Raising Men of Character: 5 Books Every Christian Teen Boy Should Read

As parents, we go through life wanting the best for our children. We seek out the best experiences, give them the best education we can, introduce them to our favorite childhood movies, and take them to the restaurants we’ve always loved. But more than any of that, what we truly long for is to shape their hearts—to help them grow into young men of character, courage, humility, and deep, rooted faith.

In a world that sends confusing and often harmful messages to our boys, we have a calling to guide them toward truth, to cultivate in them a heart that follows Jesus. And while there’s no formula or checklist for raising godly sons, stories have a way of getting past defenses and planting seeds. The right book, at the right time, can water something in a young heart that a thousand lectures never could.

These are five books I recommend for teen boys—not just to encourage them to read more (although that’s a win too!), but because each one has the potential to help them grow in wisdom, integrity, and faith. Whether read independently, as a read-aloud, or together as part of intentional conversation, these books can open doors to deeper thinking and deeper faith.

1. Do Hard Things by Alex & Brett Harris

This book is a must-read for any teen ready to rise above the low expectations our culture places on young people. Written by two teenage brothers, Do Hard Things challenges teens to reject passivity and step into the meaningful, character-building work of responsibility, faith, and service. It’s inspiring and practical—a great call to action for young men.

I read this one with my oldest son a couple of years ago and cannot wait to read it with my up and coming teen here soon. It pushes back on the way society talks about teens and the expectations that are set on our youth. It challenges them to hold themselves to a higher standard and who doesn’t love the sound of that?!

2. The Way of Kings by Nathan Clarkson

The Way of Kings: Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Man is a great book to read with your pre-teen or early teen. This is a compelling guide for men seeking to live with purpose, discipline, and godly strength in a chaotic world. Drawing from the ancient biblical concept of kingship, Clarkson lays out a vision for manhood rooted in responsibility, virtue, and leadership. Through practical insights and timeless truths, this book challenges men to rise above passivity and live as wise, courageous, and compassionate leaders in their homes, communities, and lives.

I have read it together with my boys ages 9-13 and we made a fun time of it. If you know anything about young boys is that anything can be funny- and this was exactly that. But they still talk about the lessons learned in that book. The point is not to have still sitting boys with their hands in their laps, listening to every word. The point is to enjoy the process of reading and learning together.

3. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis (Teen-Friendly Edition or Audio)

This classic may take a little more effort to work through, but it’s well worth it. Lewis has a way of making deep truths feel accessible and relevant. For boys who are thinkers or wrestlers—ones asking “why do we believe this?” or “how do we know?”—this book offers logical, compelling foundations for faith.

I have to say, we havn’t read this book yet but it is on my list for them to read. It is just hard to beat C.S. Lewis writings ya know?! I cannot wait to read this with them!

4. Wild at Heart (Young Men’s Edition) by John Eldredge

This book gets to the core of what it means to be a man of God. It speaks into the desire every boy has to live a story that matters, to be brave, to be strong—but not in a superficial way. It directs that desire toward purpose in Christ. The teen version is especially helpful for making these ideas resonate.

5. Killing Lions by John Eldredge and his son Sam

A Guide Through the Trials Young Men Face is an honest, raw, and deeply personal conversation between father and son about what it means to become a man. Through a series of real letters, they explore questions young men wrestle with—identity, purpose, relationships, faith, and resilience. The title refers to the idea that life requires courage, and becoming a man means stepping up to face the “lions” in front of you with strength and intentionality. It’s a powerful, grace-filled guide for raising men of character in today’s world.

A Final Word to Parents
Books aren’t magic—but they can be deeply formative. What makes the difference is how we walk alongside our boys as they read. Ask questions. Invite discussion. Be willing to listen and learn with them. More than anything, let them know that becoming a man of character isn’t about perfection—it’s about direction. It’s about walking with Jesus, one decision, one chapter, one day at a time.

You’re not just raising boys. You’re raising future men of God. And that’s a calling worth every intentional effort.