Parents will have criteria for what they think acceptable. Some people feel that pre-teens are not ready for romance, while others think that this genre is OK if properly handled. If romantic novels are out, there are still many others to choose from. Horse stories are always popular with young girls, and authors find the plot of girl-meets-horse a great framework for character and plot development.
Often a publishing house will contract for three-volume series, which gives the author a chance to follow the main character through several story lines. Growing up is a transition, so following a character who is also growing both physically and in the Lord can be inspirational as well as entertaining. Pre-teens often feel pressured to grow too fast or conform to peers, and the right books can certainly spark dialog with parents on these issues.
Boys often like adventures or sports-based stories better than anything to do with horses. Of course, there are some great westerns, like 'My Friend Flicka', which deal with boys growing up in the west. Many exciting books are based on real life rather than superheroes and mega-villains. Books can show people walking out their faith or simply illustrate Christian principles.
The Chronicles of Narnia is a series that uses fictional characters and allegory to depict the life of Christ. Parents may need to explain some of the underlying truths, which is a great way to have quality family time and interaction. This is not a recent story, but the movie made of it has reawakened interest.
There are many books written on the lives of significant people - missionaries, nurses, doctors, pastors, or martyrs - to inspire children. These real-life profiles are often as exciting as fiction, especially when historical accounts are used to substantiate the story and explore the impact each famous person has had on our culture. Every child should recognize the name of Joan of Arc, for instance, and there are many more people worthy of remembrance.
There is a wealth of non-fiction, which is an acquired taste for many. It's never too soon to expose kids to momentous true tales, like how people got to the North Pole or to the moon. Again, this kind of reading can be a great family activity; tales that might be tedious to read alone can be great when Dad or Mom reads aloud and everyone talks about them afterwards.
Mainstream society often ignores the fact that many influential men and women were and are Christians. Often this aspect of history is lost. However, thrilling accounts read in the formative years can help pre-teens know who they are and the heritage they have. Sermons and Sunday School lessons can be reinforced and enlivened by great literature both old and new.
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