Clean Books For Girls Ages 9-16….
Are extremely difficult to find.
That’s why I’ve created this page as a resource. A starting place for parents of voracious readers who want to honor God with their reading content.
Because I’ve been there.
One minute you’re cracking open a new book you thought was safe, and the next you’re snapping it shut because you just encountered foul language, graphic violence, or explicit content. If you were a kid when this happened, it sticks with you for a long time.
I’ll be regularly updating this page with lists of book recommendations, resources, and content notes as I go through the content on social media. Some books will be hyperlinked to purchase. NOT affiliate links.
How to use this page:
Guidelines:
I follow these standards with my book recs (with the disclaimer that each child/young adult is different in the content they can handle and what they can’t. Sensitivity level is different for each individual 🙂
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- Proverbs 16:24 “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” All content will be viewed through a Christian Worldview.
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- Most of the books I recommend will be written by Christian authors with girls ages 9-15 as their target audience (AKA geared for ages within that range.) When I get to book recs for girls 16+, some of those will be books in the Christian fiction category, rather than Christian/ clean YA specifically.
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- Right is written as being right, and wrong as wrong (no glorified sin). Sin will always be described as wrong, and then even point to a redemptive/ spiritual arc within a character.
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- NO swear words, but there may be non-Christian characters say a tactful line like, “he cursed.” Those words will NEVER be explicitly written.
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- NO descriptive violence. There may be some light swordfights or injuries, but no graphic descriptions of such wounds or deaths.
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- NO sexual content (on-page or mentioned off-page) or innuendo. If there is romance in a book, it will be NO MORE than a few not-detailed/barely-detailed kisses and hugs (i.e., “he kissed her gently,” or “he wrapped his arms around her.”) Again, these books will be for the older side of the spectrum, 14-16.
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- NO LGBTQ (and so on) condoned content.
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- NO romance books will be recommended for 9-13-year-olds. If there is any mention of romance/relationships/crushes, I’ll mark it, and the extent to which it goes.
- More books will be added as I read and review. I’ve also included a section for New Adult books at the end. These are books usually for 18-24 year olds that still have a YA feel but are relatable to the older side of the age category, but aren’t exactly considered “adult fiction”. Books included could also be YA books I felt were better geared to an older reader due to content or themes.
- This year, I will be reading and reviewing several YA books. There are some books that may 100% fit my guidelines and others that may fit it somewhat or mostly. Those will be marked with a “How well this book fits my guidelines: 0/10 being 0%, DO NOT recommend, and 10/10 being 100% fits my guidelines. I will make this clear and visible. My purpose is to have full transparency with this resource while also supporting clean and Christian authors. Reviews for these titles will be posted here, on my social media @sydneyschmiedauthor, blog page, and Goodreads (SydneyKorinReads).
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- If you have questions about a specific book, email me at: Sydneyschmiedauthor@gmail.com
- For Authors: If you have a clean (defined as no language, no heavy violence, no explicit content, and no “spice”) or Christian YA title you feel fits the above guidelines, I’d be happy to read and review your book. Connect with me on Instagram (@sydneyschmiedauthor) or my email above.
DISCLAIMER: These are my opinions based on reading and research. I have some knowledge as an author in the Christian fiction market and a heart for providing safe books for your kids 🙂 The choice is yours as to what books you hand your children, and I am not responsible for any repercussions from your choice. This is meant to be a helpful resource, a guide, and a starting point for finding good content, not a be all-end all.
Books for 9-12 year olds:
DISCLAIMER: Any book you choose to give to your child to read is your choice alone. I am not responsible for any repercussions of that choice. These are my opinions based on reading and research provided as a resource.
Caddie Woodlawn (two-book series): Recommended for 8-12, (I say 9+ if you have a sensitive reader).
Content note: set on the frontier during the Civil War, there are mentions of an impending massacre, but no in-depth description. Contains good moral and educational content.
Grandma’s Attic (ten-book series): 8-12, preferably for the younger side of the age range due to short chapters and simple reading. Strong emphasis on Christian faith and values.
Lena in the Spotlight (3 book series): 9-12
Content Note: This is a lighthearted series with Godly family perspectives. The main character is a fifth-grader, so older girls may find it “too young” for them.
Sonrise Stables: 9-12
Content Note: Has several good educational and moral problem-solving experiences, such as handling bullying, disagreements, and losing friendships with grace and Christian values. Each book focuses on a different spiritual truth.
Eleanor Clark Series: 10-12, some 13-14 may also enjoy.
Content Note: Mentions of war, prison, wagon train hardships, death, sickness, such as yellow fever, and mentions of family members who have passed away. Book 2 has some medical stuff: stitches and wounds, “bleeding”, non-descriptive. Written tactfully by a Christian author. I’d rate this series 10-12 year-olds.
Camp Club Girls (24 book series): 10-12
Content Note: There is one book in this series (Sydney’s D.C. Discovery, Book 2) that I would skip. This one has a plot dealing with the FBI, terrorist attack mentions, and a bombing. It’s got a lot going on compared to the other mysteries. I read it when I was 10-12 and that piece of content has stuck with me. Did my research and found it was this specific book. Character ages 9-12, might be best for the older side of this range for sensitive readers due to suspense elements.
Sisters in Time Series (24 books): 9-12
Content Note: Mentions of war, important historical events (war, massacre, prejudice, and other things of that nature. Focuses on overcoming challenges and personal growth. Emphasizes faith and courage. There are A LOT of these books, and I can’t remember all that I read from this series. I’ve done my reading/research, but if there is a specific historical event that may be touchy, just be aware of that!
Content Note: considered prequel books to the rest of the books, (40+ novels)
Mandie Books: (10-12, 13-16)
Content Note: No romance in the younger years, it is mentioned that Joe is Mandie’s best friend and they will get married when they are grown. As Mandie gets older there is more mention of her being fond of Joe, Joe kissing her on the cheek, complimenting her in a very wholesome, “childhood-sweetheart” way. Mandie gets older throughout, so some books may be enjoyed by older teens as well.
Books for 13-14 year olds:
Andrea Carter Circle C Adventures:
Content Note: Andie is 12 in this series, and I read them when I was 12-13. One of my all-time favorites! BUT, there is a wild west suspense element, and therefore there is some content such as: being held at gunpoint, brother is shot (wounded, not killed), Andie is clocked in the head with the butt of a gun, suffers a head wound and concussion.
These were my favorite books I read at age 12-13, which also contributed to my love of the historical and suspense genres!
Aivan: The One Truth by Kayla E. Green
Christian fantasy
**Review available on social media and blog.
Violence: mild peril and a couple side character deaths. High tensions (fights break out, invasions) within the regions where the story takes place. Other Content: Mentions of a spell being cast and an arrow flying and harming a believer in the one true God.
Set in a fantasy universe rife with false gods where two teens hear the Truth and learn to trust it. There are mentions of false gods(“river gods” and “sun gods”) and people praying to them at the temple. This is shown as blasphemy and evil in the main characters’ eyes once they convert to faith. Also mentions a family honoring guardians and reading tea leaves. Again, shown as wrong.
The prologue clearly shows that the blasphemous worship of these false gods is wrong, and obviously references God, “one truth”.
💕Romance: in the sense that the two are paired together- no kissing, only friendship and a connection with each other as they seek truth. The prologue jumps to when they are married and have a child, when their island is invaded, which sets up the next book.
My age rating: 14+
10/10
Through the Green Glass Door by Katie Ziegler. A clean fantasy with Christian themes.
Language: none
Violence: mild terror and wounds
A few very brief mentions of drunkenness, Vivid dreams and terrors, A family thought to be cursed, as they are bonded to a greenhouse as gatekeepers of the portal. The family is thought to be witches by the town but they are not and explicitly says those practices are wrong. There are some traditions/rituals/ceremonies from the fantasy world, nothing violent or creepy.
💕Romance: There is a romance thread as the book progresses, and one kiss at the end of the story. It’s very cute and sweet.
My Age Rating: 14+
I really liked this whimsical tale! I believe it’s going to be a series, as the book ended on a cliffhanger! This book releases on January 26th.
10/10
My review: I thoroughly enjoyed this action-packed adventure! It reminded me a little of Melanie Dickerson’s fairytale retellings. I loved the strong themes of what real inner beauty is, and I think this is a perfect fantasy adventure for any fairytale lover.
Violence: mild, only a few non-descriptive deaths and battles. Clean and tactful.
Language: none
Romance: There is romance, but it’s very fairytale-like, and kind of reminded me of The Princess Bride in the best way! I think this is another book that portrays a loving romantic relationship without being overly physically romantic.
10/10
Age Rating: 14+
Books for 15-16 year olds:
Protector by Megan Shaulis. a Christian science fiction dystopian novel. Violence: mild, there are a few deaths of a few people in the main character’s circle. Due to the dystopian world with strict laws and the main characters risking their lives to save people despite these strict laws, there are intense scenes and some injuries.
Language: none, a few replacement world-specific words.
💕Romance: There are two characters’ perspectives, and it’s obvious there is build-up to their relationship and one kiss scene.
The story ended on a little bit of a cliffhanger, as this is a series.
My age rating: 15+
10/10
Loved this book so much! And I am not the usual science fiction reader. The second book in the series has released, and the third releases soon. I highly recommend this author, so check out her books! This book is perfect for any teen or adult science fiction lover. The main character is 17, I believe, so older teens may relate to her more.
By My Own Betrayal by Cydnie Trenholm
Violence: mild, as the main character is working against her family’s murder plots, there are several non-descriptive deaths from a successful assassination.
Language: none
Romance: none
My age rating: 15+
10/10
I loved the richness of new faith the author wove into this high-stakes suspense novel. Due to some high suspense and murders/ assassination attempts, I’m eating this book 15+.
Love and Baseball by Jaime Jo Wright and Chloe JoAnne.
This was such a fun story with some awesome themes surrounding integrity and character during the high school years.
Violence: none
Language: none, (but, a few mentions of “oh gosh”)
Romance: focuses on friendship and what the foundation of a relationship should look like, with one non-descriptive kiss at the end. It’s very sweet and totally appropriate for YA.
My age rating: 14+
The main characters are 16, so girls at that age may enjoy it more.
How well this book fits my guidelines: 10/10
Cecilia the Sweetbriar by Madelyn Phillips
This book is part of a multi-author series: The Victorian Valentine’s. They are not explicitly YA books, but the nature of the romance, light comedic elements, and historical context make them a great fit for young adults!
My age rating: 14+
How well this book fits my guidelines: 10/10
Miss Rachel’s Roses by Sienna Peake
This book is part of a multi-author series: The Victorian Valentine’s. They are not explicitly YA books, but the nature of the romance, light comedic elements, and historical context make them a great fit for young adults!
My age rating: 14+
How well this book fits my guidelines: 10/10
Books for 16+
The Broken Crown by Amory Cannon
A Clean Christian Fantasy
This book is going on my top reads of 2026! I LOVED the strong faith woven deep into the characters. The author builds a beautiful world with themes similar to Esther’s story in the Bible. She dives into many questions surrounding what to do when your faith is challenged and sharing the truth with others when (the characters’) world is under heavy persecution. It’s very low fantasy, which I liked as someone who gets easily confused. If you liked Protector by Megan Shaulis, you’ll love this book!
Content Notes:
Violence: Mild, but with several non-descriptive persecutions against believers and others in the kingdom who go against the king. Some high peril and suspense, battles. Non-graphic, but high stakes.
Language: none
💕Romance: Based on friendship and loyalty to one another, one kiss at the end. But, through the book there is another man vying for the main female character’s hand, and there are several romantic moments with him, nothing more than brief, non-descriptive kisses and hand holding. Spoiler: He’s an honorable character, he’s just not who she ends up with as his reason for romance is political) This book was how Christian romance should be done! It’s more than just physical touch, it’s friendship, loyalty and mental connection, too. A good fictional relationship example for young adults.
How well this book fits my guidelines: 10/10
My age rating: 16+
*this book has some high stakes and suspense moments, such as battles, poisoning, assassins, etc. all non-descriptive, but may be too suspenseful for a younger teen.
I totally plan on reading the rest of this series! You may be seeing reviews for the other books sometime in the future too! Disclaimer: These are strictly my opinions and mine alone. If you’d like to know more about this book’s content, feel free to reach out!
The Vow of Wind and Light
by Amory Cannon
This is the first in a spinoff series, with the little sister of the hero in The Broken Crown. Same content guidelines apply.
Age Rating: 16+
Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren
A Christian historical time-travel romance novel
This book is going on my top reads of 2026! I loved this story so much! It is part of a series, so it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, but most of the plot was resolved by the end. I loved that the character was left with some tough choices and lots of conflict, yet her growth was amazing! I found the faith elements woven into the characters realistic and compelling. The romance is sweet and slow, and reminded me of Lizzie and Darcy in Pride and Prejudice a little bit! There are some heavy battles, and our main character witnesses some criminal punishments that may be a little bit sad for a sensitive teen reader. Nothing is gory or graphically violent; just a note for those who don’t like war in their books!
Content Notes:
Violence: Mild, but with several non-descriptive battles. A couple of mentions of a creepy older Lord and a few instances of disrespect for women (soldier’s don’t see the heroine respectfully and make remarks). Some high peril and suspense, battles. Non-graphic, but high stakes. Some major wounds and a few deaths, references to medieval medical treatments.
Language: none
💕Romance: Sweet, a couple of kisses and romantic gestures throughout. It’s very chivalrous considering the time period. SPOILER: The heroine and hero do not end up together in this book. It’s a series, so maybe they will in the next. We’ll see!
How well this book fits my guidelines: 10/10
My age rating: 16+
*This book has some high stakes and suspenseful moments, such as battles, poisoning, attempted assassinations, etc., all non-descriptive, but may be too suspenseful for a younger teen.
Cascade by Lisa T. Bergren
This book was an amazing continuation of the first! I loved that Gavin and Lia’s mother gets to travel back in time, too! It’s such a battle-filled, suspenseful adventure!
Content Notes: See content notes for Waterfall. The content for this book (book two in the River of Time series) is the same material in terms of violence, language, and romance as the first.
Threads of Freedom and Home by Helen Price
This was an exceptional YA read! I have a soft spot for any historical fiction YA books, and this one is perfect for any Little House on the Prairie lovers!
Its a very sweet and suspenseful tale, and the author put a lot of heart into the meaning of what it is to be a Christian and make tough choices. This story follows three point-of-views, rather than the usual one or two, but the author does a great job keeping them all clear with their own voices. The headings were so fun and I loved the meanings behind them. The author wove a lot of the heart of the gospel into this story, and I really loved seeing that!
Content:
Language: a few uses of d+mn and hell
Violence: suspenseful but nongraphic, likely suitable for older teens. racial and religious persecution, bloodshed, a character who commits su+cide, death.
💕There is romance, but it is clean and sweet.
Age Rating: 16+
Books For New Adults (18+)
Gold Vein by Ann M. Freyer
A romantic fantasy, first in the series. Ann M. Freyer does an amazing job weaving fantasy, faith, and romance together! I loved the parallels to the scribe’s purpose in the Bible, and the scripture references throughout! The plot is engaging and unexpected, with several notes of suspense throughout! The character’s own faith-driven lives are super encouraging to a Christian reader, and I hope they will be to you as well, if you pick up this book! I also appreciated how the third POV set up the next book in the series, which I believe releases in July 2026.
Content Notes:
Violence: Mild violence, including battles and peril, high stakes, action-driven plot.
Language: None
💕Romance: Sweet romance, a few semi-detailed kisses, and romantic moments. Focuses on the relationship rather than the physical aspect. The characters are married early on in the book, and they are over 18, so new adults may enjoy this book more than YA readers.
My Age Rating: 16+
Readers over 18 may enjoy more since the characters are closer to them in age, but the content is fine for 16+.
How well this book fits my content guidelines: 10/10
