I'm one of those book nerds that walks into a bookstore, closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and imagines all the stories trapped inside the covers surrounding me. I can smell the fresh covers and my eyes dance with happiness as I run my fingers along the spines of each treasure. Okay, I'll stop before you decide I'm too weird to read any further. I'm slightly obsessed with books. Ask anyone. Or just take a look at my bedroom that is being overrun with books everywhere. I've been reading for as long as I can remember and over the years I've definitely had my share of reading books that inspire, encourage, and challenge me. Because I know it can be hard to find good, godly material for young ladies to read today, I've decided to compile a short list of 20 books I would recommend. And also because the lovely Grace suggested this fun topic. :) Since I couldn't narrow it down to five, ten, or even fifteen, you get the joy of 20 suggestions. And here they are: Not Abandoned, by MacKenzie Morganthal. Hold up, I promise there is no bias here! Not Abandoned is inspiring, suspenseful, and life-changing. Although the author and I are related, I would recommend this book either way. The story of girls trapped in the dark world of human trafficking, and their sister's journey to se them free, it is intriguing and uplifting, as there is a positive message weaved throughout. Seriously order it: www.morganthalbooks.weebly.com Recommended for ages 13+ because of the subject matter. You're Made for a God-Sized Dream: Opening the Door to All God Has for You, by Holley Gerth. This was the first book that I read by Holley Gerth, and oh my, was it amazing. Not only did this book push me to realize that my God-sized dream was publishing my first book I Dare You, but it also inspired me to take hold of all God had for me. I've read it more than once and definitely recommend it. If you're especially wondering about the purpose or meaning for your life, read this book. The Divine Dance: If the world is your stage, who are you performing for? by Shannon Kubiak Primicerio. I read this book for the first time when I was like 11 or 12. I've read it so many times it's all marked up and worn out, haha. This book is about living for an audience of One. Every word is carefully written to draw you in and inspire you to dance only for your King. Get it and read it. Get Lost: Your Guide to Finding True Love, by Dannah Gresh. I've read Dannah's other books, "And the Bride Wore White," and "The Secret of the Lord," which are also both fantastic. But this one made an especially profound impact on me as a young teenager. In a world so focused with finding "the one" and "true love," Dannah presents a fresh, truthful look at what love is and how you can find the love of your life in God. Totally worth a read. Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption, by Katie Davis. Ah, yes, this one. Kisses from Katie changed my life in so many ways. I've read it oh, let's see, five or six times? Too many to count really. Every time I open the pages I almost can feel the red dirt soil of Uganda beneath my feet (yes, I'm dramatic). Uganda is my heart and soul...my deepest dream. Hearing Katie's stories, reading her encouragement, hearing about this beautiful country, it was all amazing. Just, please, get a copy of this book. Daring to Hope: Finding God's Goodness in the Broken and the Beautiful, by Katie Davis Majors. Cheers for another book by Katie! This book...oh, my heart. <3 I was blessed to be on the launch team for this book and read it early, which was so fun. Every word was like reading a masterpiece. This book is for anyone who has endured a tragedy, felt the pain of loss, or been heart broken (which includes everyone at some point). This book encourages you to keep hoping in the God who never disappoints even when hope is hard. Read it! One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, by Ann Voskamp. Ann is the writer I've always dreamed of being. Her words are like art that touch the deepest places of your soul and make you feel something that normal words don't. She's an artist with words. She's one of the best. She's amazing. One Thousand Gifts is about the miracle of thanksgiving in the midst of every day, mundane, or heart-breaking moments. Every word of this book was worth buying it. The Broken Way: A Daring Path into the Abundant Life, by Ann Voskamp. Ann definitely did not disappoint with this next book. Every page, every word, captivated me. I cried throughout reading as I felt the emotion of each phrase. This book is about living broken. So many of us try to hide our scars, hide our brokenness. This book is about letting them show and how when we give to others, our lives are changed. Ah, I loved every moment of reading this book. Before You Meet Prince Charming: A Guide to Radiant Purity, by Sarah Mally. My mom read this book with my sister and I right before we became teenagers. Since then, I've read it a few more times. Sarah's writing is godly, encouraging, and true. I've also done her Bright Lights curriculum which is also fantastic. This book is about (obviously) purity, and the joy of waiting for God's perfect timing for love. I find it's also encouraging that the book was written from the perspective of a single young lady. Be The Change: Your Guide to Freeing Slaves and Changing the World, by Zach Hunter. Take one look at the subtitle and you may understand why I'm slightly obsessed with this book. ;) I was thirteen when I first read Zach's book (which he wrote as a young teenager, by the way) and it changed my life then, by awakening me to the epidemic of slavery in the world around us. I loved this book and have read it several times since. Although I always recommend this book, unfortunately, I'm unable to stand behind some of his beliefs today. Authentic Beauty: the Shaping of a Set-Apart Young Woman, by Leslie Ludy. Leslie was one of my favorite authors as a young teenager when I was thirteen and fourteen. Her book Set-Apart Femininity is also very good. I loved this book and the way Leslie talked about being a princess (that's my thing, ya know) loved by our true Prince. This book is about living beautiful on the inside and experiencing the romance of your life with the King of the universe. Definitely check it out. Will Our Generation Speak: A Call to Be Bold with the Gospel, by Grace Mally. This book ignites the passion in you to spread the Gospel around you. So many young people today have become apathetic about spreading the Gospel. We seem to forget that everyone is going to die and a lot of people are going to die and go to hell if we don't tell them about the Gospel. This book is all about sharing the Gospel and gives practical tips on how to do so, as well as relatable stories of other young people sharing the Gospel around them. Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations by Alex and Brett Harris. This was another book that changed my life when I was thirteen. This book is inspiring, challenging, and vital to young people in this generation. So many teenagers are growing up without any direction or passion, waiting until they're "older" to do something with their life and be more mature. This book reminds them that we are called to so much more. Love this book. My Life His Mission: A Six Week Challenge to Change the World, by Kim P. Davis. This was the first book about missions that I read after I received my call to missions in Africa. This is another one of those books I've read so many times that it's worn out and marked up. This book provides you with real-life stories of young people serving the Lord and changing their world. Every page is super inspiring and it also includes journaling space/questions to apply what you learn. Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely, by Lysa TerKeurst. This book came into my life last year in the middle of a season where I felt extremely left out, lonely, and rejected. But it couldn't have come at a better time. Each word made sense, connected with my heart, and encouraged me to live in God's love for me, even when my feelings told me differently. Excellent book and would definitely recommend it. A Young Woman's Walk with God: Growing More Like Jesus, by Elizabeth George. I've read all of Elizabeth's books for young women, but this one was my favorite. I read it as a young teenager, and it was especially encouraging. This book takes you through the fruits of the Spirit and encourages you to live more like Jesus every day. It also includes journaling space and questions to help you reflect on what you learned in each chapter. Millie's Grand Adventure: Book Six in the Millie Keith Series, by Martha Finley. Although you really, really should read all of the series from the beginning (yes, read them in order), I'm highlighting this one from the series because it's my favorite. Growing up the Millie Keith series was my favorite. I read every book in the series at least four times, but this one I probably read six times. Not only does this series have fun stories, but it also teaches encouraging, and uplifting messages. The Coronation, by Livy Jarmusch. This book, oh my goodness. Livy is such a dear friend and I promise I'm not biased with this book either. I loved every moment of my adventure in Tarsurella, throughout these pages. You quickly get wrapped up in the lives of each character, but my personal favorite is Vanessa Bennett. You may remember her from a character interview I did here on the blog. This story is a treasure and if you love suspense, humor, a touch of romance, and uplifting messages: get this book! (No Image Available) All Glorious Within: Journeying as the King's Daughter, by Tiffany Schlichter. I know the Schlichter family through the Bible Bee, and I first read All Glorious Within when I was fifteen. This book is an encouragement to young girls to live as a daughter of the King and let their lives glorify Him. Tiffany is very relatable and encouraging in her writing. I love this book. (No Image Available) A Trophy in My Heart: Learning, Speaking, & Living God's Word, by Brittany Schlichter. It was an honor and joy to compete alongside Brittany in the National Bible Bee and her book was a tremendous encouragement to me throughout my years with the Bible Bee. She not only shares her experience with the first-ever Bible Bee in 2009, but she also encourages readers to learn, speak, and live God's Word in their own lives. Even if you don't do Bible Bee, it's definitely still worth reading. :) Well, there you have it! My top 20 book recommendations for girls! Of course, there are so many more I could've listed here. Have you read any of these books? What are some of your own recommendations? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Grace F.
10/23/2017 09:39:59 am
Ah yay, you did this post!! :) Thank you so, so much!! <3
Bella Morganthal
10/26/2017 01:02:23 pm
Thank YOU for suggesting it! ;) Ooh, fun! You'll love Do Hard Things!
Kenzie
10/23/2017 06:48:41 pm
Great list! Thanks for putting “Not Abandoned” at the top! <3 😘
Bella Morganthal
10/26/2017 01:02:44 pm
You're welcome, baby <3
Olivia Bell (aka Livy)
10/23/2017 11:04:55 pm
Ooh, this has to be one of my top favorite posts you've done! All of these books sound so great!!! Of them all, I've read "Not Abandoned" (SCREAMS IN EXCITEMENT ABOUT THE SEQUEL) and Kisses from Katie and Daring to Hope. I love them! I want to read all of these, but especially Do Hard Things and Will Our Generation Speak? by Grace Mally. ;) I have Tiffany Schlicter's book, I really need to read it! I'm about to read the book "God's Smuggler" by Brother Andrew, it looks EPIC! Have you read it? :D
Bella Morganthal
10/26/2017 01:04:21 pm
Aww thanks so much, sweet Livy!! :D
Brianna
10/24/2017 01:54:28 pm
THIS IS AWESOME!!!!! =D Let's just say, I'm, somewhat obsessed with books. So this post is like one of my favorites ever!!! I am so looking forward to reading some of these!
Bella Morganthal
10/26/2017 01:08:09 pm
Ahh, thanks so much, Brianna!! I'm so happy you loved it so much! :D I'm obsessed with books too xD And don't worry, reading is a good distraction later from post-Bible Bee depression XD haha just kidding, but hopefully you'll have more reading time after BB :)
Brianna
10/26/2017 07:47:02 pm
xD haha Yep. Only I have to make sure and guard against wasting time and using books to escape from my feelings and the real world/life (which *very* easily happens, especially in my case I think. xP). :) 10/24/2017 07:43:44 pm
Ooh yaay! A new article! So happy I get to finally comment on your blog for the rebekahdevall challenge ;P and I LOVE the rebelution book too! I really need to look at the "A Young Woman's Walk with God"--becoming more like Jesus is definitely something I need to work on.... (And also, btw, THANK YOU SO MUCH for recommending Canva to me. I just redesigned my entire Facebook page! :D)
Bella Morganthal
10/26/2017 01:09:22 pm
Thanks so much, Priscilla! Haha, yay! ;D
Anna P.
10/25/2017 07:18:41 pm
Wow, all of these books look so awesome!!! I have read the Millie series, "Kisses from Katie", the book by Elizabeth George, and "Do Hard Things," but all the rest are going to be added to my reading list!! Thank you so much!! I've always struggled with finding wholesome, Christian books! Thank you so much for recommending these great books!!! :):)
Bella Morganthal
10/26/2017 01:14:44 pm
Yay! You're so welcome, I hope you get to read some of them! :)
Anna P.
10/25/2017 07:21:42 pm
Oh, I almost forgot--some of my favorite authors/books are "Hinds Feet in High Places," "The Hiding Place," "Daring to Hope" by Katie Davis :), "I Dare you," and books by Rachel Rittenhouse, Comments are closed.
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