Books We've Loved in 2009

We have had the privilege to read many books this year that have contributed to our character, health, and enjoyment.  We'd love to share a few with you.
Kirsten's Picks:
"The Parthenon Code: Mankind's History in Marble" by Robert Bowie Johnson, Jr.
A provocative look at Greek art and the story that it tells.  Is Greek myth really all myth or is it history?  Did the Greeks record events that happened prior to the great flood in their art?  Simply fascinating -- I would recommend this book to adults as well as high school students.
"Eternity in their Hearts" by Don Richardson 
This book was fascinating in a similar way and I would also recommend this book as high school reading, for adults, and also for those interested in mission work.  It provides "startling evidence of belief in the One True God in hundreds of cultures throughout the world".
  "Already Gone" by Ken Ham and Britt Beemer with Todd Hillard 
A look at the American church and research on why two-thirds of young people will leave it.  Not an easy book to read, but I would recommend it to any parent who has an interest in helping their children develop an authentic faith.
  "Sheet Music" by Dr. Kevin Leman 
Leman discusses intimacy in marriage in his personal and candid style.  I have also really enjoyed his birth order book.
  "Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats" by Sally Fallon. 
This is more than a cookbook but a science text as well.
  "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn 
What does the Bible say about Heaven?  Alcorn digs it out in his logical way.  I found this to be an interesting and encouraging read. 
Abbie's (age 7) Picks (in her words):
American Girl Books
These books teach young girls to learn from the heart.   
The Boxcar Children Series
The kids solve mysteries and its fun to know how to solve them.
In Grandma's Attic Series
Stories from long ago -- I like how life was really different then.    
If You Lived in Colonial Times
I would recommend the whole "If You Lived . . ." series because I like how it teaches you how you would live if you lived then.  
Other Books that Have Contributed to the Character Development of Our Children:
"The Child's Story Bible" by Catherine Vos and "The Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes" by Kenneth Taylor
Both are accurate and have very realistic pictures.  We have found that picture Bibles with flowery language or whimsical pictures are very confusing to our children.  We have had to be very careful that any childrens' Bibles we have portray the Bible as a history book and not a collection of fables. 
"Heaven for Kids" by Randy Alcorn 
 What the Bible says about Heaven, written for children.
Favorite Picture Book Authors from 2009:

Lois Lenski

Robert McCloskey

Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire

Beatrix Potter

Rosemary Wells