CBTT’s Top 10 Fiction Picks of 2017

10. A Season of Miracles 

by Rusty Whitner

Target Audience: Boys, Ages 8-11

Set during the Vietnam War this story features friendship forgiveness and grace. The author brings the joy of life, first crushes and coming of age that makes this time of life magical. The action and humor were well balanced, and the spiritual component exceptional. And there was that added historical element of nostalgia for those of us who were alive during that turbulent period of American history.

2010, Kregel Publications

9. Wreath, A Girl (A Wreath Willis Novel, Book 1) 

by Judy Christie

Target Audience: Girls, Ages 11-18

Wreath is a fascinating teenage character who emerges from homelessness into high school society where she has a shot at her dream—college. This is an interesting read on rural survival. Readers will also root for this not so classic underdog, feeling her pain and victories as she slowly forges relationships like she never dreamed of. Issues of love, friendship and faith are adroitly woven into this captivating tale.

2015, Brosette & Barnhill Publishing, LLC

8. Gilt Hollow 

by Lorie Langdon

Target Audience: Girls, Ages 11-18

Intense with great mystery. The romantic elements are compelling and a little steamy, but this is a fun, clean read.

2016, Zondervan Blink

7. The Revisionary (The Rogues Book 1) 

by Kristin Hogrefe

Target Audience: Girls, Ages 11-18

The Revisionary is a sharply written dystopian tale with an interesting protagonist and supporting characters. The well-woven plot takes many turns including journeys of a sort back into American history. The political and relational intrigues and subtle spirituality were captivating. Readers will look forward to reading this book.

2017, Write Integrity Press

6. Out of the Shadows (The Tacket Secret, Book 1)  

by Emma Carrie

Target Audience: Girls, Ages 11-18

Persecuted underdog endowed with unique skills and cloaked with superpowers—always a fun read! This 167-page serial novel is short and sweet but will require reading the following six installments to complete the story.

2017, Dad and Me Publishing

5. So Not Okay, An Honest Look at Bullying from the Bystander (Mean Girl Makeover, Book 1) 

by Nancy Rue

Target Audience: Girls, Ages 10-14

A Realistic dramatization of middle school bullying among girls from an introverted bystander’s point of view. Readers will feel the fear and frustration as she experiences the pack’s bullying and grow with her as she learns how to deal with bullies from an interesting adult who has walked the same road.

2014, Thomas Nelson

4. A Horse for Kate 

by Miralee Ferrell

Target Audience: Girls, Ages 8-11

This fun read has the usual middle school angst and a series of character building adventures. The first person point of view provided good character depth, and the spiritual and relational interactions were both interesting and instructive. A nice read for young girls and horse lovers.

2015, David Cook

3. Nightmare City 

by Andrew Klavan

Target Audience: Boys, Ages 12-18

Another creative plot laced with high tension and suspense. Issues of life and death, courage and truth challenge the protagonist to his core and keeps readers thinking and guessing and turning the pages. The subtle spiritual truths are also powerful as readers will be challenged to “play the bigger game.”

2013, Thomas Nelson

2. Dead Calm, Bone Dry (The Caribbean Chronicles, Book 2) 

by Eddie Jones

Target Audience: Boys, Ages 12-18

This is a book teen boys will read; loaded with speculative fantasy, dry humor, a strong dose of violence and with a sprinkling of romance. Dead Calm, Bone Dry, continues Rickie’s journey through mayhem and betrayals and what becomes more and more like a living hell. It is the sequel to  Curse of the Black Avenger, Blood Sails, Dark Hearts, and the two books must be read together to grasp the plot and overarching theme.

2017, Lighthouse Publishing of The Carolinas

1. Jack Staples and the Poet’s Storm (The Jack Staples Series) 

by Mark Batterson and Joel Clark

Target Audience: Boys, Ages 8-11

This, the final installment of the Jack Staples Series, brings the conflict and resolution of this powerful tale of good versus evil to a satisfying conclusion. The action was again intense, with a little romance sprinkled in. The Christian allegories continued to be awesome, and the authors magnificently exemplified forgiveness, mercy, love and courage through the characters. Another great read.

2015, David Cook

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