Much of Amy Julia Becker’s writing, on her blog and in her books, revolves around being a mother of three young children, including Penny, a daughter with Down syndrome. Becker’s latest release, Small Talk: Learning From My Children About What Matters Most (Zondervan), compiles vignettes on revealing and poignant conversations with her kids about birth, death, resurrection, and everything in between. Here, Becker names 5 books that every mother should read.
The Quotidian Mysteries By Kathleen Norris
Although Norris does not have children of her own, her short book on domestic duties teaches me something new every time I read it. Norris doesn’t overlook the tedium of housework (and, by extension, some aspects of childrearing), but she imbues chores and duties with value and purpose. Norris connects the repetitive nature of our lives to the significance of our daily walk with God. When I read her words, they remind me of God’s grace in our everyday lives.
A Praying Life By Paul E. Miller
As the father of six kids, ministry leader Miller understands the reality of prayer in the midst of family life. His conversational style and willingness to share personal stories helps mothers understand even the most mundane day as part of God’s good work in the world. Miller offers a practical way to pray using prayer cards. I created cards during years of sporadic prayer, and they remain testimonies of God’s faithfulness to our family.
Bread and Jam for Frances By Russell Hoban
Children love Frances, the prototypical self-consumed, whimsical, and exasperating child who is embodied in the classic series as a young badger. This and other Frances books encourage parents to hang in there with kids who, say, want to eat bread and jam with every meal and have no interest in spaghetti and meatballs. With made-up songs, misspelled words, and wry humor, Hoban’s series—penned 50 years ago—is a treat for parent and child alike.
Lila By Marilynne Robinson
Robinson was nominated for the National Book Award for Lila, her third novel in a trilogy that began with the critically acclaimed Gilead and Home. Each book takes place in the fictional Iowa town of Gilead, from the perspective of a different character. Lila may be my favorite, as it combines reflections about God as the Good Parent with the story of a young woman who becomes a mother. In prose beautiful and haunting, Lila glimmers with hope without ever becoming sentimental.
The Trumpet of the Swan By E. B. White
A lesser-known classic by the author of Charlotte’s Web, this children’s story offers a subtle commentary on good parenting. White weaves together the world of Sam, an adolescent boy, and Louis, an adolescent swan, as they grow up. Louis develops perseverance, tenacity, and generosity as a result of being different. His parents provide great support while secretly worrying that he will never fit in, make friends, or get married. Louis proves them wrong, giving every anxious, loving mother a reason for hope.
