Avoiding boredom during the summer can be a lot of work! Let’s be honest: there are only so many hours a day you can spend on Facebook, texting friends, and watching TV. Eventually, your mind might crave some actual intellectual stimulation. If and when that time comes, here are a few great book ideas for summer reading.
Fiction
The True Colors Series. This series of books, all by Melody Carlson, follow girls as they deal with everything from addiction to breaking up with a boyfriend to jealousy. Though these books are a series, they don’t build off one another, so you wouldn’t have to start with book #1.
The Live Free Series. This series is by Jan Kern. Like The True Colors Series, the books are independent, so you can start with any book in the series. These books cover real life issues such as purity, self-injury, and online addiction.
Little Women. This is a great classic by Louisa May Alcott. I read this book with my mom one summer and it was a blast! It’s the story of four sisters growing up during the Civil War. It has laughter, tears, and love – who could ask for more from a book? Plus, it was made into a movie a few years ago, which I highly recommend watching after reading the book.
Non-Fiction
Idol Girls. This book is by Hayley DiMarco. It’s an excellent book that helps you explore what you worship, what you think about, and what consumes you. Living in a world that puts a high premium on owning things can be difficult for Christians who are called to store up treasures in heaven!
I Married Adventure by Luci Swindoll helps you look at life through the lens of opportunity. Luci Swindoll is the founder of Women of Faith, worked for several years traveling for Mobil Oil Company, and has never married. Luci is a great example of how to live a fulfilling life, and this book encourages girls to seize opportunities and look for adventure in everyday life.
The Hiding Place. I have read this book, by Corrie ten Boom, at least five times. Corrie writes about her experience during World War II helping Jews escape Nazi Germany and eventually ending up in a concentration camp with her sister and father. A gentle warning: read this book with a box of tissues nearby!
Bible Study
The PB&J (Pocket Book & Journal) Series by Hayley DiMarco covers a range of topics including dating, modesty, sexual purity, and mean girls. These books would make a great independent study or small group book.
Deal with It. This book is a 12-week study on teenage girls’ anger by Mary Huebner. It can be incredibly difficult to deal with anger and maintain a good attitude. This study can help you (and your friends) learn to deal with anger in a healthy, Christ-like way.