Jesus: A Very Short Introduction by Richard Bauckham
This renowned scholar and theologian has written a brief but thorough account of the life of Jesus, which includes descriptions of the culture and Jewish religious community of which Jesus was a part and how the teaching and ministry  he carried out on earth impacted the world of that day. The book fills in with living color what you wonder about when you read the gospel accounts of Jesus as man and as God. The author manages to show Jesus as both more holy and more accessible as he furnishes your mind with rich knowledge and inspires your imagination to see Jesus vividly as he was to those who lived then and as he ever will be to all of us always.

Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools by Tyler Staton
While this book includes all the usual stuff about prayer, such as methods for prayer, Who we are talking to, and how to cope with unanswered prayers, Staton, the national director of the 24/7 Prayer movement, also engages the reader personally, giving suggestions that inspire when prayer feels like work. Through moving and transparent storytelling and an explanation of historical Christian practices, he shows how each of us can come to God just as we are. Each chapter outlines a different prayer practice and ends with a practice section.

No Such Thing as Bad Weather by Linda McGurk
This book is a spirited, insightful account of a Scandinavian native and her American husband who started a family in small-town America. As her girls begin school, she notices the local children rarely play outside during school or their free time. Finally, when she is fined for letting her kids play in a local creek, she begins to question if the nature-centric parenting philosophy of her native Sweden holds the key to healthier, happier lives for her children. As she recounts her six-month trip to Sweden, we see changes in the girls that make us reflect on our practices regarding outside time.

Try Softer by Aundi Kolber
After a lifetime of “Trying Harder,” therapist Aundi Kolber learned the hard way that the more necessary work we must do is to “Try Softer.” Kolber explores the various parts of our nervous system and how they react to Trauma as well as continual small “t” trauma, consciously or unconsciously experienced from birth. In an age of continuous urging to be more productive, work harder, and do all of the things, this book offers us practical advice for learning how to live intentionally and relationally. The key is integrating all parts of our bodies and listening to the God-designed systems we were created with.

How to Inhabit Time by James K.A. Smith
With his skillful clear writing, Smith presents us with some provocative ideas and questions about time that challenge our thinking. We live in time, try to keep up with it, fight against it–but, what about keeping in time with the Spirit, considering God’s perspective on time? This is enjoyable reading that seamlessly weaves philosophy, theology, reflection, and poetry together. It is not a “How to Manage Time” book, but a new way of looking at the times of our life–before, now, and eternally.

In Good Time by Jen Pollock Michel
Your circumstances may not be exactly like the author’s, but you will recognize in hers your own compulsion to make the most of your time. If, like her, and like me, you are always trying to get more done than is humanly possible, you will read her experiences with a sense of relief to remember that time is God’s and we should receive anything it offers with gratitude and grace. The author reminds us that this is the life we were made for: presence, attention, rest, rootedness, fruitfulness, and generosity. If you desire a life that is less frazzled and full of these qualities instead, take a thirsty drink of her wisdom.

The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi
We homeschoolers have a lot on our to-do lists, so the subtitle for this book, “Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn’t, and Get Stuff Done,” is intriguing. But be forewarned that this is not a how-to manual because what matters will be different for everyone. Instead, Adachi teaches readers several memorable principles to apply to be more efficient at what matters to them. Whether the ideas in this book are a good refresher or this is all new to you, it will help you “Be a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don’t.”

Raising Emotionally Strong Boy by David Thomas
Don’t let the title fool you–this book is as relevant for girls, moms, and dads, as it is for boys. A veteran counselor, David Thomas guides parents through helping their children recognize their emotions and how to develop regulation techniques to keep these emotions in their rightful place as guides and helpers rather than all-consuming rulers. Our culture has made it especially hard for boys to control their emotions in positive ways, and this book will help you help your kids (as well as yourself) become empathetic and resilient.

Mathematics for Human Flourishing by Francis Su
This is an inspiring book whether you like mathematics or not. If you don’t, you will at least gain appreciation for the field, perhaps even the courage to venture further than you have before. Su is a down-to-earth academician who not only reveals the beauty, wonder, and power of math, but his enthusiasm is contagious. To flourish is to thrive and develop. Read this one to find out how math can bring freedom to a man languishing in prison, as well as to yourself.

Pastoral Song by James Rebanks
This author was born into a farming family in England. He reflects on his childhood experiences on the farm with his father and grandfather. It’s in his blood, but the modern industrial farming practices threaten to lead him away from his roots. The book is a beautiful picture of what one family can do to recapture beauty and ecological sustainability in spite of the modern mechanistic model, and preserve this world for generations to come.

Aerial Geology by Mary Caperton Morton
This book is a beautiful visual tour of North American landforms that collectively tell the story of Geology. Nicole uses this as the living text book that accompanies Sabbath Mood Homeschool’s High School Geology Guide. Using the incredible and diverse North American landscape to explore geology makes this book a fascinating read. Breathtaking pictures illustrate the text which tells the story of the various landforms, one place at a time with helpful tips on how to recognize each one from the air on your flights across the continent.

Our Native Bees by Paige Embry
When you hear the word “bee,” what do you picture? Likely the honeybee. And while honeybees are addressed directly, the rest of the book is devoted to the 4,000 native North American bees. (The honeybee, which usually holds the spotlight, is a European import.) This fascinating book explores the importance of native bees and focuses on their crucial role in gardening and agriculture. Join the author as she goes on a bee hunt, raises baby bees in her refrigerator, builds bee homes, and participates in a citizen science project. You will never look at a passing bee the same way.