Select Christian Books For Tweens

By Anita Ortega


People exposed to good literature early in life love to read, and parents want to encourage this in their children. However, finding christian books for tweens - ten to twelve-year-olds - can be a challenge. Fortunately, books have been written for centuries that meet this need, and there are modern publishing houses which specialize in this genre. By reading short synopses and reviews, you can find suitable books to entertain your kids.

Parents of pre-teens should monitor their reading. There's so much out there that is self-centered, violent, occult, or anti-God that constant vigilance is necessary. That's one nice thing about the classics: parents are familiar with both good and bad choices. Some subjects may be off-limits for this age group; for example, parents may prefer to save romantic stories for later in life.

Girl-meets-horse is one alternative that seems to be eternally popular. There are publishing houses that ask authors for a story that continues for three volumes. This format is great for character development and teaching life lessons. Pre-teen years are transitional ones, and fictional characters will face challenges that the readers also face. Many plots will spark meaningful dialog between parents and their children.

For boys, there are many adventure stories or series, as well as sports themes. Of course, boys can like horses, too, and enjoy reading about cowboys and the Old West. Exciting fiction doesn't have to depend on mythical creatures, science fiction, or the struggles between superheroes and world-destroying villains. Some books actually show main characters walking in faith, while others teach Biblical principles like honesty, self-sacrifice, acceptance of authority, and taking responsibility.

The Chronicles of Narnia is one series that uses allegory to teach the life of Christ. This sort of book demands parental involvement to draw out lessons and parallels. Although this story is not new, the fairly recent movie version has reawakened interest in it.

Of course, non-fiction is great, as well. There are many accounts of Christian heroes, missionaries, doctors, nurses, and pastors that are exciting to read. Famous Christians have had great influence on history and culture, and kids should recognize the most illustrious names. It's too bad if Spiderman is more real to them than Joan of Arc.

Historical accounts of important events are fun for the whole family to read. Explorers who reached the North Pole or the top of Mount Everest, the exploits of deep-sea divers, the faith of our founding fathers, and the adventures of people who lived on the frontiers of civilization are fascinating. From the search for the Ark to the first steps on the moon, real life is better than fiction.

Mainstream literature may ignore or even deny that many of the greatest men and women were and are Christians. Using novels and non-fiction that tell the true story or teach valuable lessons is a way to reinforce Sunday School and church messages and show kids how faith relates to their real life.




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