Franklin, Bessie and Will’s Picks—April 2026

April 9, 2026


Each month, Franklin Graham and Will Graham pick a book based on its inspirational message, while the Library staff selects a “Bessie’s Pick” book for children to enjoy.


Franklin’s Pick: Saturdays with Billy by Don Wilton

Discover a beautiful friendship between Billy Graham and his friend and pastor, Don Wilton. This handsome gift book, complete with color photos, looks behind the scenes of Graham’s life, which continues to inspire us in our own spiritual journeys.

Most Saturdays for 15 years, Don drove the long road to meet with Billy at his home in Montreat, North Carolina. There the two friends spent hours talking about family, politics, sports, and their spiritual lives.

Now, in Saturdays with Billy, Don shares:

  • More than 20 heartwarming stories of his times with his friend, illuminating the qualities in Billy’s character that were true to the end and revealing the heart of the man whose light still shines
  • A quote from Billy before each chapter, as well as dynamic color photography throughout

Just as Billy’s words changed Don’s life, they have the power to change ours–a testament to a man who leaned on God’s grace into eternity.


Bessie’s Pick: Praise Him! by Lauren Chandler with Illustrations by Michelle Carlos

Remember this, a simple song, and lift your voice and praise!

In this beautifully illustrated board book, Lauren Chandler’s lyrical lines encourage us that in the day or in the night, wherever we go, we can praise God continually.

From page to page, follow a child through her day as she goes from sunny morning to stormy afternoon and then shadowy night. Be reminded that God is always there with us, even when days are hard, and that we need only simple words to praise Him.


Will’s Pick: What Happened at the Cross by Billy Graham

The cross of Christ towers over 2,000 years of history. What happened on that hill called Calvary? In this compilation of his life’s work, Billy Graham explains what Jesus accomplished on the day of his death, the meaning of his sacrifice, where he is now, the price of victory, and how to live with hope.

It’s almost impossible to find one of Billy Graham’s sermons that didn’t focus on the incredible events that happened over 2,000 years ago on Mount Calvary, and that’s because he centered his life and ministry around its message. In this special collection of the beloved evangelist’s inspiring messages on the cross, discover simple yet profound truths that will change your life.

This one-of-a-kind message includes:

  • An exclusive foreword from Franklin Graham and afterword by Will Graham
  • More than 40 bonus pages of Scripture references pointing readers to what God’s Word says about the cross and salvation
  • The Steps of Peace salvation plan from the Billy Graham Evangelical Association
  • Seven chapters of rich content explaining what happened at the cross; the price of victory; the meaning of the cross; the king’s eternity, and how to live life with hope

Perfect for Christians seeking spiritual encouragement and a better understanding of the Gospel’s message, What Happened at the Cross will help you better understand the meaning of the cross and equip you to proclaim the gospel in your Church, your community, and beyond.


Stop by Ruth’s Attic bookstore in the Billy Graham Library to purchase your copy of these featured books and more. Not in Charlotte? Call (704) 401-3242 or email ralibrary@bgea.org to place your order. Orders can be shipped within the U.S. or curbside pickup is available in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the Billy Graham Library.


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