The Banner’s Mixed Media editor highlights some of her favorite faith-based nonfiction books of 2025.
Mixed Media
Reviews of books, movies, music, television, websites, and more, looking at the world of arts and entertainment from a Reformed perspective. To submit a review, click here.
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Endless Sea
By Chi Thai. Illustrated by Linh DaoREAD MOREThis deeply personal story of a perilous crossing, movingly illustrated for a picture book audience, mirrors the plight of families around the world who endure global displacement.
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This collection of original songs depicts that period of time between Christ’s burial and his ascension.
These Blue Mountains
By Sarah Loudin ThomasREAD MOREGerman pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Now she must journey to the U.S. in search of answers.
My Beloved: A Mitford Novel
By Jan KaronREAD MORENo. 1 New York Times-bestselling author Jan Karon gives her beloved fans what they want for Christmas: a new Mitford novel.
The First Christmas: The Bible’s Nativity Story
By N. T. Wright. Illustrated by Helena Perez GarciaREAD MOREKeep Jesus in the center of your family's Christmas and Advent celebrations with this beautiful nativity storybook from beloved Bible scholar N.T. Wright.
God’s Colorful Kingdom Storybook Bible: The Story of God’s Big Diverse Family
By Esau McCaulley. Illustrated by Rogerio CoelhoREAD MORENoted biblical scholar, theologian, and author Esau McCaulley has written a beautiful storybook Bible honoring God’s diverse family.
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Novelist Jane Austen was born 250 years ago, on Dec. 16, 1775. Celebrate Austen’s incredible legacy of wit and wisdom with these recommendations.
Kidnapped From Ukraine #1: Under Attack
By Marsha Forchuk SkrypuchREAD MORESisters in Ukraine are separated by war in this searing, realistic fiction novel for middle-grade readers.
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Neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan, reconnects with her small-town past after a scandal causes her to leave her professional and personal life behind in the city.
Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World: God Hears Every Prayer
By Helen Lee. Illustrated by Shin MaengREAD MOREThis book follows Kaylee and her grandfather as they read the morning newspaper. While reading, they look for ways to pray for the children of the world.
With God in Every Breath: A Guide to Drawing Closer to Jesus through Your Senses
By Whitney R. SimpsonREAD MOREIn this practical book, Whitney R. Simpson offers carefully crafted guided prayers that provide an accessible way for us to quiet our hearts and enter into God’s presence.
The Soldier's Friend: Walt Whitman's Extraordinary Service in the American Civil War
By Gary Golio. Illustrated by E. B. LewisREAD MOREWalt Whitman is celebrated as an iconic American poet, but few know of the role he played tending to the wounded in Civil War hospitals. This nonfiction picture book highlights Whitman’s compassion and teaches about empathy.
The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry
By Susan L. TuttleREAD MOREIn pursuit of a rare book, will Natalie and Mason find each other again?
Table Songs
By The Porter’s GateREAD MOREThe Porter’s Gate offers a gentle, stirring collection of church songs around the theme of the Lord’s Table.
The Murrasons’ Barn
By Henrietta DuCapREAD MOREMiddle-grade novel offers a coming-of-age story set in “Bleeding Kansas.”
At the Feet of Jesus: A Guide to Encountering Christ in the Gospels
By Bruce Hindmarsh and Carolyn HindmarshREAD MOREA guided adventure into the heart of the gospel story, inviting you to step into the lives of some of Jesus' closest friends—Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.
Birds of the Earth Herald the Christ Child’s Birth
By Olivia ArmstrongREAD MORE“Wake up, wake up, birds!” croaks Raven one December night. “A child is born!”
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See our list of movies, books, and podcasts to check out this month.
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A couple lose their home and later discover that the husband has been diagnosed with a terminal illness as they embark on a year-long coastal trek.
The Art of Living in Advent: 28 Days of Joyful Waiting
By Sylvie VanhoozerREAD MOREThese reflections, couched in the tradition of the author’s childhood, help readers enter into the wonder of Christ’s incarnation, bringing to the manger all that they are and do.
The Reason You Walk: A Memoir
By Wab KinewREAD MOREA moving father-son reconciliation is told by the First Nations premier of Manitoba.
Across the Ice: How We Saved the Ojibwe Horse
By Darcy Whitecrow and Heather M. O’Connor. Illustrated by Natasha DonovanREAD MOREDiscover the history of the endangered Ojibwe horse and the daring intervention of the Lac La Croix First Nation in this celebration of community, tradition, courage, and hope.
Journey With a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God
By Lori G. MeltonREAD MOREEmbark on a year-long journey alongside a “giant” of faith, inspired by the author’s year of studying the life of Mister Rogers, America’s favorite neighbor.