Hi! I’m Sara, one of the owners here at Books Series Recaps, and I built this list for other Christian parents and readers like me. I’ve been on the lookout for great YA novels written by Christian fiction authors. Are you looking for Christian fiction books for teens recommended or written by Christian authors? Here are a few I’ve found and read, and some that were suggested to me by friends, family, and trusted authors. I wouldn’t consider all of these as having an obvious Christian message, but all are written from a Christian worldview.
**This page is in progress. Please help me build this list of Christian novels for teens by adding your suggestions in the comments! I would truly love your input, so I can pass those books on to my tween and teen kids. Thank you!
Get quarterly book suggestions in your inbox:
You can find even more suggestions on Christian author, Sara Watterson’s website in her post called Clean Books for Teens and Tweens. You can sign up to get her quarterly clean YA and Christian book suggestions on her website. (This is a different list than any of our Book Series Recaps newsletters.)
All Christian Young Adult Fiction on our list are clean books. What is a clean book?
To me, a clean book has little to no language and no sex, sexual situations, or themes.
**AUTHORS: We’re always looking for authors who write Christian YA fiction books. If that’s you, please list it in the comments below (no links, please). READERS, don’t forget to check the comments!
List of Christian Authors who write YA books for teens
I’ll add to this list as I go, but here are a few Christian authors who write books for teens.
- Sara Watterson
- Eva Austin
- Nadine Brandes
- Sara Ella
- Candice Pedraza Yamnitz
- D.S. Fisichella
- Jennifer Kropf
- Ashley Bustamante
- Stefanie Lozinski
- Cathy McCrumb
- Kara Swanson
- Victoria McCombs
- Nova McBee
- Candace Kade
- C.J. Milacci
- Stephanie Daniels
- Bradley Caffee
- Melanie Dickerson
(**Yes, some of these are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. We don’t make much money on these, but we do make enough to pay for the hosting on this growing website. Thank you!**)
Best Christian youth fiction books for teens and tweens (in my opinion 😉 )
Here’s my list of YA books by Christian authors. Readers: please, check the comments for more ideas and don’t forget to add your additional suggestions!
- This Dreamer by Sara Watterson
This is a young adult Christian fiction novel inspired by the Biblical story of Joseph and his dreams. It contains a strong message of forgiveness as well as finding purpose and belonging in your creator.
- My Favorite Color is Your Something Blue and My Favorite Color is The Golden Hour by Eva Austin
Super cute and clean YA contemporary romance novels. A sweet summer romance about overcoming first impressions and a cozy autumn romance about being yourself and learning to forgive. Contents: No language, no sex, brief kissing, good family values.
- A Soul as Cold as Frost by Jennifer Kropf
This is a fun wintery YA fantasy fiction with Narnia vibes. Like, the Chronicles of Narnia books, this series carries a subtle Christian message.
- Wishtress by Nadine Brandes
I haven’t finished this one, but it was recommended to me by a trusted source. YA Fantasy.
- Mortal Queens by Victoria McCombs
A fun and clean young adult fantasy books with an interesting premise and a touch of romance. YA Fantasy.
- Dreamer by D.S. Fisichella
This is a YA contemporary Christian fiction novel for teens. It may be geared more toward teens than tweens. In this novel, the author shows that Christian teens often must deal with big issues. They make mistakes, they forgive, they deal with mental health problems and loss, and, through it all, they must reach out to those who need Jesus.
- Unbetrothed by Candice Pedraza Yamnitz
I haven’t finished this one, but it was recommended to me by a trusted source. YA Fantasy.
- Enhanced by Candace Kade
Loved this YA dystopian by Christian author, Candace Kade!
- Once Upon a Western by Rachel Kovaciny
I haven’t finished this one, but it was recommended to me by a trusted source. YA Fantasy Retelling.
- Vivid by Ashley Bustamante
This is a fun YA fantasy fiction read with a touch of romance.
- Recorder by Cathy McCrumb
I enjoyed this YA science fiction by Christian author Cathy McCrumb.
- The Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella
I haven’t finished this one, but it was recommended to me by a trusted source. YA Fantasy.
- The Chase by Bradley Caffee
This is an exciting competition-based YA dystopian. I think both girls and boys will love it.
- Magnify by Stefanie Lozinski
I haven’t finished this one, but it was recommended to me by a trusted source. YA Fantasy.
- Calculated by Nova McBee
I loved this YA contemporary thriller by Nova McBee!
- The Healer’s Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson
Melanie Dickerson’s fairy tale reimaginings are great! This one is based on sleeping beauty.
- Dust by Kara Swanson
I haven’t finished this one, but it was recommended to me by a trusted source. YA Fantasy.
- Oathbound by Victoria McCombs
I haven’t finished this one, but it was recommended to me by a trusted source. YA Fantasy.
- Recruit of Talionis by C.J. Milacci
I haven’t finished this one, but it was recommended to me by a trusted source. YA Dystopian.
- The Uncertainty of Fire by Stephanie Daniels
This is an excellent Christian YA historical romance set during the time of the Great Chicago Fire.
**P.S. Find even more suggestions at Christian author Sara Watterson’s website on her post called Clean Books for Teens and Tweens.
Please make your suggestions for Christian novels for teens and YA Christian book authors in the comments:
I would love your input. Readers and authors, please leave your suggestions for Christian fiction books for teens in the comments. My tastes lean mostly toward Christian fantasy authors, so I particularly need your help in finding a variety of genres for this list. Please let me know your favorite YA books by Christian authors below.
Please check Pastor Henderson of https://www.keionhenderson.com/christian-authors Founder too, CEO and Senior Pastor of The Lighthouse Church & Ministries. I hope you add him to your list of best christian authors. He inspired many people of all genres and backgrounds to face life’s challenging stages with tools, courage, and purpose including me.
The Arch Mage series by Cami Murdock Jensen
Thanks for the suggestion!
I love the Sunlit Lands series by Matt Mikalatos. Its a really great Christian fantasy triology, kind of like Narnia for Young Adults.
Thank you for your suggestion! I will check it out.
Jill Williamson has the Mission League series for teens.
Hi! I’m A.D. German! As a newly published, Christian, indie author, I wanted to reach out and share with you my debut novel, The Lost King’s Daughter–Book 1 of my 3-part YA medieval Christian fantasy series In the Shadow of Emerald Fire!
I geared my book toward young girls ages 12 and up (though young boys (and adults of all ages) have been known to be interested in it, too!). It is a clean, Godly read with a touch of clean romance thrown in! There’s also mystery, action and adventure, harrowing escapes, strong male and female characters, and even a puzzle or two! If this sounds like something for you, check out The Lost King’s Daughter, available at both Amazon and Apple! Happy reading, and hope you enjoy!! 🙂
You can also follow me on Instagram @adgermanbooks for fun story facts and other random things!
Thank you for sharing!
Caroline George, Dearest Josephine
Pleasantown Jesus Freaks Series by Sherry Schwarcz
https://confessnovel.weebly.com/
Christian fiction and devotionals about modern challenges faced by teens with a Christian worldview. The first three books in The Pleasantown Jesus Freaks series (Confess, Sacrifice and Humble) are available now. The next novel (Witness) is under construction and is based on a recent mission trip to South America.
The Rin by Serena Chase is a Christian Fantasy allegorical story that is an excellent series.of 4 books.
The Girl with Stars in her Eyes by Dawn Ford is the first of a series, book 2 just released.
The Kingdom of Dragons by Cara Ruegg is a middle grade series.
Donita K Paul has a series, Dragonspell is first on book.
Arena by Karen Hancock.
There are so many great Christian fiction books available for teens now.
Thank you for the suggestions!
Looking for recommendations for troubled young teen girl who might be turned off by something clearly labeled Christian. She’s searching for identity, I’m afraid in the wrong places.
The Riverbend friends are a good option for your situation
Check out Becoming Glitch, by Daniel Sayre
It’s a new release, clean YA/ NA superhero fiction, and just won an award from Readers’ Favorite
https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/becoming-glitch
Hi, guys. I’m hoping you’ll still give my Lost Stones of Argonia series a read. Books 1 & 2 (Kingdom Lost and Quest of the Queen) are out, and the finale of the trilogy is due out this month. Clean YA fantasy with light romance. Not Christian as such, but strong encouragement to readers to consider something more than a materialistic worldview. Thanks!
Anna Travis – Milana Legends.
My kids have really enjoyed this series.
“Your website is a treasure trove for anyone looking to deepen their faith and understanding of Christian principles.
Hello, these are clean fantasy authors, maybe some other genre authors, some have more than one series:
Bill Myers
W R Gingell
Brittany Fichter
Deborah Grace White
Nancy Rue
Debby Vigiue
Bryan Davis
Nicole Patrice Thomas
Alyssa Roat
Emily Deady
Erynn Mangum
K M Shea
Dee Henderson
I’m 18 and discovered some of these series. Some books can be read by both boys and girls and some seem tailored to one gender, so feel free to choose!
This is great! Thank you!
Thanks so much for putting this list together!
Check out Branded by Joseph T. Humphrey. It’s my favorite book! A review on Amazon calls it “The Matrix meets the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” It’s a contemporary fantasy/supernatural thriller YA novel, but it’s for adults also. It has high-wire tension, deep-hearted emotion, and Christian underpinnings.
https://www.amazon.com/Branded-Forgotten-Joseph-T-Humphrey/dp/1955729018/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Thank you for your recommendation, Joe!
Fictional biblical books like this one offer a unique opportunity to explore ancient stories in a new light.
Thank you so much for putting this all together! My daughter has such a hard time finding clean books! This is beyond helpful!!
No problem! And please let me know if you find anything great that’s not already on the list!
Jerry b Jenkins
The left behind series now there are 40 books but they are all good
Jerry b Jenkins
The left behind series now there are 40 books but they are all good
Sorry it posted twice
Check out The Wingfeather Saga. It’s theoretically middle school, but my teens adore it too! It’s fantasy, funny, and has Christian themes, especially in the last book.
Thank you!
My favorite series growing up was the Christy Miller series followed by the Sierra Jensen series, both by Robin Jones Gunn. Both series are about coming of age/high school and geared more towards young girls. She also continues Christy’s story into college years, marriage, and babies. There is a spinoff series with characters from both Christy’s and Sierra’s books, as well as other books geared towards adult women. Love Love Love this author! My mother and I both have read lots of her stuff
Thank you for the suggestions!
I think it is wonderful that you have created this resource. Some of these titles seem very dark. I’m a Christian mom and have been a teacher for 20 years and I noticed that a lot of times the kids that are struggling, socially, mentally or seem to have a demonic influence almost always favor fantasy books. I think that it’s good for older teens to read books that approach sex from a godly point of view, such as showing them, the design is better and works doesn’t come with regret books by authors Karen Kingsbury emphasize romance and downplay what the world says about relationships without being graphic. I think it’s important because teens and older teens have natural God-given feelings on the topic and need guidance that doesn’t seem far away from reality. I’ve also seen a lot of teen girls that struggle with looking feminine looking pretty, which there’s nothing wrong with. Since the world is pushing so much on our children and it’s unavoidable, even sometimes when you homeschool, I think it’s very important to have open honest age appropriate conversations with kids as much as possible about what is going on in the world around you and the lies that Satan is telling people. Some female teens and preteens I meet come from such isolated families that that they seemed ashamed but their sexuality and afraid to look beautiful of feminine.
Perpetua: A Martyr’s Story (by Amy Rachel Peterson) is the YA adaptation of the classic Christian novel “Perpetua,” based on the young woman’s 3rd century diary. It’s a perfect story for teens, as Perpetua was a teen herself when she met Jesus, but became one of the most famous women in history. (After all, typefaces are still being named after her, 1800 years later!) The original adult version has high reader reviews, and the new YA version is just as delightful, while shorter for a younger audience.
The High School 101 Series by Melissa Knight is a YA Christian Contemporary series, and the first book is “Feelin’ The Chemistry”! “You Were There” is the first book of the next series, A Rayburn High Romance. Each book deals with everyday issues which our teenagers face, and explores how the faith of each main character grows.
The Summer of Us by Tori Martin
Hi there, my book Daughters of Irin by Claira Teichroeb is a Christian teen non-magic fantasy. No romance or language.
Ooh, I’m so intrigued about Wishtress. Anything Nadine Brandes.
Hello and Happy Holidays. Unbroken Bones – Book 1, Greater Love is a Christian allegorical novel for teens and young adults. Book 2, Treasures of Darkness will be released in January. The story is about two teens and their journey to figure out a mystery that leads to more than earthly treasures. It also highlights the ministry of angels.
Hello! Thank you for supporting Christian writers. My debut novel was released last week. Check out Window Notes by Kim Kramer.
Thank you!
All Mackenzie (Mac) Hawkins wanted was a peaceful, low-key summer. She had it all figured out. She would break up with her boyfriend and spend the summer with her sister, Abby, and best friend, Tessa. Everything was going as planned until Hunter Keating moved in next door with his carefree and confident personality. He had his own set of plans until she interrupted them, forcing them both to run to what was comfortable, leaving the other hurt. As she navigates how to deal with her abandonment issues from her mother and trust issues with her father, she comes to realize God uses messy, ordinary lives to fulfill His will.
This is a fantastic resource for teens seeking engaging and faith-filled reads! Your thoughtful recommendations highlight the richness of Christian fiction and its ability to inspire, uplift, and strengthen young readers in their faith journey. Well done!
Hi Sara,
I am the author of 15 books and counting. I write clean Speculative fiction, fantasy, time-travel, and adventure for young adult audiences and anyone who wants fun, clean material to read. I write under the name S.G. Boudreaux for fiction, and Shawna Boudreaux for non-fiction.
Thank you so much for your site and for helping authors of clean material connect with an audience of reader’s who want clean reads.
The inspiration for my books come from authors such as C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and George Lucas
This list of Christian fiction books for teens is both comprehensive and thoughtfully curated. I appreciate how the author not only provides a wide variety of titles but also explains the themes and the level of appropriateness for different age groups. The focus on clean, meaningful content that aligns with Christian values without sacrificing engaging storytelling is commendable. It’s wonderful to see so many diverse genres, from fantasy to contemporary, ensuring there is something for every reader. This list is an excellent resource for parents, educators, and teens looking to discover new books that promote positive messages while still delivering compelling narratives. The effort to build a community-driven list by encouraging comments and suggestions is also a fantastic way to keep the recommendations fresh and relevant. This article will certainly inspire many to explore these titles and share their own favorites!