top ten

BOOKS FOR
CHRISTIAN
TEENAGERS
by Sara Barratt

I’ve been an avid reader as long as I can remember. As a kid, books were my favorite
hobby, but as I grew older, they began to take on a more pivotal role in my life. Books
became the avenue of discovering new ideas, learning more about God, and thinking
deeply about life.
Looking back, I clearly see milestones in my growth and maturity as a teenager. Usually
right behind these growth spurts was a book that influenced my thinking or challenged
my habits. We cannot underestimate the power good books can have in a teenager’s life.
Here are my top ten books that I wish I could place in the hands of every Christian
teenager.

1. Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations by Alex and

Brett Harris
The book every teen should read, Do Hard Things has been pivotal in my own life and in
the lives of thousands of “rebelutionaries” world-wide. It’s both practical and inspiring,
filled with stories of real-life teens defying low expectations

2. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis was one of the greatest Christian writers and thinkers of the 20th century. Mere
Christianity is a Lewis classic, filled with solid apologetics and rich truth on daily Christian
living.

3. Stand Up, Stand Strong: A Call to Bold Faith in a Confused Culture by

Sara Barratt
How should Christians respond to the tough issues of our day? Stand Up, Stand Strong
answers that question with biblical truth and practical guidance. This book narrows in on
the struggles teens face today and helps them think deeply and biblically. A must-read for
every teen who wonder how to navigate culture and desires to live boldly for God.
4. Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot
Elisabeth Elliot’s most famous work and an important message for teens. In a society that
doesn’t value purity and God’s design for relationships, this book is a radical call to choose
His way over ours.

5. This Changes Everything by Jaquelle Crowe

This well-thought and Scripture-saturated challenge to let the gospel change and
transform our lives is fantastic and theologically solid read for all teens. Best of all, it’s
written by a teen.

6. The Summit Worldview Library by Jeff Myers

Technically three volumes (Understanding the Culture, Understanding the Faith, and
Understanding the Times) and textbook size to boot, these volumes are an absolute must
for today’s teenagers navigating a difficult and turbulent culture. From apologetics to
worldview analysis, to practical help approaching the most controversial issues of today,
they cover it all with solid biblical truth and an easy-to-read style.

7. The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken

One of the most moving and convicting books you’ll ever read. The stories inside this book
deeply challenged me. You can’t read this book and not be changed.

8. The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

A compelling auto-biography of a hero of the faith and a heartrending and hope-drenched
story. My copy is falling apart, but the truths I’ve learned from this courageous woman are
ingrained deep in my heart.

9. Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions by Gregory

Koukl
If you’ve ever wanted to know how to engage in tough conversations in a winsome and
biblical way, this book is the guide you need. Practical and engaging, Gregory Koukl shares
his best secrets and tips on initiating meaningful conversations, asking good questions,
and sharing God’s powerful truth.

10. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
“One day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again,” Lewis once wrote and
this allegorical tale (along with the full The Chronicles of Narnia series) is one that teens—
and adults—can both learn from and be entertained by. Teens who enjoy fantasy will be
swept away by the story and those who look deeper can find powerful and life-changing
truths embedded throughout the narrative.
Honorable mentions:
Love Riot: A Teenage Call to Live With Relentless Abandon for Christ by
Sara Barratt
Saving Truth: Finding Meaning and Clarity in a Post-Truth World by Abdu
Murray
Transformed by Truth: How and Why to Study the Bible for Yourself as a
Teen by Katherine Forster

Sara Barratt is a 21-year-old author,

speaker, and Editor-in-Chief of
theRebelution. She is the author of
Love Riot and Stand Up, Stand Strong
(coming April 2022, Baker). She has
written for The Gospel Coalition &
Desiring God. Connect with her at
SaraBarratt.com and on Facebook,
Twitter, and Instagram.