Back to School Resource Guide
Back to School Resource Guide
August 2026 New Releases
New Books and Bibles
Below is a list of the new and notable resources releasing this month from Crossway. Titles include Happiness by Andrew Wilson and Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing by Jonathan Gibson.
Happiness: What It Is, Where to Find It, and How to Make It Last Forever
Andrew Wilson uniquely weaves biblical, theological, philosophical, psychological, and sociological methods to answer 6 major questions about human flourishing in our broken world. Drawing on the greatest thinkers across Scripture and science, readers get a guide that is theologically clear, intellectually robust, and practically helpful. It dismantles myths common in our culture and our churches and explores the deepest desires of both our hearts and our happy God—for us to find joy in him!
“There’s so much to love about this book! It sparkles with clarity, biblical depth, and insight born not only from study but from life experience. With sharp prose and memorable analogies, Andrew Wilson helps us see more clearly what our restless hearts are really searching for—and where true happiness is found.”
—Trevin Wax, vice president of resources and marketing, North American Mission Board; Visiting Professor, Cedarville University; author, The Thrill of Orthodoxy and The Gospel Way Catechism
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing: A Liturgy for Daily Worship with the Psalms
Designed to be read in 15–20 minutes per day, each reading includes a Call to Worship drawn from the psalter, an Old Testament reading, historical prayers, creeds, and catechisms that point readers to Christ. This edition of the Daily Worship Liturgy series offers fresh content participants may use as an alternative to Be Thou My Vision and alongside the seasonal liturgies O Come, O Come, Emmanuel and O Sacred Head, Now Wounded.
“The Psalms contain so much of what we need for daily, fruitful living. We are so thrilled that Jonny Gibson has brought his wisdom and creativity to produce a new resource from the Psalms that can enrich our daily worship and devotional lives. We heartily recommend it to individuals, families, and churches to use and reuse over time.”
—Keith and Kristyn Getty, creators of The Sing! Hymnal
Escape from Rome: A Decide-as-You-Go Adventure
In this immersive novel, the reader is the protagonist. Each suspenseful chapter ends with two or three courses of action. Kids choose one and see where the story takes them. Bible verses throughout reassure children that, whether the outcome of their decision is good or bad, God is with them. As readers confront gladiators, prison cells, and the reign of the evil Emperor Nero, they’ll learn how to apply biblical wisdom and rely on God’s grace along the way.
Escape from Rome is the second book in the Lamplight Series, written by Kathryn Butler. Each immersive novel teaches kids how to make choices inspired by the truth of Scripture. With a variety of story combinations, children will love reading and rereading this unique book.
“The Lamplight Series captures all the adventure and excitement of the ‘choose-your-own’ books we loved as children yet thoughtfully remains grounded in a biblical worldview. Readers will return again and again to explore new paths, carefully considering how each choice shapes the outcome. A thrilling and delightful read!”
—Korrie Johnson, children’s book reviewer, GoodBookMom.com
The Story of Eric Liddell: The Runner Who Lived for God’s Glory
This short and lively biography takes middle-grade readers on an exciting journey through Liddell’s life, highlighting his upbringing as a missionary kid, his battles with serious illnesses, and his imprisonment during World War II. As readers explore Liddell’s journey of faith and fame, they will discover that true success lies not in personal achievement, but in living for God’s glory and the good of others. Featuring illustrations, maps, timelines, bonus sidebars, and study questions, this addition to the Lives of Faith and Grace series engages kids ages 8–13 in the drama of history, showing how God worked in the past through ordinary people like them.
“The Lives of Faith and Grace series will not only engage the minds, hearts, and imaginations of middle grade readers, it will also offer examples of heroes worth emulating. These true stories will challenge our youth to live courageously for the name of Jesus and see the joy and privilege it is to be a part of something far bigger than themselves.”
—Sarah Walton, author, The Long Road Home; coauthor, Hope When It Hurts
The Story of Phillis Wheatley: The African Poet Who Called America to Christ
This short and lively biography invites middle-grade readers to explore the life of Phillis Wheatley, highlighting her inspiring testimony and remarkable work as a poet, abolitionist, and wife. Through her story, readers learn that God works even in the harshest circumstances, ensuring that nothing can separate them from his love, word, and salvation. Featuring illustrations, maps, timelines, bonus sidebars, and study questions, this addition to the Lives of Faith and Grace series engages kids ages 8–13 in the drama of history, showing how God worked in the past through ordinary people like them.
“This is a remarkable series of biographies about Christian leaders our children should know. Beautifully written and illustrated, these stories help nurture the faith of the next generation by illuminating the stories of God’s faithfulness among that great cloud of witnesses in heaven. You'll want all these books for your home, church, or school library.”
—Daniel Darling, Director of The Land Center for Cultural Engagement, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; author, The Characters of Christmas and The Characters of Easter
God Changes Me
This board book uses repetition, easy-to-understand language, and interactive elements to keep kids engaged and coming back again and again. Deeply rooted in Scripture, children will recognize their need for a Savior, learn about the fruit of the Spirit, and encounter the love of the Lord, who is at work to sanctify them day by day.
“Simple words. Deep truth. Beautifully illustrated. The For the Bible Tells Me So board books provide families with a fantastic resource their little ones are sure to love. Kristen Wetherell’s poetic truths are perfectly paired with Grace Habib’s soft and colorful illustrations. I’ll be reading these to my grandkids.”
—Marty Machowski, Executive Pastor, Covenant Fellowship Church, Glen Mills, Pennsylvania; author, The Ology and the Redemption Tales series
God Returns for Me
This board book uses repetition, easy-to-understand language, and interactive elements to keep kids engaged and coming back again and again. Deeply rooted in Scripture and written in warm and curious tones, Wetherell’s words offer hope to little ones as they eagerly await the day they will see the Lord face to face.
“These playful board books are a great resource for training and discipling young children. In them you’ll find precious truths about God that families can reflect upon and rejoice in as they read together.”
—Hunter Beless, author; Founder, Journeywomen Ministries
The Undivided Life: A Guide to Wholehearted Faith from the Book of James
This exploration of the New Testament book of James helps readers identify double-mindedness in their own lives and understand God’s grace as he “pulls apart the divided heart to make it whole.” Explaining this challenging epistle chapter by chapter, David Gibson helps readers embrace the painful yet profound process of redemption, defeat double-mindedness, and experience wholeness in every area of their lives.
“David Gibson has given the church a guide to the book of James and the issues it raises that is biblical, pastoral, accessible, reliable, wise, and patient. While focusing on James, Gibson helpfully explores its great topics by drawing on all of Scripture, wise reading, and pastoral experience to lead the reader into the gospel-based wholeness that the Lord desires to form in his people.”
—Dan Doriani, Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Covenant Theological Seminary