Some people think teen boys don’t read fiction. I say that’s hogwash.
Voracious Harry Potter fans don’t suddenly become allergic to books the day they begin shaving. Even the most hands-on, let’s-build-a-rocket-stove guy will sit down and enjoy a good historical or fantasy adventure, IF he can find one.
The real problem is a heavily feminized fiction market.
Publishers are cranking out narrative-focused stories filled with emotions, feelings, and relational emphasis, even among genres typically enjoyed by males. Ladies love that stuff. But guys? Guys want numbers, history, facts, adventure, adversity—and they’d prefer to read about other guys.
If you’re a guy, you’d probably rather read Great Civil War Projects You Can Build Yourself than another mystery thriller featuring a power-girl protagonist who keeps examining her own motives. And if you’re a Christian guy? Somehow, you also have to avoid the shameless profanity, progressive values, and LGBTQ normalization YA publishers think teen boys want to see.
Thank the Good Lord you ended up here, because you’re about to learn that the manual in the dash of your dad’s Ford pickup is not your only option for pleasure-reading. This list of clean YA fiction for teen boys is for readers like you. No cringey romantic overload. No seductive vampires. No covers featuring shirtless guys. Just wholesome, well-written adventures that Christian teen guys can enjoy after a day of scoring goals, acing tests, and rebuilding engines.
Hey, I’m Lauren, author of YA Christian fiction and blogger for teens with higher aim.
In This Article
Clean YA Fiction for Teen Boys: Necessary Details
Most lists of fiction recommendations for teen boys tend to be heavy on 1) sci-fi/fantasy, and 2) middle-grade fiction that’s passed off as YA. If you like those things, great! You’ll find some of that here. But I scoured shelves high and low to bring true YA recommendations from multiple genres that older teens can also enjoy. Besides avoiding excessive profanity, gratuitous violence, and heavy sexual content, you’ll find a few similarities between the books on this list:
- They support (or, at least, do not contradict) a Christian worldview.
- Most have a male protagonist.
- Most have some level of violence. That’s expected when you’re not looking at cutesy romances. However, none are glorified, gratuitous, or (in my opinion) overly graphic and inappropriate for a YA audience. Take note of content advisories for individual reviews.
Enough blabber. Now for the good stuff—the books!
Journey Back in Time: Clean Historical YA Fiction for Teen Boys
This section offers a mix of true historical fiction and historical fantasy.
The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare
Judea, 30 AD. Eighteen-year-old Daniel bar Jamin has spent the last four years living in the mountains with outlaws after his father was crucified by the Roman Empire. He wants nothing more than to avenge his father’s death. But things begin to change for Daniel as new friends and responsibilities—namely, a traumatized younger sister in need of a guardian—come into his life. Daniel’s hatred for the Romans pervades his every thought and decision. Then he encounters a traveling carpenter: Jesus of Nazareth.
- Classic historical YA Christian fiction set during the time of Jesus’ ministry.
- Comments: Despite the age of this story (and its old-school cover), this is actually a very gripping read. It jumps right in with action and characters you can care about, and doesn’t have the long-winded descriptive narrative common in classic literature. If you’re new to classics, try this one.
- Content advisory for mild violence: Bullying by Roman soldiers, clashes between factions, mentions of slavery, mistreatment, and execution. Mentions blood and death in limited detail.
Men of Iron by Howard Pyle
Medieval England. Young squire Myles Falworth determines that the only way to restore his family’s honor and undo the false charge of treason placed against his blind father is to become a knight of noble standing and challenge the arrogant Earl of Alban to single combat. This quest motivates Myles through rigorous training and dangerous jousting tournaments to confront a lifelong enemy and claim his true love.
- Classic literature; clean historical YA fiction for teen boys
- Comments: Don’t let the archaic English of the characters scare you away. This is a classic story of knighthood, adventure, friendship, and honor. And while there is plenty of action, none of it is overly graphic or gory.
Jubal Sackett by Louis L’Amour
America, 1600s. In the untamed wilderness of the American frontier, Jubal Sackett—son of legendary Barnabas—leaves the settlements behind to follow a Natchez princess and an ancient prophecy into lands no white man has seen. Driven by wanderlust and a vision of shining mountains, he forges alliances with fierce tribes, battles Spanish slavers, and confronts the raw edge of survival on a quest that will bring him danger from an implacable enemy . . . and show him a life—and a woman—worth dying for.
- Historical Western
- Comments: Louis L’Amour doesn’t actually write YA fiction, but his books are historically accurate, remarkably clean, and appealing to teen guys. I could have included any of his books on this list of clean YA fiction for teen boys, but I chose the Sacketts upon recommendation by several teen guys. Check out the others in the series!
- Content advisory for mild violence: A mountain lion attack, plus several human clashes.
- READER BEWARE: There is another Sackett Series by a different author, which I have not previewed for content. Be sure you know what you’re getting when you check this one out.
Nick of Time by Ted Bell
England, 1939. With Hitler’s wolves at the door, lighthouse dweller Nick McIver discovers a time machine in a sea chest—and a desperate plea from his ancestor in 1805, battling Napoleon’s fleet.
From storm-tossed Guernsey to pirate-infested Caribbean waters, Nick races across centuries to save his family, his island, and perhaps history itself.
- Military historical fiction; historical fantasy with time travel
- Comments: This one is appropriate for younger teens. No content warnings here.
47 Days: The True Story of Two Teen Boys Defying Hitler’s Reich by Annette Oppenlander
March 1945. Hitler ordered his last propaganda command: send all 15- and 16-year-old boys to defend the fatherland. 47 DAYS tells the true story of Günter and Helmut, best friends, who dared to defy and disobey. Without knowing how long the war might continue, they spent 47 harrowing days as fugitives on the run. Being caught meant certain execution.
- WWII survival story; short novel
- Comments: This is actually a true story (nonfiction), but it reads like a novel.
I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
Romania, 1989. Seventeen-year-old Cristian Florescu dreams of becoming a writer, but Romanians aren’t free to dream; they are bound by rules and force. So when Cristian is blackmailed by the secret police to become an informer, he’s left with two choices: betray everyone and everything he loves—or use his position to undermine the most notoriously evil dictator in Eastern Europe.
- Espionage, fight for freedom, revolution, and a raw look at life as a teen living under a brutal communist regime.
- Content advisory for language & moderate violence: One instance of strong profanity. Several scenes of brutal police violence and torture.
Want more historical fiction by Ruta Sepetys?
Check out my review of Salt to the Sea in Tales Through Time: Clean Historical YA Fiction For Christian Teens.
The Letter For The King by Tonke Dragt
On the eve of his knighthood, sixteen-year-old Tiuri is called upon to abandon the sacred vigil and carry a secret letter that could save an entire kingdom. Pursued by ruthless assassins through shadowed forests and treacherous mountains, he must trust no one. He must keep his true identity secret. And above all, he must never reveal what is in the letter.
- Classic historical YA fiction (1962) set in a world that feels medieval with the culture of Christianity. No magical elements. Expect clashes between knights and villains involving swords and archery.
- Comments: This one is quite long, but patient readers will be rewarded by an adventurous story that is amazingly light on graphic violence.
Clean Historical YA Fiction for Teen Boys From My Other Lists
The links will take you to my review for each book.
Fawkes by Nadine Brandes
Clean historical YA fantasy based on the infamous Gunpowder Plot of the 1600s.
Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
A 16-year-old Navajo boy is recruited by the U.S. Marines to become a code talker during World War II, sending messages back and forth in an unbreakable code using their native language. Based on real historical figures and events. (My teenage son recommended this one!)
Epic Everyday Adventures: Clean Realistic YA Fiction For Teen Boys
Books in this section are about modern characters in (mostly) realistic situations.
The Peak Series by Roland Smith
Fourteen-year-old Peak Marcello is arrested for scaling a New York City skyscraper. His only way out of juvie? Accompany his estranged father to Everest and attempt the youngest summit ever. But on the savage roof of the world, oxygen thins, loyalties fracture, and every step could be his last. A gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and survival at 29,000 feet.
- The male protagonist (14) ages through the four-book series
- Contemporary wilderness survival & mountain climbing
- Content advisory for brief profanity and occasional mild violence: Each book has two or three curse words. Violence ranges from mountain climbing accidents to kidnapping and murder.
- See my full review in YA Fiction For Younger Teens: 10+ Books to Enjoy Now!
The Homelander’s Series by Andrew Klavan
Charlie West wakes up in a torture room with no recollection of how he got there. The last thing he remembers is falling into bed with a smile on his face after an ordinary school day. Homework, karate practice, friends, the pretty girl who wrote her number on his hand . . . It was only yesterday, right? But then a strange voice outside the door orders his death and his concerns go from How did I get here? to How am I gonna make it out alive?
- Contemporary Christian fiction action thriller
- Martial arts, survival, and a fight against terrorism
- Content advisory for moderate violence: Numerous fight scenes and shootouts; mentions of blood.
- See my full review in YA Christian Fiction Thrillers, Suspense & Horror: 11 Books to Keep You on Edge.
Brian’s Return by Gary Paulsen
As millions of readers of Hatchet, The River, and Brian’s Winter know, Brian Robeson survived alone in the wilderness by finding solutions to extraordinary challenges. But now that he’s back in civilization, he can’t find a way to make sense of high school life. He feels disconnected, more isolated than he did alone in the North. The only answer is to go back, for only in the wilderness can Brian discover his true path in life, and where he belongs.
- Realistic YA survival fiction; short novel
- Comments: This is the fourth book in the bestselling series that started with Hatchet (see my review here), and while you don’t have to read all four books, you definitely want to read the first to get the most out of Brian’s Return. In contrast to Hatchet, which throws a boy into an unexpected survival situation, Brian’s Return shows how living in the wilderness differs when you’ve had time to prepare.
- Content advisory for mild violence and language: Three instances of foul language (including “hell”), a physical altercation between two teen boys early in the book, plus injuries that happen in the woods. Also includes some Native American spiritualism
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
Every kid thinks about running away at one point or another, but Sam Gribley actually does it. Way up in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York, he sets up house in a huge hollowed-out tree and learns to live off the land, growing up a little in the process. Blizzards, hunters, loneliness, and fear all battle to drive Sam back to city life. But his desire for freedom, independence, and adventure is stronger.
- Realistic YA survival fiction
- Another great option for fans of Hatchet
- Comments: Due to the MC’s age, this one is technically middle-grade, so I wasn’t going to include it. But then my husband read it cover-to-cover and started taking notes on survival techniques to try out in the bush. When he had me going on a hike in search of sassafras trees, I decided it’s possible a teen boy with an interest in wilderness survival might not care that the MC is only 12.
Trouble by Gary D. Schmidt
Climbing Katahdin, the highest mountain in Maine, is the goal that Henry sets himself when his brother dies following a car accident. Along with his dog, his best friend, and—surprisingly—the Cambodian boy whose car was involved in the fatal accident, Henry experiences a journey that is both physically daunting and spiritually exhilarating.
- Realistic YA fiction; historical fiction
- Comments: Because this story is set in the 1970s, this also qualifies as historical fiction. The beginning is rich in detail, but don’t quit reading before you get to the courtoom scene. In my opinion, that’s where the action really picks up.
- Content advisory for mild violence and language: Wrestling, fistfighting, one instance of gun violence, plus an accident scene. A Cambodian refugee chronicles the rape, murder, and abuse that happened at a refugee camp in his home country, all with limited detail. Contains two instances of profanity (including “hell”) and one instance of God’s name in vain.
Clean Realistic YA Fiction for Teen Boys From My Other Lists
Click the links to see my review for each book.
Escape From the Everglades by Tim Shoemaker
A teen survivor of an alligator attack embarks on a search through alligator-infested lands for a missing friend. YA Christian fiction action suspense; includes survivalism and mystery.
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
When Ponyboy Curtis and his greaser brothers are pushed too far by the rich Socs, one violent night turns them into fugitives fighting for their lives and their right to belong. Clean classic young adult fiction.
Clean YA Thrillers, Suspense & Horror for Teen Boys: Read if You Dare
Books for thrill-seekers, and those who get a little thrill from being horrified.
Bodyguard Series by Chris Bradford
Teenage kickboxing champion Connor Reeves is recruited into the ranks of a top-secret young bodyguard squad. After rigorous lessons in surveillance, anti-ambush exercises, hostage survival, and unarmed combat, Connor receives his first assignment: protecting the daughter of the U.S. President himself. Except, Alicia isn’t keen on being guarded—and has no idea that Connor is her bodyguard.
- Comments: The first page is a publisher warning to “not attempt any of the techniques described within the book without the supervision of a qualified martial arts instructor,” so you know it’s going to be action-packed. Note that there are two versions of this series: a four-book version, and an eight-book version that splits each lengthy, original book into two. (The link above is for the first book of the split series.)
- Content advisory for mild violence: Kickboxing and martial arts, terrorist activity, and war-zone violence.
Eyes Wide Open (Outlaw Chronicles #1) by Ted Dekker
Two teens are pulled into a surreal world where nothing is what it seems and their deepest fears become terrifyingly real. As they fight to uncover the truth behind their identities, they’re forced to confront a system that manipulates memory, reality, and choice.
- YA Christian fiction psychological thriller. This volume is composed of four shorter books, which can be purchased individually but create one continuous storyline.
- Comments: I have only one word for this book—weird. It was weird all the way to the end. That said, if you’ve got a chunk of time (because it’s impossible to put this book down once you start), and you don’t mind being trapped in a psychiatric ward for a while, go for it. Ted Dekker is a master at locking his characters into a situation and throwing the key away so it’s impossible for them to get out.
- Content advisory for moderate violence: Abuse, psychological manipulation and torture, one semi-graphic death.
The Delusion by Laura Gallier
By March of Owen Edmonds’s senior year, eleven students at Masonville High School have committed suicide. Then Owen endures his own near-death experience. Suddenly, he can see shackles on the people around him and an army of hideous beings provoking them to self-destruction. Owen must warn and rescue those he loves. Will he be able to convince anyone to believe him before it’s too late?
- YA Christian fiction supernatural thriller; horror
- Comments: I do not recommend this book lightly. This is a seriously dark read with a hefty body count. Readers sensitive to mental health issues might have a hard time with this one. That said, The Delusion is a well-written, enlightening book that makes visible the invisible spiritual warfare happening around us all the time.
- Content warning for moderate violence and disturbing images: Physical assault, intense gun violence, and disturbing depictions of demonic activity. The violence isn’t so much graphic as it is troubling due to its nature. Sexual activity (including assault) is implied in conversation, but not detailed. A party scene depicts teen drinking and drug use.
Clean YA Thrillers, Suspense & Horror From My Other Lists
These book recommendations come from my list of YA Christian Fiction Thrillers, Suspense & Horror. Click the links to see individual reviews.
Echo Island by Jared C. Wilson
Four friends return from a weekend of camping to find empty streets, abandoned cars, and utter silence. A YA Christian fiction mystery thriller
Hangman’s Curse by Frank Peretti
When a high school is gripped by a deadly supernatural mystery, a covert family of investigators must expose the dark truth behind the so-called curse before it claims another victim. YA Christian fiction thriller; horror
I Am In Here by Creston Mapes
Everyone thinks 18-year-old Hale Frodele is brain-dead, thanks to a tragic accident. Little do they know, Hale hears and understands everything with crystal clarity. He just cannot make himself heard. YA Christian fiction suspense.
If We Survive by Andrew Klavan
When their mission trip in a volatile Central American country erupts into revolution, four American teens and their washed-up pilot must fight through jungles crawling with ruthless rebels to reach the border alive—or die proving courage is more than a feeling. A YA Christian fiction thriller.
Clues, Twists & Secrets: Clean YA Mysteries For Teen Boys
The A.B.C. Murders by Agatha Christie
There’s a serial killer on the loose, working his way through the alphabet and the whole country is in a state of panic. A is for Mrs. Ascher in Andover, B is for Betty Barnard in Bexhill, C is for Sir Carmichael Clarke in Churston. With each murder, the killer is getting more confident—but leaving a trail of deliberate clues to taunt the proud Hercule Poirot might just prove to be the first, and fatal, mistake.
- Serial killer mystery thriller with numerous plot twists (betcha won’t see it coming)
- Comments: This is another adult-market book that appeals to teens. Agatha Christie is a murder-mystery master, and, despite the morbid topic, her books are never overly graphic.
- Content advisory for mild violence: There are murder scenes (obviously) with mentions of blood.
Code of Silence by Tim Shoemaker
When Cooper, Hiro, and Gordy witness a robbery that leaves a man in a coma, they find themselves tangled in a web of mystery and deceit that threatens their lives. After being seen by the criminals—who may also be cops—Cooper makes everyone promise never to reveal what they have seen. Telling the truth could kill them. But remaining silent means an innocent man takes the fall and a friend never receives justice.
- Contemporary Christian fiction mystery adventure
- Comments: This one is appropriate for younger teens and contains Agatha Christie-like plot twists.
- Content advisory for mild violence: Amounts to two mildly descriptive paragraphs.
Death Cloud by Andrew Lane
It is the summer of 1868, and 14-year-old Sherlock Holmes is on break from boarding school and staying with eccentric strangers—his uncle and aunt. When two local people die from symptoms resembling the plague, Holmes begins to investigate what really killed them, helped by his new tutor, an American named Amyus Crowe. So begins Sherlock’s true education in detection, as he discovers the dastardly crimes of a brilliantly sinister villain of exquisitely malign intent.
- YA historical mystery
- Content advisory for mild violence: physical violence and death; bodies found (gives minimal details)
Clean YA Mysteries for Teen Boys From My Other Lists
Click the links to see individual reviews for each book.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
When a widow dies of an overdose, then the man she planned to marry—Roger Ackroyd—is murdered less than 24 hours later, detective Hercule Poirot enters a baffling case involving blackmail, death, and one of the most startling conclusions of his career. A classic murder mystery.
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
One unsolved murder, 16 suspects, and a game to figure out whodunit—and who will inherit the victim’s vast fortune. A classic murder mystery.
Reality Escape: Clean YA Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Dystopia For Teen Boys
To be honest, LOTS more titles could be included here, as publishers seem to think boys prefer fantasy and sci-fi. I eventually had to stop just so I could publish this post! However, if this is your preferred genre, keep an eye on this list as I will add more titles over time.
Michael Vey Series by Richard Paul Evans
To everyone at Meridian High School, fourteen-year-old Michael Vey is just the kid who has Tourette’s. But in truth, Michael is extremely special. He is one of only a handful of teens in the world with electric powers. And there’s a powerful group who wants to control these electric teens—and through them, the world.
- Comments: If you ever wanted to read the popular I Am Number Four series, but are wary of the profanity and sexual content, this ten-book series is a great alternative. You’ll encounter teens with electrical superpowers, a battle against evil, and enemies-to-allies tropes.
- Content advisory for mild-moderate violence: Series includes scenes of bullying, kidnapping, disturbing torture, and sci-fi battles. Some mentions of blood.
Echo Nova by Clint Hall
As a poor teen living in the Dregs, Dash Keane can only escape his dismal reality by competing in illegal rooftop races and staying up late to watch the timenet with his younger brother. Until he becomes a timestar for the massive Dominus Corp. and the focus of his own series in which he must survive some of the most dangerous periods in history. But when empathy for the people of the past conflicts with the desires of his new employer, he must decide whether the price of fame is worth it.
- Comments: This story includes everything, from time travel with sword fights to the Wild West, samurai, dinosaurs, and beyond. I thought the ending was bizarre. Tell me what you think after you’ve read it.
- Content advisory for moderate violence: sword fights, gun violence, brief torture; mentions blood.
The Chase by Bradley Caffee
In a dystopian world governed by the unyielding Law, elite teen athlete Willis Thomson, son of former champions, trains relentlessly for the deadly annual Chase—a brutal race where one victor can alter a single rule, or face recoding that erases the soul. As alliances clash and secrets unravel, Willis fights not just to win, but to survive his own commodified existence.
- YA Christian fiction for teen boys; sci-fi dystopia
- Comments: This is Hunger Games meets Mazerunner, with an Olympic vibe.
- Content advisory for mild violence: Mentions of injuries, deaths, abuse, and attempted murder.
Isle of Swords by Wayne Thomas Batson
A young castaway with no memory is rescued by a ruthless pirate crew. Pursued by enemies and haunted by secrets, he joins a daring quest for a legendary hidden treasure that will free Captain Ross and his headstrong daughter, Anne, from the piracy business forever.
- YA Christian historical fantasy
- Comments: Readers have called this a mashup of Pirates of the Caribbean and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
- Content advisory for mild violence: Some mentions of blood and torture, nothing overly graphic.
One Realm Beyond by Donita K. Paul
Born with a gift to jump between worlds, Cantor D’Ahma is finally ready to leave his mentor and accept his role as defender of the realms. But mere hours after he steps through his first portal, Cantor discovers that the realms are plagued with crime and cruelty. Cantor must uncover the secrets of the corrupt guild before they become too powerful to be stopped.
- YA Christian fiction for teen boys; fantasy with dragons, multiple dimensions, and a coming-of-age hero
- Comments: The story is told in split POV between the male and female leads. While this is marketed as Christian fiction, the religious elements are subtle enough that this could pass for mainstream fantasy. Occasional violence is free of gory details.
Steelheart (The Reckoners #1) by Brandon Sanderson
Ten years ago, Calamity gave ordinary men and women extraordinary powers. The awed public started calling them Epics. But Epics are no friend of man. With incredible gifts came the desire to rule. Nobody fights the Epics . . . except the Reckoners, a shadowy group of ordinary humans who spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, then assassinating them. And David wants in. He wants Steelheart, the supposedly invincible Epic who killed his father. Like the Reckoners, David’s been studying, and planning — and he has something they need. He’s seen Steelheart bleed.
- Sci-fi; urban fantasy, dystopia
- Content advisory for mild profanity and moderate violence: First book contains two actual curse words, plus numerous invented exclamations. Sci-fi violence is briefly graphic at times.
The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks
Long ago, the wars of the ancient Evil ruined the world. In peaceful Shady Vale, half-elfin Shea Ohmsford knows little of such troubles. But the supposedly dead Warlock Lord is plotting to destroy everything in his wake. The sole weapon against this Power of Darkness is the Sword of Shannara, which can be used only by a true heir of Shannara. On Shea, last of the bloodline, rests the hope of all the races.
- Epic high fantasy, highly derivative of Tolkien
- Comments: This is a long one, with long paragraphs and more detail than dialogue. Had it been written today, it would be half the length as modern readers have less patience. But go ahead and give it a try—lots of guys have enjoyed this one!
- Clean and free of gory violence, profanity, or sensual content.
Beyond the Reflection’s Edge by Bryan Davis
Sixteen-year-old Nathan Shepherd travels where the careers of his father, an investigator, and mother, a renowned violinist, take him—until his parents are murdered. Left with only a mirror and notes from his father’s last case, Nathan goes into hiding with Kelly, teenage daughter of his father’s college buddy. The mysterious mirror—which shows people and things that don’t exist—must be a clue to what happened to his parents, and Nathan and Kelly painstakingly gather evidence. But the killers want the mirror too.
- Fantasy, sci-fi YA Christian fiction with portals and time-travel
- Comments: Good implementation of Christian principles without preachiness.
- Content advisory for brief mild violence: Includes mentions of blood.
The Orphan King by Sigmund Brouwer
Raised behind monastery walls, Thomas knows nothing of his mysterious past or imminent destiny. But now, in the heart of medieval England, a darkness threatens to strangle truth. An ancient order tightens its ghostly grip on power, creating fear and exiling those who would oppose them. Thomas is determined to fulfill his calling and bring light into the mysterious world of the Druids and leaves the monastery on an important quest with unusual companions—a cryptic knight, a child thief, and the beautiful, silent woman whom may not be all she seems.
- Christian historical YA fantasy
- Comments: This story has your classic battle of good vs. evil with knights, castles, bandits, chivalry, dungeons, disguises, and damsels in distress. It is generally clean and free of questionable content.
The Mindwar Trilogy by Andrew Klavan
Crippled by a car accident, high school quarterback Rick Dial turns to a solitary life of gaming. Until his uncanny gaming skills attract dangerous attention. Government agents have uncovered a potentially devastating cyber-threat, and they want the quick-thinking quarterback and gaming master to enter the Realm and stop the madman—before he sends America into chaos.
- YA Christian fiction for teen boys; sci-fi thriller. This contains video game action with real-life stakes.
- Content warning for moderate violence: Series contains descriptions of video game violence (deaths of monsters, etc.), plus fight scenes, terrorist actions, kidnapping, and gun violence.
Hunt For Eden’s Star by D.J. Williams
A coming-of-age teen is thrown into a world of ancient secrets when he discovers a supernatural compass that protects a weapon of mass destruction. With the help of a diverse group of friends, he embarks on a global adventure, seeking the truth about his sister’s death. He uncovers two clandestine, supernatural societies waging an epic, hidden war that threatens the future of civilization.
- YA Christian fiction for teen boys; supernatural thriller
- Comments: Tackles worldly themes such as addiction, revenge, faith, friendship, and sex trafficking with a spiritual undertone.
Live in Infamy by Caroline Tung Richmond
In the eighty years since the Axis powers won World War II, America has changed drastically in the hands of the unforgiving victors. But some still aspire to what the country used to stand for—freedom for all—and that includes Chinese American Ren Cabot, who lost nearly everything to Imperial Japan’s rule. When a chance encounter with a resistance group offers Ren an opportunity to save lives and topple the government, he agrees to their deadly plot. But his role will lead him straight into the heart of the enemy.
- Alternate history dystopian fiction considers the intriguing scenario: “What if the Axis Powers had won WWII?” Contains sci-fi elements (enhanced soldiers).
- Content advisory for brief profanity and moderate violence: Contains two instances of profanity, plus some disturbing images of war, murder, and torture.
Clean YA Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Dystopia For Teen Boys From My Other Lists
Click the links to see my full review for each.
The Nightmare Virus by Nadine Brandes
When a mysterious virus traps the entire world in endless personal nightmares, seventeen-year-old Cain Ishmael must plunge into the dream-realm, battle the horrors haunting humanity’s sleep, and destroy the virus at its source before waking life collapses forever. Christian YA sci-fi fantasy
Cloak of the Light by Chuck Black
Blinded in a freak accident, Drew Carter suddenly sees invading invisible warriors locked in cosmic war around us—and when the forces of darkness mark him as their greatest threat, he must choose sides in a battle deciding humanity’s fate. Christian YA fantasy adventure.
Chosen by Ted Dekker
Four teenage recruits of the Forest Guard are chosen to lead—and perhaps die—for the greater good. But their quest to prove their character takes a dramatic turn when they are intercepted, sworn to secrecy, and redirected to a different endgame. YA Christian fiction fantasy adventure; appropriate for younger teens.
Swipe by Evan Angler
In a world where everyone must be Marked to gain citizenship and participate in society, a group of pre-teens who question the system struggles to identify the true enemy—while pursuing a group of Markless teenagers. YA Christian fiction sci-fi & dystopia; appropriate for younger teens.
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Trapped in a mysterious maze with no memory of the outside world, a group of teens must unravel its deadly secrets—or risk being hunted forever. Clean YA sci-fi & dystopia.
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
YA Christian fiction; technically not fantasy but a satire that exposes man’s folly regarding temptation and Christianity.
Clean YA Fiction for Teen Boys: Reader Suggestions
When I requested recommendations for clean YA fiction for teen boys from my readers, my inbox flooded with suggestions. These are the ones that land more on the middle-grade spectrum, but high school guys might still enjoy them. They are generally considered clean by most readers.
- Pay Attention, Carter Jones by Gary D. Schmidt (realistic sports fiction)
- The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart (fantasy; mystery adventure)
- The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart (fantasy; mystery adventure)
- Carry On Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham (historical)
- The Goldsmith And The Master Thief by Tonke Dragt (historical)
- Guns of Thunder by Douglas Bond (Christian pre-revolutionary war YA fiction)
- William Ridley and the Celtic Cross by Connie MacLeod (Christian action/adventure in a Scottish setting)
More Reader Recommendations:
- Trading Thomas by Ora Smith (U.S. Colonial and Revolutionary YA fiction)
- The Waiting (The Catalyst #1) by Kim Koontz (YA Christian 20th Century U.S. historical fiction with elements of fantasy)
Share Your Thoughts!
If you’re a male reader (or a gal speaking on behalf of a brother, son, or boyfriend), I’d love to hear from you! Tell me what you think of this list, or bring me more book suggestions.
See My Other YA Fiction Reading Lists
You don’t have to have all the answers.
But, hey, why not?
Bring me your questions about faith, life, God, the Bible… and I’ll help you find the answers.