Win Books for a Catholic School Classroom or Library

Win a dozen books written especially with Catholic teens in mind for your favorite Catholic school classroom or library! The books, valued at more than $150, are suitable for both boys and girls. Recommended ages vary by title, but some are suitable for middle grade readers and others, high school readers. All are”clean” reads with stories that edify and never denigrate the Catholic faith.

To enter, click here.

Contest runs through September 2019. For more information on Catholic Teen Books and these titles, visit CatholicTeenBooks.com.

Guest Posts: Recommendations, Recipes, and Radio

Today’s Catholic Teacher

Bulletin Board: All the Latest (January 16, 2019)

“Theresa Linden, author of awarding-winning Catholic teen fiction, has added another book to her West Brothers series. Standing Strong follows twins Jarret and Keefe as they discern God’s will for their lives. Jarret must learn how to live virtuously when the high of his conversion fades, while Keefe musters the courage to answer what might be God’s call to religious life.”

Bulletin Board: Winter’s Delights (February 6, 2019)

Staircase for the Sisters by Pamela Love (Pauline Books and Media) is an easy read for children in grade two and up. This adaptation of the true story of the mysterious creation of the staircase in the Santa Fe chapel of the Sisters of Loretto also includes a simple novena to St. Joseph.”

Abloom for Spring (May 22, 2019)

“Enrich each day with short, simple quotes and reflections from Peter Celano’s My Year with the Saints for Kids. Daily entries include a sentence or two from Scripture, a saint, or other noted Catholic figure. Some entries also offer a simple question for reflection (Where do you need courage today?) or a suggested prayer (Pray for me, St. Kateri). Available from Paraclete Press.”

Summer Soulful Selections (July 8, 2019)

“For those charged with sharing Church teaching on hot-button social issues such as transgender identity, same-sex marriage, and contraception, Made This Way: How to Prepare Kids to Face Today’s Tough Moral Issues is an invaluable resource. Using Leila Miller’s practical experience and Trent Horn’s research and debate experience, the authors address 10 timely topics and offer practical suggestions for speaking about the issues in age-appropriate ways — for young children and older students. Available from Catholic Answers Press.”

CatholicMom.com

CM Hangout: Mom and the Corporal Works of Mercy (January 18, 2019)

“This week, contributor Carolyn Astfalk shares memories of her mom and some inspiration for practicing the corporal works of mercy. As moms, we have opportunities every day to practice works of mercy. Listen to Carolyn and get inspired!”

Meatless Friday: 30-Minute Minestrone (February 8, 2019)

“Simple, quick, and delicious, I continue to serve this to our family. On its own, it’s not very filling, but it pairs well with fresh bread and butter or a salad. For a flavor and protein boost, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.”

Faith Through Fiction: Putting God First (February 21, 2019)

“In this month’s episode, Catholic Teen Books hosts author Carolyn Astfalk (Rightfully Ours) discussing this month’s theme of putting God first. The featured book is Secrets: Visible & Invisible, a short story collection by seven Catholic Teen Books authors that includes a variety of genres from contemporary to historical and dystopian.”

Stations of the Cross: Meditations for Moms (April 4, 2019)

“Still, handy and inexpensive, these Stations of the Cross may be the thing you need to draw you closer to our Lord in the waning days of #Lent, whether reading a reflection here or there as time allows or as your companion while you pray the Stations of the Cross in church.”

Meatless Friday: Kale Raab Chowder (May 10, 2019)

“If you’re intimidated by ‘kale raab,’ don’t be. Raab is simply the name for the tender spring flowerings of kale and other members of the cabbage family.”

Faith Through Fiction: Carolyn Astfalk Discusses Temptation (June 20, 2019)

“In this month’s episode, Catholic Teen Books hosts author Carolyn Astfalk (Ornamental Graces) to discuss this month’s theme of temptation. The featured book is Rightfully Ours, a coming of age story in which teens Paul and Rachel work side by side to uncover lost gold while growing in friendship and in love.”

Our Lady of Charity Book Club: Interview with Author Maria Morera Johnson (July 13, 2019)

“The immigrant experience, your experience, is a perfect metaphor for the Christian life. You say, ‘I am neither here nor there – a foot in each country.’ As Christians, we can say the same; we have a foot in this world and the next. How do you think the immigrant experience can enrich our faith lives?”

The Stations of the Cross Catholic Radio Network

The Catholic Current: What is a Catholic Author and Why Should I Care? (May 17, 2019)

Catholic Teen Books Authors Sweep Top Slots in Catholic Teen and Young Adult Book Awards

Catholic Teen Books authors recently took first, second, and third places in the CPA’s Book Awards in the Books for Teens & Young Adults category, a category open to both fiction and nonfiction. The awards, announced at the Catholic Media Conference and sponsored by the Catholic Press Association, help to promote outstanding Catholic material to the general public.

  • Corinna Turner (UnSeen Books) received first place for her YA historical fantasy Elfling. The highly imaginative fantasy novel recounts a young girl’s quest to find and save her father. Serapia, accompanied by her dragonet pet, goes from a smart, toughened street urchin to a beloved daughter.
  • Leslea Wahl (Vinspire Publishing) took second place for her YA contemporary novel Where You Lead. The adventure novel with a romantic thread includes a virtual tour of historic landmarks in and around the nation’s capital, making for a fun, fast-paced ride. Woven into the story is the theme of following God’s lead
  • The Catholic Teen Books short story collection Secrets: Visible and Invisible took third place in the category. The collection includes seven short stories, each with its own secret, written by authors Corinna Turner, Cynthia T. Toney, Theresa Linden, Susan Peek, T.M. Gaouette, Carolyn Astfalk, and Leslea Wahl. As described by Mark Hart of Life Teen International, who provides the foreword, “Each story reveals something different about the human heart and our constant (though, often veiled) desire for truth and virtue.”

In the Catholic Novels category, Corinna Turner also took third place for The Siege of Reginald Hill, a spinoff from her popular I Am Margaret dystopian series.

“I’m thrilled and honored to have received these awards,” said Corinna Turner, “and delighted by the success of my fellow Catholic Teen Books authors. We all work very hard to make quality fiction available to teens and young adults, so receiving recognition for our efforts gives us all a real boost.” 

In 2017, a group of authors writing primarily for Catholic and other Christian teens launched the website CatholicTeenBooks.com. The website provides teen readers, parents, catechists, homeschool co-ops, youth ministers, teachers and others with direct links to exciting, well-crafted books that raise the heart and mind to God and reflect the fullness and beauty of the Catholic faith.

“As a mother and an author, I truly believe one way to strengthen a teen’s faith is through stories. Throughout my writing career, I’ve strived to write fun, adventurous mysteries that encourage teens to grow in their faith,” said Wahl. “Working with like-minded authors at CatholicTeenBooks.com has been such a blessing.”

The site is organized by genre and includes a wide range of books in the following categories:

  • contemporary
  • historical
  • mystery
  • speculative
  • saints
  • dystopian

Among those, you’ll find suspense, romance, coming of age stories, and lives of the saints with age-appropriate themes including the power of intercessory prayer, the communion of saints, the Rosary, virtue, Theology of the Body, and respect for life at all ages and stages.

Rather than stuffy, dry stories of saccharine piety, readers find lively stories that appeal to the modern reader addressing difficult issues such as suicide, abortion, grief, family relationships, disabilities, and dating, all informed by the light of faith.

The website includes a special section for educators with selections organized by grade level with links to discussion questions, where available. Educators are also eligible for reduced-price book packs to help expand Catholic classroom libraries.

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Introducing the Faith through Fiction Series from Catholic Teen Books

Catholic Teen Books is launching Faith through Fiction, a monthly video series hosted by authors Leslea Wahl and T.M. Gaouette.

January’s episode features author Theresa Linden and includes a discussion of bullying.

For more information on the series, visit Catholic Teen Books.

Make sure you never miss an episode by following on YouTube or subscribing to the Catholic Teen Books monthly newsletter.

Don't miss the 1st episode of Faith through Fiction from @CatholicTeenBo1! January's topic: bullying. Share on X

Ornamental Graces Free on Kindle!

Download the Ornamental Graces Kindle ebook for free today, December 12 through Saturday, December 15.

And if you download and read the book, I’d love it if you’d leave a review, even a super short one, on Amazon, Goodreads, Bookbub, Tumblar House – wherever people find books!

 
“I could hardly put this book down. It is a true page turner. You will find yourself drawn in, and the characters will become like friends, and you will find yourself invested in what is happening to and with them. It is a very realistic read.

This is an excellent read. It is a wonderful Christian novel, with a cautionary tale, and a story of redemption and recovery. I am very thankful I gave it a read and I am sure you will enjoy it if you give it a chance.”
 
– Amazon Top 1000 Reviewer Steven R. McEvoy

Guest Posts: Blog and Radio Interviews, a Recipe, and More

Things Visible & Invisible

Sweetest Romances for Sweetest Day (October 20, 2018)

“I read heavily in the non-Catholic Christian genres and enjoy those novels very much. But there’s something to be said for seeing your own experience reflected in novels from time-to-time. So, when my characters pray, they’re more likely to bring out the rosary beads. If they’re practicing their faith, they’re at Mass on Sunday. They have the benefit of the sacraments and the grace that they offer. They’re more likely to be open to large families.”

Catholic365.com

How My Mom Changed Lives One Chocolate Chip at a Time (September 11, 2018)

“Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you must do something big, or be someone important to make a difference. You can live your life in obscurity being ‘only’ a mother or a housewife or whatever role it is you are called to. You don’t need money, fame, or education to do what matters most.” Continue reading

Secrets Awarded Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval


SecretsSecrets: Visible & Invisible by Corinna Turner, Cynthia T. Toney, Theresa Linden, Susan Peek, T.M. Gaouette, Carolyn Astfalk, and Leslea Wahl, published on July 4, 2018, by Catholic Teen Books, has been awarded the Seal of Approval by the Catholic Writers Guild. Books are evaluated by the Guild for both their Catholicity and editorial integrity.

The purpose of the Seal of Approval is to help Catholic bookstores and venues by determining the Catholicity of a work. Members of the Catholic Writers Guild are faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.

The Catholic Writers Guild is an organization of Catholic writers, artists, editors, and illustrators. Its purpose is “to help build a vibrant Catholic literary culture by offering educational programs that encourage Catholic spiritual growth, teach Catholic writers about their craft as well as how to sell and market their work.”

CWG Seal of Approval