These 10 Must Read Books will Give Your Child A Huge Advantage in Life!
Most parents want their child to be a star pupil and get great grades. We concentrate on the critically important reading, writing and math. But there are missing educational components few schools teach. The 10 must read books will supply these components to help your child develop leadership qualities and succeed – beginning immediately!
There is a common misconception that schools are responsible for the education of our kids. Actually, it’s up to parents to educate their children, especially in character building:
- self confidence
- moral foundation
- common sense
- motivation
- leadership
- increased earnings potential
Schools just supplement our effort. Unfortunately, laws have been passed that limit what schools can teach, and these 10 must read books are frowned upon.
The “great” literature schools expose our children to concentrate on death, sadness, immoral conduct and fear. These include Romeo & Juliet, Catcher in the Rye, Lord of the Flies, The Glass Castle, etc. When discussing education Aristotle said: “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” He seemed pretty smart, so maybe we should take his advice.
Having taught for 14 years, substituting for 10 more and raising 4 children, I’d prefer practical reading assignments designed build a child’s character and make them money. That’s why I suggest these 10 must read books.
At one time U.S. students not only had homework, but extensive daily chores as well. Today for most, chores have been replaced by video games, music videos, social media and television. Christian parents can replace this wasted time, by encouraging reading of inexpensive, character-building books – then use terrific rewards as their kids read them. This will put your child light-years ahead of all other students. (Here’s an idea: During mealtime, instead of watching the Evening (bad) News, read a chapter of one of these encouraging books to your family.)
10 Must Read Books for Teenagers
Below is a suggested reading list with author and a short description. For a more complete synopsis, see the specific book reviews on this site. But when can these get read? Summer and holiday vacations are a terrific opportunity!
1– The Memory Book: The Classic Guide to Improving Your Memory at Work, at School, and at Play
2-See You at the Top
3- The Book Of Proverbs (from the Bible)
4- The One Minute Manager
5- How To Win Friends and Influence People
6- The Hidden Persuaders
7- The Purpose Driven Life What on Earth Am I Here For?
8- The Automatic Millionaire: A Powerful One-Step Plan to Live and Finish Rich
9- Seeds of Greatness: 10 Best Kept Secrets of Total Success
10- The Millionaire Next Door
Bonus to Must Read Book List
Bonus #1: Mere Christianity
Bonus #2: Your Best Life Now (7 steps to living at your full potential) – Joel Osteen. Reading a chapter a day will keep anyone encouraged and guard against discouragement the world puts on all of us every day.
Bonus #3: Why We Buy (The Science of Shopping) – Paco Underhill – Heavily researched, it provides insight why people buy; how to make money while pleasing your customers. It is full of common sense.
Bonus #4: Beyond Basketball (Coach K’s Keywords for Success!) – Mike Krzyzewski – Duke’s famed basketball coach has wisdom for life with true stories of how excellence was built in real life. This is a life-changing book filled with motivation for success in life.
That’s a great starting list. You may have other books that changed your life for the better. Don’t be afraid to encourage your child to read them as well. You may wish to have a private time of reading the books with them. Ensuing discussions will build family intimacy – a parent with a child would be awesome. It will also protect you from the psychology they learn!
Two Spiritual Books for Harry Potter Fans
If you have a child that just loves to read at at least a high school level here are two more recommendations. If they are interested the supernatural, they will be very excited with This Present Darkness, ISBN 0-89107-390-6 and its follow up Piercing the Darkness, ISBN 0-89107-527-5 both written by Frank Peretti – Crossway Books. These two books will open the eyes of the reader to the real spiritual battle between demons and the angels, who protect you. I was so engrossed while reading these books, much of the time I was standing.
Now is the time to begin making a difference in your child’s life with these 10 must read books. I suggest giving them a memorable reward. This can be an activity they’d love – a dinner, clothing, movie, sundae, IPOD or whatever you’d like to offer. They WILL remember the time spent with you.
Short Book Summaries
Like a review of See You at the Top click here
Like a review of the One Minute Manager click here
Like a review of How to Win Friends and Influence People click here
This looks like a great list. I read to the kids during the meal when their dad is at work. Some of these books we’re familiar with, but others I will need to check out. I also believe in filling their minds with purpose and direction. Thanks for putting the list together.
Thank you. Awesome article you got here. Got some more sites to link to which have more information?
Thank you so much for caring to share what you know..I have been looking for some excellent character building books..which society seems to have done away with in our children’s generation. I feel so bad because the public school;s take so much of our children time only to send them home with more books to read that are sad or full of mystical hype, or fantasy .
No wonder our children are looking for self entertainment with video games, instead of spending their time in a good and creative way, or being helpful.. .