Tween and Teen Fiction

Tween and Teen fiction readers deserve honest, compelling and engaging stories.

They don't want to be pandered to any more than discerning adult fiction readers.

Tween and Teen fiction readers are a particular breed of readers. They have just enough life experience to know realities of struggle or worry and yet ought to know that life really does offer hope and resolution.

The Green Coat: A Tale from the Dust Bowl Years by Rosemary McDunn is deservedly one of the most popular tween and teen fiction books in homes and classrooms. Available in paperback and kindle, The Green Coat offers a story of hardship and hope in the midst of one of the greatest struggles in American history: the dust bowl. The Green Coat's tale of perseverance is one that readers of all ages enjoy. 

Erin's Ring by Laura Pearl is a two-time winner in te 2015 Catholic Press Awards. A wonderful story of two girls who discover the rich history of their hometown and the way that God weaves himself throughout all circumstances. Another story enjoyed by readers of all ages.

Hiding the Stranger: The Trilogy by Joan L. Kelly happens to be a favorite among tween readers for its intriguing story of suspense. Kelly's work has been hailed as perfect for classroom libraries and has received the Catholic Writ'er s Guild Seal of Approval.

These books are sure to please--and reinforce the virtues and values all parents want instilled in their children. 

Bezalel Books Author Named Teacher of the Year!

Rosemary McDunn, author of the Catholic favorite, The Green Coat: A Tale from the Dust Bowl Years has been named Teacher of the Year by the Archdiocese of Detroit!

We're so proud of Rosie--but not surprised!

As both her publisher and a former colleague, I personally know that she has a sincere love for her students and I feel honored to have her popular book as part of our Bezalel Books lineup of great fiction for Catholic families.

Rosie's heart for teaching is evident in this wonderful historical fiction story as well as in the thought-provoking questions and vocabulary section found in the back of the book making it a favorite for homeschoolers and parochial schools.

Congratulations Rosie!

Young Adult Books Aren't Just For Young Adults

Young adult books are big sellers…for the over 18 crowd.

This, according to a recent Nielson poll and reported by CBS news.

I’m not surprised by this "new" poll—and you shouldn’t be either.

And I would hazard a guess that the numbers are mostly women—or are even higher if only women were polled. After all, we want more than pornography and vampires. We want to be transported to that place of hope and kindness despite odds. Speak to us about the realities of our lives and remind us of all the great potential we have!

Long ago (okay, about 3 years ago), I reviewed Nancy Carabio Belanger’s “Olivia” books. What I couldn’t get over—and tried to get across in my posted reviews—was how much I enjoyed the books that were written for tweens and teens. Me, a slightly older than middle-aged woman truly loved them. I likened them to Anne of Green Gables: a timeless book that can be read by anyone of any age. Nancy’s books are that good. They take you back to a place filled with possibility and hope. They aren’t sugary sweet and so unrealistic that you gag; rather, they are just realistic enough to draw you in but still allow you to dream and grow.

Nancy’s newest book The Gate is out and I could not put it down when I read it. Again, another winner!

A number of young adult books come to mind that will definitely be enjoyed for the “over 18” crowd and will make excellent Christmas gifts to get and give.

To name a few:

1.       The Story of Peace by Miriam Ezeh

2.       The Green Coat by Rosemary McDunn

3.       Finding Grace by Laura Pearl

4.       Saints Alive! by Andrew Seddon

5.       Emperor of North America by John McNichol

Come see what all the fuss is about!

And enjoy a good book like you did when you were a kid!

Cheryl Dickow

www.BezalelBooks.com