Charles Hodge
Andrew Hoffecker
Paperback, 400 pp., $19.99
P & R Publishing (November 1, 2011)

Charles Hodge (1797–1878) is regarded by many as the most significant American theologian of the nineteenth century. He drove the rapid growth of theological education and contributed to Presbyterianism’s wide-ranging influence in public life. His advocacy of a Reformed orthodoxy combined with evangelical piety spilled over into American evangelicalism as a whole. Hodge helped to define a distinctive ministerial model—the pastor-scholar—and his fingerprints can be seen all over the Reformed Christian scene of today.

Life of John Newton
American Missionary Fellowship
Hardcover, 144 pp., $14.99
Attic Books (June 14, 2011)

What about the life of an 18th century human trafficker could inspire you? John Newton captained a ship transporting slaves from Africa to England. On each journey, he mercilessly subjected hundreds to inhumane conditions only to be sold if they survived. But in a life-threatening storm, he cried out to God for help. Saved from imminent death, Newton soon realized he had also been saved from himself. Twenty years into his journey of knowing the grace and mercy of God, Newton penned Amazing Grace, the unforgettable hymn of redemption.

Craving Grace
Lisa Velthouse
Hardcover, 272 pp., $16.99
SaltRiver (April 25, 2011)

For Lisa Velthouse’s whole life, Christianity had been about getting things right. Obeying her parents. Not drinking. Not cursing. Not having premarital sex. Vowing to save her first kiss until she got engaged, even writing a book called Saving My First Kiss (which, it turns out, does not help a girl get a date). Yet after two decades of trying to earn God’s love, she found her faith was lonely, empty, and unsatisfying. Craving Grace is the true story of how God used a bitter heart, a broken promise, and the sweetness of honey to reveal the stunning wonder that is grace.

A Cry for Justice
Shelley Hundley
Paperback, 224 pp., $14.99
Charisma House (September 6, 2011)

The daughter of American missionaries, Shelley Hundley was born in Colombia, and grew up on the campus of a seminary. After suffering abuse at the hands of a minister, she turned from God. Hundley uses her story as a backdrop to show how she came to know Jesus in a new way—as a righteous judge who fights for His people and takes upon Himself the burden of our injustices and pain. Shelley Hundley’s journey from bitter atheist to wholehearted lover of God is unique. Yet what she learned on this journey is relevant to every person who has ever been hurt.

Belieber! Fame, Faith, and the Heart of Justin Bieber
Cathleen Falsani
Paperback, 240 pp., $16.99
Worthy Publishing (September 2011)

With hit records, 8 million followers of Twitter and the third-largest grossing documentary film of all time, the 17-year-old Canadian pop star has countless fans who hang on his every word. But is there more to this pop idol’s startling success than his haircut and talent? “The success I’ve achieved comes… from God,” Bieber says. “I feel I have an obligation to plant little seeds with my fans.” This book will encourage teachers and parents to engage with popular culture so they can better talk to their kids about what matters most.