Book picks similar to
Backstage Pass by Cheryl Crouch


christian
contemporary-realistic
first-only
read-with-kid

The Bloodstone Chronicles: A Journey of Faith


Bill Myers - 2003
    In this volume, three children enter another dimension and through captivating allegorical drama, learn key principles of the Kingdom of God.

Remember Me


Marion Ueckermann - 2019
     What she most needed was right there in front of her all along. At the age of thirteen, Clarise Aylward and her two best friends each pen a wish list of things they want to achieve. Deciding to bury a tin containing their life goals, the friends vow to unearth the metal box once they’ve all turned forty. But as the decades pass and each girl chases her dreams, the lists are forgotten. Heath Brock has been in love with Clarise for over twenty-seven years and counting. As a young man, he’d plucked up the courage to ask her out on a Valentine’s date, but the couple succumbed to pent-up passions, sending Clarise dashing for the other side of the country. Years after Clarise’s sudden departure, Heath serves as youth pastor. He’d held out hope of Clarise’s return, but buries his feelings for his childhood sweetheart when he learns she’s married. Almost penniless, divorced, and with nowhere to go, Clarise returns home to Chapel Cove, her future uncertain. She’s approaching forty with her dreams in tatters. When old feelings resurface, Clarise wonders whether she’s ever really fallen out of love with Heath. What’s the man of God to do when his old flame returns, seemingly to stay? With Clarise back in town, Heath is determined not to repeat past mistakes, but if he has anything to say about it, never again will he lose the only woman he’s ever loved.

The Amish Girl


Samantha Bayarr - 2015
    When she returns to her childhood home, strange and frightening events warn that she will soon become a victim of the same fate if she is unsuccessful in solving the crime even the authorities couldn't solve. The secret she uncovers beneath the decaying floorboards of her dilapidated home makes her wish she'd never returned... and her parents are too dead to give her an explanation. This book, like all other books by Samantha Bayarr, is a clean read. A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: While this novel is set against the backdrop of an Amish community, the characters and the names of the community are fictional. There is no intended resemblance between the characters in this book or the setting, and any real members of any Amish or Mennonite community. As with any work of fiction, I’ve taken license in some areas of research as a means of creating the necessary circumstances for my characters and setting. It is completely impossible to be accurate in details and descriptions, since every community differs, and such a setting would destroy the fictional quality of entertainment this book serves to present. Any inaccuracies in the Amish and Mennonite lifestyles portrayed in this book are completely due to fictional license. Please keep in mind that this book is meant for fictional, entertainment purposes only, and is not written as a text book on the Amish.

Winter Letters


Sicily Yoder - 2013
    He left the Amish to join a biker's club, leaving her heart-broken. However, handsome Amish man, Jeremiah Troyer, fills in the gap that Elijah left; however, there is a major problem: Rachael's grandfather, Ben, keeps comparing him to Elijah. Setting out to prove himself fit for taking Rachael's hand in marriage, Jeremiah moves to Shipshewana to work on her brother's dairy farm. However, there are secrets that Jeremiah is keeping from Rachael. One winter morning, Rachael comes head-first with Jeremiah's secrets and is faced to deal with her own transgressions. Can God help her heal? Will he forgive her for her sins? Will she forgive herself and find true love?

Imperfect


Christy Barritt - 2004
    She has a major case of writer’s block, and a book signing in the small mountain town of Perfect sounds like just the solution to help her clear her head. Her trip takes a wrong turn when, on her way there, she’s involved in a hit and run—she’s hit a man, and he’s run from the scene. Before fleeing, he mouthed the word “help.” She plans to give him that help, but first she must find him.In Perfect, she finds a town that offers everything she’s ever wanted. But is something sinister going on behind the town’s cheery exterior? Was she invited as a guest of honor simply to do a book signing? Or was she lured to town for another purpose—a deadly purpose?

Swapped!


Katrina Kahler - 2016
    Usually it would be fun to have a new girl arrive. But not this time! When Casey realizes that Ali looks exactly like her, she is not at all impressed. To make matters even worse, Casey's crush, a boy named Jake Hanley and the coolest boy in the grade, takes a sudden interest in Ali, and Casey becomes more annoyed than ever. "Who is she and why does she have my face?" This is one of the many questions that Casey asks and she is determined to find out the answer. However, she is not at all prepared for the outcome. Within a matter of days, her world as she once knew it is turned upside down and the decisions she makes lead to consequences beyond her control. Twins - Book 1: Swapped is a fabulous book for girls aged 9-12 and is certain to become a new favorite. School friendships, boy crushes, drama and excitement combine together to create a suspenseful and enjoyable story that you will not be able to put down.

The School Bully Is My Brother


Mike Bloemer - 2012
    Harold also has beef with Shawn’s father, William Henry Harrison Middle School football coach Sam Farmer. So when Harold finds out his mother has been secretly dating Coach Farmer, he is understandably upset. And when Coach Farmer proposes to his mother at an all-you-can-eat buffet, it’s understandable when he completely flips. Fortunately Harold has an ally on his side… the school bully himself, Shawn. Like Harold, Shawn realizes a merger of the Farmer and O’Connell clans will completely obliterate his standing as the most popular guy in school. Harold and Shawn form an unholy alliance and strive to stop the wedding from heck. This task is easier said than done, however. Coach Farmer and Ms. O’Connell are deeply in love, and they’re not breaking up without a fight, no matter how many times Harold and Shawn sabotage their wedding plans. But that’s not what troubles Harold the most. What he is most troubled by is the fact that, as he and his former nemesis spend more time together, they are slowly yet surely becoming friends. At William Henry Harrison Middle School, the school bully and the school nerd becoming best buds is like a lion singing Kumbaya with a zebra. Will Harold and Shawn succeed in their dastardly plot to stop their parents’ wedding, or will they allow their emerging friendship to blossom and throw their schools’ social order out of whack? The School Bully Is My Brother is a simultaneously hilarious and sweet take on middle school life. It should appeal to any kid who must deal with bullies. Likewise, it should appeal to the bullies out there who like to dish out torment (and hopefully convince them that nerds and geeks aren’t all that bad). Think of it as Modern Family meets Diary of a Wimpy Kid. This novel is unique in that it features characters of different races, religions, sexual orientations, and socio-economic backgrounds, and most kids (and adults) will appreciate the books’ message of inclusiveness.

Front Page Face-Off


Jo Whittemore - 2010
    But when an international rival named Ava invades her newsroom and takes over her crush, Delilah finds an unlikely ally in the Debutantes - a.k.a. the Little Debbies.

Violet Ink


Rebecca Westcott - 2014
    Quiet, contemplative Izzy has always adored her charismatic, confident older sister, Alex. But when Alex starts going out with a new boyfriend, everything changes. Izzy isn't sure she can still trust her sister - but she will never stop loving her. Letters from Alex, written in her distinctive purple pen, keep their relationship alive...

Kennedy Stern Box Set #1-3


Alana Terry - 2018
    A three-in-one bundle of suspense and page-turning excitement as missionary kid Kennedy Stern faces more danger, mystery, and controversy than she knows how to handle. Confronted with questions of underage abortion, plagued by a stalker and paralyzing PTSD flashbacks, and eventually caught in the center of a police brutality scandal, Kennedy discovers that her first year at Harvard University involves a lot more than passing a few lab classes and fulfilling her premed requirements. With her parents serving North Korean refugees overseas, Kennedy befriends a loving and highly opinionated pastor, his hospitable and encouraging wife, an eccentric but respectful roommate whose worldview is drastically different from Kennedy's, and a foreign lab partner who's harboring a grave secret he'd do just about anything to keep from being exposed. The Kennedy Stern Christian suspense series tackles controversial issues facing the church today and brings them to light in a way that encourages questions and fosters discussions without ever turning preachy or heavy-handed. Find out why readers from all faiths and denominations, all walks of life, and all sides of the political spectrum are devouring this thought-provoking series from edgy Christian fiction author Alana Terry, who has won awards from Women of Faith, Grace Awards, The Book Club Network, Readers' Favorite, and many others.

Life with Lily


Mary Ann Kinsinger - 2012
    And for six-year-old Lily Lapp, every day is a new opportunity for blessings, laughter, family, and a touch of mischief. As she explores her world, goes to school, spends time with her family, and gets into a bit of trouble with her friends, Lily learns what it means to be Amish and what it means to grow up. From getting a new teacher to welcoming a new sibling, Lily's life is always full of adventure. The first of four charming novels that chronicle the gentle way of the Amish through the eyes of a young girl, "Life with Lily "gives children ages 8-12 a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Amish--and lots of fun and laughter along the way. It combines the real-life stories of growing up Amish from Mary Ann Kinsinger and the bestselling writing of Amish fiction and nonfiction author Suzanne Woods Fisher. With charming illustrations throughout, this series is sure to capture the hearts of readers young and old.

The Mysterious Benedict Society


Trenton Lee Stewart - 2007
    (And you, dear reader, can test your wits right alongside them.) But in the end just four very special children will succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and resourceful children could complete. To accomplish it they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules. As our heroes face physical and mental trials beyond their wildest imaginations, they have no choice but to turn to each other for support. But with their newfound friendship at stake, will they be able to pass the most important test of all?This tenth anniversary edition of The Mysterious Benedict Society includes over thirty pages of bonus materials that will delight old and new fans alike.

Natalie - Birthday Wishes


Colleen Coble - 2012
    Then four friends and local business owners Natalie, Julia, Shelby, and Reese decide the town is worth saving. How will they do it? They ll turn Smitten into a honeymoon destination!In "Birthday Wishes" by Colleen Coble, Natalie Mansfield must persuade alderman Joe Smitten to agree with their plan to save the town, putting aside her dislike for him until she discovers he's not the man she thought he was.Excerpted from "Smitten, " a novel in four parts written by Christian Fiction s most popular romance novelists and real life BFFs!

The Girl Death Left Behind


Lurlene McDaniel - 1999
    Readers will be touched and inspired by this latest novel from bestselling author Lurlene McDaniel:Beth's world has been torn apart.  She cannot figure out how to go on when a car accident claims the lives of her entire family, and she is the only survivor.  Things seem to get even worse when she moves in with her aunt and her spoiled cousin, Terri.  But with the love and support of her aunt and some unexpected friends, Beth struggles to overcome the despair that threatens to consume her.  Will she be able to move past the painful memories without feeling guilty for being a survivor?

The Bad Beginning


Lemony Snicket - 1999
    It tells an unhappy tale about three very unlucky children. Even though they are charming and clever, the Baudelaire siblings lead lives filled with misery and woe. From the very first page of this book when the children are at the beach and receive terrible news, continuing on through the entire story, disaster lurks at their heels. One might say they are magnets for misfortune.In this short book alone, the three youngsters encounter a greedy and repulsive villain, itchy clothing, a disastrous fire, a plot to steal their fortune, and cold porridge for breakfast.It is my sad duty to write down these unpleasant tales, but there is nothing stopping you from putting this book down at once and reading something happy, if you prefer that sort of thing.With all due respect,Lemony Snicket