I have a teenage step-daughter who was abused before she came to live with us.  She has come a long way in her healing, but is still learning social skills that most kids learn naturally at a much younger age.

My daughter is now almost 16.  And, she has just begun to enjoy reading.  I would like to find some books that she would enjoy.  She loves animals (especially horses), music and her problem area is "drama" (as in teen girls getting too involved in petty dramas).  Christian-based books would be great.  

I should mention here that her reading level as far as vocabulary and speed are not that of a "typical" 16 year old.  She is probably on more like a 7th grade or 13 year old level in that respect....... but her TOPIC choice would be more like a 16 year old.

I want to encourage her newfound reading hobby, so I could use some suggestions of different books.

Thanks!
Amy

It sounds like a tough situation. Good luck with it all.

I'd recommend letting her try some of Robin McKinley's writing, and since she likes horses I'd have her start with The Hero and the Crown. It's a Newberry Medal winning fantasy novel featuring a heroine who is alienated from most of her peers through the beginning half of the book until she begins to find a purpose with the help of an old war horse named Talat. Being a fantasy novel, there is an epic battle with a dragon and with a sorceror, a bit of romance (although very little, really), and just the right hint of magic. I don't know that it will help teach your step-daughter social skills, but it's a wonderful book, and I think Aerin is a model heroine: a bit of a tomboy, unwilling to get involved in the petty dramas of those around her, and with a strong sense of right and wrong that carries her through.

Thanks....

I don't just want books that will help with the social skills problems.... I also want to encourage her new desire to read.  In the past, she was too disinterested because it was difficult.  If the vocabulary is not too sophisticated, she is getting there... developing a new interest in reading.

Amy

Hello,

I have some great books on my shelf that are for young adults, take a look and see if they can help with your situation.

-Diane

I have a book on my shelf:   Stories for A Teen's Heart   that may be of interest.  My daughter liked it!

Hi Amy, I am thinking she might enjoy the Heartland series by Lauren Brooke.  I know of two great Christian young ladies who have enjoyed this series very much.  You may even be able to get a deal on them if you ask in the book bazzaar.  When I looked at one it said ages 9-12.  But, I know both of these girls have been homeschooled and LOVE reading and they read them at about ages14-15.  The back of each book says:  Heartland is a horse farm nestled in the hills of Virginia, but it's much more than that.  Heartland is like no other place- it's a place where the scars of the past can be healed, a place where frightened and abused horses learn to trust again.  Then each story seems to be about a girl named Amy and her experiences with the horses.  It says reading level 5, so they should be pretty easy for her and that will help encourage her to read.   They may even help with her healing.  God bless, and I am praying for you and your daughter, Carrie

My 16 yo still loves reading the American Girl books. Beverly Lewis has several series out for girls - Holly's Heart, Summerhills Secret, GO (Girls Only).  Robin Jones Gunn has both the Christy Miller and the Sierra Jensen series. Perhaps she can come up with some more ideas tomorrow. If so, I will post them here.

I have Fast Forward to Normal (Brio Girls) and Good-bye to All That (Brio Girls) that I would do a 2 for 1 on.