The Banner’s Mixed Media editor highlights her Top 2021 reads for spiritual flourishing.

The Christmas Quest invites readers, ages 2-6, to accompany the wise men on an epic treasure hunt as they follow the star in search of the King of the Jews.

Captivating retelling of the nativity story for kids 8-12.

Award-winning novelist offers an imagined narrative of the Christmas story.

Nasreddine is a legendary character popular in stories told throughout the Middle East. Accompanied by stunning artwork, this tale offers a gentle reminder to readers that it isn't always necessary to listen to the world's criticisms.

Combining a joyful poem from the much-celebrated poet Luci Shaw with playful cut-paper art created by Ned Bustard, The O in Hope helps us experience the goodness of God's gifts of hope and love.

Children and their loved ones learn about the life of Saint Nicholas and discover why he became known as one of the greatest gift givers of all time.

Based on the 1872 Christmas carol “In the Bleak Midwinter” by English poet Christina Rossetti, this stunning, wintry picture book is from acclaimed author-illustrator Tomie dePaola.

An empowering picture book co-written by Sofia Sanchez, an 11-year-old with Down Syndrome.

The story of one Vietnamese family's search for a new home on the other side of the world and the long-lasting and powerful impact it makes on the littlest member of the family.

Stunning diorama illustrations bring to life this lullaby of a picture book about celebrating everyday things that make life wonderful.

This picture book celebrates Indigenous cultures and traditions.

A debut YA graphic novel details the quietly courageous lives of two Indigenous teenage girls living in the city of Winnipeg.

Retired CRC pastor Andrew Joosse writes of faith—the hope and assurance which it brings.

A grandson looks, laments, and ultimately leads his family and his society forward toward a just and reconciled future.

This heartfelt picture book biography illustrated by the Caldecott Honoree Ekua Holmes, tells the story of MaVynee Betsch, an African American opera singer turned environmentalist and the legacy she preserved.

This essential authorized biography of Eugene Peterson offers unique insights into the experiences and spiritual convictions of the iconic American pastor and beloved translator of The Message.

A masterfully told story of a boy and his mother whose road trip is thwarted at the border when they identify their citizenship as Blackfoot.

A powerful, poetic memoir about what it means to exist as an Indigenous woman in America, told in snapshots of the author’s encounters with gun violence.

Former first lady Michelle Obama had an idea. A big, inspiring, and exciting idea! She would grow the largest kitchen garden ever at the White House.

Brian D. McLaren proposes a four-stage model of faith development in which questions and doubt are not the enemy of faith but rather a portal to a more mature and fruitful kind of faith.

Celebrated author Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrator Floyd Cooper provide a powerful look at the Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the worst incidents of racial violence in U.S. history. Grades 3-6.

Many aspiring actors, directors, or screenwriters have found the City of Angels to be hell on earth.