As summer arrives, the perfect opportunity to nurture a child’s faith and imagination is through reading. Whether your child is being rocked to sleep, learning to read, or navigating the challenges of being a teenager, Catholic books can reinforce values, spark reflection and build a deeper relationship with Jesus.
Reading faith-focused books during childhood and adolescence plays a vital role in shaping a young Catholic’s understanding of God, the Church and their own identity in Christ. These stories and teachings do more than entertain; they plant seeds of virtue, inspire moral courage and help children navigate life through the lens of faith. In a world full of competing messages, Catholic literature offers a foundation of truth, beauty and hope that strengthens the heart and mind. By engaging with characters who live out their beliefs, young readers begin to see how they, too, are called to holiness in everyday life.
Encouraging your children to read books grounded in truth, beauty and goodness is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. Let this summer be filled not only with sunshine but with stories that point young hearts to heaven and shape their souls.
This curated list of summer reading offers age-appropriate, faith-centered titles for children and teens.
Ages 0–3: Baby & Toddler
“God Gave Us You” by Lisa Tawn Bergren. This beautifully illustrated board book explains to little ones how they are uniquely loved and created by God. Perfect for bedtime reading.
“Jesus Is Here: My Lift-The-Flap Mass Book” by Mary E. Wingfield, Ed.D. This book is perfect for young families to bring with them to Mass, helping little ones follow along in a fun and interactive way.
Ages 4–7: Preschool
to Early Elementary
“WOW! The Good News in Four Words” by Dandi Daley Mackall (Author) and Annabel Tempest (Illustrator). “WOW!” tells the Good News using four words: Wow! Uh-Oh. Yes! and Ahh. This book shows littles that God’s story is really their story, too!
“I Went to Mass: What Did I See?” by Katie Warner. A rhyming picture book that walks young readers through the parts of the Mass with vibrant illustrations—an engaging tool for families preparing children for full participation in the liturgy.
Ages 8–11: Middle Grade
“The Life of Jesus According to Saint Luke” by Sophie de Mullenheim. Part of the Children’s First Bible Stories series, this book shares the story of Jesus through illustrations and age-appropriate scripture summaries.
“Carlo Acutis: The First Millenial Saint” by Nicola Gori. This book introduces children to Blessed Carlo Acutis – a modern teen who used his tech skills to evangelize and share the Eucharistic miracles online with the world.
Ages 12–14: Early Teens
“The Saint Chronicles” (Graphic Novel Series) by Sophia Institute Press. Introduce middle schoolers to the heroic lives of saints like Joan of Arc, Maximilian Kolbe, and St. Patrick with these compelling graphic novels.
“Shadow in the Dark” (The Harwood Mysteries) (Vol. 1) by Antony Barone Kolenc. Each volume of the Harwood Mystery series not only entertains but also weaves in Catholic themes such as forgiveness, vocation, and the power of prayer, making it a compelling series for deepening faith through fiction.
Ages 15–18: High School
“The Blessing Effect” by Robert K. Pozil. This fast-paced story inspires young readers to reach out to those in their community in need of love and inclusion and to embrace the power of prayer and kindness.
“Do Hard Things” by Alex and Brett Harris. Written by Christian teens, this inspiring book challenges high schoolers to rise above cultural low expectations and live boldly for Christ.
Lisa Limongello is parish catechetical leader in St. Luke Parish, Toms River, St. James, Pennington; St. George, Titusville, and St. Alphonsus, Hopewell.
Faith at Home is a monthly column coordinated by the Diocese of Trenton’s Departments of Catechesis, Evangelization and Family Life, and Youth and Young Adult Ministry. For additional Faith at Home resources, visit dioceseoftrenton.org/faith-at-home.