Teen Resources
BooksResources are powerful tools to encourage our children to grow deeper in their faith and mature in their character. I have found this to be true with my own children, and I hope that you find this to be true as well! Here is a list of resources that I hope you will find helpful. I pray that these will be great tools to bring God’s Word and truths into your home as you create an environment of knowing, loving, and following the Lord with your children.
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If you are a busy mom like me, but want to read some of these resources, I recommend trying Audible! I have listened to many of these books when driving to pick up kids from school, folding laundry, and cleaning the kitchen. The books save to your account, and you can go back and listen to them any time!
The following book reviews are solely my opinion having reviewed and applied principles from them with my children. Be sure to check back for more great resources to come!
By: Priscilla Shirer
B&H Kids
Best for ages: 8-14 +
The Warrior Series is about a group of boys who enter a mysterious land where they are led by a guide who helps them travel through unfamiliar territories, save other warriors, and battle evil creatures. With each battle, the warriors learn how to better use their armor and trust their guide’s instructions from “The Book” to stand against their enemies. This book is a great allegory to help children and teens understand the spiritual battle around us and our need for God’s wisdom from His Word to stand firm against our enemy.
By: Tim Lahaye & Jerry B Jenkins
Tyndale Fiction
Best for ages 13 +
The Left Behind Series is a thirteen-book collection about a group of people who realize they have been left behind after the rapture because they had never trusted in Jesus. The series follows this group through catastrophic events that happen during the apocalypse and how they continue to persevere, trusting in God’s protection, and telling others about their new found hope in Jesus. The series culminates with Jesus’ thousand-year reign on earth. Written by two pastors, this book is an interpretation of end times prophesies written in an engaging way that will keep your teens encouraged to stand strong in their faith no matter what happens in life. (FYI, the first chapter of book one discusses the main character’s desire for an affair in subtle language, so this may be something to consider or talk about with your teen before reading.) Note: There is also a 3-part Prequel Series: Before They Were Left Behind that is included in the Amazon link! I have not read this series, so you may want to preview it first.
By: Mindy Hite
Self Published through BookBaby
Best for ages: 14 +
The Light Bearers Series is about a teenage girl named Sarah who makes a startling discovery about her wealthy uncle and caretaker that plunges her into a darkness she never knew existed. The secret threatens to destroy her relationship with her sister forever and leave her unable to trust anyone. But on an unexpected family vacation, Sarah meets a stranger who reveals a power within her she didn’t know she had, and one she’ll have to master to survive. This novel has many great allegorical themes that would be beneficial to discuss with your teen, such as their identify in Christ, relationship with Jesus, and battling spiritual warfare. While this book is labeled mainstream fiction, the author is a Christian and has kept the book in line with Christian morals and standards. I would recommend reading this book and deciding for yourself it is appropriate for younger teens, as assault is referred to, but not described, and there is a scene of torture as well. Having read the book myself, I believe this series will build an awareness of spiritual darkness and inspire teens to walk in the light of God’s truth. Check out her latest book in the series, The Deliverence, too.
By: Karen Kingsbury
Center Street Publishing
Best for ages: 15 +
Karen Kingsbury is a famous Christian author who writes clean drama and romance novels that are consistent with her Christian faith. A Thousand Tomorrows is about an over-confident bull-rider named Cody who falls in love with a horse rider named Ali, who hides her life-threatening secret. The story follows their relationship over three years where their faith is tested and they must learn forgiveness and trusting God's plan through their trials.
This best-selling book was written by a skeptic-turned Christian who sought to prove Jesus was not the Son of God and through all of his research ended up discovering the opposite. It follows Lee Strobel’s journey to find out the truth and will help teens examine the logic and evidence for the validity of Jesus and what the Bible says about Him. This is a must-read book for any teen to help them learn to defend and feel confident their Christian faith. If your teen likes this book, check out the student editions of Case for a Creator, Case for Faith, and The Case for Miracles as well!
By: Elisabeth Elliot
Revell Publishing
Best for ages: 16 +
Elisabeth Eliot, the famous missionary who forgave the Waodani tribe who killed her husband, shares her true story of delayed romance and trusting God’s timing for marriage over giving into her physical desires. This book is ideal for older teen girls to encourage them to trust God's plan and remain pure for marriage.