Christian Books for Schools
Every Christian teacher would love to have a stock of excellent books for their students, to encourage them to consider issues of faith for themselves, without having to say anything. The reality is, it’s not easy to find suitable stories.
We publish highly recommended, fun stories written from a Christian perspective, that say what you would like to say, with no pressure.
UPDATED BOOK!
We have a newly updated version of one of our most popular books for 8-11s: A Pennyworth of Peppermints, by Mary Weeks Millard. This mystery spy story, set in Dorset in the first world war, is perfect to use as a class reader when you are studying WW1. Ben, Sidney and Vera find a message in a bottle on the beach. The three children turn detective, and uncover an enemy spy! This exciting story includes fascinating background to what life was like for ordinary families living through this difficult period in history. While grappling with the harsh realities around him, Ben also considers his relationship with God, and finds comfort in prayer and forgiveness. Read more here.
We offer discounts for UK schools. Sign up here for 20% off all orders for your school.
Dernier books make excellent:
- Class readers
- Library books
- Gifts and Prizes
- Book club choices
- Resources for chaplains.
Christian values are woven into the stories, so teachers can use them with confidence, knowing they are sharing their faith in a respectful way, allowing students to consider issues of faith for themselves.
Pam Daunton, former primary school teacher and author of The Dove Stone, admits that in most schools in the UK, it’s no longer appropriate for Christian teachers to talk about their own faith to students. But she goes on to say,
“When I go into schools to talk about my writing, I talk about how the characters in The Dove Stone learn to pray when they’re facing difficulties in life. In this way, students can make the connections for themselves.”
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Our children are facing unprecedented pressures. They need to hear the good news of Jesus in a way that is relevant to them. Christian schools have the wonderful privilege of being able to play a huge part in pointing children to Jesus.
We provide FREE downloadable Discussion Questions for all our titles, including The Dove Stone, to help you deliver curriculum requirements and engage children with the issues raised in the stories.
“I read The Dove Stone in one sitting and couldn’t put it down. The short chapters and pace mean this would be great for a whole class read. It would also be a lovely gift for a child exploring their own faith. The setting in the post Roman era adds interest and there is some wonderful description and language to add effect. This gentle approach to introducing children to Christianity is both respectful and clear in its message. Good triumphing over evil is a theme throughout the book., whilst tacking the important theme of bullying makes it relevant for all children today.”
Claire Greenway, primary school Headteacher
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Dernier novels:
- Help church schools demonstrate their Christian distinctiveness
- Present biblical values to students in an engaging, non-threatening manner
- Help pupils reflect on how the Christian faith might work out in practice in their own lives
- Have engaging characters, exciting plots and are great reads!
- Are also available in large print and Braille versions for pupils with sight loss*
All our newer titles are dyslexia friendly.
The easy readers have black and white illustrations. This is Claire, who has moved to the UK from China, and is finding the winter chilly!
Reviews From Children:
“This is the best book I’ve ever read.” (We’ve had quite a few of these – that’s the Holy Spirit at work!)
“It was epic . . . it helped me understand what life was like as a child in WW1. It reminded me that God is interested in helping us through tough times.” (A Pennyworth of Peppermints)
“When I read it, it makes me forget my worries and problems because I get into the book so much. Anyone would enjoy it.” (I Want to Be an Airline Pilot)
“Cool, interesting, exciting; it was a great book! I liked it that the children were detectives.” (A Pennyworth of Peppermints)
“Another brilliant adventure!” (Mystery in the Snow)
“I liked this book very much. I think that that overall message from this book is that people from different countries can be friends, that we are all equal and that God does answer prayers.” (Under the Tamarind Tree)
“I think The Dove Stone is inspiring because it shows that even thousands of years ago, God was listening. I found it fascinating learning about how Christianity came to Britain and I would love there to be a sequel! I really liked the characters because I could imagine being friends with them (although maybe not Torsa!) and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next in their adventure.” – Ellen
Reviews From Parents And Teachers:
“I have been a passionate story-teller for much of my adult life, and not least as a teacher and then a Headteacher taking assemblies. I was always on the look out for compelling stories – and especially ones with a sensitive, appropriate and clear (and non ‘cringy’) gospel message! Books by Dernier Publishing absolutely fit this bill! Janet Wilson, their founder, has spoken at two TISCA regional meetings and I can certainly endorse Dernier’s wide range of books across the age range (6+ to young adults) – and commend choosing such books both for assemblies and for speech day and end-of-year prizes.“
Alastair Reid, General Secretary of TISCA (The Independent Schools Christian Alliance)
“The Treasure Hunt will be very good for our juniors to read. It is an exciting story but also introduces the idea of modern day slavery. The author has successfully woven the thread of prayer throughout the story, giving children a ‘window’ on the reality of living with the Lord day by day.”
“I use the book for further discussion and learning. We have a map of the world on a wall. After each chapter we look for the country in Africa mentioned in the chapter. Then we go on the Internet and look for images and videos of other things mentioned, for example what mangroves look like, oysters, traditional dress in Gambia, village life in Uganda, crocodiles and their nests etc.”
“One of my boys was very impressed with the part where the kids killed the snake. He also learned from that book that all children around the world have dreams about the future and he was touched by the hardships and challenges they face.”
“Schools have to show they are promoting diversity and giving opportunities for moral and spiritual development so the books are great for both of these.”
I haven’t read much Christian fiction since my youth when the C S Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia reigned supreme. However, I would say that J M Evans’ Revenge of the Flying Carpet is in the same league as Lewis. Flying on a magic carpet, twins Paul and Trinity have lots of mini adventures. Along the way, they powerfully and beautifully grapple with the riches of God’s grace and consider how important their human relationships, image, and ability to forgive others are. Working as a school chaplain, I could easily see this being enjoyed by and helpful to teenagers exploring the Christian faith alongside those seeking to live for Christ.”
Revd George Beverly
Chaplain, History and Philosophy teacher at King’s Bruton
The time to act is now.
Christian books are a great way to share faith, while allowing readers to make up their own minds about what they believe.
- Click here to sign up for 20% off your order
- Place your order
- Pray for the readers. You just don’t know what seeds will be sown in young hearts.
Don’t let your students miss out. A book can change a life in an instant… or it can be a vital link in a chain, on a journey of faith.