10+ Best Christian Chapter Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for engaging Christian chapter books for 7-year-olds that not only entertain but also impart valuable lessons? You're in the right place! Whether you're a parent, guardian, or educator, finding age-appropriate, faith-based reading material can be a challenge. In this blog, we'll explore a variety of options that are perfect for young readers. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of Christian chapter books that are sure to captivate and inspire your little ones.

Fun Christian Chapter Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: Four siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—discover a magical world called Narnia through a wardrobe in an old country house. In Narnia, they encounter a variety of magical creatures and join the battle between the noble lion Aslan and the evil White Witch.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that also teaches important values such as bravery, loyalty, and redemption. The story is engaging for young readers with its magical elements and talking animals.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and adventure, and those interested in stories with moral lessons.

• The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald, illustrated by Jessie Willcox Smith
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Christian Literature
  • Synopsis: Princess Irene discovers a secret stairway in her castle leading to a bewildering labyrinth of unknown passages with strange people. With her friend Curdie, a miner boy, she must thwart the goblins' wicked plan and save the kingdom.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of adventure and fantasy with Christian themes. The story is captivating and filled with lessons about courage and faith.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy fairy tales and stories about princesses and heroes, as well as those who appreciate tales of good versus evil.

• Little Pilgrim's Progress: From John Bunyan's Classic adapted by Helen L. Taylor
  • Genre(s): Christian, Adventure, Allegory
  • Synopsis: This is an adaptation of John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" tailored for children, where the protagonist, Christian, embarks on a journey towards the Celestial City, facing various challenges and meeting diverse characters along the way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies a classic Christian allegory, making it accessible and engaging for young readers, teaching them about perseverance and faith.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy epic journeys and stories that illustrate moral and spiritual quests.

• The Tale of Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale retold by Angela Elwell Hunt, illustrated by Tim Jonke
  • Genre(s): Folklore, Christian
  • Synopsis: This folktale tells the story of three trees on a mountain, each having grand dreams for their future. Their dreams take an unexpected turn when God has different plans, showing them the importance of being used for greater purposes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully illustrated story that conveys messages of hope, purpose, and God's plan in a simple yet profound way.
  • Perfect for: Children who love stories with moral lessons and those who appreciate nature and tales with a spiritual dimension.

• God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren, illustrated by Laura J. Bryant
  • Genre(s): Christian, Family
  • Synopsis: This charming book follows Little Cub, a curious young bear, as her mother explains how she was a gift from God, emphasizing how special and loved she is.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that reassures children of their worth and the love of their parents and God. It's gentle and affirming, perfect for bedtime reading.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy sweet, nurturing stories and any child needing reassurance of their own value and the love that surrounds them.

Educational Christian Chapter Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Hermie: A Common Caterpillar by Max Lucado, illustrated by Justine Fontes
  • Genre(s): Christian, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Hermie feels very ordinary and insignificant in his garden home, especially compared to more talented and beautiful creatures. However, through conversations with God, Hermie learns that everyone has a purpose, no matter how plain they seem.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, understanding of purpose, religious values
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching story that helps children understand that God has a unique plan for everyone, reinforcing the idea that they are special in their own way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who may feel overlooked or undervalued and need a gentle reminder of their intrinsic worth.

• The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross by Carl Laferton, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri
  • Genre(s): Christian, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book explains the story of the Bible from creation to the resurrection of Jesus, focusing on why Jesus died and rose again, and what that means for us today.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Biblical knowledge, understanding of redemption
  • Why we recommend this book: It simplifies complex theological concepts into a narrative that is easily understandable for children, helping them grasp the core of Christian faith.
  • Perfect for: Children who are just beginning to explore or deepen their understanding of Christian teachings.

• If Jesus Lived Inside My Heart by Jill Roman Lord, illustrated by Amy Wummer
  • Genre(s): Christian, Rhyme
  • Synopsis: A rhyming book that explores what it would be like if Jesus were physically present in a child's everyday life, guiding and influencing their actions and decisions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Moral development, empathy, Christian values
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses simple, engaging rhymes to convey how Jesus's teachings can be applied in daily life, making it relatable and practical for young children.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy poetic stories and need a concrete way to connect faith with everyday actions.

• The Berenstain Bears: God Loves You! by Mike Berenstain
  • Genre(s): Christian, Family
  • Synopsis: Brother and Sister Bear discover God’s love and learn how they can spread love to others in their community.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of God's love, social skills, community awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's part of the beloved Berenstain Bears series and teaches about God’s love in a familiar and comforting setting.
  • Perfect for: Fans of the Berenstain Bears series and young readers learning about how love and faith can be expressed in community settings.

• Never Too Little to Love by Jeanne Willis, illustrated by Jan Fearnley
  • Genre(s): Christian, Romance
  • Synopsis: A tiny mouse loves a very tall giraffe and finds inventive ways to express his love, showing that physical differences are no barrier to love.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, perseverance, understanding of love
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming story that illustrates the power of love and determination, wrapped in a Christian message about loving others regardless of differences.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy creative solutions and stories about unlikely friendships and love.

Challenging Christian Chapter Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Weight of a Mass: A Tale of Faith by Josephine Nobisso, illustrated by Katalin Szegedi
  • Genre(s): Christian, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: When a poor widow begs for a scrap of bread from a royal wedding, she promises to weigh it against a mass. The baker scoffs until the mass outweighs his bread, teaching the townspeople about the true value of faith.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative intertwines complex themes of faith and the power of the Mass with a fairy tale format, challenging young readers to think deeply about spiritual matters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the significance of faith and the unseen power of religious belief through a simple yet profound story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in stories that blend religious themes with magical storytelling.

• Saint George and the Dragon retold by Margaret Hodges, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
  • Genre(s): Christian, Legend, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book retells the legend of Saint George, who, armored by faith, battles a fearsome dragon to save a princess and a town from despair.
  • Why this book is challenging: The epic nature of the story with its archaic language and rich, detailed illustrations presents a more complex reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an exciting adventure that also teaches about bravery, endurance, and the triumph of good over evil through faith.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who love heroic tales and are fascinated by knights and dragons.

• The Secret of the Shamrock by Lisa M. Hendey, illustrated by Jenn Bower
  • Genre(s): Christian, Time Travel, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When young Patrick and his pet frog, Francis, stumble upon a time-traveling adventure, they meet Saint Patrick and learn about the Holy Trinity with the help of a shamrock.
  • Why this book is challenging: Incorporates themes of time travel and historical settings that require understanding of broader concepts and contexts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fun, adventure, and education, teaching important Christian doctrines in an engaging and memorable way.
  • Perfect for: Curious young minds who enjoy science fiction and learning about history through immersive stories.

• The Monk Who Grew Prayer by Claire Brandenburg
  • Genre(s): Christian, Spiritual
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of a monk who lives alone on a mountain, spending his days in prayer with nature, showing the beauty and discipline of a prayerful life.
  • Why this book is challenging: The contemplative nature of the story and its emphasis on spirituality and prayer as daily disciplines are concepts that are advanced for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a serene, reflective look at spirituality and encourages young readers to appreciate silence, nature, and prayer.
  • Perfect for: Children who are introspective or interested in stories that emphasize spiritual growth and personal discipline.

• The Squire and the Scroll by Jennie Bishop, illustrated by Preston McDaniels
  • Genre(s): Christian, Adventure, Moral Tale
  • Synopsis: A young squire embarks on a quest to retrieve the Lantern of Purest Light, facing various challenges that test his integrity and faith.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story integrates elements of medieval quests with lessons on purity, integrity, and the importance of following God's word, presented in a narrative that requires careful thought and reflection.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches moral virtues through a captivating medieval adventure, making the lessons of truth and purity exciting and relatable.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy tales of knights and quests and are learning about living out their faith and morals.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-year-old develop great reading habits while enjoying some fantastic Christian chapter books, here are a few engaging exercises that can make reading both fun and fruitful. These activities are designed to enhance comprehension skills and foster a love for reading.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and helps children feel accomplished.
  • Tips: Let your child set their own realistic goals to boost their motivation.

• Read and Discuss
  • What it is: Read a chapter together, then have a discussion about it.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions that encourage your child to think and express their thoughts.

• Picture the Story
  • What it is: Encourage your child to draw scenes from the chapter they've read.
  • How it helps: Enhances creative thinking and helps with visual memory.
  • Tips: Provide colorful crayons and a drawing pad to make this activity more exciting.

• Character Connections
  • What it is: Identify and discuss characters' traits and decisions.
  • How it helps: Builds empathy and deeper understanding of narratives.
  • Tips: Compare characters in the story to real-life individuals to make the exercise more relatable.

• Story Predictions
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next in the story before reading the next chapter.
  • How it helps: Stimulates imaginative thinking and anticipatory skills.
  • Tips: Discuss why they think the story will proceed in that way, encouraging logical reasoning.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart to track reading progress and reward accomplishments.
  • How it helps: Provides a visual progress report and motivates with rewards.
  • Tips: Use stickers or stars as rewards for each milestone reached in the reading chart.

These exercises are not just about reading more; they're about reading better. They'll help your child engage more deeply with what they read, understand more, and enjoy the process. So, grab some Christian chapter books and start exploring these activities together. Happy reading!