I’d like to introduce you to someone who I find absolutely UH-mazing. Though I’ve never met Jenelle Hovde in person, she’s been a “cyber-friend” for several years. She won a special place in my heart when, for my sixtieth birthday, my VA (virtual assistant) commissioned Jenelle to paint a portrait of what Joseph’s wife, Asenath, might have looked like–using the clues from my book, In Feast or Famine.
Unbeknownst to me, my friend and VA (Amanda) gave Jenelle my character description notes on Asenath, and Jenelle went to work. Amanda’s gift–through Jenelle’s talent–became the most unforgettable gift I’ve ever received. Their rendition of Asenath was much closer to how I imagined her than the woman portrayed on the cover. Don’t you LOVE Jenelle’s portrait?
Jenelle Hovde, Author & Much More
Besides Jenelle’s artistic talent, she’s also a gifted author. She’s written biblical fiction for Guideposts, and I’m currently reading her historical novel that releases from Tyndale, July 2025. This woman can WRITE!
But her passion and heart for readers goes much deeper than writing for adults. In a recent email, Jenelle shared a bit of her background and what drives her current passion:
I used to work in the school systems as a doctor of audiology. My speciality was with children. Reading played a tremendous role. I worked alongside psychologists to provide testing to rule out ADHD or autism. My side was central auditory processing disorders and auditory neuropathy. I also worked with the deaf community. Reading skills became imperative for my clients. Ironic, considering audiology focuses on hearing! I provided remedial reading for many children. I’ve also homeschooled three girls from preK to grade ten. We love your novels!
Aren’t My Books Too “Raw” For Teens?
I often shy away from sharing my books with teens and tell parents they should read the book themselves and then decide if their child is ready for the themes in my stories. The Bible is full of violence, infidelity, and other hard situations to illustrate how real people dealt with real life and then found hope in God’s steadfast love and forgiveness. Jenelle added these thoughts to our email volley:
Your books are quite a bit softer than the YA authors [popular in the secular market]. But you do take on the perspectives of young women who often buck their systems–albeit in a Godly way. I think you fit amazingly well with the YA genres.
Jenelle Gives More Good Insight For Kids’ Reading!
I asked Jenelle to write a post specifically for my readers (and me) to help us reach the children in our lives with the gift of words. Most kids these days would rather play a video game or read a graphic novel (similar to a 200 page comic book) than sit down with a book full of words.
Jenelle responded with what she titled, “5 Reasons to Incorporate Christian Fiction into Your Homeschool and Help Your Kids Fall in Love with Reading Again,” (which was too long for my website title to handle). 😆
I hope you’ll take the time to read, process, and follow an expert’s advice–and perhaps give a child in your life the gift of words this Christmas…
Jenelle’s Love for Fiction
When I decided to homeschool, I knew I wanted fiction to be a part of my curriculum. Some of my favorite memories as a preteen included multiple trips to the Regina Christian bookstore, where I paid for Gilbert Morris novels with an assortment of quarters and Canadian dollar bills. I was only twelve years old, but I lived for those trips. Books proved to be a lifeline during my turbulent teen years. The more I read, the more I fell in love with literature and writing. When I graduated from high school, I donated my vast collection of novels to the Indian Head High School library. I like to think a book or two survived.
Fast forward past a doctorate degree in Audiology, and now, as a pastor’s wife with a heart for book clubs, women’s and children’s ministry, and writing, I’ve had plenty of time to reflect on just how important Christian fiction was during those formative years.
Fiction to Teach Homeschoolers?
As homeschool moms, we often find ourselves searching for books that not only keep our kids entertained but also help them grow in character, empathy, and understanding of the world around them. In today’s age, where reading scores are declining across the nation, it’s become increasingly important to find stories that engage kids on a deeper level—stories that challenge them to think, grow, and feel.
When we think of Christian fiction, it’s not just about reading Bible stories. It’s about engaging with books that shape character, teach life lessons, and spark important discussions.
Whether you send your children to public or private school, or homeschool, here are five reasons why incorporating Christian fiction into your children’s reading list can help develop moral character, build reading skills, and get your kids excited about reading again!
1. Building Strong Moral Foundations
Christian fiction is about more than just entertaining stories; it’s about teaching solid values like compassion, honesty, and perseverance. Whether it’s a story of redemption or a character learning the power of forgiveness, Christian fiction introduces dilemmas that help children understand the importance of good choices. For example, when a character faces a decision between doing what’s easy or doing what’s right, kids can follow along and reflect on how they might handle the situation themselves.
2. Helping Kids Develop Empathy
The best books help kids understand others’ perspectives. Christian fiction does this beautifully by telling stories from a variety of viewpoints, whether it’s a character who is struggling with loss, a person who is facing judgment, or someone learning how to forgive. These books challenge kids to put themselves in someone else’s shoes, growing their ability to empathize and connect with people who are different from themselves.
Empathy is a skill that’s crucial both in school and in life. Christian fiction makes it fun and relatable as kids experience the highs and lows of the characters’ journeys. How many times have we cried over a character like Anne of Green Gables when she loses her beloved Matthew—the first father figure to show her love?
3. Encouraging a Love of Reading
In today’s world, where reading scores in the U.S. have seen a significant drop in recent years, fostering a love of reading has never been more important. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 37% of U.S. students are reading at or above the proficient level. But when you provide your kids with well-researched books and stories that connect with their hearts and minds, reading becomes something they want to do, not something they have to do.
Christian fiction can re-ignite a love of reading because it’s engaging—it draws readers in with exciting plots, dynamic characters, and emotional stakes. From adventurous historical fiction to contemporary coming-of-age tales, these stories don’t just teach—they captivate. Whether you’re introducing your younger child to their first chapter book or helping your teen tackle more complex plots, Christian fiction offers something for every age group.
When I started teaching history, I quickly learned that my daughters retained historical facts regarding ancient biblical worlds through Mesu Andrews’ and Tessa Afshar’s fiction. Dry textbooks simply are not as fun!
4. Promoting Critical Thinking
Some of the best Christian fiction doesn’t just offer a story—it offers moral and philosophical questions that encourage kids to think critically. When characters are faced with difficult decisions—such as choosing between truth and lies or standing up for what’s right even when it’s hard—kids are forced to analyze these situations and consider the choices they would make.
For older students, books with deeper moral complexities offer a great opportunity for discussions on ethics, religion, and human nature. This can be an excellent way to integrate critical thinking into your homeschool curriculum while simultaneously teaching your kids important lessons about how to live in a wild world.
5. Handling Gritty Content
As parents, it’s important to stay informed about the books our kids are reading. Keeping a running tab on their reading choices can help you ensure the content aligns with your family’s values and your child’s maturity level. Christian novels, while far softer than most secular children’s literature, can still address tougher subjects like loss, hardship, or sin, but always through a lens of hope and redemption. Children learn they are not alone in their suffering when they discover a character has endured and later thrived through a similar circumstance.
Decide what levels of romance or challenging subject matter you’re comfortable with. Is your child sensitive? If so, adjust the book choices accordingly. For more mature students, inspirational novels can provide a safe space to explore difficult topics, as the Christian perspective offers real hope, guiding readers toward faith-based solutions. Whether it’s handling themes of forgiveness, redemption, or perseverance, these books can help older readers navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and grace.
The great writer, C.S. Lewis, beautifully sums up the role of literature for children.
“Since it is so likely that they will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage.”
Some of My Favorite Christian Fiction Titles for Homeschooling Families
If you’re looking for great titles to add to your homeschool bookshelf, here are a few personal favorites I recommend for various age ranges:
- For Younger Readers: The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis – A timeless series with deep Christian allegory hidden beneath an adventurous fantasy world.
- For Tweens: The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson – A beautiful mix of fantasy, friendship, and faith, perfect for middle-grade readers.
- For Teenagers: The King’s Men by Connilyn Cossette, Brave by Mesu Andrews, The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz, While the City Sleeps by Elizabeth Camden, Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep, and A Token of Love by Carrie Turansky – Powerful historical fiction exploring themes of faith, courage, and sacrifice.
- For Adults: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers – A beautifully written, heart-wrenching story of unconditional love, forgiveness, and redemption, based on the Biblical story of Hosea. Lynn Austin and Shannon McNear also provide complex historical fiction in different eras that immerse me, the teacher, into the time period. After all, moms need great books too!
Final Thoughts: Building a Solid Foundation for the Future
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the many genres tucked inside Christian fiction. I have two daughters who adore Christian fantasy, and one who prefers mysteries. I steer to biblical historical fiction and historical romance.
Jenelle’s Short Bio:
Jenelle Hovde is an illustrator, a pastor’s wife, and a homeschooling mother with eight novels in print. She adores faith-inspired stories and Regency romances that make readers swoon. A transplant to Florida, Jenelle currently pens romantic tales while at the beach. Visit her online and subscribe to her newsletter at jenellehovdeauthor.com. Her latest novel, No Stone Unturned, a Regency romance releases with Tyndale in July 2025. To stay updated with her latest works or subscribe to her newsletter, visit her online at jenellehovdeauthor.com.
Sources
- Lewis, C.S. Of Other Worlds: Essays and Stories. Edited by Walter Hooper, Harcourt, 1966.
- National Center for Education Statistics. (n.d.). National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Reading Report. Retrieved from https://www.nationsreportcard.gov
