A Parental Book List
Books Every Parent Should Read
by Pat Cunningham
April 30, 2009
It's a well-known fact that children whose parents read to them in infancy and toddlerhood grow up to be readers themselves, and have a big head-start in academic growth. But the parent whose habit of reading continues into his child's adolescence also has an advantage in relating to his growing son. Keep a book or two handy for reading, instead of watching yet another rerun of "Hogan's Heroes," and you'll keep up with the intellectual expansion of your offspring.
Here's my suggestions for books to read. I also suggest you read the books your son is reading for class, not just for family discussion but also to help us discern problems the boys may be having with their reading.
Book Title Author Notes
The Everlasting Man G.K. Chesterton Chesterton's masterpiece defense of Christ
New Birth Order Book Kevin Leman Understand your children (and yourself)
Why Gender Matters Leonard Sax All learn better in single-gender classes
Mindsets Carole Dweck http://mindsetonline.com/
Behold the Pierced One Pope Benedict XVI very accessible theology
Spe Salvi (encyclical) Pope Benedict XVI perhaps his best encyclical
Render Unto Caesar Bp Charles Chaput a starting point for discussing politics
This last book is the best one I have ever read on the relationship between faith and political responsibility in the U.S. Because so many "Catholic" legislators vote and speak as radical secularists, particularly on life issues, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to engage, as we all must, in debates with the Culture of Death.
These are not the only books worth reading, but I have found them to be invaluable in teaching, and many parents have found them helpful as they learn more how to raise their children.
