Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
A living book is a beautifully written narrative that ignites the imagination; inspires interest in its subject; invites imitation of the True, Good, and Beautiful; and imbeds nourishing ideas that cause both young and old to grow as persons made in the image of God.
As we read and evaluate the books, keep these definitions in mind and ask yourself these questions of the book as a whole:
Will it be enjoyable by those reading it, whether child or adult?
Does it convey ideas rather than just facts?
Do the illustrations (if applicable) inspire beauty?
Does it spark the imagination?
Does it inspire interest in its subject?
Does it capture what is true, good, and beautiful?
Does it encourage positive character traits?
If you can answer yes to most of those questions, then it should be included in our library. If it’s borderline and there aren’t other red flags, we can include it as well – it’s okay to have some twaddle!
Creating Subject Tags
On our website, we are going to include subject tags for all the books to aid parents (and librarians!) in searches. As you read books, think about what tags might be helpful. Some books may only have one or two – such as Fiction, Christian. Nonfiction will likely have multiple tags.
You can see a list of all our tags on our LibraryThing website. Click on “Tags” on the bar above the list of books. This is not an exhaustive list. Here are some ideas to get you started – you’re welcome to add more:
Fiction or nonfiction
Subject/topic
For classic literature: British Lit, Russian Lit, etc. (if applicable)
Biography/Memoir (if applicable – make sure to also include the name of the person or persons)
Significant event or person in history (even if the book is historical fiction)
Time period (Include the century/centuries it takes place and all applicable terms – for example, one book could be: Middle Ages, Medieval, 14th Century, 15th Century)
Area of the world (Name the continent, country, city – example: Europe, France, Paris – if it has multiple locations, include all the main ones)
Things that are unique about it (for example: Disabilities, Blindness, Seeing Eye Dog)
Big themes (For example: Friendship, Courage, Perseverance)
Positive family relationships (if applicable)
For science and nature, start big and go more detailed (For example: Space, Planets, Jupiter…. Or Nature, Animals, Dogs)
Christian or Bible Stories (If it’s specifically a Christian book)
Awards won (Caldecott, Newbery)
If it’s part of a series (For example: Nancy Drew, YWAM, etc.)
