Our modern culture has tried to redefine romance, marriage, love, identity, gender, family, and so much more. Reading children’s stories that accurately depict and beautifully celebrate traditional families will strengthen their love for God’s glorious design.
In light of Valentine’s Day soon approaching, I wanted to share 11 of my favorite romance tales (and adventure stories!) that celebrate traditional families. With a mix of classic tales and newer titles, I hope these stories encourage you and your children to stand against the lies of this world and value God’s beautiful design for the family.
Ages 8-11
The King’s Equal
Prince Raphael is arrogant, selfish, and rich. When his dying father requires him to marry a girl who is his equal, Raphael gives his advisors one year to find the perfect girl or be cast in the dungeon for the rest of their lives. Far away in the mountains, the beautiful Rosamund hears of the Prince’s command. Encouraged by her friend, the wise old wolf, she travels to confront the Prince with a challenge of her own.
Ages 8-11
The Little House Series
For years, the timeless story of one brave little girl growing up in the rugged woods and prairies of America has charmed and delighted readers. From panthers, bees’ nests, and dances at Grandpa’s house, to lonely hours on the prairie and the threat of war with the Indians, to finally living in town and romantic evening buggy rides, Laura Ingalls chronicles the incredible story of her growing-up years in the newly discovered territory of the West!
Ages 8-11
Sarah, Plain and Tall
When Anna and Caleb’s mother dies, they and their father are left grieving and broken. After posting an advertisement asking for a wife and mother, Sarah Wheaton responds. She explains that she loves the sea and her life in Maine, but she is willing to leave it to come out to the prairie. But after spending a month with the family, will she continue to love it? Or will she leave and return to her home by the sea?
Ages 12-14
Kitty, My Rib
Katharine von Bora is a Catholic nun with Protestant beliefs. When she and eleven other nuns attempt to escape the Nimbschem convent, they are punished for heresy. Desperate to escape, the women write to the Reformer, Doctor Martin Luther, with the request that he help them run away from the convent to discover the truth about God’s Word and their own lives. Will he help the nuns?
Ages 12-14
The Green Ember Series
Heather and Picket were normal rabbits with normal lives, until the wolves attacked their peaceful home in Nick Hollow and they were forced into a life of peril, treachery, and betrayal. Orphaned and alone, they must discover the truth about the world of Natalia and about their own place in the battle before they lose all hope of being reunited with their family.
Ages 12-14
Viking Quest Series
Every child in Ireland knows to fear the Vikings, and Briana O’Toole has heard every story of their vicious raids. As the daughter of an Irish chieftain, her life has been one of safety and comfort. But when the Vikings attack her peaceful town and Bree is captured by a boy who she thought was a friend, she is separated from her family and destined to slavery in Norway. Alone and helpless, Bree must hold onto her courage before she loses hope of ever returning home.
Ages 12-14
Knights of Arrethtrae Series
A sequel series to The Kingdom Series, The Knights of Arrethtrae is set in the fantasy kingdom of Arrethtrae where knights and ladies fight to protect the message of the King from the Dark Knight and his evil Shadow Warriors. Each of these heroic knights faces pain and peril, but will fight to the end for the King and the Prince they love.
Ages 15+
Emma
Emma Woodhouse is charming, witty, and a matchmaker. When she befriends a girl named Harriet, she sets her sights on the clergyman, Mr. Elton, as Harriet’s match. But the plot backfires and Emma finds herself the unwitting object of more than one man’s affections.
Ages 15+
Truth Cursed
When Cressida Hoth was eight years old, a curse was placed upon her where she could never tell a lie. For most of her life, it acted as a blessing to those around her. But when the finishing school she is attending as a young woman is revealed to be a front for a rebel spy ring, Cressida’s curse suddenly endangers not only herself, but her friends and her country.
Ages 15+
The Chase Runner Series
Willis Thompson has only ever been trained to be the world’s champion racer at the annual Chase, the single event that allows a commoner to make one change to the Law. But when betrayal, threats, and questions begin to arise, Willis must decide for himself what the future holds before he too ends up dead.
Ages 15+
The Curious Realities Duology
Sixteen-year-old Alice Liddell only ever wanted to be free from her mundane life in Oxford, England. Free to find her parents who abandoned her, free to fulfill her destiny playing cards in London, and free to understand the truth about the forbidden Wonders and the mysterious Wonder Gene. But when her only sister, Charlotte, is revealed as having the infamous Wonder Gene, Alice realizes that her own life may be in danger. Safety lies in finding the elusive Wonderland before Alice too is arrested.
