I am an avid reader and have worked hard to get my kids to love reading too. If you’re a parent, you know how challenging that can be! Because my kids are homeschooled, I am able to assign them deeper books to read during the schoolyear (in addition to the extra books they read on their own). For my son Parker’s Sophomore year in high-school, I assigned him a list of 12 character building (and fun!) books for teen boys that focus on 4 areas of growth; Christian Biographies, Faith Building, Christian Living, and Practical Life Skills. My prayer is that he remembers the things he learns reading these books and that he takes these truths with him into adulthood!
Parker definitely loves to read and is willing to try out most of the books I give him. His favorite genres are fantasy, drama, and adventure. In his spare time, he has read (and loved) –
- The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
- The Hunger Series by Suzanne Collins
- Kingdom Keeper Series by Ridley Pearson
- Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan
- The Spirit Animals Series by Garth Nix, Sean Williams, Brandon Mull, and Maggie Stiefvater
- Wing Feather Saga by Andrew Peterson
- The Left Behind Series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
- The Legend Trilogy by Marie Lu
Check out our list of 12 character building (and fun!) books for teen boys below!
*This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at not cost to you.
3 Christian biographies
End of the Spear by Steve Saint. Steve Saint was five when his father, missionary pilot Nate Saint, was speared to death by a primitive Ecuadorian tribe. In adulthood, Steve left Ecuador for a successful business career in the United States. He never imagined making the jungle his home again. But when that same tribe asks him to help them, Steve and his family moved back to the jungle. There, Steve learns long-buried secrets about his father’s murder, confronts difficult choices, and finds himself caught between two worlds. End of the Spear chronicles the story that first captured the world’s attention in the book, Through Gates of Splendor.
In God’s Smuggler, by Brother Andrew, readers are gripped from the first page. It’s the real life account of a man who risked his life smuggling Bibles through the borders of closed nations. Now, sixty years after Brother Andrew first prayed for God’s miracle protection, this expanded edition of a classic work encourages new readers to meet this remarkable man and his mission for the first time. Working undercover for God, a mission that continues to this day, has made Brother Andrew one of the all-time heroes of the faith. His narrow escapes from danger to share the love of Jesus will encourage and embolden believers in their own walks of faith.
In Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity, Nabeel Qureshi describes his dramatic journey from Islam to Christianity. It’s complete with friendships, investigations, and supernatural dreams along the way. Providing an intimate window into a loving Muslim home, Qureshi shares how he developed a passion for Islam. However, he eventually discovers, almost against his will, evidence that Jesus rose from the dead and claimed to be God. In the end, unable to deny the arguments but not wanting to deny his family, Qureshi struggled with an inner turmoil. This turmoil will challenge Christians, Muslims, and all those who are interested in the world’s greatest religions. Engaging and thought-provoking, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus tells a powerful story of the clash between Islam and Christianity in one man’s heart–and of the peace he eventually found in Jesus.
3 Books on personal faith
Radical – Taking Back Your Faith From The American Dream by David Platt. What is Jesus worth to you?
It’s easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live. To forget what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They’d abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily… But who do you know who lives like that? Do you?
In Radical, Platt challenges you to consider how we have manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences. He shows what Jesus actually said about being his disciple–then invites you to believe and obey what you have heard. And he tells the story of what’s happening as a “successful” suburban church decides to get serious about the gospel. Finally, he urges you to join in The Radical Experiment–a one-year journey in authentic discipleship. This journey will transform how you live in a world that desperately needs the Good News Jesus came to bring.
Wild Grace by Max Lucado. Today’s teens are being shaped by the pressures and disappointments of the world. But Lucado encourages them to take a close look at what can shape their hearts from the inside out—God’s grace. As Max explains, “God’s grace has a drenching about it. A wildness about it. A whitewater, riptide, turn-you-upside-downness about it. Grace comes after you.”
Wild Grace gives teens an understanding of how grace can change their lives in powerful ways. Even when those lives are messed up, off track, or in trouble. Each chapter describes another miracle that happens when we allow God’s grace to work on us and through us. “Grace is God’s decision to change everything. Good-bye, earthly labels. Stupid. Unpopular. Ugly. Failure. No longer. You aren’t who they say you are. You are who He says you are. Spiritually alive. Connected to God. Amazing.” Teens will be convinced that God knew what He was doing when He made them. They will be reminded that His grace is always there. And that grace is ready to work wonders that are bigger than anything this world has to offer.
But Don’t All Religions Lead To God? by Michael Green. We’ve all heard the rationale: “It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you’re sincere.” Or maybe “All religions are pretty much the same.” But are they the same? Does it matter which one you follow? In this insightful and compelling book, Green invites readers into a relationship with Jesus Christ. And reminds them Christianity is the divine revelation and only pathway to the one true God. In a conversational style, Green compares Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and other religions to help spiritual seekers navigate the multi-faith maze.
“But Don’t All Religions Lead to God?” is an ideal reference and evangelism tool for churches and individual Christians as well. It offers scriptural references and looks at how divergent religious traditions view salvation and eternity. It answers difficult questions such as “What about people who have never heard of Jesus?” and “How should Christians regard other religions?” In the midst of our tolerant culture, here is an important and convincing argument for faith in Jesus. He the only great teacher whose death and resurrection provided grace, forgiveness, and an eternity in the presence of God.
3 Books on practical life skills
What Color Is Your Parachute For Teens by Carol Christen. No idea what you want to be? No worries! This fun, rewarding guide draws on the time-tested principles of the career classic What Color Is Your Parachute? to help you discover your passions, skills, and potential college majors and dream jobs. Why now? Because when you identify your interests and passions early, you can make informed decisions on what additional schooling (and tuition debt) makes sense for your chosen field.
This new addition has fresh updates on the specific challenges of today’s job-market. It also features activities and advice on information interviewing, social media, internships, and more. Mostly, it’s packed with big-picture advice that’ll set you up to land the job that’s perfect for who you want to be.
7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey is adapted from the New York Times bestseller The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens is the ultimate teenage success guide—now updated for the digital age. Imagine you had a step-by-step guide to help you get from where you are now to where you want to be. Your goals, your dreams, your plans…they’re all within reach. You just need the tools to help you get there. That’s what Covey’s landmark book has been to millions of teens: a handbook to self-esteem and success.
This classic book applies the timeless principles of 7 Habits to the tough issues and life-changing decisions teens face. Covey provides a simple approach to help teens improve self-image, build friendships, and resist peer pressure. He guides them in achieving their goals, appreciating their parents, and tackling the new challenges of our time. This book is stuffed with cartoons, clever ideas, and great quotes. In addition, it includes incredible stories about real teens from all over the world. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens has become the last word on surviving and thriving as a teen.
You Have A Brain: A Teens Guide to T.H.I.N.K Big by Ben Carson includes eight proven principles to help your teen overcome their self-doubt and conquer their fear of the future. Also reversing negative thoughts about themselves and hurdle any other obstacles standing between them and their dreams. Instead of letting his circumstances control him, Dr. Carson took control of his attitude and actions. This lead to his discovery of eight straightforward but revolutionary principles that helped shape his future.
In You Have a Brain, Dr. Carson unpacks the eight important parts of T.H.I.N.K. B.I.G.—Talent, Honesty, Insight, Being Nice, Knowledge, Books, In-Depth Learning, and God. It also presents the stories of people who demonstrated those things in his life. Through the advice and real-world examples laid out in these pages, your teen will learn how to incorporate these T.H.I.N.K. B.I.G. principles into their own lives so that they, like Dr. Carson, can embrace an amazing future filled with incredible success.
3 Books On christian living
Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations, by Alex and Brett Harris, was written to combat the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility. Alex and Brett Harris weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life and map a clear trajectory for long-term fulfillment and eternal impact. Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life “rebelutionaries” in action. This rallying cry from the heart of a revolution already in progress challenges you to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today. Now featuring a conversation guide, 100 real-life examples of hard things tackled by other young people, and stories of young men and women who have taken the book’s charge to heart, Do Hard Things will inspire a new generation of “rebelutionaries”.
You Were Made To Make A Difference by Max Lucado. This adaptation of Outlive Your Life for teens offers practical tips youth can take out into their community to make a difference, plus real-life stories about those who have done just that. Teens learn that God can use them to make a difference right now. He wants to use them today, without waiting for them to be older, stronger, richer, or even more “together.” God can use their minds, their spirits, and their hands and feet to make permanent change for His kingdom. Also included are valuable resources, interesting facts about the needy in the world and how little it takes to make a big difference, and other interactive elements such as journaling opportunities for writing personal ideas and service goals.
Biblical Economics In Comics by Vic Lockman. Make no mistake! Vic Lockman is serious about the Bible and the economic issues that it addresses. His method of explaining what it says just happens to be cartoons – a non-threatening, easy-to-remember, and fun way to demonstrate God’s principles. Vic helps us to understand the market, money, taxes, government, law and what the Bible has to say about each one. This book is an ideal introduction to the study of economics. Teens will learn that their role in life is bigger than themselves, and that they’re not too young to make a difference for God.
More resources
I hope your son enjoys these 12 character building (and fun!) books for teen boys as much as mine has. I believe we are raising the next generation of warriors. It is critically important to fill them with inspiring words, Biblical truths, and books that help them find their inner hero. I’d love for you to comment below with character building (and fun!) books your teen boys have read!
Great Articles/Podcasts About Reading With Your Teens –
- “Books for Teens, and Why YA Is A Genre (And Not A Reading Level)”
- “5 Books To Read Aloud With Teens”
- “The Lowdown on Reading Aloud With Teens”
- “14 Must Read Christian Books For Teens”
Click here to learn more about our family’s story. And click here to check out the best books I’ve read for homeschooling inspiration for moms. And don’t forget to join our email list to stay involved with our Megavan Mama Community!
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