276. How Can Parents Find Books That Aren’t Just ‘Not Woke’ But Are Actually Good?

Over summer and school seasons alike, many Christian parents want books for their kids that don’t have things like “Agenda” or “Wokeness.”[1. Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash.] But in our zeal to keep bad, poisonous content out of books, might we miss our children’s more important need to enjoy good, nutritious content in our fantastical fiction? Episode sponsors Enclave Publishing: Winter’s Chill by Morgan L. Busse The Waymaker’s Foresight by Dan Megill The Pop Culture Parent by Ted Turnau, E. Stephen Burnett, Dr. Jared Moore Mission update New at Lorehaven: reviews of Illuminary and The Heart of the King Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild 1. Yes, kids need books that repeat truth! No one should pretend many general market books aren’t “woke,” etc. There has been a vast effort to get this ideology into content for kids. So it’s a great starting point to ask about “agenda.” But don’t stop there. If you do stop there, then you might accept books that share half-truths. Or they may be free of one “agenda” while smuggling in other deceptions. Rainbows may hide lies, but black-and-white stories may do the same! 2. But kids also need books that are good. If we want books that are “free of poison,” that’s a very low bar to clear. What about books that are well-made? Timeless or have potential to be? Ask if any book also has quality level matching what kids want or need. Consider: books made by honest creators, not committee-generated stuff. Also: books that show real heroes, yet with realistic (kid appropriate) flaws. Rainbows might be used for evil ends, but look for good reflections of light! 3. And kids need books that celebrate beauty. Good books have truth/goodness; great ones also honor God’s creation. If “beauty” seems too high-falutin’, just hear that word as healthy emotion. Great books capture all the human experience, with sufferings and joys. They’ll also show the wonders of God’s world and our creations in here. Even better, they’ll hearken to the restored paradise awaiting His people. Rainbows get used to honor ugliness, but God made them for His glory! Com station Top question for listeners What truthful, good, and beautiful books did you enjoy growing up? Next on Fantastical Truth So many books, so little time, space, and money. Many fans love collect physical copies of their favorite stories, often so much that they run out of bookshelf space. (Stephen and Zack are in this situation!)  With the availability of audiobook and digital copies, isn’t book collection a waste of resources?