An early 2000s study by the Barna Research Group showed a large number of Americans are reading and buying Christian books.
Almost half of US adults, or 48%, and over half of US teenagers—51%—read at least one Christian book per year, not including the Bible. About a third of both age groups also invested in buying at least one Christian book per year, too. The report also found that many non-Christian-identifying individuals, such as atheists or agnostics, are also reading and buying Christian literature.
Are you out of interesting titles on your want-to-read list? Looking for the best Christian books out there today? You have finished your book and wondering what to read next?
Keep reading for some solid selections!
The Best Christian Books for Children
The following books are great for the school-aged children in your life!
Look for bold illustrations, contemporary takes on old lessons, and easy-to-understand versions of famous stories from the past.
1. Stories of the Saints by Carey Wallace
According to the children’s book author Carey Wallace, saints are “the superheroes of Christianity.”
In Stories of the Saints, Wallace takes readers through 77 different tales of adventure, grace, and courage. Everything is fantastically illustrated by Nick Thornborrow, the boldness of which allows children to get lost in the wonderous things each saint does in their story.
From Joan of Arc and Mother Teresa to the great teacher St. Thomas Aquinas, you’ll find no lack of fascinating anecdotes here.
2. God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren
This short story is the perfect piece of comfort every child wants to hear before they go to bed.
When your kids are old enough to ask where they came from, pull out this sweet tale that demonstrates how a certain pair of polar bears answers the age-old question.
If you enjoy this book, check out others in the God Gave Us series, such as God Gave Us Two or God Gave Us Love.
3. How Great Is Our God by Louie Giglio
This excellently illustrated book’s tagline reads 100 Indescribable Devotions About God and Science.
How Great Is Our God delivers one hundred prayers in the form of interesting stories, complete with compelling photographs and scientific facts. Learn about Earth, space, and the human body alongside several other tales that highlight God’s incredible creations.
This well-loved book has also shown popularity among adults!
The Best Christian Books for Teenagers
As the Barna study suggests, teenagers are some of the more voracious readers of Christian books.
The following books are worth placing on your want-to-read list if they’re not already!
4. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
What are the fundamental truths of the Christian religion?
In this book, Lewis finds common ground between the many Christian faiths and rejects “the boundaries that divide Christianity’s many denominations.” He explains how Christians can stand together by addressing the core beliefs that many of them share.
If you’ve ever felt alone in your faith, this book highlights how, differences aside, we all speak the same voice.
5. Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper
One thing on many teenagers’ minds is how to live a fulfilling life.
In this book by Piper, he demonstrates what a wasted life looks like—one without passion and one that strives for comfort over glory. Following your passions isn’t always easy or comfortable, but Piper explains that living this way is the one true way to honor God.
6. Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris
Following in the same vein of Piper’s book is Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations by twin brothers Alex and Brett.
Similarly, this book encourages teenagers to do hard things for the glory of God. They offer compelling reasons to resist cultural lies and maximize one’s potential. They then map out five specific and powerful ways that teenagers can act on behalf of personal and social change.
The Best Christian Books for Adults
It’s Mom and Dad’s turn to read! What are Christian adults reading nowadays?
Get started here.
7. The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
This highly rated book by Lewis, told in a satirical fashion, is the “most engaging account” of temptation and, ultimately, triumphing over it.
Screwtape, our narrator’s uncle, writes letters to his nephew, Wormwood, describing how to best tempt a subject. The book is written for believers, but even non-believers can appreciate the way Lewis writes a captivating story about the detrimental effects of giving in to temptation.
Lewis highlights the ways we can be so easily (and not-so-obviously) tempted in our everyday lives, and how being an individual—truly ourselves, not just one of the crowd—is one of the best ways of combatting it.
8. The Book of Mysteries by Jonathan Cahn
This daily devotional book (available at https://www.swrc.com/bookstore.html) reads like your traditional prayer book, but with a major side of adventure and intrigue.
The premise starts with a treasure chest full of mysteries—secrets, revelations, keys, and answers to age-old questions. From there, you’ll read through 365 prayers or “mysteries”—one per day—as you follow the yearlong journey of our narrator.
Enjoy reading a different mission every day as you then apply it to your own life.
9. Bring on the Blessings by Beverly Jenkins
This modern-day, tenderhearted romance is unexpected in all the best ways.
Bernadine is reeling from a divorce from her cheating ex-husband. In the divorce settlement, she comes away with millions of dollars—and as a Christian woman, naturally wants to use that money for good. She hopes to turn around a small town—and so she buys it.
With the help of the town’s (handsome) mayor, Bernadine makes changes both appreciated and unappreciated by current residents.
Eat, Pray, Read
This list is full of interesting titles for all ages.
Whether you want to read something yourself, like a modern-day Christian romance, or share something coming-of-age with your teenager or toddler, the selections here are fantastic. Each of the books on this list offers something—advice, insight, tips on staying true to your religion, and so much more.
Now that you know what the best Christian books are, it’s time to hit up your local library or bookstore. When you need more reading material, make sure you come back to our site and see what else we have!
