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10 Great Summer Reads for Teen Boys

If you are new to this summer reading series, you can find a post brimming with suggestions for teen girls HERE; one for 11-14-year-old girls HERE; one for 11-14-year-old boys HERE; and one for families to read aloud HERE. ๐Ÿ™‚ This post is intended for boys 15+, give or take a little. *However*, teen girls will also like many of these books ~ and teen boys may like some of the suggestions on the teen girls list as well. (Personally, I have read all of the suggestions and loved them all!) However, many of the books on this list do concentrate on manhood and its meaning, so keep that in mind. ๐Ÿ™‚

As always, please keep in mind that different families have different expectations for what is appropriate for reading at different ages. ๐Ÿ™‚ I encourage you to seek to listen to how God is leading you regarding reading material for your children and young adults – and if you have any questions, please feel free to ask! ๐Ÿ™‚

As usual, all covers are clickable affiliate links and will take to their “buy” page, where you may learn more about each book.

1. A Separate Peace by John Knowles ~ This is a thought-provoking coming-of-age novel that takes place just before and during the early years of WWII. This would be a great book for a parent and teen to read separately and then come together to talk about what the story means. (Note: I do *not* recommend watching the film version of this book.)

2. The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis ~ A comical but ultimately deadly serious conversation between a junior and a senior devil on the art of temptation. Highly recommended!

3. The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson ~ A creepy, fast-paced, thought-provoking classic.

4. I, Isaac, Take Thee, Rebekah by Ravi Zacharias ~ Excellent for those interested (admittedly or otherwise!) in developing a romantic relationship that pleases God. (Another good one for guys is Joshua Harris’ Sex Is Not the Problem – Lust Is,ย which can be found HERE.)

5. Many Waters by Madeleine L’Engle ~ Two 16-year-old boys get whisked back to the time of Noah and the Flood… and find themselves having to make very difficult decisions as a result. (Note: This is a strongly fictional take on the historical Flood account; L’Engle uses the fictional aspect to bring to light parts of the story we might never consider… such as, did Noah have other children? And what happened to them?)

6. Night by Elie Wiesel ~ The true account of a Jewish youth who endured the Holocaust, this book helps modern readers understand the plight of the Jews in the world, as well as helps them to see how God has preserved the Jewish people.

7. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien ~ One of the best adventure/quest stories ever penned, this is full of inspiring heroism and self-sacrifice in cause of Truth.

8. Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot, edited/compiled by Elisabeth Elliot ~ One of the missionaries who died at the end of an Auca spear, Jim Elliot’s diary is as vivid, honest, and forthright as the person he was – wonderful insight into sacrificial living, true manhood, purity, the call and will of God on one’s life, and more! Highly, highly recommended!

9. The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun ~ If your son wants a true story of God’s grace in one’s Chinese believer’s life when he stood against satanic powers and endured torture and miraculous deliverance, read this autobiography of the man known to his own people as “the heavenly man” because he is so close to God.

10. The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel ~ An investigative journalist looks into the claims of the Bible – well-written and researched. When read and used prayerfully and sensitively, this is a great tool for evangelism and apologetics.

Bonus! ๐Ÿ™‚

11. From the Dark to the Dawn by Alicia A. Willis ~ The exciting and often heartbreaking tale of a Roman captive who becomes a Christian and attempts to win his master to Christ. A well-told story that has the feel of a 19th-century classic with the readability of a contemporary novel.

I hope this list has given you some good ideas and will be a blessing to your family! Next up, Lord willing, is a list for children 8-11. ๐Ÿ™‚
Grace and peace,
Alicia Ruggieri

I may happily link this post up at:

Literacy Musing Mondays, Good Morning Mondays, Monday’s Musings, The Art of Homemaking Mondays, Modest Monday, Mommy Moments, Tuesdays with a Twist, Messy Marriage, UNITE, RaRa Linkup,ย Testimony Tuesday, Tuesday Talk,ย Homemaking Link-up, Word-filled Wednesday, Wise Woman, The Homemaking Party, Porch Stories, Christian Blogger Link-up, Coffee for Your Heart, Women with Intention, Oh My Heartsie Girl, Amanda’s Books and More, Tell His Story, Grace at Home, Heart Encouragement, Encouraging Hearts and Home, Booknificent Thursday, Friendship Friday, Faith-Filled Friday, Counting My Blessings, Fresh Market Friday, Sitting Among Friends,ย No Rules Weekend Blog Party

8 Comments

  • Michele Morin

    Goodness yes, your hope has been fulfilled! I’m scribbling ideas like mad, and can’t believe that I’ve never had my youngest son read any of Elisabeth Elliot’s biographical work! Thanks for this great post!

  • Joy

    Hi Alicia! Thank you for this list. My son is an avid reader. Although he’s read a few of these, it will give him more to add to his summer reading list. I’m glad I found you today via #RaRaLinkup! ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Tiffany Parry

    Love this list. My son is 14 and is currently reading through the Lord of the Rings series. I think I’d actually like to do the Screwtape Letters with him. Thanks for the recommendation! Glad to be your neighbor at #heartencouragement today.

  • April

    I love your list. Excellent suggestions. I don’t have a teen yet, but I have 4 boys. The oldest is 11, so this has is up and coming. I’ve only read 2 or 3 on this list, but they are awesome. I actually want to read these other myself.

  • Linda S

    Alicia, this is a fabulous list! Several of your recommendations are books we’ve had our older boys read. I’m thinking it’s time for me to get this list to my younger boys. Thank you for these reminders.

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