A Free Family Read-Aloud Experience with Janet and Geoff Benge
This summer, for the first time, we (Janet and Geoff) are inviting families to share six weeks of summer reading with us.
For more than 25 years, families around the world have read our Heroes books aloud together. Countless parents have shared with us that this reading approach has strengthened family relationships, sparked meaningful conversations, inspired their children, and created memories that will last a lifetime.
During the free Family Read-Aloud Experience, families will read one book aloud at home over two weeks and then join Janet and Geoff for a livestream conversation about the story, the history behind it, and interviews with people carrying on the legacy today. We will also share behind-the-scenes insights about writing the book and offer simple cross-generational questions to spark thoughtful family conversations and reflection.
This will be a powerful experience because:
• Generations are listening to the same story together.
• Participants are talking about what stood out to them during the reading.
• Participants are connecting the story to everyday life.
• Participants are interacting with the authors.
Over six weeks—an average of about one chapter a day—participating families will read three books Janet and Geoff have chosen for the Read-Aloud Experience:
Lillian Trasher: The Greatest Wonder in Egypt (1887–1961)
Louis Zamperini: Redemption (1917–2014)
Klaus-Dieter John: Hope in the Land of the Incas (1960–)
The Family Read-Aloud Experience is a free event and runs from Monday, July 13 through Sunday, August 23, 2026.
Livestream sessions will be held each Friday at 1:00 PM EST: July 17, July 24, July 31, August 7, August 14, and August 21.
You will be able to post questions for Janet and Geoff in the chat during the livestream and will also be provided an email address where you can send questions ahead of time. Those who register for the Read-Aloud Experience will receive an email containing a direct link to the livestream.
For those who cannot attend live, the livestream will be recorded and made available for all to view the following day (Saturday) on our YouTube channel.
How do you join this inspirational family event? Email us at:
and let us know:
• How many people will be participating in your particular read-aloud group.
• The email address where you would like the livestream link sent.
If you need copies of the books we’ll be reading, you can purchase printed, audio, or eBook versions directly from YWAM Publishing using our affiliate by clicking here.
The books are also available for sale on Amazon.
Once you email us, you will hear from us in early July with more information and a link to an introductory video that will appear on our Benge Books YouTube channel.
In the meantime, for more information you can also email Janet and Geoff at inquiry@bengebooks.com.
We look forward to spending time with you and your family during July and August.
—Janet & Geoff Benge