Teens need to read. Not only do they need to read, they need to read something other than text messages on their cell phone's screens. Indeed, if more teens would read good literature, it is likely that they would find greater value in education and life itself. Some great writers that all teens should read include Whitman, Hawthorne, Shakespeare, Goethe, Dante and the Brownings.
By the same token, there are particular books with Christian themes that can be of benefit for teens around the world. Not all of these books are overtly 'Christian,' but they depict fundamental principles and archetypes of Christianity so wonderfully that they should not be missed. Here is a listing of some of the more important Christian fiction books that teens should get into as early in life as possible.
*The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis
Lewis tells the story of the Pevensies and friends as they travel to a land called Narnia, where animals speak and a mighty lion called Aslan rules distantly. The adventure, drama and characterizations engage the reader while the choices made by characters and the consequences thereof resonate in the heart of the reader. Themes of redemption, courage, the conflict between evil and good, obedience to laws and salvation are wonderfully treated in these novels.
Lewis claimed he did not intend for these books to be any kind of allegory, but they are powerful nonetheless.
*Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien
Tolkien and C.S. Lewis were not only contemporaries, but good friends. Indeed, Tolkien had a significant hand in C.S. Lewis' conversion to devoted Christianity. The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a set of solid, adventure-filled, action-packed novels that seems to be universal in its appeal. But these books are also a moving depiction of the struggle against evil that everyone should take part in. It is not insignificant that the smallest of the players, and really Frodo's marginalized best friend, is the ultimate hero of the book.
But don't forget Boromir's redemption, Galadriel's resistance of temptation, Smeagol's descent into misery as he allows covetousness to overome him and Gandalf and others' self sacrifice. All of these themes are Christian and can infuse a teen with a desire to be a hero.
*Till We Have Faces, by C.S. Lewis
This is an ancient myth retold in Lewis' careful, thoughtful prose and characterization. At times tragic and at other times beautifully moving, Till We Have Faces is a lauded book that can both teach and entertain teens.
*The Tennis Shoes Series, by Chris Heimerdinger
Heimerdinger transports his characters back to an ancient civilization wherein they must try to use their smarts, faith and resourcefulness to save the day. The stakes are high, the characters are surprisingly well-drawn and the books are completely clean. Fun reads all around.
*Classics, by many
We as a society and educational system seem to have lost the value we used to assign to classics in literature. While some of these books don't espouse overtly Christian values, they are still important in a teen's complete education.
Christian books to avoid:
*The Left Behind series. These books' prose is stilted, the characters are completely unbelievable and the dialogue is laughable. The subject matter and choices the characters face are wonderful, but all in all the books are terrible. Why subject your teen to crummy writing for the sake of getting them to read about the Rapture? Instead, have your teen read some good classics.