- There are more and more products coming out for older kids. There have always been Bible storybooks, but between there and teenage study bibles, the pickings were pretty slim. Not anymore. Below are some descriptions and samples of the products that are now out there.
- The best Bible translation is the one they will read. Even books of Bible stories are still ok at this age (and a particularly great example appears below). Students generally read less than they did a generation ago and therefore aren't as good at reading, less attuned to the written word. The Bible isn't boring, but sometimes the way we present it is. So - NIV, NLT, The Message, NCV - as long as your son or daughter can read it without getting bored or frustrated, it's the right translation.
- Many Bibles contain "extras" like reading plans, maps, devotional readings, basic theology, God's plan of salvation. It's important to check for what's included if those are important to you.
All of the Bibles and products featured here are available through Calvary Chapel Books and Gifts, located in room 105. Without further ado...
The Picture Bible is another way to visually experience the Bible. Unlike The Illustrated Bible, it is not a translation. It selects key stories from the Old and New Testaments and presents them, but does not give a verse-by-verse treatment. It does, however, span both Old and New Testaments, whereas The Illustrated Bible is NT only. It's better than a kid's Bible storybook in that the stories are longer, more numerous, and the presentation is in panels.
This is the Adventure Bible. It's a popular kids' study bible, published by Zondervan, with the full text of the Old and New Testaments, interspersed with lots of graphics, pullouts, and background information. The drawback is that it's an NIV translation, which I've become convinced is simply too difficult for most kids to understand. I know a lot of adults are committed to it because it is the translation of choice in the evangelical church, but what value comes from having kids read words they don't understand?
I'm much more a fan now of simpler translations, like the New Living Translation, the Contemporary English Version, the New Century Version, or the New International Reader's Version - which is actually a translation of a translation: they took the NIV and made it simpler, for people who were learning English or learning to read (3rd grade reading level).
This is a great NiRV Bible:
Not only is it an easy-to-read translation, but it's stocked with lots of simply drawn, but powerfully clear illustrations.
The "Pocket-Size" Bibles don't carry a lot of frills, but kids like them for their style. Here are some that are New Living Translation (a 5th grade reading level):
And some that are NIV:
Some do contain some of the "extras": topical reading lists, key memory verses, the plan of salvation; again, browse before you buy so you'll get what you want.
Last but not least are the Bible "zines", published by Tommy Nelson. Laid out and designed to look like popular magazines, these are a great fit for many kids. Lots of extras in these, as the covers attest to:
This is Magnify, a Bible zine designed just for kids. The one with the yellow cover has Old Testament stories (advantages: keeps it a readable size, no Song of Solomon; disadvantage: since it's selected passages, you're not getting a verse-by-verse treatment), while the other is a complete New Testament. There are lots of word puzzles, quizzes, sidebars, games, and secret words that can only be read with a special pair of red-lens glasses (included). The "kid" feel is unmistakable in these, though, so if your preteen has hit the point where they're sensitive about that, then they're ready for the next step up: Refuel for boys, Blossom for girls.
Again, these are New Testament-only Bibles, but very topical in their approach and a layout designed to grab attention:
Nearly every page has some feature designed to bring the Bible home. All of the "zines" have a very busy feel to them that would drive lots of adults crazy. But, although you may not favor reading that way, your kids very well might, and if it draws them into the Bible, so be it. The other drawback to these is that they're glossy softcovers, so their durability probably isn't great (just like a regular magazine). They might be more appropriate for home reading, with a hard-bound or leather-bound volume to take to church. Note that Refuel and Blossom are designed for middle-school students and older. It's certainly appropriate for any 6th grader; younger than that, some of the features may not be relevant. If you're not sure, have your son or daughter browse both Magnify and Refuel or Blossom and ask them which one they'd be more likely to read.
There's one other "zine" that, although it's not a Bible, I'm showing here because I know it hits home with pre-teen girls. A student I know read hers cover-to-cover.
With devotional features like "10 tips for surviving mean girls", "Quiz: R U a good friend?", "Thanking God for your bod", and "Do you fit in?" Between has keyed in on the central concerns of the 10-to-14-year-old set. There is not yet a companion volume for boys (although considering that boys mature a couple years later than girls, Refuel is probably appropriately targeted as the youngest age boys start to face up to serious life issues).
