For Parents
Shia Books for Teens: What to Give and How to Offer It
Teenagers are hard to buy for, and harder to talk to about faith. They want to be treated as thinkers, not as children, and they notice immediately when a book talks down to them.
Here is how to choose well, and which of our books suit older readers.
What teens usually want
- Real stories, not simplified ones. They can handle hard moments if they are told honestly.
- Depth. A life of an Imam with its context, struggles and wisdom.
- Privacy. A dua or reflection they can read alone.
- A voice. Space to disagree, wonder and ask.
Lives of the Imams, with depth
Our 12 Lights series gives each Imam his own book, with ages stated on every page. The books on Imam al-Baqir and Imam Musa al-Kazim (A.S) are written for ages up to 15, and they work well for early teens.
The Ocean of KnowledgeImam Muhammad al-Baqir (A.S), the Fifth Imam Who Revived Islamic Knowledge · a life of knowledge, for ages 7 to 15 · Ages 7–15
The Light in ChainsImam Musa al-Kazim (A.S), the Seventh Imam, Babul Hawaij · patience and faith under pressure, for ages 7 to 15 · Ages 7–15
The Heroes of Karbala series tells the story of Karbala one person at a time. Younger teens often connect with Bibi Zainab (S.A) and Hazrat Abbas (A.S).
Duas to make their own
Teens often discover dua on their own terms. A clear English-and-Arabic edition of a famous dua gives them something that is theirs.
Sahifa-e-SajjadiyaSupplications by Ali Ibn Hussain Zayn Al Abidin · the supplications of Imam Zain ul Abideen (A.S) · Adults
For the heavy days
Teens carry stress, comparison and loneliness. Two of our adult titles, built from short Quranic verses with brief reflections, can give a quiet place to go. They are written for adults, so we suggest a parent read them first and decide.
Allah Is Near40 Comforting Quranic Verses for Every Season of the Heart · comfort for the days you feel unheard · Adults
Light of the QuranA Praying Pearls Publications edition · a Kindle edition from Praying Pearls · Adults
How to give a book to a teenager
- Say why you chose it. “This made me think of you,” beats “you should read this.”
- Offer a small start. “Read one chapter and tell me if it’s rubbish.”
- Do not quiz them. Ask what they thought, not what they learned.
- Let them say no. A refusal today does not close the door.
- Read it yourself. Teens notice what their parents actually read.
See our complete guide by age and the adult books page for more.
Common questions
Which Praying Pearls books suit teenagers?
The Heroes of Karbala and The 12 Lights of Ahlul Bayt series (ages 7 to 15) read well for younger teens, particularly the lives of Imam Baqir and Imam Musa al-Kazim (A.S). Allah Is Near and Allah Forgives You are written for adults, and mature teens may find them helpful, with a parent’s guidance.
How do I get a teenager to read?
Offer, don’t insist. Leave a book where they can see it, give a short reason to open it, and let them decide when. A short daily reading habit works better than a long one.
Are there duas for teens?
Yes. Sahifa-e-Sajjadiya is the Imam’s supplications for every need and a rich place for teens to explore, and Dua-e-Kumayl and Dua-e-Mashlool are popular.
What should I do if my teen has questions about faith?
Welcome them. A teen who asks is still engaged. Listen first, answer honestly, and say “I will find out” when you do not know.
What do you not have for teens yet?
Our teen range is growing. If there is a topic you or your teen would love us to cover, tell us through the contact page.
