Books for aspiring writers abound. Books for teen writers are a little harder to track down. But many teens are aspiring authors, writing reams of stories or maintaining a lively blog. Thanks to NaNoWriMo, more teens than ever are trying their hand at writing an actual novel. This is fantastic! Below are some books for teen writers that will help them catch a vision for the writing life, ponder the place of art in their life and community, think about the responsibilities an author has, and gain some practical writing tips to boot. These are not “young adult” books, but they are accessible and helpful for young adults (even as…

The Epic Bible tells the entire story of the Bible in graphic format and dramatic style, with some embellishment. The Epic Bible: God’s Story from Eden to Eternity edited by Art Ayris. Wander (an imprint of Tyndale), 2020, 840 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grade, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 12-up Readers of Kingstone Comics’ The Book of God will recognize the scholar who introduces The Epic Bible. In the first 8 pages he summarizes the scope of the Bible, the influence of the Bible, and why the Bible is different from any other book. Then on to the story itself, beginning in Genesis and the six days of Creation. There’s…

Courageous World Changers briefly covers the lives of 50 women throughout the world and history who lived for Christ. Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories of Daring Women of God by Shirley Rae Redmond, illustrated by Katya Longhi. Harvest House, 2020, 110 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-up You’ve heard of Elizabeth Elliot and Fanny J. Crosby. But what about Ni Kwei-Tseng Soon or Pandita Rambabai? Or did you know Rosa Parks was motivate to stay seated on that Montgomery bus by her Christian faith, or that Sabina Wurmbrand encouraged her husband to stand up to communism when he was tempted to waver? To cover…

A debut MG novel tackles eating disorders from the unique perspective of a younger sibling. What Happens Next by Claire Swinarski. HarperCollins, 2020. 256 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grade, ages 11-13 Recommended For: Ages 11 and up Summer won’t be the same in one Wisconsin town. As a narrator, twelve year-old Abby is bubbly, passionate about astronomy, yet also grieving the absence and loss of her loved older sister. The story unfolds in Abby’s voice with flashbacks that slowly fill in her present perspective. The Blaire she grew up adoring is gone, away being treated for her anorexia —and what will happen next?  In the meantime, an improbable summer adventure unfolds centering…

Redeemed Reader exists to “shed a gospel light on books for children and teens.” But you know what? We read books for grown-ups, too! We asked a few friends of Redeemed Reader to help us curate a dynamite list of books for grown-ups that would make great gifts this year. You might also consider this list a “books-to-check-out-at-the-library-for-Christmas-vacation-reading.” Or, perhaps you just need to forward this list to the people buying YOU presents, hmm? You’re welcome. Please note: these are books written for adults. They may contain more mature themes, language, or situations than the books we typically recommend for teens; we think they’re worth reading, but they might not…

A Hopeful Heart engagingly presents the life of one of America’s first best-selling authors: Louisa May Alcott. A Hopeful Heart: Louisa May Alcott before Little Women by Deborah Noyes. Schwartz & Wade, 2020, 267 pages. Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 12-up She was an all-American girl, even though few American girls had the interesting, enriching, challenging, feast-or-famine childhood she did. Born to not one, but two idealists, raised among the cream of American intellectuals, she had unusual advantages. But, because of her father’s supreme impracticality, she was often so poor that she and her sisters slept on the floor and survived on a diet of oatmeal. Her…