Why Contemporary Christian Fiction?

What was the last Christian novel that spoke to you? The first realistic Christian fiction novel I read was the third book in the Road Trip Rescue trilogy by Becca Wierwille. Road Trip Redemption explores Jada Robinson’s journey struggling with forgiveness, bullying, friendships and reconciliation. Each story is told from a different character’s perspective similar to the novel Wonder by R.J. Palacio and its preceding short stories.

These are the kinds of stories in Christian publishing that kids and teens need; stories about children overcoming their struggles whether that’s with anxiety, depression, or divorce. Sadly, most Christian fiction is allegory like The Chronicles of Narnia and The Pilgrim’s Progress or they are books that contain Christian characters. These characters aren’t relatable and don’t teach children how to place their trust in God in the middle of a crisis. 

Books are meant to help readers learn and grow. Fiction can be an escape from reality but it should help readers, especially children feel less alone. Christian fiction at its core should teach children how to lean on God during trials. People of all ages experience mental health and family issues. Tweens and teens need contemporary Christian fiction to foster community, and learn empathy and understanding.

Pages Under Grace is  a book blog dedicated to reviewing and recommending Christian fiction that depicts real-life issues in age-appropriate ways for tweens and teens.

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You can write books that illustrate biblical topics in creative ways. Remember Jesus taught with parables. 

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Literature is powerful and can influence people for better or worse. If you choose to use them to bring people to Christ, be sure it’s told in a creative way that they can understand and grow.