Giving Books as Gifts: For Teens
It's a challenge, and I'll take it.
This is probably the toughest list to write, but I gave it my best shot. If you have more ideas, please share them in the comments. Again, these are affiliate links.
Rise of the Anointed by Jason Joyner - I admit some prejudice here, since I edited this series. But seriously. So. Good. Christian superheroes? Sign me up.
The Boys in the Boat (Young Readers Adaptation): The True Story of an American Team's Epic Journey to Win Gold at the 1936 Olympics by Daniel James Brown - I’m warning you now that I’m going to suggest the original version of this book in another list later today. It’s that good. Oh, you saw the movie? Great. Read it anyway.
Will Wilder by Raymond Arroyo - My boys learned so much about the faith and the Church in reading these books. Every now and then one of them will say, “Oh right, like in Will Wilder…” and blow my mind.
The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom with Elizabeth and John Sherrill - My father-in-law’s favorite book, and one he loves to talk about. Even after hearing some of the best parts from him, it is absolutely worth a read (and then a reread).
Tales from the Perilous Realm by J.R.R. Tolkien - Say the teen you’re shopping for has already read The Hobbit and all of the Lord of the Rings. Twice. Here’s what’s next.
Beckoning by Claudia Cangilla McAdam - Okay, fine, I edited this one too. But again, so good. An imaginative journey into Christ’s death and resurrection and a story of a teen’s newfound faith. I’ve always thought this would make an excellent read during Lent.
True Grit: A Novel by Charles Portis - I read this with my book club, and kept thinking how much my boys would enjoy it. I also like that it would introduce them to a different genre of fiction.
Daily Companion for Young Catholics: Minute Meditations for Every Day Containing a Scripture, Reading, a Reflection, and a Prayer by Allan Wright - My friend Allan has written six versions of such a companion (John and I are quoted in the one for married couples), and they’re great prayer aids. This would make an especially good gift for someone making Confirmation in the next year or who has recently been confirmed.
Whew! We did it! Next up, books for those who love their faith.