Talking about Jesus shouldn’t be that hard. If you’re a football enthusiast, you likely have no problem engaging with your friends about the latest game scores or debating whether Dak Prescott is really worth that much money. Environmental enthusiasts have no trouble arguing their views over clean energy policies and… Read More »How to Talk About Jesus With Almost Anyone
Reading is supposed to be relaxing, like a walk on a soft, sandy beach or a cup of hot cocoa during a snowstorm. When you pick up a book, you should be allowed to sink fully into the world in which your characters live and forget your own for a… Read More »Great Teen Fiction: 17 Squeaky-Clean YA Romance Novels
Originally, this category—nonfiction books on sex and gender for Christian teens—was included in my list of Nonfiction Books On Dating For Christian Teens. It makes sense for the two to go hand-in-hand as most questions young people have about dating relationships include sex in some way. (Check out The Ultimate… Read More »11 Shameless Books On Sex And Gender For Christian Teens
With the popularity of YA fiction novels like The Hunger Games and All American Boys, you could say violence is on the minds of many young readers. Not surprising, given the rise of violence in our culture. I still remember how horror swept the country for months after the Columbine… Read More »Violence in Clean YA Fiction: How Much is Too Much?
I love online personality tests and aptitude quizzes. You know, the ones that tell you your strengths and weaknesses and why you might struggle with a specific skill set while another comes naturally. My most recent Enneagram test floored me when it bluntly declared, “Lauren, you struggle with frustration because… Read More »Why Every Christian Teen Is a Leader—And How to Be Effective
Three things no one has ever said: “I want to be friends with a liar.” “I voted for that candidate because he’s the best liar.” “That company will always have my business because I can trust them to lie about their products.” Few people, Christian or otherwise, will dispute the… Read More »The Truth About Honesty: Is it Ever Okay to Lie?
Sex sells. According to multiple sources across the net, roughly 85% of movies—including 68% of G-rated movies(!)—contain sexual content ranging from innuendo to full-out intercourse. Approximately 73% of all music videos contain sexual content, with the highest percentages in Hip-Hop and R&B. For video games rated “teen,” over 30% include… Read More »Not a Hint: Living Pure in a Sexual Culture
When it comes to young adult literature, sci-fi, fantasy, and dystopia continue to be strong-selling genres even as diversity gains traction in the YA scene. There’s something about stretching the boundaries of reality that appeals to teens (and the many adult readers of young adult literature). But of course, finding… Read More »Books for Christian Teens: Clean YA Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Dystopia