Books for 2024 – Middle grade and Young Adult

Every Friday we post book reviews for Middle Grade and Young Adult books. We are always searching for books that stir the soul without dark violence or sexual content. We read all the time, and we also write!

This book list are titles written by members of the storytellersquad. You’ll discover wonderful gifts wrapped around words of adventure and resilient faith.

Defying Destiny, book 3 of the Divine Destiny Chronicles, by Sharon Rene. In 2042, twenty-year old Sierra Stone leads a rebel group to stop Hunter and River Wallis from conquering the planet, but when she is imprisoned she must decide if she’s fighting for personal freedom or world peace. If you like Dystopian books, grab this series! (Young Adult) Purchase link.

Tinsel in a Twist, by Laurie Germaine, a delightful sequel to Tinsel in a Tangle. Santa needs Tinsel’s elf-talent to help defeat an age-old enemy threatening a Christmas takeover. But as the elf clans clash, the reindeer fall ill, and her boyfriend’s ex-fiancée starts jockeying for his heart, how will Tinsel save everything she loves from a holiday coup? Especially now that her talent has disappeared. (Ages 13 and up) Purchase Link

More Than Grit by Gretchen A Carlson. A novel of broken lives and deep friendships, inspired by a true story during the Great Depression. Twelve-year old Sissy wrangles a business deal with eccentric Old Man, a Great War veteran, determined to help her family get electricity, but her efforts fail. This action-packed book is for readers who root for the underdog. (Age 9 and up) A Winner of American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Contest in YA Purchase Link

Unbetrothed by Candice Pedraza Yamnitz. Seventeen-year-old Princess Beatriz fails to secure a betrothal, so her parents hold a ball to find a suitor who would also provide the country with a strong, safe alliance. But Princess Beatriz isn’t interested in just any suitor and is desperate to obtain her gift of magic promised years ago She goes on a quest to Valle de Los Fantasmas. A valley where no one comes out alive. Avid readers will enjoy the Latin twist in this fantasy. (Young Adult) Purchase link

The Demons Among Us by Jill K Willis. In high school, Joy McLain is gunning for valedictorian. Her brother Daniel plans to lead the soccer team to victory. They’re on course to rack up honors and trophies. Nothing can deter them. The most popular guy even offers to fullfill their dreams, but when their eyes are opened to the reality of angels and demons, the battle for souls begins. A Winner of the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Genesis Contest, in YA. (Young Adult) Purchase Link

Elleson, by Misha McCorkle. Daisy’s father raised her to think differently, to think beyond life in their small town. Maybe that’s why she never fit in, or maybe it’s her scarred face and broken body. When Brogan shows up to live with his grandparents, he and Daisy are thrown into an alternate world where they discover more about each other—and themselves—than they bargained for. A fantasy to remember. (Ages 13 and up) Purchase Link

Main Dish by Victoria Kimble explores the bond of sisters and the pull of fame. Scarlet Williams is a sixteen-year-old violin prodigy on the verge of a major breakthrough, both in her musical career and social life. But when her younger sister is cast in a nationally televised kids cooking competition, Scarlet is forced go with her family for the taping. Scarlet falls from the spotlight and must find a way to keep the attention of new friends. Contemporary fiction (Ages 13-16) Purchase Link

Sour Lemon Strikes Out by Julane Fisher, book 2 in The Sour Lemon Series. Lillie Mae Liles thinks middle school will be a breeze, until Casey steals Lillie’s best friend. Disgusted, Lillie teams up with the school bully to make Casey’s life miserable before discovering she and Casey have a lot in common. When Lillie tries to stop the bully’s plot, it’s too late. Telling the truth may cost her two best friends, but staying silent could have deadly consequences. (Middle Grade, Ages 9 – 12) ) Purchase Link

Bash and the Chocolate Cows, by Burton Cole with illustrator Buddy Lewis. Book 3 of the Bash Series is hilarious fun. Anytime boring Beamer visits Bash, his crazy farm cousin, weirdness rules. Bash schemes a way for the cows to give chocolate milk on April Fool’s Day. Meanwhile, a robber is on the loose, and Beamer is stuck with his crazy cousin and the pesky neighbor goat.
Based on Matthew 16:15-16. (Ages 8 – 12) Purchase Link

Tapestry of Lies by Tracy Popolizio. While twelve-year-old Lisi’s three brothers have sacrificed and fought for the Nazi army, she is deeply disturbed by Hitler’s leadership. Eastern refugees invade her small town and her life is changes. She begins to find purpose and learns of God’s unwavering love for her from the most unexpected place. (Ages 8 – 12+) Purchase Link

MORE BOOKS ARE COMING! Check out these soon-to-be-published storytellersquad writers:

Elise Haroldson: Elise’s Young Adult Christian Fantasy novel has been named a finalist in three writing contests over the past year. The most recent being the 2022 American Christian Fiction Writers First Impressions contest. Winners will be announced December 15, 2022. Stay tuned!

Michelle Welsh: While Michelle’s novel isn’t ready for release yet, check out her article about a teen who trains service dogs for kids with autism. It will be featured in the Feb. 2023 issue of Clubhouse, a Focus on the Family magazine for kids 8-12. She blogs about homeschooling, life after homeschooling, frugal living, and clean reads each week at www.michellekaderlywelsh.com.

Kristen Gwen: Look for Kristen’s middle grade books featuring chickens in space in the Summer of 2023. In the meantime, sign up for her newsletter for updates at http://www.kristengwen.com

Julane Fisher: Julane will have a young adult suspense novel out early 2023. If you’re interested in receiving an ARC (advanced reader copy) in exchange for your honest review, please contact Julane at http://www.julanefisher.com