Books That Help Young People Build a Life That Lasts


True stories, practical lessons, history, and even humor that help young people discover their strengths, make better decisions, build character, and prepare for life. For years, I’ve used stories to reach young people in a way lectures often can't. Each of these books takes a different approach—character, personal growth, leadership, history, or humor—but they share one purpose: helping young people become stronger, more confident, and better prepared for the choices ahead.

Books That Support Our Mission

These books support the work of American Education Defenders. Proceeds help
fund our character-building programs and resources for parents and young people.

Choose Your Future character-building guide for parents and teens by Paul Lloyd Hemphill

CHOOSE YOUR FUTURE

A practical guide for parents who want to help their teens discover purpose, make better decisions, and build the character needed for life.

View on Amazon

Start With Character

Inspiration For Teens

88 Short Stories With Over 200 Life Lessons

True stories from America's most written-about event that help teens discover their strengths, make better choices, and develop the character they need for life.

View on Amazon

Stand For Something character-building book about 16 timeless values by Paul Lloyd Hemphill

Stand For Something

How To Build Character In A Broken Culture

A practical guide to 16 timeless values from honesty, respect, and responsibility that shows teens what strong character looks like. Includes 40 illustrations.

View on Amazon

Character In  Action

Profiles In Character
Timeless Values – Then and Now.

Meet remarkable people from American history whose decisions demonstrate that character isn’t something we merely talk about. It’s something we live.

View on Amazon

America’s Bold 52
52 Stories of Courage, Character & Conviction

Discover 52 remarkable Americans whose courage, choices, and character helped shape our country and whose stories still teach us something today.

View on Amazon

Bold Defenders
Complete Family Series in 3 Volumes

Meet Americans whose courage and character made a difference. Three volumes of inspiring stories designed to help families bring timeless values to life.

View on Amazon

Help Your Teen Step Up

Why You’re Already A Leader book helping young people recognize and develop their leadership abilities by Paul Lloyd Hemphill

WHY YOU’RE ALREADY A LEADER

Your Teen May Be More of a Leader Than You Think

True stories show how ordinary people stepped up—and inspire teens to discover what they’re capable of.

View on Amazon
Max Your Leadership book about developing stronger leadership skills by Paul Lloyd Hemphill

MAX YOUR LEADERSHIP!
A Much Quicker Read.

The most useful lessons from Why You’re Already a Leader, carefully selected and condensed into a faster read teens are more likely to finish and remember.

View on Amazon
Earned, Not Owed book about responsibility, self-reliance, and earning success by Paul Lloyd Hemphill

EARNED, NOT OWED

Prepare Your Teen for the Real World

Help teens understand that respect, trust, and success aren’t owed. They’re earned through responsibility, effort, and the choices we make.

View on Amazon

Sometimes Teens Just Need To Laugh

You Won't Believe a President Did That humorous American presidents book by Paul Lloyd Hemphill

YOU WON’T BELIEVE A PRESIDENT DID THAT!
One funny true story about every American president. This is history teens can actually enjoy.

View on Amazon
Laughing with Leaders humorous book featuring funny stories about famous leaders by Paul Lloyd Hemphill

LAUGHING WITH LEADERS
Funny stories about U.S. presidents that reveal their mistakes, quirks, embarrassing moments, and the very human side of leadership.

View on Amazon
Surviving Teenage Chaos humorous guide helping teens navigate high school, friendships, mistakes, and embarrassing moments by Paul Lloyd Hemphill

SURVIVING TEENAGE CHAOS
A funny look at the awkward moments, friendship fumbles, embarrassing mistakes, and everyday chaos of surviving the teenage years.

View on Amazon

Copyright @ 2026 American Education Defenders, Inc

501(c)(3) Non-profit  |  Annual Report 2025  |  Privacy Policy