I used to avoid non-fiction books—but my perspective changed once I found some on topics I adored. Whether you’re an avid reader, an enthusiastic journaler, or want a book with concepts to get you thinking, get ready because there’s something to suit your tastes in this quick compilation.
Category One: Books with Calls to Action
1. DO HARD THINGS: A TEENAGE REBELLION AGAINST LOW EXPECTATIONS by Brett and Alex Harris
The world sets low standards for today’s teens—expecting us to sit back, play video games, and annoy our parents. While we’re likely to do these things at some point, we can do more. We want to be more. Two teenage brothers dare us to raise the bar, challenge the expectations, and do hard things for the glory of God.
2. WILL OUR GENERATION SPEAK?: A CALL TO BE BOLD WITH THE GOSPEL by Grace Mally
How do we get the word into the world? It doesn’t start by idly letting days and people pass us by. It starts when we go into the world and preach the Good News.
If you want to evangelize but you aren’t sure how to do that or are afraid, I highly recommend WILL OUR GENERATION SPEAK. Grace walks through the process she takes when she evangelizes and shares heart-warming stories of courageous Christians (just like you!) giving away the gift of the Gospel.
3. LIVE TO GIVE: LETTING GOD TURN YOUR TALENTS INTO MIRACLES by Austin Gutwein
Austin has a lunchbox. Inside is a passion for children with specific medical needs, an enjoyment for basketball, and a love for the Lord. Like the kid with bread and fish Jesus multiplied to feed thousands, Austin gave his lunch. It propelled him on an incredible journey you can read about—and then take action.
Category Two: Journals and Workbooks
4. WRITE, DRAW, BELIEVE: 75+ FAITH-BUILDING ACTIVITIES FOR CHRISTIAN KIDS by Alex and Alyssa Brulz
The two young people who designed this journal invite you to let your creativity shine for Jesus with over seventy-five open-ended activities and related Bible verses. This journal isn’t full of crosswords, mazes, or word searches. Instead, this journal wants you to get messy. So design that “me page,” write letters to your friends, sprinkle salt, and get out those scissors.
5. ADORNED: LIVING OUT THE BEAUTY OF THE GOSPEL TOGETHER by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth
Although this book is primarily for older women who want to mentor younger women, I adored it. Nancy guides us through Titus chapter two, sharing life lessons and hard but necessary truths. Even though I’m not an older woman, I would not pass up this book.
6. FERVENT: A WOMAN’S BATTLE PLAN FOR SERIOUS, SPECIFIC, AND STRATEGIC PRAYER by Priscilla Shirer
Do your prayers feel bland, like they’re hitting the ceiling and bouncing back at you? If you’re thinking about reading this book, make sure you have a good highlighter and some battle attire. FERVENT is told from the perspective of a woman who’s been there—but she knows Satan’s attacking you. It’s time to fight back.
7. BREATHE: MAKING ROOM FOR SABBATH by Priscilla Shirer
Some people put comfort, statues, or social media on pedestals—but Priscilla points out our idol of exhaustion, the one that chants we’re worthless if we’re not working. So here’s your reminder to stop running in circles, rest in God, and breathe.
Category Three: Thought-Provoking Books
8. GODS AT WAR: DEFEATING THE IDOLS THAT BATTLE FOR YOUR HEART by Kyle Idleman
Warning: Don’t read this book if you want to keep pet sins.
Idols constantly pull us away from desiring God. Kyle’s book will help you pinpoint those significant idols in your life and how to attack them at the source.
9. RADICAL: TAKING BACK YOUR FAITH FROM THE AMERICAN DREAM by David Platt
If you want to live for Jesus, you have to be different. You have to make radical changes because Jesus is radical. His disciples gave up everything, left their homes, and loved like no one else. Are you ready to live radically?
10. NOT A FAN: BECOMING A COMPLETELY COMMITTED FOLLOWER OF JESUS by Kyle Idleman
Fan: A person obsessed with someone but will leave when there are real consequences.
Follower: A person who will go anywhere their master goes, do whatever he does, and live however he lives, even in the face of extreme consequences.
There’s a distinct difference between a fan who attends church services and can quote Scriptures and a follower who loves like Jesus, shares His word, and won’t back down when persecuted. What are you? The answer might not be what you think.
11. THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING: HOW THE GOSPEL TRANSFORMS THE TEEN YEARS by Jaquelle Crowe Ferris
The Gospel isn’t stagnant—it changes everything about how we think, talk, act, and live. Christians are supposed to be different from everyone else. Why do we keep trying to be normal?
Words have power beyond measure. Be careful what you put in your brain, and use these books as tools.
Drop a comment below if you’ve read any of these books! I love hearing from you.
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