7 Good Books for Catholic Teens to Read This Summer

With summer break comes a break from the perils of textbooks, online assignments, challenging classes, and exams. While it is time to relax and unwind, families should prioritize reading for every household member this summer.

Take a look at this information about why reading is so valuable during your high school years. We’ll also provide a recommendation of some good books for Catholic teens to dive into!

The benefits of reading are self-explanatory. But should you need proof, according to Scholastic EDU, "83% of educators say reading helps students understand people that are different than them, 81% say reading helps students develop empathy, and 81% say reading helps students see themselves in characters and stories. In addition, 74% of kids say reading fiction and nonfiction helps them understand the world." 

Is this summer the summer you finally accomplish your goal of reading a new book? Whether you are an avid reader or more of a browse-a-magazine-in-a-waiting-room type of reader, there are millions of titles; one is sure to catch your attention.

On the run? Try listening to an audiobook. Set a goal of ten minutes per day, choose a book that interests you, and see how far it might take you! Before too long, you may easily surpass the daily ten minutes! Set an example to friends and family members and bring a book along to the next doctor's appointment or public transit ride instead of scrolling your social media feeds. 

Whether reading to pass the time, learn something new, meet a goal, or even as means to relax before bed, the benefits outweigh scrolling your phone any day. Review our list of seven good books for catholic teens to read this summer to kick off your reading adventures!

From British fiction to memoirs and self-help, we are confident there is a book for you on this list! Read individually or as a family this summer and see what you might learn. While each book has a Catholic faith connection, you need not be a practicing Catholic to read one. Many are enjoyed by young adults in various religious sects annually!

Fiction 

Average Rating: 4.01 out of 5 Stars 

Author Evelyn Waugh, considered one of the greatest satirical novelists of the early 1900s, lived quite a life before finally converting to Catholicism after marrying his second wife. After the Second World War, we were blessed with "Brideshead Revisited" when his Catholicism took hold of him and his writings.

Follow along with the main character's accounts of friendships and affairs among a family of the old British aristocracy. This nostalgic and reflective book explores desire, duty, and memory in the golden age before the Second World War. 

Memoir 

Average Rating: 4.34 out of 5 Stars 

Former White House speechwriter Colleen Carroll Campbell searched to no avail to find enlightenment from both secular feminists and their critics. Then, she tapped into a unique spiritual friendship with six female saints whose lives ultimately led her to rethink everything she thought she knew about being a liberated woman.

The book takes place over fifteen of the author's most formative years. It touches on all things, including faith, feminism, sexuality, professional success, parents' decline in health, and more. It is a self-reflection worth reading!  

Self-Help/How-To

Average Rating: 4.55 out of 5 Stars 

This guide is a gentle call to prayer in both good times and bad. Each method contains a scripture passage, reflection, "prayer pointers," and words to take with you. Written by Father Mark E. Thibodeaux, a self-proclaimed "author by accident," Thibodeaux's guide can help anyone learn to pray better.

While teaching theology to sophomores at Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, Fr. Thibodeaux realized a missing part in the curriculum of teaching students how to pray, meditate, and contemplate. His discovery of this has led to incredible published works since helping all people learn to pray, meditate, and contemplate. 

Historical

Average Rating: 4.52 out of 5 Stars 

The Franciscan University of Steubenville biblical scholar John Bergsma introduces the "big picture" of salvation history in his overview of the Bible. Bergsma's combination of sound theology, academic expertise, pastoral wisdom, and endearing playfulness encourages readers to connect the great stories of the Bible with salvation in Jesus.

Through a unique form of playfulness, Bergsma uses his ability to make complex ideas more bite-sized and understandable without losing the heart of Catholic teaching. His use of classic stories such as Adam and Eve, Noah, Moses, and more helps hook readers to read something they can recognize. 

Biographical

Average Rating: 4.58 out of 5 Stars 

Bishop Fulton Sheen touches on the different phases of Mary's life in this book. Through his research on Mary, he connects the various life lessons common to humankind of every age. 

Still, he explicitly mentions women's strength and gifts and how they can heal the world's problems. Knowing that the author is now called a "Servant of God" would convince any reader of Bishop Fulton's pure intentions.  

Spirituality/Contemplation

Average Rating: 4.22 out of 5 Stars 

Renowned Dutch Priest Henri Nouwen wrote this piece for a Jewish friend in which he shares what he believes it means to be a child of God.

As one of his more than 40 works on the spiritual life, Nouwen uses his honest and transparent writing to deepen readers' faith while addressing the battles we all face when trying to live a Christian life. Today, Protestants and Catholics admire, read, and recommend Nouwen's works thanks to their universal messages. 

Fiction Classic

Average Rating: 4.25 out of 5 Stars 

Written by one of the most influential writers of the twentieth century and author of the well-known "The Chronicles of Narnia," C.S. Lewis entertains readers with his book "The Screwtape Letters.”

The book shares back-and-forth correspondence between the devil down below to his nephew, a novice demon. Goodreads describes it as "the most engaging account of temptation - and triumph over it - ever written."

Summer months give students a chance to rest their bodies and minds, which is lovely for the summer months but can sometimes serve as a shock to the brain when it comes time to start school again in August.

Research shows the benefit of summer reading to a child's brain development during a break from typical school-year learning. Keep your minds alert and active by reading for ten minutes every day this summer. You will return to school with a well-trained brain and something interesting to share!

- For parents: Are you worried about your child falling behind this summer? Learn more from the Academic Services Center at St. Agnes Academy for resources to ensure your student's full participation in their upcoming academic programs!

The Center offers resources for all young women to develop effective learning and educational strategies to help meet the curriculum demands of St. Agnes Academy.