Reading is more than just a pastime, as discussed in my last post, 5 Reasons Why Christian Teens Should Read. But for Christian teens, finding captivating, well-written books that eschew the vulgar language and sexuality common in the YA genre is a gargantuan headache. When you pluck something from the library shelf without knowing what’s inside, you play a game of chance—with really bad odds.
Fortunately, in my search for mainstream YA fiction suitable for a Christian audience, I have found authors who still hold virtue in high regard, and Kasie West is one.
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.
In This Article
Kasie West, Author of Stories With Heart and Humor
I came across mainstream YA author Kasie West purely by searching for “clean YA” on Goodreads. Kasie is a contemporary YA author from California, and I’ve personally read all her books—because I love them! The stories are engaging and lighthearted, and her characters are full of wit. (I get the feeling, based on her writing, that Kasie West herself doesn’t either.) She tackles friendship, budding romances, and a wide array of issues relevant to teens—without resorting to sensuality, violence, or vulgarity.
As far as Christian elements, Kasie doesn’t write specifically for the Christian market so some caution must be observed. You won’t find the characters poking fun at God or Christian ideals (a big plus), but you might find some topics (i.e. homosexuality) approached from a secular worldview.
Something to keep in mind.
If you like YA author Jenny B. Jones, you’ll like Kasie West. Let me highlight a few of my favorite Kasie West books.
P.S. I Like You
One day in Chemistry, Lily scribbles some of her favorite song lyrics onto her desk. The next day she finds that someone has continued the lyrics and added a message, thus beginning a back-and-forth exchange of notes with an anonymous pen pal. A pen pal that Lily finds herself falling in love with…
You’ll love the exchanges between the pen pals, but you’ll also find yourself laughing at Lily’s crazy home life while sympathizing with the bigger issue of her simply not fitting in anywhere.
The Fill-in Boyfriend
The storyline might not be anything new—girl is dumped by her boyfriend right before prom, girl convinces cute boy to pose as her boyfriend—but the characters really come to life in this novel. You’ll meet Gia, the popular socialite, and Hayden, the budding actor.
And don’t forget Hayden’s brooding sister whom one just can’t help but laugh at and love.
Between the funny and light moments, however, Gia learns about truthfulness and righting her wrongs.
On the Fence
As a tomboy being raised by a single dad and three older brothers, Charlotte, aka Charlie, knows how to run with the guys. But she doesn’t know the first thing about being a girl. Then she finds herself thrust into the world of makeup and skirts and a boy who has never seen her rougher side, so she starts coping with the stress through late-night fence chats with her neighbor and honorary fourth brother, Braden. Which would be helpful…if she weren’t falling hard for him.
I love stories about family and loyalty—and brothers, since I never had any. On the Fence will make you wish you had Charlie’s brothers. The romantic side of the story is very satisfying, but it goes deeper as Charlie sorts out what happened with her mother.
Pivot Point
Addie has the power to see potential futures when faced with a choice. So when her parents tell her they’re getting a divorce and she must pick who she wants to live with, she does a search. In one future, she’s pursued by the most popular guy in school. In the other, she falls for a cute, quiet artist. But when the paths turn dark, she has to decide which one she’s willing to live through…and who she’s willing to live without.
Pivot Point is unusual in this list because it includes paranormal elements. Its sequel, Split Second, is equally captivating. (I mention one of its characters in Standout Characters in YA Novels.)
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More on the Blog
- Resources For Christian Teens Navigating the Mainstream YA Fiction Market
- Why Is It So Hard to Find Christian YA Fiction?
- Why Do We Need More Young Adult Christian Literature?
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.
Always good information and great directions to get there!
God Bless.
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