ARCHDIOCESE — The staff at St. Francis Bookshop in Cincinnati offers reading recommendations for students heading off to college, as well as parents coping with the changes and challenges. These and other books can be ordered at www.stfrancisonline.com

COURTESY PHOTOS

How to Stay Catholic in College, by Christopher Kaczor (Catholic Answers). This booklet will remind your kids of the many challenges they’ll face in college and give them proven strategies for meeting those challenges while growing closer to God and building a faithful and happy life. The powerful booklet cites two temptations every college kid faces; it discusses what to do when faith wanes or disappears; it discusses the dangerous allure of relativism and emphasizes that God is waiting to help students choose a vocation.

Father McBride’s College Catechism, by Father Alfred McBride (Our Sunday Visitor). Father McBride presents a brand new catechism written especially for college and university students. Created to meet the unique needs of a questioning, searching, idealistic audience, this catechism addresses misconceptions and objections about the faith head-on, while gently and persuasively answering those arguments with sound teaching rooted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

A Teen’s Game Plan for Life, by Lou Holtz (Sorin Books). This common-sense message is for all teens striving to name their goals in life and then reach them. At a time when teens need guidance and support, Holtz provides specific reflection-inspiring steps in his game plan for success: choose your attitude, make sacrifices, get rid of excuses, understand what you’re trying to do, dream big dreams.

May You Never Stop Dancing, by John Lawry (St. Mary’s Press). In letters to his away-at-college daughter, John Lawry offers sage and sane advice on a wide range of topics — getting along with roommates, improving study habits, reading and writing, surfing the internet — that will benefit any student. He focuses on the emotional and spiritual life of a student, encouraging contemplation and prayer.

Preparing your Faith for College, by Eden and Katherine Foord (Liguori). This text is friendly, easy to read, thought-provoking, and it includes reflection questions after each chapter.

Ready for College: Everything You Need to Know, by Michael Pennock (Sorin). With everything from how to say goodbye to Mom and Dad to tips for getting along with a difficult roommate, this book gives first-time college students what they need to succeed. Pennock offers some wise advice and proven tips to lead students through an easy transition from high school to college: doing laundry, passing exams, managing time, staying safe. Plus the book provides a spiritual dimension, encouraging students to develop and ongoing relationship with God through the practice of their faith.