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get thrown off course and land on the planet, Ixchel. Here, a non-seeing creature, whom Meg names Aunt Beast, explains to Meg that it is only the unseen that is true. With lessons learned, the kids go to Kamazotz, a planet of depressing sameness, where Mr. Murray is held captive by IT, a giant brain-like being with a heartbeat that serves as the pulse of the planet. This rhythm is hypnotic, and the kids must use their courage, strength, knowledge, and love to help Mr. Murray escape the Darkness.

In the novel, the Darkness symbolizes evil, overtaking one planet at a time. The three "ladies" who help the kids during their travels can be described as guardian angels. IT represents sin, or more specifically, Satan, controlling everyone through persuasion and the threat of pain and fear. The novel's happy ending leaves readers with a positive message that, even when it is difficult and tiring, good can overcome evil if you believe in yourself and the strength you have been given.

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town by Kimberly Willis Holt

Holt's young adult novel, published in 2001, was not supposed to be a Christian book. But with its religious sub plot and quoted scripture, the story becomes a heartwarming Christian lesson.

Toby and Cal are best friends living in the small Texas town of Antler. Nothing exciting happens until one day a trailer pulls into the convenience store parking lot with a sign calling people to see "the fattest boy in the world." Curious, the boys pay their two dollars each to walk through the trailer and spy on an extremely obese boy sitting inside, acting as if no one was there. Throughout the story, and in no easy manner, Toby and Cal eventually befriend the boy. When they notice that the baptism page of Zachary's Bible has not been filled out, they question him. In time, they discover that Zachary's mother, a very large women herself, had died right before he was to be baptized. Her funeral, though meant to be a time of mourning and reflection for friends and family, became a media circus. Zachary had never forgotten the way he felt, and is fearful that his baptism would draw the same attention. Knowing that they need to help Zachary, Toby and Cal call upon the assistance of Ferris, the town's restaurant and bowling alley owner. Ferris had studied to become a preacher but never did, and refuses to help. Nonetheless, after Toby reminds him of the story of Jesus and John the Baptist, Ferris agrees to perform the baptism. They sneak Zachary to the lake where, with four people - Toby, Cal, Cal's sister, and Ferris - dunk Zachary into his new life with Jesus. When Zachary departs, Toby and Cal marvel about the summer when Zachary Beaver came to town, and realize they will never be the same.

With a setting of 1972, during the Vietnam War, this novel makes plenty of allusions, or historical references to the time. Not only is the novel one-of-a-kind, but its themes of family, love, life and death remain entertaining and educational, in both cultural and religious aspects.

In choosing good Christian fiction books for teenagers, do not be limited by the label. Look beyond public marketing to the story's underlying themes, for that is where faith can show itself.

Learn more about this author, Marisa Hefflefinger.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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