Guest Author - Diana Pederson

N. J. Linquist is a former youth worker and high school teacher. She now focuses her energies on being a mother, church-planter and author. Her books reflect her insights into the lives of teenagers. The following books by this author will help to bring any teenager in your family or life to a better knowledge of Jesus Christ and how to live as a Christian in the wonderful, wild world of teenagers today.

The New You was published in 2004 by High Impact Publishing. Here the teenager learns how to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ. They are guided through six weeks of devotions, Bible study, and Bible memory. It is suggested that the teenager team up with a youth pastor or more experienced Christian so they can discuss the new concepts in this study guide. It is a well-written study guide with examples common to a teenager’s life.

Linquist wrote a series of books on the various problems a circle of friends go through during their high school years. They cover everything from bringing a friend to know Jesus Christ to planning your future after graduation. Friends also go through heartbreaks as they change dating partners and find themselves at odds with former close friends. Look for KBest of Friends, Friends Like These, Friends in Need, and More Than Friends at your local Christian book store. The books below are also carried by amazon.com.



In Time of Trouble is another excellent book by N. J. Lindquist. Shane has a twin brother that seems to be everything Shane wants to be. This is the story of Shane’s circle of friends in addition to his relationship with his twin brother Sandy and their father. Unfortunately, this book talks about problems that are common among teenagers. It shares the story of Shane learning to trust his own instincts.

Recommendation
As a teenager, I loved to read. It would have been nice to have Christ centered fiction books available. These books are written in a style that does not talk down to teenagers, something that is too often missing in books directed at this age group. I strongly recommend these for any family of teenagers, teenage grandchildren, or members of your church’s youth group. They would be a welcome addition to your local church library too!