CV NEWS FEED // Throughout June, we’re not just taking the garbage off the children’s shelves in our libraries with “Hide the Pride,” but we’re also replacing it with great literature.
The books we consume as children stay with us our whole lives – the images, characters, heroes, and villains! A well-read woman is a gift to both her family and herself. Here are some great reads to fill your teenage daughters’ imaginations with truth, goodness, and beauty.
Look for them at your local library (or parish library, if you’re lucky enough to have one!) or favorite bookseller!
Children of Men
PD James
A dystopian novel published in the 1920s. In the novel, society struggles to deal with the ongoing fertility crisis. If the human race continues on as it has started, humanity will die out with the youngest generation. The book explores themes of existentialism, the meaning of life and the abuse of power.
Joan of Arc
Mark Twain
This book took eight years of research, two years of writing, and was considered by the author to be his masterpiece. It tells a tale we all know in a way we will never forget. The french peasant girl turned military leader turned saint comes alive through Twain’s words.
Little Women
Louisa May Alcott
A coming of age novel surrounding four sisters during the American Civil War. With their father off fighting, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, must make the best of their poverty. A story of sisterhood, friendship, and the pilgrimage from childhood to womanhood.
Autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila
St. Teresa of Avila
This sixteenth-century reformer describes her childhood, entrance into religious life, conversion, mystical experiences, and intimate relationship with God.
The Giver
Lois Lowry
A dystopian novel in which the world has been purified of all its imperfections. Jonas, a young boy, is entrusted with the memories of the world. As he learns more about the past, he begins to take action to improve the future. A must-read for anyone Pro-Life!
The Space Trilogy
CS Lewis
A philosophical science fiction series by the same author who wrote the Narnia books. The three novels, (Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength) are informed by Lewis’ orthodox Christianity and are permeated with the sense of spiritual battle.
Atomic Habits
James Clear
A comprehensive and practical guide on how to change your habits for the better. Helpful for anyone trying to improve themselves and grow in virtue!
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Betty Smith
Follows the life of Francie Nolen as she grows up in Brooklyn in the 20s. Largely autobiographical, the author draws on her own experiences to paint a picture of poor immigrant Brooklyn, and the people found there.
Kristin Lavransdatter
Sigrid Undset
A trilogy of historical novels chronicling life in the middle ages. The titular character, Kristin, undergoes a crisis with her family, and her husband, but finds solace in her faith.
A Tale of Two Cities
Charles Dickens
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” Widely considered Dickens’ best novel, this historical fiction opens a window into the French Revolution, and its heart-breaking effects on the people of the time.
Wuthering Heights
Emily Bronte
Two families of Victorian gentry come into conflict with one another over lost love. A gothic book from the Romantic period, it is widely considered to be one of the best English novels. Get ready for a thrilling tale of romance, and revenge.
The Moonstone and others.
Wilkie Collins
One of the earliest mystery novels, The Moonstone follows a mysterious yellow gem when it disappears on the very night Rachel Verinder receives it as a gift…
My Antonia
Willa Cather
The novel follows a young orphaned boy and an immigrant girl and their relationship in pioneering Nebraska. Cather’s beautiful descriptions of the landscape will transport the reader to another time and place.
Middlemarch
George Eliot
Dorothea may have made a mistake in marrying Edward. She is treated more as a secretary than as a partner. She remains committed to him, however, things grow complicated when he grows ill…The novel is considered to be Eliot’s magnum opus.
Les Miserables
Victor Hugo
The original horror story, in this work Dr. Frankenstein discovers the secret to creating life, with terrible consequences. Yet, you may be surprised at who you sympathize with… A thrilling tale about human nature and the heartbreak of deism.
The Cloister and the Hearth
Charles Reade
A young man gives up his thoughts of the priesthood when he falls in love with a young woman. His father opposes the match and imprisons the young man. Will these two lovers find each other?
Ivanhoe
Sir Walter Scott
Wilfred of Ivanhoe, son of Cedric, had been disinherited by his father because of the woman he loves. After winning her hand in a competition, it seems that the young lovers will be content to live out their lives together. However, when his beloved is accused of practicing witchcraft, things take a turn for the worse…
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
The original horror story, in this work Dr. Frankenstein discovers the secret to creating life, with terrible consequences. Yet, you may be surprised at who you sympathize with… A thrilling tale about human nature and the heartbreak of deism.
The Merchant of Venice
William Shakespeare
In an effort to win the hand of Portia, Bassanio asks his friend Antonio for a loan. Antonio in turn goes to Shylock, a jew and makes a deal: it Antonio is unable to make good on his loan, Shylock may have one pound of Antonio’s flesh. At a time when antisemitism was rampant, Shakespeare offered a unique look at the nature of the Jewish vs. Catholic controversy.
The Hiding Place
Corrie ten Boom
In German-occupied Holland, Corrie and Betsie ten Boom hide Jews in their house. The two middle-aged women face opposition and capture for their daring act. The book relates a true story of the importance of faith.
Song at the Scaffold
Gertrude von le Fort
Tells the true story of a courageous community of women during the french revolution. During the rampant persecution of Catholics, and the mass-deaths at the guillotine, a group of nuns make an incredible sacrifice…
My Heart Lies South: The Story of my Mexican Marriage
Elizabeth Borton de Trevino
A twentieth century female journalist becomes a Mexican Senora through her marriage. In this humorous autobiography, de Trevino relates the challenges, insights and humor that come with her culture-shift.
>> Want More? Check out all of our CatholicVote reading lists for kids!
14 Must-Read Books for Families
18 Must-Read Books for Very Young Children
24 Must-Read Books for Elementary School Children
19 Must-Read Books for Middle School Children
22 Must-Read Books for Teen Boys
14 Must-Read Books for Struggling Teens
