Cultivating Gratitude: A Reading List for All Ages
In our fast-paced world, nurturing gratitude can help anchor our hearts and enrich our lives. A core part of our faith journey, gratitude is a deeply rooted response to God’s grace and blessings. The following reading list will help you cultivate gratitude and spark meaningful conversations through a variety of stories, perspectives and practices.
For Young Children (Ages 3-8)
“Maybe God Is Like That Too” by Jennifer Grant A tender story that follows a boy through his day as he encounters joy, love, and kindness in his community and learns that God’s spirit can be found everywhere.
“Thank You, Omu!” by Oge Mora This vibrant tale celebrates generosity and gratitude through a grandmother’s act of sharing her delicious stew and how the community gives back to her.
“All the World” by Liz Garton Scanlon Poetic and gentle, this book reminds young readers of the interconnectedness of all creation and inspires awe and thankfulness for the world around us.
“God Gave Us Thankful Hearts” by Lisa Tawn Bergren Little Cub’s adventure teaches children to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation and be grateful even when things don’t go as planned.
“Thank You, God” by P.K. Hallinan A delightful book that helps young children recognize God’s goodness in everyday life and express their thankfulness through simple prayers.
“The Thankful Book” by Todd Parr Bright illustrations and simple text make this book a perfect introduction to gratitude for young children, highlighting everyday moments to be thankful for.
“Thanks a Million” by Nikki Grimes A beautifully illustrated collection of poems that express the many ways we can appreciate life’s simple blessings.
“Bear Says Thanks” by Karma Wilson Join Bear as he learns the importance of friendship and gratitude when he hosts a feast and realizes he has nothing to offer his friends—only to discover their generosity in return.
For Tweens and Middle Grade Readers (Ages 9-12)
“The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate A powerful story of empathy and friendship told from the perspective of a gorilla in captivity, teaching readers the importance of seeing and appreciating life beyond our own experiences.
“A Good Kind of Trouble” by Lisa Moore Ramée Following a young girl who learns to navigate her identity and stand up for what she believes in, this book teaches gratitude for community, courage, and allies in the fight for justice.
“Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal” by Ellie Claire This interactive journal blends faith, art, and gratitude, helping preteens reflect on God’s blessings while expressing creativity.
“The Hiding Place” by Corrie ten Boom (Young Reader’s Edition) This powerful true story of faith, resilience, and gratitude during the darkest of times helps young readers understand that thanksgiving isn’t circumstantial but anchored in God’s unwavering presence.
“Wonder” by R.J. Palacio A story about kindness, empathy, and seeing the good in others. This book helps readers understand the deeper aspects of gratitude in friendships and community.
For Teens (Ages 13-18)
“The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown (Teen Edition) This adapted version of Brené Brown’s classic helps teens embrace authenticity and cultivate gratitude as a vital practice in their self-development.
“One Thousand Gifts Devotional” by Ann Voskamp Adapted for teens, this devotional challenges young readers to practice gratitude in their everyday lives and discover God’s gifts in the mundane.
“Live in Light: 5-Minute Devotions for Teen Girls” by Melanie Redd Each devotion in this book encourages teens to see God’s hand in their daily experiences and respond with gratitude and joy.
“Counting by 7s” by Holly Goldberg Sloan A story about loss, resilience, and finding family in unexpected places. This book emphasizes the importance of gratitude through life’s challenges.
For Adults
“An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith” by Barbara Brown Taylor This book encourages readers to find the sacred in everyday life, helping them rediscover the practice of gratitude in their daily routines and interactions.
“Grateful: The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks” by Diana Butler Bass A thoughtful exploration of gratitude as a spiritual practice that can transform personal and communal life, this book connects thankfulness with progressive Christian values of justice and community.
“The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World” by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Abrams Written by two globally admired spiritual leaders, this book discusses finding joy amid challenges, framing gratitude as an essential part of a faith-centered, compassionate life.
“One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are” by Ann Voskamp A Christian perspective on counting blessings and finding the sacred in the ordinary. Voskamp’s memoir is both personal and instructional for those seeking to practice daily gratitude.
“Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy” by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth With biblical wisdom and practical insights, this book delves into the practice of gratitude as an essential aspect of Christian living, showing how it can lead to greater joy and peace.
“Gratitude” by Oliver Sacks A moving collection of essays by neurologist Oliver Sacks, written during his final years. His reflections serve as a powerful reminder of the profound beauty in life’s fleeting moments.
“The Book of Delights” by Ross Gay This unique collection of essays celebrates the small, overlooked wonders of life and showcases how noticing these moments fosters joy and thankfulness.
For Christians, the practice of gratitude goes hand in hand with values like social justice, stewardship, and radical love. These books provide different ways to explore thankfulness—whether through stories of sharing and empathy for children or deep spiritual reflections for adults. Dive into this reading journey to discover how gratitude can transform not just individual lives but entire communities, aligning with the call to love and serve as Christ did.