Clean Teen Reads

Blink Publishing, which specializes in publishing “clean” YA fiction, defines this type of literature as stories where “the main characters ... don’t swear, drink, or progress beyond kissing, and they only resort to violence when absolutely necessary.” Here is a list of “clean” books that can be found in Pelham Public Library’s teen section. Last revised 2/8/18.

A Charmed Life (The Charmed Life, #1-3) by Jenny B. Jones

This Christian Fiction trilogy documents the hilarious, heartfelt misadventures of Bella Kirkwood, a privileged New Yorker who takes up amateur sleuthing after her mother remarries and moves them to Truman, Oklahoma. Recommended for Gr 8 Up.

Dawn of Spies (Crusoe, #1) by Andrew Lane

In this re-imagining of Daniel Defoe’s 18th century classic of shipwreck and survival, Robinson “Robin” Crusoe, a merchant’s son, and Friday, the daughter of a pirate king, are recruited as spies for King Charles II after living as castaways for three years. Recommended for Gr 7 Up.

The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West

Gia Montgomery has been bragging about her college-aged boyfriend for months, but then he dumps her in the parking lot at prom before they even make it into the dance. Gia knows that her friends will never let her live it down, so she picks the first guy she sees and asks him to “fill in” for the evening. Recommended for Gr 7 Up.

Game Changers (#1) by Mike Lupica

Ben McBain would be the perfect quarterback, but his former-quarterback coach prefers that his own son take the position. Will Ben have to choose between being a good teammate and helping Shawn improve, or show Coach just how good he really is? Recommended for Gr 5-8.

Ghost (Track, #1) by Jason Reynolds

A troubled young man named Ghost tries out for the track team, but one bad decision just might cost him everything. Recommended for Gr 7 Up.

I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls, #1) 

by Ally Carter

Cammie “Chameleon” Morgan, a sophomore at a top-secret spy school, is forced to balance schoolwork and a social life after being befriended by a handsome young local who wants to date her. Recommended for Gr 7 Up.

Leviathan (#1) by Scott Westerfeld

In this alternative history/fantasy novel set during World War I, Prince Alek of Austria and Deryn, a Scottish girl, find themselves thrust together in the midst of an armed conflict where the weapons of choice are genetically engineered creatures and diesel-driven fighting machines. Recommended for Gr 7 Up.

Matched (#1) by Ally Condie

Cassia Reyes trusts the Society to determine every aspect of her life, including whom she should marry—but when the powers that be mess up her Match assignment by giving her the wrong profile card, she starts to question the choices that have been made for her. Recommended for Gr 7 Up.

Peak by Roland Smith

Fourteen-year-old Peak races against the clock to become the youngest person to ever climb Everest before his next birthday. The only thing to warn about here is the odd appearance of one swear word towards the end of the story, as well as descriptions of the intense climbing conditions on Everest. Recommended for Gr 7 Up.

The Selection (#1) by Kiera Cass

America Singer, recently dumped and still in mourning for her ex-boyfriend, unexpectedly finds herself as a contestant on a televised, government-sponsored competition to determine who will win the hand of the next prince. Recommended for Gr 7 Up.

Well, That Was Awkward by Rachel Vail

In this tech-savvy comedy of errors, Gracie, the charming social butterfly of her middle school, woos a classmate via text message at the request of her super-shy best friend—only to realize that the guy texting back is not her friend’s crush, but someone entirely unexpected! Recommended for Gr 7 Up.

What Light by Jay Asher

While working on her parents’ seasonal Christmas tree farm in California, Oregon-based Sierra falls for charming, gentle Caleb—but local gossip about Caleb’s tragic past and Sierra’s fear of long-distance relationships threatens to end their romance before it even has a chance. Recommended for Gr 7 Up.

The World Within: A Novel of Emily Brontë by Jane Eagland

Eagland focuses on the young adulthood of Emily Brontë, one of a trio of novelist sisters who lived and died tragically young in 19th century Yorkshire. Recommended for Gr 7 Up.