Hi! I’m Sara, and this is my ongoing list of clean books for teens and tweens. I’ve had the opportunity to read lots of clean books lately, and several others have been recommended to me by trusted sources. I’m happy to share those with you!
If you find it difficult to identify newer books without all the language, sex, or mature situations, you’re not alone. Many people are looking for these books, and they ARE out there. You just have to dig a little deeper to find them. The big publishing companies aren’t backing clean books as often right now, so I started searching in smaller publishing houses or from indie authors. I’ve found some great reads this way.
Because of this, some of these may not be at your local library, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get them there. In fact, if you want your library to offer more clean books for teens, you should request more clean books, so they’ll know what their community wants. You can request books at your library on their website, in person, or over the phone.
I’ve been asked many times, and yes, this list reflects my Christian values. I will not suggest anything that contradicts my faith. If you have specific questions about any of these books, feel free to contact me. If you are looking for children’s or YA books by Christian authors only, you might like this list: Teen Books by Christian Authors.
Clean Reads in Your Inbox!
I love to share reading suggestions for teens and adults. As I discover new books, I’ll pass those on to you! Sign up now!
My suggestions for clean books for teenagers
Here are my clean YA book suggestions. Click the titles to read a synopsis on Amazon.
*Yes, my site contains affiliate links. I don’t make much money on these, but every little bit helps, am I right? And don’t worry; there is no extra cost for readers. Obligatory text: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.*
This Dreamer
by Sara Watterson
YA Fantasy Adventure Romance
No language, no sex, mild fantasy violence
My Favorite Color is Your Something Blue
by Eva Austin
YA Contemporary Romance
No language, no sex. First in an ongoing series.
Skyward
by Brandon Sanderson
YA Science Fiction
No language, no sex, mild fantasy violence
I have only read the first book in this series.
The Summer We Forgot
by Caroline George
YA Mystery Thriller
No sex, mild murder mystery violence
The characters do attend parties where drinking takes place, though it is not glorified, and there are discussions of past make-out sessions.
Unbetrothed
by Candice Pedraza Yamnitz
YA Fantasy
I have not finished this one, but it was recommended to me as a clean read.
Steelheart
by Brandon Sanderson
YA Science Fiction
I have not finished this one, but it was recommended to me as a clean read.
Recruit of Talionis
by C.J. Milacci
YA Dystopian
I have not finished this one, but it was recommended to me as a clean read.
Revenge of the Nerd Goddess
by Janette Rallison
YA Contemporary Romance
No language, no sex
Unfortunately, at the time of writing this, there is only an e-book for this one.
P.S. I Like You
by Kasie West
YA Contemporary Romance
No language, no sex
I also liked this author’s books called The Fill-in Boyfriend and Borrow My Heart.
The Wonderland Trials
by Sara Ella
Fantasy
I have not finished this one, but it was recommended to me as a clean read.
The Selection
by Kiera Cass
Fantasy Romance
No language, no sex
Be warned: there is a fair amount of kissing in this one. 😉
Stealing Embers
by Julie Hall
Urban Fantasy
A few instances of mild language, no sex, mild fantasy violence.
It had an older teen vibe.
The Uncertainty of Fire
by Stephanie Daniels
YA Historical Romance
I have not finished this one, but it was recommended to me as a clean read.
Cloaked
by Rachel Kovaciny
YA Western Retelling
I have not finished this one, but it was recommended to me as a clean read.
Suggestions? Let me know in the comments.
Let’s be friends – I’ll send reading suggestions!
I love to share clean reading suggestions for teens and adults. As I discover new books, I’ll pass those on to you! Sign up now!
Thank you!
I’ve read some of these, Nadine Brandes is one of my favourite authors, but I really did not enjoy The Selection. A series I would recommend for this is The Spoken Mage series, by Melanie Cellier, I’ve only read the first book, but really enjoyed it, and can’t wait to get the others from the library!
Thank you! Melanie Cellier has been recommended to me many times! She’s on my TBR. 🙂
Melanie Cellier writes clean teen books (not Christian), mostly YA fantasy and fairy tale retellings. My young teen has read every book written by Melanie Cellier and has loved each one! She has several book series and stand alone books as well. I would recommend going to Melanie Cellier’s web site to see in which order the books should be read.
Thank you for the suggestion! ❤️
Nadine Brandes is such a great author for edifying teens! I highly recommend her other works. They seem like they would be right up your ally!
Also any book by Amanda Dykes may be of interest to you. My sister loves those!
Thank you for your list 😀
Thank you for the suggestions!❤️
Hello,
I’d like to suggest another book for this list, my own first novel that just came out. It captures the spirit of a good war story in a clean paintball format. Full, detailed parental content guide in book description.
“Private Owens: A George Owens Novel” (Paintball Wars Chronicles) by William DeForest Halsted IV
I so appreciate you compiling these lists! I’ve been getting discouraged recently while trying to find clean books for adults. I can’t wait to give some of your suggestions a read.
Some other clean authors are Terri Blackstock and Karen Kingsbury. Some clean books I’ve read recently are Dear Henry, Love Edith and The Metropolitan Affair.
Looking forward to your next post!
Breanna, I’m so glad the list is helpful! I understand getting discouraged when trying to find clean books!
Thanks for compiling this. It is getting harder daily to get clean books for students.
No problem, Nancy. And I agree.
Thank you for compiling a clean list! It means so much to me! We’re homeschooling and running out of good, wholesome books to read!
You are most welcome, Dorothy! (And sorry for the delayed reply!)
Anything by Jeff wheeler is clean as well. Fantasy fiction.
Thanks so much, Sara, for a great reading list!! I finished the Dreamer, which I enjoyed, and love clean fantasy. Donita K Paul has some great dragon stories with an underlying Christian theme.
I look forward to checking out these recommendations.
Thanks.
Great post!
Thank you! I hope it was helpful!