Normally I share these thoughts for parents on Thursday because of the catchy alliteration. But here’s something for Friday. In the Green Thumb Parenting class, I provided an answer to a common question: what book should I go through with my kid? Actually, I provided 10 answers. Here are my (current, and bound to change over time) Top Ten books for parents to go through with their teens during the middle school and high school years.

Not every family should necessarily try to plow through all ten books in six years, but I hope that by choosing a few titles from this list, parents will find help in specific areas with their teens. I list them here alphabetically by author:

Growing Up Christian, Karl Graustein. From one of the leaders of Covenant Life School, who himself grew up Christian, this book is an invaluable resource. Packed with real examples and simple tools to make it real for the reader, this book helps students and parents navigate the opportunities and temptations of growing up in the church.

Christian Beliefs, Wayne Grudem. “20 essential truths that every [teenage] Christian needs to know.” From the master of doctrinal clarity. Great for younger teens and pre-teens, too. I was surprised at how many of the kids in my Christian Beliefs class really wanted to know more about election.

I Kissed Dating Goodbye, Josh Harris. Already a classic, Josh’s case for ditching dating remains compelling. Read it more than once in middle and high school for a good foundation for God-glorifying opposite-sex relationships.

The Enemy Within, Kris Lundgaard. Do your teens understand that there biggest problem is inside, not outside? Any teen can find 100 things to blame his problems on. This book helps him see the big daddy of them all: sin.

Living the Cross-Centered Life, C.J. Mahaney. We’ve fallen short if the gospel is just theory. This book makes it real in everyday life. I think the chapter on legalism is especially relevant for young people. One to re-read every year.

Girl Talk, Carolyn Mahaney & Nicole Whitacre. Written by the most beautiful woman in the world and the best mother-in-law you could ask for, this guide to mother-daughter conversations is unparalleled. Moms, you can put Titus 2 to work at your kitchen table tomorrow with this book.

Don’t Waste Your Life, John Piper. It’s so easy for a teen to waste his teen years. Piper’s message is part of the antidote. Though we have a little different approach to missions, the central message of this book is about living a Christ-centered life, something every teen needs to hear.

What’s the Difference?, John Piper. Our culture is radically confusing and distorting gender roles for our kids. Let’s fight back. A slender volume with exceptionally good definitions and explanations of what are mature masculinity and femininity.

Holiness of God, R.C. Sproul. Perhaps one of the most important books written in the last century. Our teens won’t understand the gospel if they don’t understand God’s holiness. This is the book to do it. A must-read.

How Can I Be Sure I’m a Christian?, Donald Whitney. Some kids who are struggling with assurance need to look less at themselves and more at Christ, but this book will help some to begin to determine if they have genuine saving faith or not.

Parents, I know I haven’t cornered the market on book recommendations. What are your favorites? Whas has worked well and what hasn’t worked well? Let us know with a comment.

Categories: Thursday Thoughts For Parents, five15 blog