African american parents reading with daughter at home.

Summer Reading Recommendations for Tweens, Teens, and Parents: Part 2 of a Part 3 series

As summer winds down and the back-to-school season approaches, it's crucial to keep feeding our minds with inspiring and meaningful content. This updated list of summer reading recommendations is perfect for tweens, teens, and parents looking to make the most of the remaining summer days. Don't let the transition to school be a time of mental stagnation—engage with these enriching reads to stay sharp and spiritually nourished! In case you missed it, check out our recommendations in our Part 1 of a Part 3 series! Also, sign up so that you will not miss our final summer reads coming up!

Non-Magical Mystery Books

For Tweens:

"The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden" by Karina Yan Glaser
* Snapshot:This heartwarming story involves a family working together to save a neighbor's garden, promoting themes of community and kindness.
* Why you need it: Encourages teamwork and a sense of community.
* Buy "The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden" - Print, Kindle, Audiobook

For Teens:

"Code of Silence" by Tim Shoemaker

*Snapshot: A gripping mystery with Christian themes that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat without involving magic or supernatural elements.
* Why you need it: Promotes integrity and courage.
* Purchase "Code of Silence" - Thrilling Teen Mystery in Various Formats

Historical Fiction

    For Tweens:
    "Esperanza Rising" by Pam Muñoz Ryan
    * Snapshot: A tale of a young girl's journey from privilege in Mexico to the hardships of migrant labor camps in the Great Depression.
    * Why you need it: Encourages resilience and empathy.
    * Get "Esperanza Rising" - Available in Multiple Formats
    For Teens:
    "The Hiding Place" by Corrie Ten Boom
    * Snapshot: Follows the stories of three young refugees from different historical periods as they seek safety and freedom.
    * Why you need it: Provides historical perspective and promotes empathy for displaced individuals.
    * Order "The Hiding Place" - Print and Digital Editions

    Poetry

    "Poetry Speaks Who I Am" edited by Elise Paschen
    * Snapshot: A collection of poems that resonate with young readers, capturing the highs and lows of growing up.
    * Why: Fosters a love for poetry and personal expression.
    * Purchase "Poetry Speaks Who I Am" -Inspiring Poetry Collection

    Friendship and Rom Com

    For Tweens:

    "The Cupcake Diaries" by Coco Simon
    * Snapshot: Follow the sweet adventures of four friends who start a cupcake business.
    * Why: Promotes entrepreneurship and friendship.
    * Order "The Cupcake Diaries" - Print and Kindle Editions
    For Teens:
    "The Scarlet Pimpernel" by Baroness Orczy
    * Snapshot: A thrilling tale of a mysterious Englishman who rescues aristocrats from the French Revolution guillotine.
    * Why: Combines adventure, romance, and heroism in a gripping historical setting.
    * Shop "The Scarlet Pimpernel" - Multiple Formats Available

    Anime

    For Tweens and Teens:

    "Silver Spoon" by Hiromu Arakawa

     

     

    * Snapshot: A humorous and touching story about a city boy adjusting to life at an agricultural school.
    * Why: Teaches life lessons about hard work, community, and self-discovery.
    * Discover the "Silver Spoon" - Anime Series

     

    Sex and Gender Identity

    Why These Books Are Important
    Understanding gender identity and sexuality through a biblical lens is crucial for Christian tweens, teens, and young adults. These books provide the necessary guidance, helping to navigate these complex topics with faith, compassion, and conviction. As Ephesians 4:15 (NKJV) says, "But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ." By exploring these resources, young people can develop a stronger, biblically grounded understanding of their identity and relationships, empowering them to live faithfully in today's world.

    For Tweens and Teens:

    "God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies" by Justin S. Holcomb and Lindsey A. Holcomb

    * Snapshot: A sensitive and biblically-based approach to understanding bodies and boundaries.
    * Why you need it: Grounds children in understanding their bodies and body boundaries from a biblical perspective.
    * Read "God Made All of Me" - Body Safety for Kids

     

    "In His Image: 10 Ways God Calls Us to Reflect His Character" by Jen Wilkin 

     

    * Snapshot: Explores how understanding God's attributes helps us comprehend our own identity.
    * Why you need it: Provides a strong biblical foundation for understanding identity and gender.
    * Study "In His Image" - Christian Book on God’s Character

       

        Scripture to Meditate on

        As you continue on your summer reading journey, reflect on "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV)
        Let this scripture guide you as you grow in knowledge and faith.

         

        Thank you for choosing us for your summer reading and faith-based accessory needs. Happy reading!
        This wraps up our 2nd part of our summer reading series recommendations from tweens to young adults!  Sign up to get notified when the third and final  part of the series come out! If you missed the first series, please check out the recommendations here!
        We love hearing from our readers! Share you thoughts on the books that you read from our recommendations, share your book recommendations to be included in our next series, and your favorite summer reading memories in the comments section below. Let's spark conversations and build a community of book lovers together. Don't be shy - your voice matters :)

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