People exposed to good literature early in life love to read, and parents want to encourage this in their children. However, finding christian books for tweens – ten to twelve-year-olds – can be a challenge. Fortunately, books have been written for centuries that meet this need, and there are modern publishing houses which specialize in this genre. By reading short synopses and reviews, you can find suitable books to entertain your kids.
Parents have to decide what is ‘suitable’. Many girls enjoy fairy tales and romances, for instance. However, some parents think pre-teen girls do better without romantic fancies in their heads. Even if properly-handled romance is out, there’s a lot to choose from . Girl-meets-horse is always a winner, and the infinite possibilities of this scenario open up many life lessons and Biblical principles.
Several Christian publishers solicit three-novel series, which follow a main character through all three books. These are nice, in that growing-up has many transitional phases, each of which has its own challenges and lessons. Pre-teens often feel a lot of pressure to grow up too fast, and reading a fictional account of this and other real-life dilemmas can help parents and children enter into dialog relevant to their own challenges.
For boys, there are many adventure stories or series, as well as sports themes. Of course, boys can like horses, too, and enjoy reading about cowboys and the Old West. Exciting fiction doesn’t have to depend on mythical creatures, science fiction, or the struggles between superheroes and world-destroying villains. Some books actually show main characters walking in faith, while others teach Biblical principles like honesty, self-sacrifice, acceptance of authority, and taking responsibility.
The Chronicles of Narnia is one series that uses allegory to teach the life of Christ. This sort of book demands parental involvement to draw out lessons and parallels. Although this story is not new, the fairly recent movie version has reawakened interest in it.
Of course, non-fiction is great, as well. There are many accounts of Christian heroes, missionaries, doctors, nurses, and pastors that are exciting to read. Famous Christians have had great influence on history and culture, and kids should recognize the most illustrious names. It’s too bad if Spiderman is more real to them than Joan of Arc.
Historical accounts of important events are fun for the whole family to read. Explorers who reached the North Pole or the top of Mount Everest, the exploits of deep-sea divers, the faith of our founding fathers, and the adventures of people who lived on the frontiers of civilization are fascinating. From the search for the Ark to the first steps on the moon, real life is better than fiction.
Mainstream society often ignores the fact that many influential men and women were and are Christians. Often this aspect of history is lost. However, thrilling accounts read in the formative years can help pre-teens know who they are and the heritage they have. Sermons and Sunday School lessons can be reinforced and enlivened by great literature both old and new.
Read more about Old And New Christian Books For Tweens.
