I don't know about you, but the struggle to find good, clean books is real.
Painfully so.
Especially for the younger generation. There is so much mainstream, secular, to put it bluntly, garbage out there that sometimes finding something wholesome to give to your kids or younger siblings seems like a task that is utterly impossible.
Well, to some extent, it is.
But thankfully, there are some authors out there who refuse to conform to the world’s twisted views on what’s acceptable to put in front of children (or adults for that matter).
I’ve compiled several books that are perfect for middle grade readers, some from recent authors, some from authors who’ve long left this earth. But regardless of when they lived, they wrote books of honor, integrity, and true moral uprightness.
Here we go.
The Viking Quest series by Lois Walfred Johnson is by far one of the best middle-grade series I've come across. The author not only maintains moral and spiritual uprightness of character throughout the series, but she also brings to life the history and culture of medieval Ireland and Norway.
I especially love how Briana (one of the main characters) is tested in her faith, but always holds fast to what she knows is true. This is trusting in the Lord throughout trials and tribulations at its finest.
Bark of the Bog Owl was a complete joy to read. Not only was the writing style humorous and the interactions altogether just fun to read, but Rogers also accurately portrayed Aidan as a young boy growing up in turbulent times.
Rogers also excelled at portraying the faith and trust God brings us in our time of need, as well as the strength to carry out His will in your life.
This series brings me back to my childhood. What kid hasn't read The Boxcar Children growing up? Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny are good kids, who help people in need, whether that be helping with the yard or clearing up mysteries shrouded in confusion (or usually both 😉). The writing is simple, and the morals are solid, not something you find every day in a kid's book.
I first read this back in school as a group project. I've read it several times since. Marguerite Henry has a beautifully descriptive writing style, and this book, an account of the childhood of the famous American painter Benjamin West, is no exception.
She does a wonderful job of describing early colonial lifestyle, as well as the beliefs and mindset of the Quakers of that time, while keeping the whole book simple and captivating in all its historical charm.
One in a Galaxy is one of my favorites and for very good reason. I was fortunate enough to be able to beta read this book, and I've read it multiple times since then. Angie Thompson has one of my favorite writing styles ever, and the heart of this book is so good and beautiful and pure.
Riley, the main character, is the sweetest thing, and the whole story really brings to life the true meaning of love and sacrificing our wants for others. An altogether beautiful book with none of the strange/weird elements one usually finds in a sci-fi.
So, there you have it! My top 5 clean kids' books. No questionable content, no derogatory family values, no language or crude behavior. Just kids in their own worlds, living Godly lives that are sure to inspire the younger generation (and the older one as well 😉) in their faith.
Do you have younger readers? Have you considered any of these picks for their bookshelf? Comment down below and let's chat good, uplifting literature for kids!
Catch ya on the flip side!
_Mac