100+ Christian Middle Grade Books You’ll Love

ArynFamily, Young Adult (Age 12+)17 Comments

Open book on grunge background: Middle grade books

Today let’s talk about how to determine the best middle grade books of all time. (and yes, I plan on tackling a quality high school reading list soon, too) The Best Middle Grade Books of All Time I have been reading for a long time. Some stories are awesome, and some are not. Today, I am sharing the ones that I believe qualified to be the best middle grade books of all time. Not all are strictly Christian, but none of them are disrespectful in any way. Most actually make perfect family read-aloud materials, for 1st grade up, even if … Read More

Fear God Not Man: Encouragement, with a Challenge

ArynChristian Fiction, Faith, Young Adult (Age 12+)27 Comments

Fear God not Man, Bible verses about fear

When you fear God not man, you have so much more freedom! The pressure is so much lighter! To fear no one but God is an interesting dynamic, I think. Sometimes I manage to do this, and other times the fear of man (opinions, appearances, insults or even a general “hard time”) holds me back from doing what I know God wants of me. Sometimes, I would rather disappoint God, whom I can’t see, than those around me whose reactions are immediately apparent. But this passage really puts things in perspective! (Matthew 10:26-33 NASB) 26 “Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed … Read More

17 Best Christian Fantasy Books to Enjoy Right Now

ArynChristian Fiction, Young Adult (Age 12+)23 Comments

Best Christian Fantasy Books

Fantasy, by definition, is imagining something impossible, or improbable. Christians, by definition, are followers, disciples, of Jesus Christ. A very real, possible and amazing Savior. At first glance, these two don’t really have much in common, do they? But we’re here discussing the intersection of these two topics anyway. So what are Christian Fantasy Books, and why should you read them? Why Read Christian Fantasy Books? And why on earth would a disciple of Jesus spend time reading them? Very good questions. The ability of good Christian fantasy authors to draw imaginary impossibilities that beautifully reflect Biblical truths is fantastic. … Read More

6 Queen Esther Characteristics: Key To Live a Quality Life

ArynFaith, Christian Fiction, Young Adult (Age 12+)11 Comments

Queen Esther Characteristics

Which Queen Esther Characteristics are the most worthwhile and transformative? And How did Hadassah become so captivating? Who was she? Did she really exist? Was King Xerxes truly so in love with her that he was willing to find a way to save a whole people group? And what’s the deal with Mordechai and Haman?? First let’s take a look at 6 vital character traits that we would all benefit from putting into practice. Then I’ll share a few of my favorite Christian Fiction stories of Esther. Characteristics of Esther in the Bible There are so many fascinating qualities to … Read More

United Forces: Dystopian for Kids

ArynChristian Fiction, Young Adult (Age 12+)1 Comment

United Forces: The Underground Book Readers by Terry Overton on tour with Celebrate Lit April 20-May3, 2023

An unforgettable storyline with kids you may find yourself praying for accidentally (true confessions here, you guys!). Today we get to visit the Underground Book Readers Secret Society again, and see how they’re doing. If you recall, we first met them a few months ago, and I was eager for the opportunity to follow up with them. These kids are alone, with the “world force” in charge, but they have each other, and they have hope. About the Book Book: The Underground Book Readers: United Forces Author: Terry Overton Genre: Middle grade, pre-teen, teen dystopian Release date: March 1, 2023 In the second book … Read More

Could There Be Good Dragons in the Bible?

ArynChristian Fiction, Faith, Young Adult (Age 12+)20 Comments

Dragons can teach us Faith

Do you like Dragons? I do. The good ones, anyway. If you give them half a chance, they can show you some of the best characteristics, the ones that inspire you to live as Jesus wants you to. And the bad dragons, well, they show you what the consequences are for bad choices, and what you REALLY don’t want to look like. But, are there any Good dragons in the Bible? I know the dragons in the Bible, in Revelation at least, are NOT good. So Let’s take a quick look through a few ‘dragons in the Bible’ verses and see what … Read More

The Secret Society

ArynChristian Fiction, Young Adult (Age 12+)1 Comment

The Secret Society by Terry Overton on tour with Celebrate Lit February 2023

The Secret Society is eerily possible and may be scarier to moms than to their kids. But I would still highly recommend it for kids and adults. It poses some great launching pads for ‘what if’ kinds of questions. Not to scare, but to make you think, at least on an individual level. I personally couldn’t put it down. And I don’t think my son will let me go very long between chapters when we dive into it also! About the Book Book: The Underground Book Readers: The Secret Society Author: Terry Overton Genre: Upper Middle Grade, Pre-Teen, Teen, YA Christian Fiction Dystopian … Read More

The Newton Chronicles

ArynYoung Adult (Age 12+)2 Comments

The Newton Chronicles: Soldiers, Crystals, and Temples by Terry Overton is on tour with Celebrate Lit, January 7-20, 2023

The Newton Chronicles: Soldiers, Crystals and Temples intrigued me, so I signed up for the tour. A few days after the book came, my 9yo said “I want to learn more about Isaac Newton!” So we started this book, to get a taste. We learned a few things, had a ton of laughs, and every time I tried to stop reading, there was a very insistent “2 more chapters please!” so I’d call this an absolute win! Even the 4 year old sat still! About the Book Book: The Newton Chronicles: Soldiers, Crystals, and Temples Author: Terry Overton Genre: Middle Grade Christian Fiction … Read More

Skyworld: Best Christian Steampunk Books

ArynChristian Fiction, Young Adult (Age 12+)2 Comments

Gears and Steam "Christian Steampunk Books"

Today, we enter a whole new world. Some of the dangers are far too familiar. But some are very unique and creative. As much as I enjoyed being a guest to Skyworld, I’m not sure I would want to live there. I’ll admit that I didn’t know what ‘steampunk’ was until this book. But it’s pretty cool. Victorian culture, steam-powered advanced technology, and a fascination with science. And I must say, this author hit the ball out of the park with her Christian Steampunk books! Why Read Christian Steampunk Books? Christian Steampunk books explore a unique ‘what if’ that really … Read More

Liberty Lane’s Rebel-ution: An Epic Esther In Middle School

ArynYoung Adult (Age 12+)2 Comments

Liberty Lane, Today's Esther for Middle Schoolers

Liberty Lane is a modern-day Esther, who’s about to take on the Royal Crown Singing Competition, peer pressure, a bully, and a few fears along the way. I have to admit this girl got to me. I’m proud of her, cheered her on, and questioned her timing a time or two. I think you’ll enjoy reading her story and getting to know her. The biblical parallels are very well done, and yet it’s still very much its own story! About the Book Book:  Liberty Lane and the One-Girl Rebelution Author: Shaylene King Genre: Middle Grade Fiction Release date: December 31, 2020 American Idol meets … Read More