Presentation for my Young Adult literature class on Christian Fiction for Young Adults.

1. Christian fiction for young adults Mary Jo Chrabasz Meg Cichantk LIS 722-02 March 25, 2011

4. Are the stories only set in historic or present situations? Can fantasy be included?

5. How explicit are the religious themes? Should lessons or morals be very obvious or subtle?

6. Should Christian fiction stay away from difficult situations involving teens? Or should Christian fiction for teens be realistic enough to attract teens?

8. “ A coherent, identifiable theme and/or particular characters who reflect Christian values or teachings without being preachy”

9. “ Historical/geographical/social accuracy”

10. "Relationships that portray the true meaning of love- commitment and responsibility rather than merely emotional and physical attraction”

11. “ Clever, original ideas and use of words”

13. “ Within the stream of historic Christian truth”

14. “ In accord with Crossway Books statement of faith”

16. “ Significant reference to biblical stories, verses or narrative that communicates Christian truths”

17. “ Stories that express moral values, lifestyles and choices based on Christian faith and truth” Look at what Christian publishers want in "Christian fiction" (cont.)

19. Also means that difficult situations or “tricky” subjects can be portrayed while keeping the book Christian

21. Ex. 1678 John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress (first “fiction” written in common language)

23. Good News Publishing created by Clyde Dennis in 1938

26. Frank Peretti begins writing his adult novels

27. Bethany House Publishers releases Janette Oke’s Love Comes Softly in 1979 which has huge positive responses

30. Series fiction aimed at young adults also started (2003 Zondervan begins publishing and marketing to Young Adults)

31. Writers like Melody Carlson, Bill Myers, Judy Baer, and more

33. However, the absence of some sensitive material, like alcohol, drugs, sex or language could appeal to some teens who don’t always want edgy novels

38. Useful reference books

40. Christian Anime Alliance (CAA) http://www.christiananime.net/home.php

41. Christian Small Publishers Association http://www.christianpublishers.net

42. Booklists for young adults on the web http://www.seemore.mi.org/booklists/fiction.html

43. Focus on Fiction http://www.focusonfiction.net

45. Christianbook.com http://www.christianbook.com

46. Christian Book Previews http://www.christianbookpreviews.com

47. Edenstar Books & Games, Christian-themed science fiction & fantasy http://www.edenstarbooks.com

48. ECPA Homepage (A Closer Look) http://www.acloserlook.com

50. Faith Words publisher website http://www.faithwords.com

51. Tyndale House http://www.tyndale.com/00_Home/index.php

52. Bethany House http://www.bethanyhouse.com

53. Thomas Nelson http://www.thomasnelson.com

54. Harvest House http://www.harvesthousepublishers.com

56. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle

57. Christy by Catherine Marshall

58. Donut Days by Lara Zielin

59. Finding Alice by Melody Carlson

60. Patrick: Son of Ireland by Stephen R. Lawhead

61. City of Angels by Tracie Peterson

62. Stranger in the Chat Room by Todd & Jedd Hafer

64. True Valor by Dee Henderson

65. Dark Moon by Alton Gansky

66. The Senator's Other Daughter by Stephen Bly

67. Degrees of Guilt: Tyrone's Story by Sigmund Brouwer

68. I Heard the Owl Call My Name by Margaret Craven

69. Alpha Centauri by Robert Siegel

71. The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien

72. Redwall by Brian Jaques

73. The Rayne Tour by Brandilyn Collins

74. Faithgirlz! series by Nancy Rue

75. Diary of a Teenage Girl by Melody Carlson

76. On the Runway by Melody Carlson

77. Truecolors by Melody Carlson

78. Sierra Jensen series by Robin Gunn

80. Dreamhouse Kings by Robert Liparulo

81. Good Girlz by ReShonda Tate Billingsley

82. Katy Lambright Series by Kim Vogel Sawyer

83. Left Behind by Jerry Jenkins & Tim LaHaye

84. Tales of London by Lawana Blackwell

85. Ribbons of Steel by Judith Pella & Tracie Peterson

86. Veritas Project by Frank Peretti

87. Seven Sleepers by Gilbert Morris

89. Brandilyn Collins

90. C.S. Lewis

91. Ted Dekker

92. Chuck Black

93. Nancy Rue

94. J.R.R. Tolkien

96. Debbie Viguie

97. Jerry B. Jenkins

98. Tim LaHaye

99. Karen Kingsbury

100. Janette Oke

101. Robin Lee Hatcher

102. Joseph Girzone

103. Dave & Neta Jackson

104. The Christy Awards From Novelist Plus: In 1999, Christian publishers realized the need to create a Christian fiction award that would recognize excellence in several genres of Christian fiction. The Christy Award was named to honor popular Christian fiction writer Catherine Marshall and one of her novels, Christy . Categories recognized have changed over time, and winners are announced annually.

106. Allegory/Fantasy/Visionary: By Darkness Hid by Jill Williamson

107. Romance: Breach of Trust by DiAnn Mills

108. Suspense: Lost Mission by Athol Dickson

109. Historical: Though Waters Roar by Lynn N. Austin

110. Contemporary (Stand-Alone): The Passion of Mary-Margaret by Lisa Samson

111. Contemporary (Series, sequels, novellas): Who Do I Talk To? by Neta Jackson

113. Things to remember! Check your own beliefs and disbeliefs at the door! Look at books for quality and what the book will do, not for the publisher or the author. Don't forget that Christian fiction spans many other genres. There are Christian fiction mysteries, fantasies, science fiction, romances, and historical fiction.

114. Any questions?