100 books like Sparrow's Prayer

By Roger Hutchison, Ag Jatkowska (illustrator),

Here are 100 books that Sparrow's Prayer fans have personally recommended if you like Sparrow's Prayer. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Dear Mama God

Victoria Robb Powers Author Of My Love, God Is Everywhere

From my list on Christian reads for kids that are inclusive and safe.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an ordained minister with over 10 years of experience serving as a pastor in both the hospital and church settings. I’m also a mom of three children, ages 2, 5, and 7. I routinely get asked for resources to help raise children in the Christian faith. As both a pastor and a mother, I am a strong advocate for teaching children a theology they won’t have to heal from. All the books I recommend are progressive, inclusive, and diverse. I’ve done extensive research when it comes to faith-based literature, and I’m passionate about finding the best books to recommend to families.

Victoria's book list on Christian reads for kids that are inclusive and safe

Victoria Robb Powers Why did Victoria love this book?

I love this book because it broadens a child’s imagination about who God is.

God is not Santa Claus – a white guy with a beard in the clouds looking down on children in judgment, evaluating whether they’re good or bad. God is gracious, generous, and loving, and God gives and nourishes life to all, like a faithful mother.

By Daneen Akers, Gillian Gamble (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dear Mama God as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“Dear Mama God - Thank you for the earth and all living things.” So begins this wonder-filled prayer of gratitude from a child addressed to Mama God.

Combining stunning illustrations with simple yet profound prayers, "Dear Mama God" is the perfect children's book to introduce children (and their adults) to the heart-expanding practice of referring to the divine in feminine form. The text thanks Mama God for trees for birds to nest in, hula hoops for dogs to jump through, paper to draw on, cozy fires, loving hearts, and the universe that is our home. The illustrations invite readers into…


Book cover of The World Jesus Knew: A Curious Kid's Guide to Life in the First Century

Victoria Robb Powers Author Of My Love, God Is Everywhere

From my list on Christian reads for kids that are inclusive and safe.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an ordained minister with over 10 years of experience serving as a pastor in both the hospital and church settings. I’m also a mom of three children, ages 2, 5, and 7. I routinely get asked for resources to help raise children in the Christian faith. As both a pastor and a mother, I am a strong advocate for teaching children a theology they won’t have to heal from. All the books I recommend are progressive, inclusive, and diverse. I’ve done extensive research when it comes to faith-based literature, and I’m passionate about finding the best books to recommend to families.

Victoria's book list on Christian reads for kids that are inclusive and safe

Victoria Robb Powers Why did Victoria love this book?

If your kid is curious and loves to know wild, random facts, this is the book for you.

This book is chock-full of interesting, obscure details about life in the 1st century. This book not only teaches kids what the world was like when Jesus was alive, but it increases their engagement with their faith. It’s fun, silly, and you’ll need more than one copy if you have multiple kids, because they’ll inevitably fight over it, just like mine.

By Marc Olson, Jemima Maybank (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The World Jesus Knew as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

Jesus often told stories using everyday objects to help his listeners understand life with God. But for most of us, the deep imagery and meaning behind those objects has been lost to history. This book helps kids discover the world Jesus lived in through maps, charts, graphs, and other infographic elements. They'll learn about the culture Jesus lived in-his Jewish religion, the power of the ruling Roman Empire, the role of fishermen and carpenters and shepherds. It's an invitation to explore the stories of Jesus in their cultural context, bringing new life to familiar biblical events. This beautifully illustrated book…


Book cover of What is God Like?

Victoria Robb Powers Author Of My Love, God Is Everywhere

From my list on Christian reads for kids that are inclusive and safe.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an ordained minister with over 10 years of experience serving as a pastor in both the hospital and church settings. I’m also a mom of three children, ages 2, 5, and 7. I routinely get asked for resources to help raise children in the Christian faith. As both a pastor and a mother, I am a strong advocate for teaching children a theology they won’t have to heal from. All the books I recommend are progressive, inclusive, and diverse. I’ve done extensive research when it comes to faith-based literature, and I’m passionate about finding the best books to recommend to families.

Victoria's book list on Christian reads for kids that are inclusive and safe

Victoria Robb Powers Why did Victoria love this book?

This is the perfect book for a baby shower gift.

If you’re a parent who wants to raise their children in the faith, this is a primary resource to have on hand. Kids are always wondering what God is like. This book is a useful tool in showing children just how good God is. It explores all kinds of diverse metaphors and instills the important truth that God loves us all.

By Rachel Held Evans, Matthew Paul Turner, Ying Hui Tan (illustrator)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked What is God Like? as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The late, beloved Rachel Held Evans answers many children's first question about God in this gorgeous picture book, fully realized by her friend Matthew Paul Turner, the bestselling author of When God Made You.

Children who are introduced to God, through attending church or having loved ones who speak about God, often have a lot of questions, including this ever-popular one: What is God like? The late Rachel Held Evans loved the Bible and loved showing God’s love through the words and pictures found in that ancient text. Through these pictures from the Bible,…


Book cover of Mother God

Victoria Robb Powers Author Of My Love, God Is Everywhere

From my list on Christian reads for kids that are inclusive and safe.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an ordained minister with over 10 years of experience serving as a pastor in both the hospital and church settings. I’m also a mom of three children, ages 2, 5, and 7. I routinely get asked for resources to help raise children in the Christian faith. As both a pastor and a mother, I am a strong advocate for teaching children a theology they won’t have to heal from. All the books I recommend are progressive, inclusive, and diverse. I’ve done extensive research when it comes to faith-based literature, and I’m passionate about finding the best books to recommend to families.

Victoria's book list on Christian reads for kids that are inclusive and safe

Victoria Robb Powers Why did Victoria love this book?

Every page of this book should be framed.

The illustrations are incredible, and the language invites readers of every age to imagine how expansive God is. I love the use of the female imagery for God. This has been lost for too long. If you’re looking to instill a theology that’s broad, diverse, and full of wonder, start here.

By Teresa Kim Pecinovsky, Khoa Le (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Mother God as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Teach your kids that God's love transcends single-gender expression--God is creative, fierce, protective, and her love as a Mother knows no bounds.

With lyrical, rhyming text and exquisite illustrations, Mother God introduces readers to a dozen images of God inspired by feminine descriptions from Scripture. Children and adults alike will be in awe of the God who made them as they come to know her as a creative seamstress, generous baker, fierce mother bear, protective mother hen, strong woman in labor, nurturing nursing mother, wise grandmother, and comforting singer of lullabies.

This gorgeous picture book welcomes children into a fuller,…


Book cover of Breath as Prayer: Calm Your Anxiety, Focus Your Mind, and Renew Your Soul

Jennifer Marshall Bleakley Author Of Paws in His Presence: 50 Inspirational Animal Stories to Help You Pray & Ponder the Psalms

From my list on comfort and inspire an animal lover’s heart.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a painfully shy child, I found friendship, adventure and ultimately my own voice reading about—and spending time with—animals. Animals felt safer to talk to than people, and they gave me the gift of their presence and time to practice communication. Overtime, I conquered my extreme shyness, obtained a Masters degree in counseling, and, eventually, began writing about the many ways animals can help people. There is no denying the role that animals—and books about animals—have played in my life. And by sharing this list, I hope to help others find that same comfort and inspiration. 

Jennifer's book list on comfort and inspire an animal lover’s heart

Jennifer Marshall Bleakley Why did Jennifer love this book?

While this book isn’t technically about animals, I read it every morning with my golden retriever, Gracie, curled up at my feet, so I can’t help but include this one in the list. My time reading this powerful devotional book—with Gracie at my feet—became such a beautiful picture of what it means to lay my every fear, anxiety, and worry at Jesus’ feet and trust him to steady me and hold me through the hard seasons.

If you have ever wrestled with anxiety or found your heart so gripped by fear it was hard to take a deep breath, then this is the book for you! And if possible, have an animal beside you while you soak in the hope found in its pages.

By Jennifer Tucker,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Breath as Prayer as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Find hope amid anxiety through the spiritual practice of breath prayer in this beautifully illustrated and practical guide to connecting body, mind, and spirit during times of stress.

Breath as Prayer will lead you through the practice and the proven health benefits of Christian breath prayer: intentional prayers centered around Scripture that focus our minds on Christ as we calm our bodies through breathing.

Breath as Prayer offers:

More than 80 breath prayers focused on Scripture, along with brief meditations Gorgeous original full-color illustrations A quick-start how-to guide to refer to as needed Guidance on how to implement a breath…


Book cover of Praying God's Word: Breaking Free from Spiritual Strongholds

Malinda Fugate Author Of The Other Three Sixteens

From my list on for Christians to revive a stalled faith journey.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m just an everyday person. I don’t have a fancy title or lots of degrees, but I do have experience being close to God and a never-ending quest to know Him more. His love is so good that it absolutely must be shared. So if I, in all of my ordinariness, can learn extraordinary sacred things, then I can bring others along the journey, too. His presence in my heartaches, struggles, joy, and adventures has sustained my life, and I don’t know any credential that could testify any clearer that a journey with God is worth taking.

Malinda's book list on for Christians to revive a stalled faith journey

Malinda Fugate Why did Malinda love this book?

When we think prayer is hard, we need a reminder of God’s listening ear. While there are limitless ways to connect with the Lord, Praying God’s Word invites us into conversation when we don’t know what to say.

Scripture is alive and active, and God Himself gives us words when we don’t have any. The thing I loved about this book is that it’s a springboard to get us started with this type of prayer. When I tried praying this way, I felt closer to God because His words were right there.

By Beth Moore,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Praying God's Word as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Beth Moore's #1 best-selling book (more than one million copies in print) is available in paperback for the first time!

Praying God's Word is the perennial favorite Scripture-prayer resource designed to help us decisively overcome specific strongholds: pride, idolatry, addiction, loss, depression, unbelief, temptation, and more.

No matter how overwhelmed or out of control a person may feel today, Beth boldly reminds us that nothing is bigger or more powerful than the Lord. With this landmark book we learn to wield the sword of the Spirit, praying God's Word to break free from anything that has a hold on us…


Book cover of Praying Personalities: Finding Your Natural Prayer Style

Maggie Wallem Rowe Author Of This Life We Share: 52 Reflections on Journeying Well with God and Others

From my list on Christian faith-based books on living well with God and others.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am passionate about writing, reading, and recommending books that help people understand how to improve their relationship to God and to others. Verbal advice only goes so far. The wonder of books is that they contain the wisdom of years and lived experience that can encourage and equip readers long after the writers are gone. In addition to being an author of Christian living books, I have a graduate degree in biblical studies as well as decades of experience in adult education, public relations, and ministry to women. I also speak internationally on spiritual living.

Maggie's book list on Christian faith-based books on living well with God and others

Maggie Wallem Rowe Why did Maggie love this book?

There are plenty of books on prayer. Lots and lots of them. But I have never read one prior to this that helped me understand conversing with God in ways that come so naturally to me. In Praying Personalities, Janet Holm McHenry skillfully helps readers understand what Jesus taught and practiced when it comes to prayer, while providing tools to help everyone discover the prayer styles that work best for them.

I am recommending this invaluable resource to all those longing for a richer, more meaningful life of prayer.

By Janet Holm McHenry,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Praying Personalities as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Discover the particular way God designed you to connect with prayer
You should pray in the morning. You should write out your prayers. You should make prayer lists and pray through them every day. You should pray with others or out loud. We've all heard the "you shoulds" of prayer from pulpits, presenters, and well-meaning friends. But when none of these ways to pray feel natural, what's next?
Janet Holm McHenry has studied prayer extensively, and the one thing she knows for sure is that there's no one-size-fits-all way to pray. Instead, there are different styles of prayer--and by discovering…


Book cover of Live a Praying Life!: Open Your Life to God's Power and Provision

Jodie Berndt Author Of Praying the Scriptures for Your Life: 31 Days of Abiding in the Presence, Provision, and Power of God

From my list on prayer and why it is so powerful.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m often introduced as a “prayer expert” but I’m not. I’m just someone who’s found herself praying a lot—for my family, my friends, and even sometimes complete strangers. And while there are all sorts of ways we can pray, I like praying the Scriptures—taking the actual words of the Bible and using them to shape our perspective as well as our prayers. Not only has that approach made my conversations with God more diverse and creative, but it has made them more powerful. Plus, praying this way has equipped me to trust God and experience freedom from worry or fear—even when things don’t happen the way, or in the timing, that I want them to.

Jodie's book list on prayer and why it is so powerful

Jodie Berndt Why did Jodie love this book?

Live a Praying Life is, hands-down, my top pick when it comes to making a study of prayer. Jennifer Kennedy Dean understands that we want to know the “why” and the “how” behind prayer, and she tackles the thorny questions to equip us to persevere when it doesn’t look like the needle is moving. In looking at the lives of folks who’ve gone through more than a few tricky places (guys like Joseph, who thought he was supposed to be a ruler but wound up being sold as a slave), Dean warns us not to mistake God’s will for his ways, or confuse what he is doing with how he is doing it. We only see part of the picture. And, she writes, “We cannot control God or tell him how to accomplish his plan.” We can, however, partner with him to accomplish his best purposes—and the way that we…

By Jennifer Kennedy Dean,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Live a Praying Life! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Practical yet powerful insights from Jennifer Kennedy Dean’s life’s work and best-selling Live a Praying Life®!
Now in a newly designed format, Live a Praying Life®! will… 
• Provide the biblical basics of prayer’s purpose, process, promise, and practice.  • Give easy-to-understand illustrations, stories, and details to answer complex theological questions.  • Clean out myths about prayer!   • Help you rev up a powerful, ongoing connection to God.


Book cover of Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge

Betsy Duffey Author Of More Love

From my list on Christian devotional books to build your faith.

Why am I passionate about this?

Books have been an important part of my faith journey. I set aside time each morning to read scripture, and devotional material, to meditate and pray. As I read about the experiences of others my faith increases and I know God better. As a writer I express my own faith through words and invite others to know God better by experiencing Him with time set aside in the mornings. More Love is part of a series of small books that I have created to give readers experiences to connect with God and to know His love. 

Betsy's book list on Christian devotional books to build your faith

Betsy Duffey Why did Betsy love this book?

Mark Batterson writes, “If you press into God’s presence like never before, you will experience God like never before.” This small book has led me back to a richer prayer life again and again. I’ve prayed through it many times and have given away countless copies to others. Each day Batterson invites a new way to look at prayer and a practical way to start a morning devotion time all grounded in scripture. As a writer I love the focus on creativity and honoring ideas. He writes, “I don’t type on a keyboard, I pray on one.” 

By Mark Batterson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Draw the Circle as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Your 40-day guide to experiencing more passionate, persistent, intimate communication with God.

Do you pray as often and as bravely as you want to? Are you looking to strengthen your relationship with God and experience a deeper, more intentional prayer life? Mark Batterson, New York Times bestselling author of The Circle Maker, is here to teach you all about a new, life-changing way to pray.

After the release of The Circle Maker, thousands of readers quickly became many tens of thousands, and soon enough, true stories of miraculous and inspiring answers to prayer began to pour in. Draw the Circle…


Book cover of The Kneeling Christian

Marcus Hurst Author Of The Contentment Dilemma: Examining Life's Mysteries and Purposes

From my list on as you grow in your Christian walk.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a conservative Mennonite from Pennsylvania, I have observes many people who, despite numerous desperate attempts at locating lasting fulfillment, find themselves always craving more and never satisfied to relax and be content. I have consequently dedicated myself to helping these folks obtain the satisfaction they inwardly crave. This lead to hours of contemplating, praying, and reading numerous books on the subject.

Marcus' book list on as you grow in your Christian walk

Marcus Hurst Why did Marcus love this book?

The Kneeling Christian illustrates the importance of sincere prayer.

I read relatively short sections of this book at a time because I would get an overwhelming desire to pray. In fact, it was during a prayer that was prompted while reading this book that I had one of my most profound encounters with God. 

By An Unknown Christian,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Kneeling Christian as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.


Book cover of Dear Mama God
Book cover of The World Jesus Knew: A Curious Kid's Guide to Life in the First Century
Book cover of What is God Like?

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