Have you ever noticed how hard it is to find low-violence YA books without swinging wide into romance territory? I discovered this intriguing phenomenon early in my search for clean YA fiction recommendations: You either have kissing or blood.
As I said in Violence in Clean YA Fiction: How Much is Too Much?, I am more lenient on violent content than sexual content or profanity when making recommendations for YA readers. For most people, sexual content is a much greater stumbling block, and profanity has a way of lodging itself in your mind until you find it oozing off your tongue. (How’s that for a mental picture?)
But that doesn’t mean everyone is okay with violence. And not everyone craves romance. If you’re looking for that sweet in-between spot, this list of low-violence YA fiction books is exactly what you need. Most (if not all) of the titles on this list contain some romance, but the central issue in each is something else—family relationships, mission work, apologetics, etc.
Check them out!
Hey, I’m Lauren, author of YA Christian fiction and blogger for teens with higher aim.
In This Article
Low-Violence YA Fiction Books: Christian Fiction
Perfectly Dateless
Chick-lit by Kristin Billerbeck
Daisy Crispin has 196 days to find the right date for the prom. She even made a list of possible candidates. The problem? Her parents make her wear lame clothing and forbid her to date. Oh, and she’s also socially inept and practically invisible to all males. She enlists the help of her best friend, Claire, but Claire’s help could ruin her life…
My Thoughts: This is the first book of Kristin Billerbeck’s Universally Misunderstood series, and while the title suggests romance, I found that family relationships and the quest for autonomy were bigger themes. (Romance becomes more prominent as the series progresses.) Underdogs and anyone who’s struggled with strict parents will sympathize with Daisy’s story. Indeed, her parents are a bit ridiculous and Christian morals are taken to an extreme in this story, but it’s fluffy and humorous with plenty of over-the-top drama to make you shake your head.
Because of You
Contemporary YA Christian fiction by Hannah Currie
Sixteen-year-old Chloe eagerly embarks on her dream overseas mission trip to an orphanage, expecting adventure, cultural immersion, and lifelong friendships—only to discover that the people who might need her love and help the most could be waiting right back home.
My Thoughts: If you’ve ever gone on a mission trip (or wish you could go on a mission trip), this book will strike your fancy. I loved the message and the relationships between the different characters. The book offers solid Christian elements and a real eye-opener to a world outside of relative comfort and safety. I felt it was a bit low in action and suspense, which makes it perfect for those who prefer heart-warming, low-stress books.
Real, Not Perfect
Contemporary YA Christian fiction by Stephanie Coleman
Tessa is a well-liked girl with a seemingly perfect life. Straight-As, a competitor on the swim team, active in her church youth group, a loving family… Until she comes home from swim practice one day to find that her parents are divorcing. On top of that, her BFF moves to Florida, filling Instagram with pictures of her fabulous new life while Tessa struggles with anger and hurt.
My Thoughts: The first book of the Riverbend Friends series, this is a captivating story that doesn’t give up anything in Biblical principles. Some tough moments deal with divorce, adultery, and suicide. Romance lovers will appreciate the sweet tension between Tessa and her close guy friend (whom she harbors a secret crush on).
Roadside Assistance
Contemporary YA Christian fiction by Amy Clipston
After her mother’s death, tomboy Emily Curtis is uprooted to live with her wealthy aunt who’s determined to turn her into a proper young lady like her perfect cousin—until she bonds with the cute gearhead next door, Zander, only to discover that the deepest hole in her heart, her lost ability to pray, might find healing from the most unexpected place.
My Thoughts: Those who appreciate romance will adore the blossoming relationship between Zander and Emily. But more than anything, this story is about working through grief and addressing the question “Where’s God when bad things happen?” The MC is a realistic, unique character (who will, at times, drive you nuts with her irrationality—part of what makes her so realistic). Also, this book went against many of the cliches you find in Christian fiction, making it a refreshing read.
See my review of book 2, Destination Unknown, in my list of squeaky-clean YA romances!
Tournaments, Cocoa & One Wrong Move (Real Life #3)
Contemporary YA Christian Fiction by Nancy Rue
When a torn ACL sidelines star basketball player Cassidy Brewster and her home life spirals, she accepts mysterious pills from her future sister-in-law as a quick fix—only to watch her life unravel further, forcing her to turn to an unlikely friendship with “loser” Rafe and a mysterious book to find her way back.
My Thoughts: When I first started reading this book, I thought it would be another story about a girl who makes one bad decision, then spends the rest of the book trying to cover it up and run from the consequences. I was pleasantly surprised. Cassidy gets her consequences early, setting the stage for growth. This book is both realistic and hopeful.
Right Where I Belong
Contemporary YA Christian Fiction by Krista McGee
After watching her father cycle through wives and marriages, skeptical Natalia moves from Spain to Florida with her soon-to-be-ex-stepmother, determined to take over the family business while secretly craving the genuine faith her stepmother possesses—and questioning whether true love even exists.
My Thoughts: Let’s get the negatives out of the way first: This story contains quite a few cliches of 90’s Christian fiction, including a mission trip and talk of “dating Jesus.” The characters were likable but slightly over-the-top, which made them seem less realistic, and some readers find the book a bit preachy.
(Honestly, I liked Krista McGee’s Anomaly better.)
BUT, this is a work of YA Christian fiction, so all the faith elements are right where they belong. This is a great multicultural read about new faith and developing a relationship with Jesus. The romance is light and secondary to faith elements, making it appropriate for younger teens.
Other Low-Violence YA Books in Christian Fiction
Check out my reviews for these other low-violence YA Christian fiction books, found elsewhere on my blog:
- Sky of Seven Colors by Rachelle Nelson – Christian YA fantasy
- Anomaly by Krista McGee – Christian YA sci-fi dystopia
- The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis – clean classics for teens
Low-Violence YA Fiction Books: Mainstream Fiction
Though written for the general market, titles in this section of mainstream low-violence YA books do not contradict Christian principles and are suitable for most young adult audiences.
Dearest Josephine
Contemporary + Historical Fiction by Caroline George
Novelist Elias Roch writes passionate letters to the woman he believes is his soulmate, Josephine De Clare, whom he can never have—until two hundred years later, Josie De Clare discovers the letters and realizes she is the heroine of his novel, falling helplessly in love with a man long dead.
My Thoughts: Dearest Josephine is an epistolary YA novel, meaning it’s told entirely through written documents (text messages, email exchanges, and a fictional manuscript—a novel inside a novel). The storyline time-travels between historical and contemporary time periods. Readers can expect clean romance plus lessons in friendship and opening your eyes to the ones around you. The final twist was intriguing.
Love & Luck
Contemporary fiction by Jenna Evans Welch
Heartbroken and desperate to escape her past, Addie travels to Ireland for her aunt’s wedding, only to end up on an unexpected whirlwind tour of the Emerald Isle with her estranged brother and his charming Irish friend, where she must heal both her broken heart and their shattered sibling bond.
My Thoughts: Considering Love & Luck is one of my favorite books of all time and one that nudged me into writing YA novels, it’s amazing it hasn’t made mention on my blog until now. But a list of low-violence YA fiction books is the perfect place for it. The hints of romance take a far backseat to the themes of sibling loyalty and finding personal strength. The writing is captivating, the characters dynamic, and it’s clean all around. This is book two of the series Love & Gelato.
Note to Readers: While Love & Luck is a clean book with an innocent storyline, readers have confirmed that Love & Gelato is less pure. The storyline has Mamma Mia parallels, and while there aren’t any explicit scenes, there are too many sensual vibes for it to be recommended as clean fiction. But you don’t have to read Love & Gelato in order to understand and enjoy Love & Luck!
We Were Beautiful
by Heather Hepler
Plagued by guilt and scars from the car crash that killed her older sister, fifteen-year-old Mia is sent to spend the summer in New York City with a grandmother she’s never met, where a vibrant new friend group—and the slow unraveling of her suppressed memories—force her to confront whether she can ever forgive herself.
My Thoughts: This is one of the more somber books on the list, dealing with issues like death, grief, guilt, and abuse. But it’s not a drag. The characters are fun, the incorporation of art is unique, and the book makes for a great journey through New York City through the eyes of a teen.
It Started With Goodbye
Contemporary clean YA fiction by Christina June
After being falsely accused of a crime, Tatum is confined to her house under the watchful eye of her stepmother. But when a twist of fate comes in the form of a mysterious client to her secret graphic design business, maybe there’s a bit of fairytale luck after all.
My Thoughts: It Started With Goodbye is a contemporary twist on Cinderella, but I honestly didn’t realize that until the author Q&A at the end, that’s how subtle it was. It’s enough to tickle your romantic bone without making the novel ooze with mushiness. I also love that the drama in this story isn’t because the MC is super naive. Tatum is fairly wise to her situation. Mostly, she’s either a victim of circumstance or acting out of understandable desperation. The evil stepmother comes to life in a very realistic way in this clean YA fiction novel, though the ending is not like your usual Cinderella tale.
Swimming in a Sea of Stars
Contemporary clean YA fiction by Julie Wright
It’s Addison’s first day back to school after her suicide attempt. She knows there are rumors about why she did it: A lousy home life? Bullying? Heartbreak? None of them are true, but it doesn’t matter because Addison still feels like she’s drowning. She still holds secrets she’s not ready to share.
But during the day, she encounters four other students struggling with their own secrets.
My Thoughts: This is a poignant story about teen mental health and suicide prevention. While you won’t encounter violent scenes in this book, you will encounter characters who have endured violence, whether inflicted by others or themselves. Sensitive readers beware.
But it’s not all dark and gloomy. The story takes place within one 24-hour period, and I loved watching the characters change and work through their individual struggles. You can expect an ending filled with hope.
More Clean & Christian YA Fiction Reading Recommendations!
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If you’re looking for low-violence YA books but you’re okay with romance . . . check out my list of Squeaky-Clean YA Romance Novels.
More Recommended Reading for Lovers of Clean and/or Christian YA Fiction
Check out my other recommended reading lists!
- Standout Characters in YA Novels: Lauren’s Picks
- Emotionally Charged YA Fiction That Will Alter Your Perspective
- Christian Teen Fiction Spotlight: Author Cher Gatto
- Christian YA Fiction Spotlight: Author Jenny B. Jones
- Seasons of Kane: A Christian YA Short Story Series
Other Resources for Discerning Readers
- The Problem With Clean YA Fiction For Christian Teens
- How to Find Clean Young Adult Fiction in a Dirty Market
- 6 Red Flags to Watch For in YA Christian Fiction
- Pulpit or Stage? A Critical Look at the Criticism of Christian Fiction
- Why is it So Hard to Find Christian Books For Teens?
- Is Book Banning the Answer? What Christian Teens Should Know