Highschool – The Giver by Louis Lowry

Hey Heather,

You do not know how you have helped me today! This is hilarious. No, not hilarious; it’s the Lord providing for me. I have been wracking my brain today trying to do some school planning. I have very little time to myself and I just get confused under pressure. Anyway, your question helped me to focus in on some reading for my fellows – so thanks!

Really though, I’ve always selected books according to the needs of my children. So, though I know your guys are different from mine, I’ll just toss out a few that have been worthwhile over the years and will be assigned to the next couple of boys coming through. I think everyone’s list will be a bit different so maybe, if nothing else, my list could encourage you as you focus in on a point of ministry in your sons.

Of Whom the World Was Not Worthy, Chapian, because it’s about holding onto the Lord at all costs

Let’s Roll, Beamer, because my guys need hero role models in real-time, not just historical

Any history book by Albert Marrin because it’s real men acting in real situations, not video games (and he is one of the most unbiased authors I’ve read)

Created for Work, Schultz, because…

The Story of Liberty, Coffin, because they need to know what was paid for their own freedoms

Zvi, McQuaid, an incredible, redemptive story about the Holocaust. We learned so much about the history of Israel also. I read it alongside The Last War – which was sort of dry, buy doable (I did not assign that one, though)

The Screwtape Letters, Lewis, because they need to not think they could not fall to sin (did I just use a double negative?!)

When Character Was King, Noonan, a book about the character of President Reagan (one swear word on page 3)

Anything in the Leaders in Action series (Call of Duty, Never Give In, Carry a Big Stick, etc…)

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, updated

Spiritual Authority, Nee, written for pastors but so relevant (I’ve read it, digested it, and then just taught it)

Just Do Something, DeYoung, because in our Christian culture, we sometimes can say we’re waiting on God when we’re really just putting things off

Don’t Waste Your Life, Piper

Sargeant York and the Great War, York, because he was a humble hero

Like, I said, all our guys are different and we need to meet them where they are. So, I guess I’m typing this up more for me than you!

I’ve always appreciated your sweetness, Heather!

Blessings to you,

Cindy

Heather, my children and I listened to the audio version of it this past year (not high schoolers) and it was very useful for real-life application, both in reference to the actions of people in the past, current attitudes, and future possiblities; topics like eugenics, communism, value of life, and various controlling measures used over people, etc.

My son and I discussed a Star Trek episode that it reminded him of, too.

There’s a few follow-up books as well.

It was a very worthwhile book to listen to and I plan on continuing with the series. I think you and your deep thinkers will appreciate it and consider it a warning that each generation needs to hear. YOu don’t need a “worldview curriculum” with books like these available.