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When you have avid readers in the house, it can be difficult to keep their bookshelves filled with new material that you know to be clean and Christian. With that in mind, I thought it would be neat to share some of the books that I have personally enjoyed and would recommend to readers still in grade school. On a fun note, in my previous post “Summer Bucket list for Kids,” (read here >>) one of the ideas was to “Read 15 books” which I think is an awesome goal for kids and teens over the summer. That said, here are four amazing books for high schoolers!
1. Hinds’ Feet in High Places – by Hannah Hurnard
Through the years, I have discovered my love for allegories. The ones I have read have truly blessed me with their poetically written styles, beautiful word pictures, and incredible truths. Hinds’ Feet on High Places, by Hannah Hurnard, is the inspiring story of a young, crippled girl named Much-Afraid and is one of the many great books for high schoolers to read over the summer. This young lady falls in love with a Shepherd who is a picture of Christ. In this story, Much-Afraid chose to make the incredible journey up to the High Places where the Shepherd tells her she will be healed and made whole.
To demonstrate the beautiful writing style, I have taken the following portion of the story from Chapter 1 when Much-Afraid spoke to her Shepherd:
“I see the longing to be loved and admired growing in my heart, Shepherd, but I don’t think I see the kind of Love that You are talking about, at least, nothing like the love which I see in You.” – Much-Afraid from Hannah Hurnard’s allegory (p.22)
I believe that this book has the potential to truly inspire your young readers and give them a deeper look at their own journeys and walks with God. They will be challenged to take a look at their own hearts and standing with their Shepherd.
To find this beautiful allegory online, click the following link (the picture leads to the softcover, but here is the link to the hardcover, if you would prefer):
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Hinds’ Feet on High Places By Hannah Hurnard Journey with Much-Afraid and her companions Sorrow and Suffering as they follow the Shepherd through dangers, toils, and snares to the high places of God’s love. This beautiful allegory—written in the tradition of Pilgrim’s Progress—includes a brief autobiography and Hurnard’s account of how she came to write her beloved classic. 317 pages, softcover from Tyndale. |
2. That Printer of Udell’s – by Harold Bell Wright
Another great book to read this summer would be That Printer of Udell’s. I read this book many years ago then started it again later on and was reminded why I loved it. As I read, I was both challenged and convicted.
This story is about a young man named Dick who begins as a tramp trying to build a new life for himself. Following Dick through his struggles and growth challenged me to be a better Christian, a real Christian. There is so much more to Christianity than going to church and reading our Bibles. Christianity is being like Christ, loving others the way He did, and having a servant’s heart like His, and this book tells a story that makes these messages come to life.
To demonstrate this message, here is an excerpt from the book in a portion before Dick became a Christian:
He rejoiced in his heart when at dinner, the restaurant keeper cursed his wife in the kitchen, and a drunken boarder fell from his chair. “This, at least, is real,” he said to himself; “but what a world this would be if only the Sermon on the Mount were lived, not simply talked about.”
Oh my word! When I read through these thoughts, I was so convicted. So often, I think that we simply read the words of Christ and do not apply them to our lives. I want to live a real Christianity, to be a real Christian. This book does an amazing job of bringing practical Christian principles to life. I will say that I think this book is better for older teens due to some of the more delicate content.
Later on, in Chapter 14, the following excerpt can be found:
“And so it was, that when he went to church the next Sunday evening, his heart was torn with conflicting emotions, and he slipped into a seat in the rear of the building…Cameron’s sermon was from the text, ‘What is that to thee? Follow thou me.” And as he went on with his sermon, pointing out the evils of the church…but always calling the mind of his hearers back to the words of Jesus, ‘What is that to thee? Follow thou me,’ Dick felt his objections vanish, one by one, and the great truth alone remain…” (pg. 166-167)
This story is one of the many incredible books one could read over the course of this summer:)
Following is a link to That Printer of Udell’s:
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That Printer of Udell’s By Harold Bell Wright Has someone crossed your path recently that might have needed your help? Were you paying attention closely enough to have noticed? A tramp printer that ends up working for George Udell has so much to teach about living by an honor code. 352 pages, hardcover. Written in 1902.That Printer of Udell’s is part of the Classic Collection (written for teenage and adult readers, this selection includes Lamplighter’s most inspiring and life-changing literature, with more extensive character development, plots and themes.) |
For the less expensive, paper cover option, here is the link:
3. Evidence Not Seen – by Darlene Deibler Rose
What an incredibly inspiring story! Evidence Not Seen is the autobiography of a woman named Darlene Deibler Rose. After marrying Russell Deibler, Darlene and her husband chose to become missionaries to New Guinea near the beginning of World War II. Throughout the book, Darlene gives beautiful examples of God’s presence and provision. The following quote is from Chapter 8 on page 125 when Darlene was going through a great trial:
‘”Lassie, whatever you do, be a good soldier for Jesus Christ.’ Dr. Jaffray’s last words to me came to mind, and each step became a cry for courage. ‘O God, whatever You do, make me a good soldier for Jesus Christ.'” (pg. 125)
Because of Darlene’s courage, perseverance, and submission demonstrated in Evidence Not Seen, I believe this book will be an inspiration and challenge to your children as they journey along with her through the stories of the incredible trials she experienced in her service for the Lord.
Following is a link to this beautiful story:
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Evidence Not Seen: A Woman’s Miraculous Faith in the Jungles of World War II By Darlene Deibler Rose Newlywed American missionary Darlene Deibler Rose survived four years in a notorious Japanese prison camp set deep in the jungles of New Guinea. Thinking she was never to see her husband again, Darlene was forced to sign a false confession and face the executioner’s sword, only to be miraculously spared in this true story of one woman’s survival against the odds. |
4. By Searching – by Isobel Kuhn
Lastly, By Searching is an incredible story of a young Canadian girl who starts as one who questions all her childhood beliefs and would be another one of the great books for high schoolers. At the beginning of the story, she was challenged by her college professor who, when she had made it clear she believed the Bible and its teachings, made her question it all. The book says in Chapter 1: “Dr. Sedgewick smiled, then, as if sympathetic with our embarrassment, he conceded: ‘Oh, you just believe that because your papa and mama told you so” (p. 6). She was shaken. With this comment began her time of doubts and seeking, yet, in the end, she comes to her rock bottom and prays,
“God, if there be a God…if You will prove to me that You are, and if You will give me peace, I will give You my whole life. I’ll do anything You ask me to do, go where You send me, obey You all my days.” – Isobel Kuhn (p. 15)
God did give her peace, and she kept her side of the deal by seeking Him and giving Him her entire life. I encourage you or your high school readers to consider her inspiring story of sacrifice and dedication to the Lord she loved and chose to serve with all she was. Once again, this book may be better for older readers due to some of the sensitive content.
Following is a link to this inspiring book:
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By Searching By Isobel Kuhn Isobel Miller gave up God for worldly pursuits. But as graduation approached and her engagement was broken, she questioned that decision. “If You will prove to me that You are, and if You will give me peace, I will give You my whole life.” God heard Isobel’s prayers. He reached out to her, ending years of searching. Her response was to dedicate her life, along with her husband, to missionary service in China. |
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There you have it! Since I know that finding books for high schoolers can be challenging at times, this post has considered four books for high schoolers to read throughout this summer. Each of these books have made an impact on my heart. and I would recommend them to homeschooling mommas or their high schoolers, to be honest. They each have value to offer and are worth the read!
Have you read any of these books? What are your thoughts? Do you have any other suggestions?
Please leave a comment below if you choose to read one of these books or have some to add 🙂
