Franklin and Bessie’s Picks—September 2024

September 1, 2024


Each month, Franklin Graham picks a book based on its inspirational message, while Bessie picks a book for children to enjoy.


Franklin’s Pick: Looking for the One: Stories of Seeing the Lost, Lonely, and Broken Through the Eyes of Jesus by David McIver

“I would love to share my faith, but I don’t know what to say.”

Most Christians don’t know how to talk about Jesus. They know they ought to share their faith, but evangelism methods feel awkward and pushy. Feeling guilty and discouraged, many believers simply avoid the subject altogether. But what if there was a simple, normal way to introduce people to Jesus, without sounding like you’re selling something?

This book explores the message of Luke 15:4, building on the radical notion that Jesus―the Good Shepherd―is actively seeking the One lost sheep, right now―today. What if we joined Him on His search, inviting Him to look for the lost, lonely, and broken through us?

Full of true stories about walking with Jesus as He finds the lost, Looking for the One is your invitation to follow the Good Shepherd to natural, authentic interactions with people who are ready to meet Him. It’s an opportunity to exchange awkward conversations for organic, supernatural encounters. It’s a front-row seat to experience the power of the gospel in your own life―as alive today as it was in the New Testament.


Bessie’s Pick: The Pumpkin Patch Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs, Illustrated by Nancy Munger

Bestselling author Liz Curtis Higgs shares God’s love and redemption with this beautiful fall story about a farmer who turns a simple pumpkin into a bright light that brings joy. The Pumpkin Patch Parable:

  • teaches kids how God’s love changes our hearts with a sweet story they can understand
  • turns family or Sunday School story time into a faith-growing discussion
  • includes scriptures on each page that tie the story to the Good News of the Bible
  • shows the stages of a pumpkin plant growing from a small seed into a huge fruit
  • makes a cheerful addition to any alternative Halloween or Thanksgiving celebration.

Liz Curtis Higgs created this parable storybook as a way to share the Gospel with her own precious children each harvest season … and now with children everywhere.


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, N.C., at the Billy Graham Library.

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