Our Top Ten Favorite Winter Read-Alouds for Boys
When the wind blows cold and the snow falls deep, gathering the family around the living room to read aloud stories that have stood the test of time is a great way to make memories. Though I grew up with only one brother, we still heard our share of boy favorites. These tales rank among our notables not only for their entertainment quality but also for the courage and fortitude they foster in a young boy’s spirit.
The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss
A cherished classic from yesteryear, this adventure story of a family trapped on a wondrous island has delighted boys for generations. Wyss masterfully infuses his faith throughout the story and daily adventures of his characters.
Recommended Ages: Entire family
Format: Classic novel Find at: Sterling Publishing
The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
A powerful evangelistic story that teaches key doctrines of the Christian faith in a memorable way, every family should hear this Christian classic at least once a year. Answers in Genesis has a beautiful audio dramatization of The Pilgrim’s Progress.
Recommended Ages: Entire family
Format: Audio book Find at: Answers in Genesis
Sergeant York and the Great War by Alvin C. York
Alvin York carries readers swiftly along in his journey from the Tennessee hills to the German battlefields in this story where a simple farmer becomes a decorated hero.
Recommended Ages: Entire family
Format: Autobiography Find at: Christianbook.com
G.A. Henty Books for Boys
A prolific author in the nineteenth century, British correspondent G. A. Henty wrote many historical novels to inspire boys in Christian manhood. Some of our favorites included With Lee in Virginia, Held Fast for England, and Friends Though Divided.
Recommended Ages: Entire family
Format: Classic novels Find at: Robinson Books
Ten P’s in a Pod by Arnold Pent III
This is a must-read story! With humor and wit, young Arnold recounts his traveling family’s adventures across America and Canada in the 1940s.
Recommended Ages: Entire family
Format: Autobiography Find at: Amazon
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
A hair-raising tale of pirates on the high seas, adventure, and young Jim Hawkins’ growing into manhood. A classic enjoyed by generations of boys.
Recommended Ages: 10+
Format: Classic novel Find at: Sterling Publishing
Amazing Grace Radio Drama
A dramatized trilogy of the stories of Christian politician William Wilberforce, ex-slave trader and hymn author John Newton, and former slave Olaudah Equiano. This engaging radio drama was created by the talented team at Focus on the Family Radio Theatre.
Recommended Ages: 8+
Format: Audio drama Find at: Radio Theatre
God’s Smuggler by Brother Andrew
A fascinating story of a Dutch missionary’s adventures behind the Iron Curtain. Full of intrigue and risk and standing with our suffering brothers and sisters in Christ.
Recommended Ages: Entire family
Format: Autobiography Find at: Amazon
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
Ship-wreaked on a mysterious island, runaway Robinson seeks to build himself a home and through it finds his heart comes home to God.
Recommended Ages: 8+
Format: Classic novel Find at: Sterling Publishing
Old Yeller by Fred Gibson
The beloved story that immortalizes the violent love between a boy and his dog. Travis and “Yeller” shoulder the man’s share for the Coates family while Travis’ father is away from home.
Recommended Ages: Entire family
Format: Classic novel Find at: Amazon
Kenzi Knapp is a follower of Christ, homeschool graduate and student of history. A fourth generation Missourian she enjoys writing about daily life enrolled in Gods great course of faith and His story throughout the ages at her blog, Honey Rock Hills.
Thanks for including Sgt. York! He was a friend of my grandparents and it makes me sad that so few children today (or adults, for that matter) know his story.