10+ Best Christian Books for 9-12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect read to nurture faith and inspire adventure in your tweens? Finding the right Christian books for 9-12-year-olds can be a delightful challenge. Whether you're a parent, guardian, or educator, this blog post is packed with a curated selection of engaging and meaningful reads that cater specifically to this age group. Keep reading to discover our various lists of Christian books for 9-12-year-olds that are sure to captivate and educate young minds.

Fun Christian Books for 9-12-Year-Olds

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christian
  • Synopsis: Four siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—stumble upon a magical world called Narnia through a wardrobe. In Narnia, they embark on an epic adventure to defeat the White Witch and restore peace to the land with the help of Aslan, the great lion.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating tale that blends excitement with moral lessons, encouraging readers to think about courage, faith, and integrity.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and fantasy lovers who enjoy stories with rich, allegorical meanings.

• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fiction, Christian
  • Synopsis: Mary Lennox, a spoiled and ill-tempered girl, is sent to live at her uncle's estate in Yorkshire, where she discovers a locked, neglected garden. As she brings the garden back to life, Mary herself undergoes a transformation.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book highlights themes of redemption and the healing power of nature, which can inspire readers to find beauty and hope in their surroundings.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of transformation and young gardeners who are curious about the magic of nature.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy, Christian
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a journey through space and time to save Meg's father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of science fiction with Christian theology and offers a thrilling adventure that challenges the imagination while exploring themes of love and faith.
  • Perfect for: Sci-fi enthusiasts and young readers who like stories that mix action with deeper philosophical questions.

• The Tale of Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale retold by Angela Elwell Hunt, illustrated by Tim Jonke
  • Genre(s): Folklore, Christian, Children’s Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This folktale tells the story of three trees on a mountain, each with hopes for their future. They each find their dreams fulfilled in an unexpected way that is deeply intertwined with the life of Jesus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully illustrated story that delivers powerful messages about God’s plan for everyone, encouraging patience and hope.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with a moral and those who appreciate visually appealing illustrations alongside text.

• The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christian
  • Synopsis: Princess Irene discovers a magical secret about her great-grandmother that leads her to a young miner boy, Curdie. Together, they uncover a plot by the goblins that live below the mountains to attack the kingdom.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a classic fantasy that promotes bravery and faith in the unseen, wrapped up in a thrilling narrative with memorable characters.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fairy tales with princesses and heroes, and those who appreciate stories with Christian undertones.

Educational Christian Books for 9-12-Year-Olds

• God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew with John and Elizabeth Sherrill
  • Genre(s): Biography, Christian, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book tells the true story of Brother Andrew, a man who risked his life to smuggle Bibles into communist countries during the Cold War.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of historical contexts, empathy, courage, and faith
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale of bravery and faith, showing how one person's conviction can make a huge difference in the world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and inspirational stories of faith.

• The Door in the Dragon's Throat by Frank E. Peretti
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Christian, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Follow Jay and Lila Cooper as they accompany their archaeologist father to Nepal to investigate a mysterious door that locals believe is cursed.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, understanding of cultural differences, and archaeological knowledge
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery with adventure and spiritual lessons, making it a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who love mysteries and learning about different cultures.

• Imagination Station Series: Voyage with the Vikings by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Christian, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Cousins Beth and Patrick travel back in time in the Imagination Station to find a Viking sunstone and meet a Christian monk named Leif Erikson.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, imagination, and understanding of Christian history
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an engaging way for kids to learn about history and Christian figures through time-travel adventures.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy time-travel stories and historical adventures.

• The Lightlings by R.C. Sproul, illustrated by Justin Gerard
  • Genre(s): Christian, Fantasy, Children's Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This allegorical tale follows the journey of a small boy who discovers the Lightlings, creatures that represent humanity's fall and redemption.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of Christian themes like redemption, light and darkness
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses a simple yet profound narrative to explain complex theological concepts in a way that's accessible to children.
  • Perfect for: Young readers and families seeking a bedtime story with deep spiritual meanings.

• The Berenstain Bears: God Loves You! by Jan and Mike Berenstain
  • Genre(s): Christian, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Brother and Sister Bear discover God’s love and learn how they can pass on that love to others in their daily lives.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Moral lessons, understanding of love and kindness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great tool for teaching young children about God's love and how it influences the way we treat others.
  • Perfect for: Young children and fans of the Berenstain Bears learning about Christian values.

Challenging Christian Books for 9-12-Year-Olds

• Hinds' Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard
  • Genre(s): Christian, Allegory
  • Synopsis: This allegorical novel follows Much-Afraid on her spiritual journey through difficulties and trials towards the High Places of Love.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book uses allegory to explore deep spiritual themes and personal transformation, which requires readers to think abstractly and reflectively.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages perseverance and trust in God, even through tough times, providing a powerful metaphor for spiritual growth.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy deep, thought-provoking stories and those dealing with personal challenges.

• The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Christian
  • Synopsis: Set in biblical times, this story follows a young boy named Daniel who seeks revenge but finds a different path after encountering Jesus.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes like revenge, redemption, and forgiveness, intertwined with historical context that requires a mature understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a vivid portrayal of historical events and moral lessons that are relevant to contemporary life.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and those seeking stories with strong moral foundations.

• The Wingfeather Saga: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Christian
  • Synopsis: This is the first book in a series about the Igiby siblings, who embark on a journey filled with danger and discovery in the land of Aerwiar.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is rich with invented languages and complex world-building that require advanced reading skills and imagination.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating fantasy that weaves together adventure, humor, and Christian values, making it both entertaining and enlightening.
  • Perfect for: Fans of epic tales and readers who enjoy detailed fantasy worlds.

• The Bark of the Bog Owl by Jonathan Rogers
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Christian
  • Synopsis: Part of the Wilderking Trilogy, this book tells the story of Aidan, who becomes part of a prophecy and must face various trials in the wilderness.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates themes of prophecy, leadership, and faith into a fantasy setting, requiring readers to grasp complex narrative elements.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines biblical allegory with thrilling adventure, engaging young readers while inspiring them to think about their own role in God's world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love adventure stories with spiritual depth.

• The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic by Jennifer Trafton, illustrated by Brett Helquist
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor, Christian
  • Synopsis: Persimmony Smudge leads a humorous and thrilling adventure on the Island at the Center of Everything, where she uncovers secrets that could shake her world.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book's imaginative setting and the layered plot demand creative thinking and comprehension skills beyond simple storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, imaginative tale that teaches about bravery, truth, and the importance of questioning authority.
  • Perfect for: Readers with a love for humor and fantasy who appreciate a good, thought-provoking laugh.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're exploring Christian books with your 9-12-year-olds, you're on a fantastic journey of faith and fun. To make the most out of this reading adventure, here are some exercises that can help develop good reading habits. These activities are not just engaging, but also enriching, ensuring that young readers get the most from their reading time.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and helps complete books in a timely manner.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Read and Reflect
  • What it is: Read a section and then pause to reflect on the message.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and allows readers to connect the text with their own lives.
  • Tips: Use reflection questions at the end of a chapter if available.

• Character Connections
  • What it is: Identify with a character and compare their experiences to your own.
  • How it helps: Builds empathy and deeper understanding of the narrative.
  • Tips: Choose a different character each time to keep the exercise fresh.

• Visualize the Story
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes in your mind as you read.
  • How it helps: Improves memory retention and makes reading more enjoyable.
  • Tips: Occasionally pause your reading to sketch scenes or characters.

• Share What You Read
  • What it is: Discuss the book with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Reinforces learning and improves communication skills.
  • Tips: Try to relate the discussion to everyday life situations.

• Prayer Journaling
  • What it is: Write prayers related to themes or lessons learned in the book.
  • How it helps: Deepens spiritual connection and personal application of the reading.
  • Tips: Keep a separate journal for this purpose to track spiritual growth.

These exercises aren't just about reading; they're about growing in faith, understanding, and character. Encourage your young reader to try different exercises with different books to keep their reading experience dynamic and enriching. Happy reading!