Northern California Ecumenical
Media Resource Center

RESOURCE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN and YOUTH,
and CHILDREN'S LEADERS

The resource books in this section are useful for resourcing all of the topics listed below. They should be especially helpful for those teachers who are using the Rotation Model Workshop style of teaching. The letter (T) indicates books for teachers.

-C- (Church)

RBC-1 SAINT FRANCIS by Brian Wildsmith- (E); Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 1996.

A beautifully illustrated and sensitively written book which tells the story of how St. Francis of Assisi renounced his wealth and became a traveling preacher, owning nothing and begging for his food. He influenced many rich and poor for God.

RBC-2 COME WORSHIP WITH ME: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE CHURCH YEAR by Ruth Boling, Illustrator: Tracey Dahle Carrier; (K/E); Geneva Press, 2001.

In this colorful, beautifully illustrated book, the seasons of the church year come alive as friendly mice invite children of all ages to worship with them. They trace the journey of the church year from Advent through Pentecost. Explanations are given for many Christian symbols and crosses.

RBC-3 A PICTURE HISTORY OF THE BIBLE AND CHRISTIANITY IN 1000 PICTURES-Introduction by Dr. Albert Schweitzer; (Y/A); YEAR, 1952.

A picture history of the Bible and Christianity in 1000 black and white pictures with inspiring stories of all the World's Great Religions.

RBC-4 AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE CHURCH series by John Drury; Illustrators: Franco Vignazia and Antonio Molino; (E/Y); Winston Press, 1980.

An illustrated history of the church which presents in a broad sweep the people, events, and ideas that made up the life of the Christian community from the beginnings to A.D. 180, from 180 to 381, and from 600-900.

A THE FIRST CHRISTIANS-(Beginning to A.D. 180) Its 59 chapters tell of Jesus's life, the apostles' proclamation of His death and resurrection, the formation of the New Testament, the Church's separation from Judaism, and the Church's organization and problems.

B THE CHURCH ESTABLISHED-(180 to 381) Its 59 chapters tell of the persecution of the early church, its reorganization under Constantine, the beginning of monasticism, and the adoption of the Nicene Creed.

C THE FORMATION OF CHRISTIAN EUROPE-(600-900) Describes the life of the Christian community during the years after the disappearance of the Roman empire in western Europe. The Christian Church was the only institution in Europe that survived in these times of disorder and conflict.

RBC-5 THE TEMPLE AT JERUSALEM by Jacqueline Morley; Illustrator: John James; (J/JH); McGraw-Hill Children's Publishing, 2002.

Tells the history of the Jerusalem Temple from Solomon to Herod. Shows how the temple was destroyed and rebuilt and how it was influenced by Greek and Roman civilizations. Describes the temple site today.

RBC-6 MOTHER TERESA: SAINT OF THE POOR by Nina Morgan; (J/A); Steck-Vaughn, 1998.

Tells the story of Mother Teresa, one of the 20th century’s most inspiring people, who achieved her goal of "doing something beautiful for God."

RBC-7 AFTER JESUS: THE TRIUMPH OF CHRISTIANITY- A READER'S DIGEST BOOK (J/A); Reader's Digest, 1992.

A pictorial, historical book that traces Christianity from the time of Jesus through the Middle Ages.

-D- (Religions)

RBD-1 TREASURES OF CHANUKAH- Illustrator: Greg Hildebrandt; (J/JH); The Unicorn Series.

A beautifully illustrated story of Chanukah which tells the story of the Maccabees and songs and blessings.

-E- (Easter)

RBE-1 THE LEGEND OF THE DONKEY'S CROSS by Judy Buck-Glenn- (Pri); Abingdon Press, 1996.

A legendary Easter story which includes the Palm Sunday Biblical passages.

RBE-2 THE EASTER STORY written and illustrated by Brian Wildsmith; (K/E); Wm. B. Eerdsmans Publishing Co., 2000.

The story of Holy Week and Easter simply written and beautifully illustrated by Brian Wildsmith, famous children's author.

RBE-3 BEST THING ABOUT EASTER by Christine Harder Tangvold; Illustrator: Kathy Couri; (Pre/K); Standard Publishing.

With cute illustrations that will appeal to young children, this book goes through the enjoyable Easter customs and then points out what Easter is really about.

RBE-4    ONE SURPRISING MORNING-UNA MAÑANA SORPRENDENTE- by Peg Augustine (Eng.) & Emmanuel Vargas (Span.); illustrated by Judi Niernberger; (E); Abingdon Press, 2006.
        Written in both English and Spanish, this book is the story of Easter for children.

-F- (Family)

RBF-1 LIZZY GETS A NEW LIVER/LIZZY TIENE UN HIGADO NUEVO by Lizzy Ribal; Illustrator: Patricia Ritter McCracken; (E); Bridge Resources, 1997.

Written in both English and Spanish, this book is the story of an eight-year-old girl who has a liver transplant. The story was written by Lizzy herself at age 10 "to help other sick kids to know what to expect and not to be scared." The organ donor had been one of Lizzy's best friends who was killed in a car/bicycle accident.

RBF-2 IN GOD’S IMAGE by Janet Neff Brewer; (K/Pri); Bridge Resources, 1998.

This beginner book on human sexuality was developed specifically for use with young children. It allows parents to have a comfortable way to teach both facts and values from a faith perspective.