New from Weak Things · Ages 8–12
Book of Mormon stories your kids won’t put down
Two hilarious, hand-drawn journal books told by kids who were there: a grumpy big brother leaving Jerusalem, and a nervous kid who joins Helaman’s 2,000. Funny where it should be funny. Reverent where it matters.
Paperbacks printed and shipped to your door · Digital PDF editions available
Pick a series. (Or get both.)
Each book stands on its own. Both are written in the same laugh-out-loud journal style.
Series · Alma 23–58
Diary of a Stripling Warrior
Book 1: Mom Said I’d Be Fine
“My dad buried his sword before I was born. But I never made that promise.”
Zip faints at blood, can’t find his left foot and is scared of deep water. So naturally he signs up with Helaman’s 2,000 young warriors. Mom says he’ll be fine. He’s keeping score.
- A very silly medical review, training camp and one honest answer
- A best friend who never panics and a goat named Captain who eats everything
- The people of Ammon’s buried swords, told gently and reverently
- 172 pages · “Fact or Zip?” guide included
Coming next: Book 2, 2,060 and Counting
Series · 1 Nephi
Laman’s Journal (It’s NOT a Diary)
Book 1: We’re Going WHERE?
“My dad had a dream. Now we live in a TENT.”
Meet Laman: oldest brother, world-champion complainer and the very unwilling star of the funniest trip out of Jerusalem ever recorded. (It is NOT a diary. It’s a record of complaints.)
- Genuine Egyptian sandals, a goat with opinions and way too many tents
- Laman crosses out old scripture words and writes his own
- Find Gary the hidden lizard on almost every page
- 160 pages · “Fact or Laman?” guide included
Coming next: Book 2, Nephi Is Building a WHAT?
Why kids keep reading (and parents say yes)
They’re actually funny
The jokes come from the narrator, never from sacred things. Kids laugh at Laman’s complaining and Zip’s nerves, then see the story through fresh eyes.
They’re faithful
Covenants, prayers and quiet acts of courage get calm, joke-free pages. Battles stay off the page. The heart of each book is family and choices.
They send kids back to the scriptures
Every book ends with a guide showing which parts are scripture and which are invented, plus a scripture index and questions to talk about together.
Peek inside
Hand-drawn notebook pages, just like a real kid’s journal.
Perfect for
Questions parents ask
What ages are these for?
Ages 8–12 (grades 3–7) for independent reading. Younger kids love them as read-alouds, and older kids and adults laugh too.
How much of the story is made up?
The big events come straight from the Book of Mormon. The everyday moments, friends, jokes and pets are invented to bring the story to life. Each book ends with a “Fact or Zip?” or “Fact or Laman?” guide with scripture references, so kids always know which is which.
Are the war chapters too intense?
No. Battles happen off the page. Serious moments like covenants, loss and prayer get quiet, simple pages with no jokes and no graphic pictures.
Do I need to read them in order?
The two series are separate, so start with either one. Within a series, start with Book 1.
How do paperbacks ship?
Each paperback is printed when you order and shipped straight to you. Allow a few extra days for printing. Book shipping is calculated separately at checkout.
What’s in the digital edition?
The complete book as PDF files you can read on a tablet or computer, delivered instantly through Etsy. It’s for personal and single-family use.
Is this an official Church publication?
No. These are works of fiction inspired by the Book of Mormon, written by Mike Merrell. They are not published or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Start a new family favorite tonight
Two series. One goal: kids who can’t wait to talk about the Book of Mormon.
Works of fiction inspired by the Book of Mormon. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.