10+ Best Christian Books for 12-14-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for engaging Christian books for 12-14-year-olds that capture the imagination while instilling valuable lessons? You've come to the right place! Whether you're a parent, guardian, or educator, finding age-appropriate and spiritually enriching books can be a challenge. Keep reading as we dive into various lists of Christian books perfect for young teens, each promising to spark curiosity and foster growth. Let's explore these gems together!

Fun Christian Books for 12-14-Year-Olds

• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This series of seven books takes readers on various adventures in the magical land of Narnia, where animals talk, magic is common, and battles are fought between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling adventures with deep moral and spiritual lessons, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and fantasy lovers who enjoy stories with moral depth.

• The Cooper Kids Adventure Series by Frank E. Peretti
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Mystery, Christian Fiction
  • Synopsis: This series follows the Cooper kids, Jay and Lila, as they travel the world with their archaeologist father, Dr. Cooper, encountering ancient mysteries and supernatural occurrences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with suspense and action, which keeps readers engaged while weaving in Christian values and teachings.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love a good mystery and learning about different cultures in a Christian context.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Christian Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe as they embark on a journey through space and time to rescue their father from an evil force.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of good versus evil and the power of love, offering a captivating story that encourages readers to think about deeper life questions.
  • Perfect for: Science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts who are interested in stories that challenge their imagination and moral compass.

• The Door Within Trilogy by Wayne Thomas Batson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Christian Fiction
  • Synopsis: This trilogy tells the story of Aidan Thomas, who is transported to another realm where he becomes involved in battles between knights and dragons, representing the struggle between good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping fantasy series that also teaches important Christian values and the concept of faith.
  • Perfect for: Fans of epic battles and fantastical creatures, who also appreciate stories with a strong moral framework.

• Adventure Bible Handbook: A Wild Ride Through the Bible by Robin Schmitt and David Frees
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Bible Stories, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This illustrated handbook takes children on a comic-book style adventure through the Bible, exploring the landscapes, history, and heroes of biblical times.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning about the Bible fun and accessible, engaging readers with its dynamic artwork and storytelling style.
  • Perfect for: Curious learners who enjoy graphic novels and want to explore biblical stories in a vivid and exciting way.

Educational Christian Books for 12-14-Year-Olds

• The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls by M.J. Thomas
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christian Fiction
  • Synopsis: Peter, Mary, and their dog Hank travel back in time to biblical events after discovering ancient scrolls that transport them to key moments in biblical history.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, religious education, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines exciting adventures with lessons from the Bible, making historical and religious education engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love time travel and adventure stories intertwined with biblical teachings.

• Imagination Station Series by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adventure, Christian Fiction
  • Synopsis: This series follows cousins Beth and Patrick as they travel through time in the Imagination Station, experiencing different historical events and meeting Christian heroes.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: History, ethics, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: Each book provides a fun, educational journey through history with a Christian perspective, encouraging both historical curiosity and moral development.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and time travel, who also value moral and spiritual lessons.

• Lightkeepers: Ten Boys Who... Series by Irene Howat
  • Genre(s): Biography, Christian
  • Synopsis: This series includes several books, each highlighting the lives of ten boys who made history while living faithfully according to Christian principles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Inspirational role models, historical knowledge, Christian values
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers inspiring stories of real-life heroes who demonstrate the impact of living with faith and integrity.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for real-life role models and stories of faith in action.

• The Prince Warriors by Priscilla Shirer with Gina Detwiler
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Christian Fiction
  • Synopsis: A group of young friends are transported to another world, where they are transformed into warriors and must fight against spiritual forces of evil.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Spiritual warfare understanding, teamwork, leadership skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an action-packed series that teaches about spiritual warfare and the armor of God in an engaging and relatable way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fantasy adventures and are interested in learning about spiritual battles and Christian teachings.

• The League of Incredible Vegetables by Karen Poth
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Superheroes, Christian
  • Illustrator: Cory Jones
  • Synopsis: This book features the VeggieTales characters as superheroes who learn to face their fears with God’s help.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Courage, faith, overcoming fears
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses common fears young people face and provides biblical solutions in a fun, superhero-themed context.
  • Perfect for: Younger readers who love superheroes and need encouragement to face their own fears with faith.

Challenging Christian Books for 12-14-Year-Olds

• The Bark of the Bog Owl by Jonathan Rogers
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christian Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book is the first in the "Wilderking Trilogy" and follows the adventures of twelve-year-old Aidan who is called by a prophet to be the Wilder King. He must protect his people from invaders and trust in the guidance of the One True God.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates allegorical elements and sophisticated themes such as divine calling and leadership.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a vivid and imaginative tale that combines biblical allegory with thrilling adventure, encouraging readers to explore themes of faith and destiny.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy epic tales and are interested in stories that blend adventure with spiritual growth.

• The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic by Jennifer Trafton
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christian Allegory
  • Illustrator: Brett Helquist
  • Synopsis: Persimmony Smudge, a curious girl living on the Island at the Center of Everything, discovers a secret that could cause the island's mythical, sleeping giant to wake.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features rich language and complex themes like bravery, truth, and questioning authority.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking and bravery through a whimsically engaging story that captivates and challenges young minds.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who delight in stories that provoke thought and imagination.

• North! Or Be Eaten by Andrew Peterson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christian Fiction
  • Synopsis: In this second book of the "Wingfeather Saga," the Igiby family, fleeing from evil forces, encounters monsters and brigands as they journey towards the Ice Prairies of the North, learning about sacrifice and family along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex family dynamics and the harsh realities of a world filled with danger and moral choices.
  • Why we recommend this book: This saga is not only thrilling but also heartwarming, offering profound lessons about family, courage, and faith.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love a good adventure story with deep moral questions and family values.

• On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christian Fiction
  • Synopsis: Adventure, peril, and ancient prophecies guide the Igiby children in their quest against the evil Fangs of Dang who seek to control the world of Aerwiar.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story introduces a complex new world with its own history, languages, and rules, requiring readers to engage deeply with the text to fully understand the setting and plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a masterful blend of humor, myth, and adventure that teaches about bravery and faith in the face of overwhelming odds.
  • Perfect for: Young fantasy enthusiasts looking for a new world to explore while deepening their understanding of courage and faith.

• The Charlatan's Boy by Jonathan Rogers
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fiction, Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: Grady, a boy with no memory of his past, travels through the land of Corenwald with a charlatan named Floyd, engaging in various hoaxes until Grady begins to question his own identity and the truths Floyd has told him.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores themes of identity, truth, and deception through a unique narrative voice and rich, imaginative storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a thoughtful exploration of self-discovery and truth, wrapped in a story full of wit and adventure.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories that make them think and re-think about who they are and what they believe.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of Christian books and you're between the ages of 12 and 14, you're in for a treat. Not only are these books filled with inspiring stories and valuable lessons, but they also offer a great opportunity to develop some solid reading habits. Here are a few exercises that can help you get the most out of your reading experience:

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Keeps you focused and helps in forming a consistent reading habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus by associating one place with reading time.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfy, and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book provokes in you.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read the book out loud to yourself or to someone else.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps in processing the information better.
  • Tips: Change your tone and pace to match the narrative to make it more engaging.

• Relate to Personal Experiences
  • What it is: Connect events or characters in the book to your own life.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading more relatable and memorable.
  • Tips: Keep a note of these reflections in your reading journal.

• Visualize the Story
  • What it is: Picture the scenes as you read, imagining the details like a movie in your mind.
  • How it helps: Enhances creativity and makes the reading experience more vivid and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Pause after a few pages to vividly imagine what you just read.

• Challenge Yourself With New Genres
  • What it is: Try reading different types of Christian books, like biographies, fiction, or historical.
  • How it helps: Broadens your perspective and exposes you to different writing styles and themes.
  • Tips: Pick at least one new genre every month.

Remember, the key to developing good reading habits is consistency and enjoyment. Try these exercises, and you'll not only enhance your reading skills but also deepen your understanding of the values and teachings found in Christian literature. Happy reading!