shire, but when thirteen dwarfs and the enigmatic wizard Gandalf show up at his front door, he is whisked off on an adventure to help reclaim the Lonely Mountain from a powerful dragon.
As hobbits are infamous for their love of food (second breakfast, anyone?) this list wouldn’t be complete without this book! Not only does The Hobbit feature lots of “food and cheer,” the story of a small person tackling a task that is way out of his comfort zone and emerging victorious is an encouraging tale I hope many of us can relate to and be inspired by.
Activity: Gather your family, friends, and kids for a meal and read-aloud. Put together a picnic basket filled with grilled cheese and apple sandwiches, fruit salad, and delicious drinks for a summer evening outside, along with your copy of the Hobbit, and enchant your audience with this fairytale. Bonus points if you do different voices for each character!
The Chronicles of Narnia (series)
When siblings Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy discover the land of Narnia in a magical wardrobe, they must ally with the good lion Aslan to stop the evil White Witch’s reign. Over the course of the series they and their friends journey back to Narnia and its surrounding countries many times to battle evil and aid the good creatures of Narnia.
These books have made a huge impact on my life and faith, particularly through its depiction of Jesus through Aslan and realistic but noble children/young adult characters. As is commonly known, C. S. Lewis intended Aslan to be an allegory for Jesus, and though I do not agree with Lewis’ entire worldview, he does an incredible job showing how God is both good and “wild,” or caring deeply for us but also mysteriously beyond us in every way. Though the main characters all have major flaws to work through, they learn core truths about their relationship with Him and how their faith is revealed in their actions throughout the series. Lucy Pevensie especially is a beautiful model of Christian devotion and friendship. This series is great for anyone looking for good role models for their children and a reminder of the mysteriousness of the Creator and His Creation.
Activity: Leadership is a common theme throughout the Narnia series. Once you’re finished with the first book, talk through some attributes of leadership with your children, such as love, responsibility, growth, and discipline. Then crown one of your family members “king” or “queen” for the day and show them how to implement these traits. A fun way to remember the day would be giving them a handmade crown or tiara to remind them of the importance of good leadership.
The Green Ember (series)
When rabbit siblings Heather and Picket’s home is attacked by treacherous wolves, they embark on an adventure and discover a secret rabbit uprising against the evil predator overlords, and must confront their own family past to help secure a better future for their kind.
In a book market filled with morally grey heroes, it's refreshing to find a series featuring young adults trying to do the right thing in difficult circumstances. This does not make the series a simple black-and-white exposition on good and evil, however; author S. D. Smith is not afraid to throw out some tough dilemmas about loyalty, betrayal, and community for readers to consider. He dives into sibling, friendship, and mentor-student dynamics with grace and good humor, showing that hardship and service often strengthen our bonds. Each character is encouraged to pursue learning and their callings to make the world a better place. Though the world-building can be inconsistent and sometimes leaves the reader with more questions than answers, the characters carry these delightful middle grade novels.
This is a great series to read aloud with family, especially since the series began as S. D. Smith’s stories for his children about their backyard bunny visitors. If your voice is tired by the third or fourth book, the audiobooks are super affordable and often on sale as well. As many of the main characters are soldiers and nurses involved in the war to free rabbitkind, I’ve seen reviews of many military families saying this series helped strengthen them when their spouse or parent was on duty.
Activity: Many of the main characters are fighters, healers, and artists who all work toward a better future for their rabbit community. Dedicate an afternoon to practicing your and your kids' callings with one of the series’ audiobooks playing in the background. Talk about how you can use your talents to foster abundance, joy, and love in your life and others’ lives.
The Wingfeather Saga (series)
Siblings Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby live in a small village On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, overrun by the lizard-like Fangs of Dang who tyrannize over the local townsfolk. As they grow up, they realize their town and their own past is more epic than they ever imagined, sending them on an adventure across the world to discover how to use their callings wisely and for the Maker.
Man, it is so hard to recommend this series without spoilers! Suffice it to say if you love a Christ-infused, sibling-centric story with whimsical humor and passionate storytelling, you've found the right series. The Maker is a constant reminder throughout the book that the kids are working towards greater and deeper acts of love despite all the hardships they endure. There’s a strong thread of brotherly love between Janner and Tink throughout the series that is equal parts realistic and heart achingly beautiful. Though it does have many silly bouts of wordplay bordering on dad jokes, especially in the first book, the end of the series is a great revelation of the power of love that nearly made me cry. This series is perfect for fans of The Princess Bride film and The Chronicles of Narnia, and makes for a great family read-aloud.
Activity: The Igiby siblings are homeschooled in T.H.A.G.S (the Three Honored and Great Subjects) — Word, Form, and Song, which we would call English, Art, and Music. The Wingfeather Saga website has printable booklets of activities involving all three, which correspond to episodes of the animated series adaptation.
Conclusion
Well-written books with good values are crucial to teaching our families how to live an abundant lifestyle. A common piece of advice I’ve heard concerning teaching children is that they do not listen to what you say, or what values you tell them are good, but what you do in your daily life that may or may not reflect these values. This dynamic applies to media – humans learn by "monkey see, monkey do," and when the characters in a story are doing good and heroic feats, they make it easier for readers to consider doing noble acts themselves. I have experienced this lesson in my life for the better, and invite you and your family’s lives to be changed by a good story as well.
What books did we miss? Comment below to share your favorites and how they reflect the values of Azure!