This list has just been birthed and will be added to as I remember what I forgot.
Devotional & Discipleship
Exploring Grace Together: 40 Devotions for the Family. If you are not in the habit of having spiritual conversations at home, this is a helpful tool. You can read these short devotions as a family in 4-5 minutes at breakfast or at bedtime. Ideal for 6th or 7th grade.
Not a Fan Daily Devotional: 75 Days to Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus
One Year Devotions with Jesus by Joshua Cooley. Short devotions that are interesting and well grounded theologically. This is my go-to recommendation for devotional book. Also a great resource for students who have opportunities to teach devos at clubs.
One Year of Dinner Table Devotions. One Year of Dinner Table Devotions and Discussion Starters: A Daily Family Devotional with 365 Opportunities to Grow Closer to God.
Exploring the Earliest Gospel. A 40 day interactive devotional through the gospel of Mark. At some point it would be wonderful for your student to go through this gem off a book for kids 10-12.
Culturally Relevant & Apologetics
10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask and Answer About Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin. This is a must-have for families. Parents should read them first or read them with their middle school students. Addresses controversial topics in a thoughtful, Biblical, and compassionate way.
Secular Creed: Engaging Five Contemporary Claims by Rebecca McLaughlin. Very similar to the 10 Questions book, would be a good companion. Delicate topics covered in a compassionate way.
How Do We Know The Christianity is Really True? Very short, written for 10-12 year olds.
Pure: Why the Bible’s Plan for Sexuality Isn’t Outdated, Irrelevant, or Oppressive by Dean Inserra
Is God Anti-Gay? And Other Questions About Jesus, the Bible, and Same-Sex Sexuality by Sam Allberry
Mental Health
Track: A Student’s Guide to Anxiety. Short book.
Why is My Teenager Feeling Like This? A Guide for Helping My Teen through Anxiety and Depression
Gospel, Doctrinal & Reference
Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith by Tim Keller. Short, but profound book that every parent should read.
Without a Doubt: How to Know for Certain That You’re Good with God. Short book on knowing that your are a Christian.
NIV Zondervan Study Bible. Every family needs a good study Bible. This one is huge. But will be a great resource when you need help understanding a passage of Scripture.
5 Minute Theologian. Bite-sized readings on basic doctrinal truth.
Secular Books with Cultural / Generational Relevance
Irreversible Damage: The Craze Seducing our Daughters.
iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy--and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood–and What That Means for the Rest of Us Paperback
Kevin Bryan Hash 