Once seen as the domain of Melody Carlson with her excellent teen-focused books, the young adult market has exploded with wonderful writers like Jenny B. Jones, Lisa T. Bergren and Bryan Davis. Look for the following new talent who write speculative, fantasy, contemporary and even historical fiction for young people.
Melanie Dickerson delights in taking a traditional fairy tale and making it real with genuine characters responding to circumstances in realistic ways. Look for The Merchant’s Daughter and The Healer’s Apprentice (Zondervan).
Multi award-winning author Andrew Klavan has given his writing a YA focus since 2009 and the release of his Homelanders series (Thomas Nelson), which have been optioned for movies. His latest, Crazy Dangerous, is another high-octane thriller.
Best known for writing The Beginner’s Bible, Karyn Henley has turned her hand to YA fiction with the release of her lyrical fantasy novels, Breath of Angel and Eye of the Sword, part of her Angelaeon Circle (Waterbrook Press).
Marrying into a family of novelists, Heather Burch soon followed in their footsteps. Her debut novel, Halflings (Zondervan), features an intriguing heroine and three half-angel boys determined to protect her from evil forces.
Shannon Dittemore’s debut novel, Angel Eyes (Thomas Nelson), is a story of beauty, betrayal and faith and the first in a supernatural, romantic trilogy from this former actress turned youth minister and author.
Inspired to help his four young sons cope with the loss of their mother to cancer, Dean Barkly Briggs began creating a story which turned into The Legends of Karac Tor series. Look for the latest installment, The Song of Unmaking (AMG Publishers).
Youth culture expert and “Teen Talk” radio host, Nicole O’Dell has added fiction to her impressive resume in recent years. Look for her Diamond Estates series, including The Wishing Pearl and The Embittered Ruby (Barbour).
With her passion for youth ministry, it was natural that Krista McGee would write for teens. Keen to have them look more closely at the Bible, Krista writes contemporary novels based on biblical characters. Look for First Date (Esther) and Starring Me (Isaac & Rebekah) from Thomas Nelson.
When not writing, L.K. Malone reads a book a day and was inspired to write a Judeo-Christian teen fantasy novel after reading the Hunger Games and Harry Potter series. The Mirror of N’de (Kregel) is available now.
Roger Bruner & Kristi Rae Bruner
The Altered Hearts series, written by father and daughter team Roger and Kristie Rae Bruner, tells the story about a young woman who experiences a life changing mission trip to Mexico. Found in Translation and Lost in Dreams (Barbour) are available now.