Polls for Our Souls discussion

Have you ever read Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman? I also recommend other books by her.

No magic is a tough requirement … hmmm …

Dear Mrs. Bird
The Windfall App
Reflection
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase
The Callender Papers (and anything else by this author)
The Shape of Mercy

And classics like Anne of Green Gables, The Secret Garden, etc.

I can only really think of classics like Little Women and coming of age/middle grade stories like The Wednesday Wars.

Was there a specific genre that you wanted? It's difficult to find good YA/NA novels that are completely clean, nonmagical, and devoid of sex and innuendos.

The Princess Bride
There is the implication of sex in the epilogue, but other than that, I think you would enjoy it!

Have you considered
And for squeaky clean romance there is no one better than Mary Stewart. They are all charming. I can't pick a favorite

Okay, on the one hand I've read a lot of these, but on the other it's been over many years and they are in many genres!

I compared our books to see what you have liked that I have read, but I've thrown in a few that aren't directly from that because the are excellent and fit what you want.

***Daddy-Long-Legs and the sequel Dear Enemy (ideally with the original stick drawings) from the same era as Anne of Green Gables, but this is a college student in the first one--it is NOTHING like the old movie of the same name

I see that you gave 4 stars to The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom--she has other books as well, but they are later on when she was an evangelist.

Yes, I used to read Mary Stewart and it is all squeaky clean

all things Charles Dickens

A Cup of Dust: a Novel of the Dust Bowl and the rest of that trilogy.

Christa Parrish's novels all fit that bill

The Housekeeper and the Professor

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

Northanger Abbey - it looks like this is the only Jane Austen book you haven't read yet

While they say there's no magic, I think of the glamour in the Cinder series magic due to mind control, etc, that comes up in the later books, but because you gave it 4 stars, there is the rest of that series.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Anne and Charlotte Bronte usually fit your requirements (I'm not keen on Wuthering Heights by Emily, but it also fits your bill), and the best of those are both by Anne, but you might not like one little part of Jane Eyre, although I wouldn't say it was magic at all (she seems to hear him call her from miles away).

YES, to Little Women and its sequel Little Men!!!

Wishing You Were Here

Agenda 21 - y/a dystopian

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry

The Tower, The Zoo, and The Tortoise

As I recall, Across the Universe by Beth Revis fits this bill (the whole trilogy)

The Old Man and the Sea

I believe that The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society fits this bill, but I read it some years ago

Scifi and rather philosophical, but in New Zealand it was released as y/a (not here) Genesis

All the Light We Cannot See BUT it is WW II (about a girl and a boy and how things go in the war for them, but one is sent to fight and there are a few disturbing things NOT related to anything you said, but to the fact that it was war).

Yes, the Old Man and the Sea is really good. All The Light we Cannot See is one of my favorites, but it did have some language.

Eon: Dragoneye Reborn


I suggest this...although
(view spoiler)[ There is a crossdressing man...that identifies as a woman. Eon doesn't count, because she actually identifies as a girl but has to hide it. The man/woman actually identifies as a woman (hide spoiler)]

There's a "Clean Reads" group here on GR. You may find it helpful.

I think you'll have much better luck finding non-magic/non-fantasy books if you look outside of YA (if you even read YA). I don't know why so many YA authors write fantasy stories, but they do. In the adult category, you'll find countless realistic fiction and literary fiction.

Ooo!
you can check out
Renegades
Heartless
Fabelhaven

oops! yea, adran has two dads

Fabelhaven is full of magic, but it’s good.

How about a book that will teach you homosexuality isn't a disease and that God loves us all, no matter our sexual orientation?

For the record, I'm not even trying to insult religion (I'm a Christian), I really think you should read and listen to lgbt+ people, educate yourself and try to become a better person (which is something God wants from us). And a good person doesn't think good = only straight.

I hope you'll open your eyes and see the hurt you're causing by saying this. There are lgbt+ people in this website. They can read what you wrote. What do you have to say to them?

(by the way, no one among the people who answered before had any problem with this? really?)

Catherine wrote: "How about a book that will teach you homosexuality isn't a disease and that God loves us all, no matter our sexual orientation?

I do think that was a hurtful comment, but I also know that you can't make people read what they don't want to read, whether it's more progressive than they are willing to be, or just that it's fantasy and they want realism. Perhaps your comment will open this person's eyes.

Try the books of Joan Bauer. She writes for teens without using bad language, the sex is only implied if there is any (usually just kissing), and she has some lovely heroines who overcome challenges. I liked Hope Was Here, Rules of the Road, Best Foot Forward, Close to Famous. You could also try Sarah Dessen or Deb Caletti, although these are a little more mature in outlook. But I think you could consider them "clean" fiction. Also, Maureen Johnson (13 Little Blue Envelopes and sequels), Ann Brashares if you haven't read them (Traveling Pants), Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls series, and Jenny Han. Oh, and maybe Melissa Kantor.

And if you would like to read a really lovely book with two male characters who are attracted to one another, try Benjamin Alire Saenz's book, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. There is nothing explicit, just a sweet story.

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Anna ♥ wrote: "Melliott wrote: "Catherine wrote: "How about a book that will teach you homosexuality isn't a disease and that God loves us all, no matter our sexual orientation?

I do think that was a hurtful com..."

It could be construed as hurtful because it was not inclusive.

Even if you weren't saying that homosexuality was a disease or anything, specifically indicating that you wouldn't be willing to read about people from the LGBTQ community could be seen as narrow sighted and prejudiced. Is there something about "that sort of lifestyle" that is so repulsive or annoying, so alien, that you feel as though you have to separate yourself from it entirely?

*I'm not trying to say if I agree with a certain standpoint, I'm just trying to explain why some people could be offended. Ultimately, what you read and are comfortable with is up to you.

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Anna ♥ wrote: "I'm not trying to start an argument here, but there's nothing wrong with me feeling uncomfortable reading about that sort of lifestyle. It does not make me a hater, does not make me any different. ..."

Saying you're uncomfortable reading swearing and sex is totally fine. Fantasy (for example) not being a genre you enjoy reading, is totally fine. Saying "I want a good book with only male characters", "I want a good book with only white characters", "I want a good book with only straight characters" is hurtful.

I'm hurting you by saying I don't accept homophobia? Really, I'm the bad guy here? And before you deny being homophobic: you're a christadelphian, you say you want a good book with only straight characters, you're referring to homosexuality as a "lifestyle" and you say "your opinion" should be respected. It's pretty clear what kind of opinion it is.

No, I don't have to accept homophobia, just like I don't have to accept sexism or racism just because I should apparently accept everyone no matter their opinion. If someone said they wanted a good book with only white characters, I'm pretty sure more people would be able to see the problem.

Catherine wrote: "How about a book that will teach you homosexuality isn't a disease and that God loves us all, no matter our sexual orientation?

For the record, I'm not even trying to insult religion (I'm a Christ..."

You're an idiot.

Have you read White Fang or The Incredible Journey or The Call of the Wild? There's no romance, since the main characters are animals. There's also no magical elements.

Other books I'd recommend:
Heidi
Little Lord Fauntleroy
A Little Princess
The Jungle Book
Holes
Animal Farm
The Bad Beginning (A Series of Unfortunate Events)
Number the Stars
Bridge to Terabithia

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Anna ♥ wrote: "So if you don't accept this thing called "homophobia" then why are you telling me to accept lgbt+? I also wasn't about to deny being homophobic. I'm hurting you by saying I don't accept lgbt+? I se..."

The difference is that accepting lgbt+ people never hurt anyone.

People are suffering from depression because of homophobia, people killed themselves because of homophobia, people have been murdered because of homophobia, people have been through the horror of "conversion therapy" because of homophobia, children have been kicked out by their own parents because of homophobia.

Why would I PM a homophobic? I made my point and now I can only hope that people will stop being blind in this conversation and that one day, God will help you become a better person.

I LOVE A LITTLE PRINCESS!!! To this day, it still makes me cry

Kaidence ~ Solo io posso cambiare la mia vita, nessuno può per me!~ wrote: "Catherine wrote: "How about a book that will teach you homosexuality isn't a disease and that God loves us all, no matter our sexual orientation?

For the record, I'm not even trying to insult reli..."

Come on, that was uncalled for. There's no need to call each other names.

What about The Tale of Despereaux or Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH or Everything for a Dog or Richard Peck books (again, about animals)?

Serena F. wrote: "Kaidence ~ Solo io posso cambiare la mia vita, nessuno può per me!~ wrote: "Catherine wrote: "How about a book that will teach you homosexuality isn't a disease and that God loves us all, no matter..."

It was uncalled for when catherine attacked my friend. She could of Pmed her about her feelings

calling out homophobia isn't an attack it's being a decent person.. this whole thread is a garbage fire

She isn't being homophobic! I'm not offended by her comment! And I'm a Homosexual!!!!

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Anna ♥ wrote: "So if you don't accept this thing called "homophobia" then why are you telling me to accept lgbt+? I also wasn't about to deny being homophobic. I'm hurting you by saying I don't accept lgbt+? I se..."

Homophobia: dislike of or prejudice against homosexual people

You've moved on from not being comfortable about "that sort of lifestyle" to finding nothing wrong with being homophobic.

What if this was racism? Or sexism? Is it wrong for someone to support things like racial segregation and gender inequality? After all, you're essentially saying that we should accept homophobia and LGBTQ rights. Does that mean we should accept just about any philosophy, even if it's steeped in hatred and prejudice? White supremacy, apartheid, etc.? That's all okay? They don't have to accept social equality?

Yes, you are hurting people now, definitely, by saying you don't accept LGBTQ people. What if someone told you "I don't accept you, I don't like you, I don't want to get to know you because of your religion/sexual orientation/gender/race? I don't care overall about what kind of person you are because I can't overlook one aspect of you." How would you feel?

Kaidence ~ Solo io posso cambiare la mia vita, nessuno può per me!~ wrote: "She isn't being homophobic!

Your friend said it herself. Seriously, read: (っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Anna ♥ wrote: "I also wasn't about to deny being homophobic."

Kaidence ~ Solo io posso cambiare la mia vita, nessuno può per me!~ wrote: "I'm not offended by her comment! And I'm a Homosexual!!!!"

Still not offended after... that thing? (っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Anna ♥ wrote: "People are also suffering from depression, people killed themselves, people have been murdered, people have been through the horror of "conversion therapy", children have been kicked out by their own parents because of lgbt."

Serena F. wrote: "(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Anna ♥ wrote: "So if you don't accept this thing called "homophobia" then why are you telling me to accept lgbt+? I also wasn't about to deny being homophobic. I'm hurting you by saying I..."

May I pm you serena?

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Anna ♥ wrote: "Ahem. You all are just saying you don't accept me for my religion and that you don't like me...how you don't like me because of one aspect of me."

I'm sorry if it came off that way. I didn't mean to disrespect your religion, but please don't use it to say that you can just not accept LGBTQ people. If you don't want to read about it, don't. But seeing nothing wrong with homophobia... does that not strike you as even a little unfair?

Catherine wrote: "Kaidence ~ Solo io posso cambiare la mia vita, nessuno può per me!~ wrote: "She isn't being homophobic!

Your friend said it herself. Seriously, read: (っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Anna ♥ wrote: "I also wasn't about t..."

She's also speaking her opinion. The truth, because children do do that because of not feeling accepted. All she is saying it is that is not her prefered lifestyle, and she prefers not to have it pushed upon her constantly.
Wanna know something? I stopped watching supergirl because of the lesbian couple on there being more of the attention takers than SUPERGIRL!

Kaidence ~ Solo io posso cambiare la mia vita, nessuno può per me!~ wrote: "Serena F. wrote: "(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Anna ♥ wrote: "So if you don't accept this thing called "homophobia" then why are you telling me to accept lgbt+? I also wasn't about to deny being homophobic. I'm hurti..."

If you want

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Anna ♥ wrote: "Ahem. You all are just saying you don't accept me for my religion and that you don't like me...how you don't like me because of one aspect of me."

I'm a Christian. Don't use religion to justify homophobia. God is love, not hate.

Kaidence ~ Solo io posso cambiare la mia vita, nessuno può per me!~ wrote: "She's also speaking her opinion. The truth, because children do do that because of not feeling accepted."

She's speaking the truth? Excuse you? She's saying that being LGBT+ is why people are suffering from depression, why people killed themselves, why people have been murdered, why people have been through the horror of "conversion therapy", why children have been kicked out by their own parents when I told her those things happened because of homophobia and she's telling the truth? Are you honestly serious right now? Her opinion that being LGBT+ is the cause of those horrors and not homophobia is the truth?

Don't worry, "the idiot" is leaving because this is sick beyond words.

Catherine wrote: "(by the way, no one among the people who answered before had any problem with this? really?)"

I have a problem with it, but I overlooked that part of her post.

Kaidence ~ The person that tries to make everyone happy, often feels the most loneliest ~ wrote: "It was uncalled for when catherine attacked my friend. She could of Pmed her about her feelings"

You attacked back. And let's be realistic; no one is going to PM someone about something like this. Maybe if they were a very dear friend they would but not someone they don't know well or just met.

Can someone please relay what type of story is being requested I get teen with non-explicit sex from reading the other comments how far off the mark am I?

I was asking for a teen book without sex or swearing, and I offended a lot of people because I don't want to read books with lgbt+ people.

*shrugs*

Herman wrote: "Can someone please relay what type of story is being requested I get teen with non-explicit sex from reading the other comments how far off the mark am I?"

I have included books that are not teen in my list because I took a look at her reading list.

The rules for this group says no disrespectful discussion and the original poster said nothing disrespectful.

Goodreads is not the place for politics and since this isn't a religious group, it isn't the place for religious debate. No one switches their opinions with vitriol and name calling.Go ahead, search my shelves, I've read all sorts of novels and many have things on there she doesn't want to read, but didn't mind finding some like this.

I honestly wasn't trying to hurt anyone...I didn't think people would be mad for what I like reading...I tried to delete the group myself but can't...

I'm going to make one point, since several people in this string don't seem to understand this: Being gay is NOT A LIFESTYLE. Gay people are born. They aren't made, and it isn't a choice. That part is offensive.

As far as not wanting to read books with gay content, it might have been both easier and more politic to simply accept everyone's recommendations and then self-edit them to exclude those books, if that is your desire. Putting this up for debate was bound to exacerbate a lot of people's feelings.

I wouldn't have mentioned anything about gay content if I knew in the beginning it would have offended someone. I had no idea it would be offensive. I don't like purposely hurting people.

Do you mean like when a kid is born, the doctors don't say its a girl or a boy anymore? Like they say it is a gay baby? I didn't know about that either.

Anna...just stop...these people are hopeless

I was just asking.

It's pointless, we cant change people's opinions now

Thats what it is to, opinions...there is no textual evidence

No, being gay has nothing to do with the gender you are born, it has to do with the gender you are attracted to, and many gay people say they have a good sense of that by the time they are as young as three or four years old. It's not something that people just "decide" to choose at puberty, it's a feeling that's born in a person. If you are genuinely curious, then read up on it—there's a lot of research out there.

Let me just state that I made a topic stating I wanted only homosexual characters in it.
No one has reprimanded me for my request...why?
Because you are all a bunch of crap eating democrates that are hypocrites.