How to Build Character in Your Grandchildren—Through Children’s Literature

I’ll let you in on a secret. If you want to build character in your grandchildren, try story.

Story? But shouldn’t they read the Bible?

Of course. But the brain is wired for story.

And, honestly, would you rather read about the levirate vow and the role of the kinsman-redeemer in

Numbers and Deuteronomy or follow the narrative where they play out in the Book of Ruth?

Yeah, me too.

Story goes straight for the heart. As readers engage with characters, their hearts engage with the

conflict—and they learn how to handle conflict too.

Once upon a time . . .

As a kid, those four words hooked me. They still do.

Daniel 1:17 says, “To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds

of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.”

C. S. Lewis wrote, “Since it is so likely that they [children] will meet cruel enemies, let them at

least have heard of brave knights in heroic courage.”

Here are some first lines of some of my favorites. Can you identify them? Do any sound familiar?

“Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits, and their names were—Flopsy, Mopsy,

Cotton-tail and Peter.” The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

“When Mary Lennox was sent to Misselthwaite Manor to live with her uncle, everybody said

she was the most disagreeable-looking child ever seen.” The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson

Burnett

“ ‘Where’s Papa going with that axe?’ said Fern to her mother as they were setting the table for

breakfast.” Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White

“Once there were four children whose names were Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy.”

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis

“It was a dark and stormy night.” A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

“Morgarath, Lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night, former Baron of Gorlan in the Kingdom

of Araluen, looked out over his bleak, rainswept domain and, for perhaps the thousandth time,

cursed.” Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan

“When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow.” To Kill a

Mockingbird by Harper Lee

You have plenty of quality literature to choose from. Classics abound, from picture books to

short stories to chapter books of every length. The general market offers some excellent reading,

though it requires some vetting, and Christian kid lit improves every day.

I have some resources below to get you started, but until then, here are some tips: 

1. Keep a stash of books at your house. Learn what genres your grandchildren prefer. Mystery? Sports? Sci-fi? 

2. Give literature as gifts. 

3. Consider reading a book together with your grandchild, or at least read the same book. Then

discuss the chapter or book. If the book has a film version, schedule a movie night and watch it together.

4. Bribe them. Reward the behavior that you want to see. Start your own reading program and

see what interests them for a prize.

5. Magazines are good too, especially for reluctant readers.

Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is

noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if

anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Fill the minds of your grandkids with great stories and watch their character grow.

Let’s get some direction. 

Dear Jesus, You are the Master Storyteller. Guide us as we help our grandchildren build virtue through quality literature. Thank You for story and how it engages the heart. Help us to use kid lit to engage the hearts of those we love and bless those who work with You to craft story. In Your Holy name, Amen.

I’d love to hear about your favorite book from childhood. Please share in the comments. Check the resources below for reading lists, kid lit blogs, and more.

And if you haven’t read any kid lit in a while, pick up an old favorite, then share it. If you are on the hunt for a new read for your grandchildren, Book 1 of the The Kingswell Kid Detective Series: The Mystery of the Missing Falls launches Tuesday, August 25th. For ages 7-12, this mystery is a fun read with a little discipleship snuck in. The first book in the Kingswell Kid Detective series touches on prayer and hearing God speak.

Kid-sized mysteries. God-sized truths.

Children’s Literature Resources:

Reading lists (Note: This is a secular list. Use discernment. I do not personally recommend every selection.)

Kid Lit blogs:

Goodreads Lists

Newbury Award list

The Book of Virtues by William Bennett (Picture book versions also available)

Next week’s post: Labor Day: Work, the Four-Letter Word