Welcome! Thanks for joining us in our quest to find clean teen reads for young teens, older teens, and even adults. If you’re having a hard time finding books without all the language, sex, or mature situations for you and your teens, you’re not alone. Lots of kids and parents are looking for them, and we’ve found some great suggestions. (Scroll down if you want to know more about our search for clean books.)
-Sara & Stacy
Website owners
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Looking for clean books for your teen or tween’s summer? I’ve got you covered.
A note from Sara:
Hello! I’m Sara, one of the owners here at Book Series Recaps, and I curate the clean book lists on this website. I’m also a writer and a part-time high school teacher.
I hope your summer is off to a fabulous start! If you and your kids are looking for clean book recommendations for the long summertime days, I’ve got you covered.
In this newsletter, you’ll find three categories:
- Clean teen summer romance books: sweet YA romances for those long summer days
- Short young adult clean novels: great for reluctant readers or when you want a quick weekend read
- More Clean YA books: more suggested of all genres
If your teen is into contemporary romance, check out Eva Austin’s page called clean YA summer romance books:
If you have recommendations, please let me know in the comments, and perhaps I will include them in my next newsletter!
Happy reading! -Sara
Short novels for teens:
If your teen or tween is a reluctant reader or long novels intimidate them, maybe a short novel is just what they need to get them started!
*Reminder: Our site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases….hey, we had to upgrade our hosting due to our amazing number of readers…we’re just trying to pay for it! ;)*
My Favorite Color is Your Something Blue
by Eva Austin
YA Contemporary Summer Romance
One of the very few new contemporary romance novels I’ve read recently that didn’t have a lot of language. And the story was super cute and at 200 pages, is an easy weekend read!
From Amazon: “…fun, light-hearted, and sweet summer romance book for teens, tweens, or anyone!“
The God Heist
by Jessica Flory
YA Fantasy with a touch of romance
A short, clean fantasy for teens. Coming in at only 134 pages, this book is part of a series. Get started with this one, and if it’s your cup of tea, pick up Oceans of Sand next.
From Amazon: “A disillusioned thief. A dreaded gift. An impossible heist to pull.”
Click for more short young adult clean novels on author Sara Watterson’s website.
More clean teen reads for Summer:
Mortal Queens
by Victoria McCombs
YA Fantasy
A clean fantasy book with an interesting premise.
From Amazon: “They vanish without a trace, disappear into the night . . .“
The Screaming Staircase
by Jonathan Stroud
YA/Middle Grade Paranormal Mystery
A clean paranormal mystery series that’s also a Netflix show.
From Amazon: “Dive into the first book of this frightfully fun series and join the ghost-hunting gang as they defend our world from the most fearsome phantoms!“
Library of Lost Things
by Laura Taylor Namey
YA Contemporary
The main character tries to hide her mother’s mental illness from friends and especially from the boy she’s interested in. No sex but there is some language in this one.
From Amazon: “This deeply heartfelt love story explores hiding the worst parts of ourselves and finding the people who love us anyway.“
This Dreamer
by Sara Watterson
YA Fantasy Adventure
A genre mashup. It’s described as an urban and portal fantasy romance adventure with science fiction vibes.
From Amazon: “Can she summon the will to do what is necessary, or will she risk all to save a human boy?“
The Mermaid’s Tale
by L.E. Richmond
YA Fantasy
From Amazon: “A family curse, lost treasure, unrequited love, and a race against time intertwine…”
Love à la Mode
by Stephanie Kate Strohm
YA Contemporary Romance
From Amazon: “Take two American teen chefs, add one heaping cup of Paris, toss in a pinch of romance, and stir. . . .“
Still didn’t find what you’re looking for. Check out our main list. You’ll find more clean teen reads for young teens and older teens here: Clean YA Books for Teens, Tweens, or anyone.
Also, if you or your young readers like romance, check out Eva Austin’s page called clean teen summer romance books:
Books I plan to read soon:
Feathers of Snow
by Alice Ivinya
YA Fantasy
From Amazon: “In Brianna’s new world of ice and snow, the coldest things by far are the eyes of her betrothed…”
Dearest Josephine
by Caroline George
YA Historical Romance
From Amazon: “Love arrives at the most unexpected time…”
Listen to your Heart
by Kasie West
YA Contemporary Romance
From Amazon: “Kasie West’s adorable story of secrets, love, and friendship is sure to win over hearts everywhere.”
More info for new subscribers:
It’s not difficult to find clean book ideas for older books and classics, but what if your teens and tweens want to read newer fiction? My kids do, and that’s why I began a broader search.
Many people are looking for these books, and they ARE out there. You just have to know where to find them. The big publishing companies aren’t backing Clean teen reads as often right now, so I started searching in smaller publishing houses or from indie authors. I’ve found some great reads this way.
Because of this, some of these may not be at your local library, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get them there. In fact, if you want your library to offer more clean books, you should request more clean books so they’ll know what their community wants. You can request books at your library on their website, in person, or over the phone.
Also, I’d love your feedback and suggestions. You can reply to this email if you have recommendations. Keep in mind that I’m looking for more recent releases of clean books for young teens or anyone, books published in at least the last five years. (Or a series that finished in that time, even if the first book is a bit older.)
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That’s all for now. We’ll write again soon, and thanks again for your valuable suggestions.
Until next time,
~ Sara and Stacy
