Author Jordan Raynor succinctly and clearly articulates the gospel of salvation for young children and spells out what it means for their entire lives.Raynor's children's picture book is structured in two sections. The first half focuses on people’s sin and the salvation Jesus offers. The second poi
Set in Korea in 1792, this young adult novel melds historical events, romance, cultural critique, and engaging characters in an emotionally charged narrative.In an author’s note, June Hur points out the two decrees that shaped the period in which the book is set. The first was the marriage edict by
Author and longtime chaplain Bill Gaventa is a notable influencer when talking about disabilities because he has spent so much of his working life serving with and among people with disabilities.In this book, Gaventa wants to help people and communities as they come together to worship, learn, and s
For her latest release, a six-song EP called Homecoming, Sandra McCracken prepared by going to Oxford, England, for four months to reflect on the subject of heaven and to have conversations with theologian and Anglican bishop N.T. Wright as he was finishing work on his book, God’s Homecoming.The res
Note: The Banner has a subscription to republish articles from Religion News Service. This interview by Yonat Shimron was published on Oct. 1, 2026, on religionnews.com. It has been edited for length and Banner style.(RNS) — A 120-year-old United Methodist Church in rural Michigan shutters. A tradit
In Galveston, Texas, 12-year-old Dany is having a tough summer break. Her life seems boring and ordinary compared to the lives of her three siblings who excel at various endeavors. Besides, Dany is lonely and feels forgotten by her best friend Courtney, who moved to another city and immediately made
In this masterfully crafted, and emotionally rich Appalachian novel, author Cindy Sproles, born and raised in the Appalachian Mountains, reveals her intimate knowledge of and compassion for the people living in that area and dealing with the social, economic, and spiritual struggles of their communi
The House of Worship film features a “who’s who” of musical artists singing some of the most popular and loved modern worship songs. “What makes House of Worship special is the sense of shared reverence in the room,” writes Patheos “Reel Faith” writer DeWayne Hamby in a release. “These are not stage
In this stunningly beautiful picture book, Guatemalan American author Nydia Armendia-Sanchez and Colombian illustrator Dana SanMar collaborate to celebrate women throughout history who have narrated their ancestors’ and their own stories through textiles, specifically through the creation of huipils
What is the proximate? And how does one make peace with it? Author Steven Garber, senior fellow for the Institute of Marketplace Transformation in Vancouver, B.C., has spent his life as a teacher in many places in the world answering these questions and exploring the intersection between vocation an
Films about dogs instantly tug at my heart strings. The love and loyalty of a pup is an encouragement through life’s uncertainties. Heart of the Beast, directed by David Ayer, struck a chord in me because at the heart of this thrilling film is deep, sacrificial love.Special Forces veteran James Belm
Jeff Taylor’s book has an unusual title because in it he tells an unusual story. At age 4, Taylor died in an ambulance and came back to life about 30-45 minutes later. He knows this story will seem uncertain or impossible to many people, so he researches his book with a faith in God that seeks under
Chinese American Ellie Chung, a native of California raised by ethnic Chinese parents who were born and grew up in Taiwan under Japanese colonial rule, understands the pain of straddling two worlds, a depth of wisdom that will prove invaluable to her in the years ahead.In 1950, 28-year-old Ellie is
What is this about? I munched popcorn as The Sheep Detectives began. A voiceover made me wonder. But soon I was in. The Sheep Detectives is a winsome fairy tale-ish, morality play-ish. Overall, though? This flick is delightful and poignant family fun.Pithy maxims abound as the sheep tell their story
The Lost Story of Eva FuentesBy Chanel CleetonReviewed by Lorilee CrakerI love a book that connects the past with the present, and when that book teaches me about a little-known piece of history and another country and culture? Even better.The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes weaves the stories of three wo
In this third picture book in renowned theologian and author Esau McCaulley’s Johnson Family series—the others are Josey Johnson's Hair and the Holy Spirit and Andy Johnson and the March for Justice—children will learn what it means to offer forgiveness when feelings are hurt and disappointments cau
Winsome and captivating, this gently narrated and warmly illustrated children’s picture book portrays the loving care that runs in a family through the generations.As a young girl walks alongside her grandmother, she narrates, “My a-ma told me that in our family, our care for one another flows like
Born Aug. 2, 1942, Isabel Allende, renowned 84-year-old Chilean-American author of more than 30 books spanning a career of four decades, invites readers to explore the craft of writing in her most recent publication. Part memoir, part instruction manual, Story Telling is more than a list of things w
Born into a devout Catholic community on Aug. 5, 1917, in Lubcan, a town in the Philippine Islands, Josephina Veluya—called Joey by her family—grew up with a longing to be like Joan of Arc. As she played, she imagined her heroine’s life: “What would it be like, Joey Veluya wondered, to have God spea
Pastor and author Max Lucado has a simple message for Christians in his new book: Keep going. Keep working! Be steadfast. Ours is a call to wait on the Lord even when circumstances around us make no sense; ours is a call to trust in God when there’s no rain in the forecast for our parched land.Lucad