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Question & Answer Library
Question and Answer Library
Several guests ask about...
Books for Teen Girls
"What do you think about these vampire
books that teens are reading. Can you recommend
other books for teens that are full of adventure,
romance and intrigue but may have a more moral
or faith-based theme?
I’m happy to recommend some can’t put-them-down books your teen girls will love, and you’ll feel good about, too. I have to admit that I haven't read any of vampire books you're referring to...I have enough trouble with giving blood at the doctor's. But I love a well-written book and there are plenty to choose from that include adventure, romance, intrigue,and edification. Before we go there, though, a couple of thoughts about teens, books, and choices. One thing I recommend to parents who are concerned about the books their children want to read, especially if "everyone else!" is reading them and they don't want to feel left out, is to first read the book yourself. That way you'll know if the book poses dangers you want your child to stay away from, or it's actually a book you're comfortable with, or somewhere in the middle. "Somewhere in the middle" means that the book has some questionable issues, but they are ones that pose perfect learning opportunities for your student with your interaction and guidance. For example, you could make a coffee date with your daughter at your favorite shop and talk about the book with questions like this, "What do you think about _____? How do you feel about the way she handled it? Have you seen other kids deal with issues like that? How did it work out for them?" Note that you use the book as a nonthreatening teaching/guiding/coaching opportunity. Also note that the questions that are the most successful for keeping dialogue open are "What do you think about____", "How do you feel about____?" Also make sure your time includes sharing things you both liked and enjoyed about the book, too. In short, for books that are "in the middle" for parents, consider using the book as a tool for developing choice and thinking skills that will serve her well in the long run, and as a fun way to spend time together.Now back to books. An author that many teens enjoy is Melody Carlson. One of her favorite series is called The Secret Life of Samantha McGregor, starting with the first in the series Bad Connection. For something that includes romance and the other-worldly, you can’t do better than Frank Peritti’s This Present Darkness, and Piercing the Darkness. Francine Rivers' series, The Mark of the Lion, is also terrific, starting with the first in the series, A Voice in the Wind. Bode Thoene, another fabulous author has an excellent, suspenseful, and romantic series called The Zion Chronicles, the first being the Vienna Prelude. For books that include plenty of teen drama and, yes, some romance, Melody Carlson’s True Colors series has plenty of terrific titles to choose from. All of the books by Robin Jones Gunn are also favorites, including her Christy Miller Series. Even more options include Gloria Whelan’s Once on This Island, and Lisa Hall Johnson’s Fast Forward to Normal. If your girls try any of these, I'd love to hear how they liked them. I know they're popular with lots of teens, and I'm hoping they'll be enjoyed by your gals, too!