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Books Every Teen Girl Should Read
- Aubrynn Padilla
- Feb 12, 2024
- 5 min read
“Visit many good books but live in the Bible.” -Charles Spurgeon
“Eating and reading are 2 pleasures that combine admirably.” C.S Lewis
If you are anything like me you love to read and you’re always looking for new literature to delve into. But maybe you’re not like me and you hate reading! Either way, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite works that I believe every teen girl should read.
As a bookworm, I have many favorites so I chose a few that have helped me or taught me lessons that I will never forget!
A few of my favorites (in no particular order)
Do Hard Things
This book is truly inspirational and life-changing!
The call to “do hard things'' comes from the then teenage twin brothers Alex and Brett Harris. After reading this book I was inspired to do things that are “hard”, realizing that I don’t have to live by the low expectations that are so hastily put on teenagers. I can “do hard things''.
Purchase on Amazon here
Read their blog here
Through the Gates of Splendor
This true story changed my life. The account was written by Elizabeth Elliot and tells of the fate of her husband Jim Elliot and his 4 companions; Nate Saint, Roger Youdarian, Pete Fleming, and Ed McCully, when they were attempting to share the Gospel with a Stone Age tribe in the jungles of Ecuador. The story is one of sacrifice, redemption, and selfless love. Every time I hear the narrative again I am moved and stirred. The lives these men led, the death they died, and the beautiful redemption afterward is something that will never get old.
Purchase on Amazon here
By the same author: The Shadow of the Almighty, view all of Elizabeth Elliot's books here
Little Women
This book is a classic, written by Louisa May Alcott in the 1860s, it tells the stories of four fictional sisters with very real problems. It is rather long and was originally published in two parts. It gives basic life lessons for young women and sets a high standard for how ladies ought to behave. Every girl can relate to at least one, if not all, of the sisters in some way (I feel like I have a little bit of all of them in me!). It is a well-written and truly engaging book that is sure to make you laugh and cry.
By the same author: An Old-Fashioned Girl, Eight Cousins (or the Aunt Hill)
The Chronicles of Narnia
I believe everyone needs to read this series. C.S. Lewis does a masterful job of weaving the Gospel message into this fairytale. In the words of Lewis, “A children's story that can only be read by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.” The Chronicles of Narnia can definitely be enjoyed by people of all ages, even though they are “for children''.
By the same author: Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters
How to Win Friends and Influence People for Teen Girls
This book is a must-read for every teen girl. I wish I would’ve read it sooner. It breaks down the basics of having good relationships with others in a practical and easy-to-understand way. While the book is not written by a Christian author, it is easy to apply to a Christian life since Jesus calls us to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31).
Purchase on Amazon here
Related book: How to Win Friends and Influence People (original)
The Hiding Place
Another great true story, this autobiography tells the story of the Ten Boom family, more specifically Corrie Ten Boom, during World War 2. The brave efforts of the Ten Booms to hide and smuggle Jews resulted in the arrest of the family. Corrie’s father and sister Betsie, who was her sole companion in the concentration camp, both died before the war was over. Miraculously, Corrie survived and was released in December of 1944. From there she began speaking about her experiences and caring for war victims. She learned the power of forgiveness and cared for Jews and Germans alike. This is a powerful story that is a reminder that “there is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still” (Betsie Ten Boom).
Purchase on Amazon here
The Little House on the Prairie Series
Another classic series and an autobiography written by Laura Ingalls Wilder about her experiences growing up on the American frontier. The books include valuable life lessons and so much history! The thing that blows my mind every time I read these books is the fact that the stories are true and that people used to actually live the way Wilder describes it.
Purchase on Amazon here
Heaven: Your Real Home
A book for anyone who has ever wanted to know more about our eternal home with our Savior. This text had me in tears with just about every chapter. Written by quadriplegic Joni Eareckson Tada (founder and president of Joni and Friends), it gives a glimpse into what the future holds for us as Christians. It renewed the “hope within me” and changed my entire perspective of the life to come.
Purchase on Amazon here
Learn more about Joni Eareckson Tada here
The One Thing You Can’t Do in Heaven
Since we are talking about our Heavenly home, what is one thing you can’t do in Heaven? I’ll give you a hint, “Sin” is not the answer I’m looking for. The correct word is evangelize. Once we get to Heaven there will be no more opportunities for witnessing. Author Mark Cahill reminds us of the call for us as Christians to evangelize and then breaks down the basics of witnessing. He offers tips and strategies to help us do everything in our power to “make Heaven crowded”.
Purchase on Amazon here
Read, read, read!
Of course, the best book you can ever read is the Bible, God’s letter to us. Even if you don’t enjoy reading, the Bible is essential to our walk with God.
If you struggle to read the Bible try listening to it! Most Bible apps and websites have this option. Or, try reading 1 chapter or 5-10 verses a day. Most importantly, seek God and ask Him to help you to fall in love with His word!
I hope this list will help you along in your reading journey or encourage you to start! Please let me know if you read any of these books and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!
Happy reading!
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