For children and families
What If I Can’t Explain God?
“God is hard to explain. I’ve tried asking grown-ups to explain God, but they aren’t very good at it.” These words begin What If I Can’t Explain God?, a picture book by Jennifer Grant, who also authored the bestselling Maybe God Is Like That Too (Sparkhouse Family, 2017). Grant has written an honest and humorous book for families, exploring some of our biggest questions about God and what happens when we try to answer them. Lively, vibrant illustrations by Hsulynn Pang accompany and enhance the text. (Beaming Books, 2023)
For poetry lovers
Unearthing Us: Poems and Practices for Discovering Our Fullest Selves
Spoken-word artist Joe Davis has done it again. These 21 poems follow the themes “plant,” “grow” and “flourish,” inviting readers of all ages to dig deep into themselves through the poems’ rich language and imagery. An accompanying facilitator guide by Pastor Jia Starr Brown is available, with 21 sessions designed for youth groups, Bible study groups and other groups. (Sparkhouse Books, 2024)
Love Astounding: Hymns of Jeannette M. Lindholm
Lindholm’s generous introduction to these 23 hymns invites people to “consider and experience Divine Mystery and Presence” as they read and sing her work. Each hymn is presented first as a poem and then as a hymn, scored for piano and unison vocal. The book concludes with background notes, indices and Scripture references. Church musicians and worship planners will find this collection a delight for worship services, personal study or opening devotions for choir rehearsals. (Augsburg Fortress, 2023)
For those who are grieving
All About Grief
All About Grief by Lora-Ellen McKinney is designed for middle-grade readers who feel big feelings and ask big questions about grief and loss. Its five illustrated chapters center on questions such as “What causes grief?” and “How does grief show up in your body and brain?” Filled with definitions, tips, research insights and more, All About Grief walks kids through the ways they and their loved ones may be experiencing grief. Sophia Touliatou’s illustrations help form a thoughtful, comprehensive picture of grief—and the ways to move forward with hope. (Beaming Books, 2024)
Grieving the Death of a Mother and Grieving the Death of a Father
With Grieving the Death of a Mother and Grieving the Death of a Father, Harold Ivan Smith draws on his experiences as a funeral director and a teacher about grief and spirituality to guide readers through the many stages of losing a parent. Through storytelling, quotes, reflections and Scripture, Smith ponders dying, passing, burying, mourning, remembering and honoring parents. Both titles will be available July 24. (Broadleaf Books, 2024)
For Lutheran history lovers
A Rumor of Black Lutherans: The Formation of Black Leadership in Early American Lutheranism
James R. Thomas has published an essential title that centers the deep, steadfast presence of Black Lutherans throughout early American history. His book offers brief, incisive biographies of 10 African American ministry leaders, beginning with Jehu Jones Jr., the first African American Lutheran clergyperson, and including Rosa J. Young, Sister Emma Francis, Albert Pero Jr. and Cheryl Stewart Pero. (Fortress Press, 2024)
