Clean Adventure Stories and How I Fell in Love with Them

Now, I enjoy clean adventure stories, but I wasn’t always a reader.

Blame it on being a boy with a lot of impatient energy. But sitting still and tracking my eyes over a page without pictures was torture. The irony? Both of my parents were teachers, and my mother was a reading specialist — yet I still didn’t enjoy books.

Everything changed in seventh grade.

My English teacher, Mrs. Fowler, assigned us classics like Shane and Where the Red Fern Grows. Whatever my taste in fiction was at the time, these were not it. I don’t remember if I chose not to read them or if I couldn’t keep up. Either way, my grade was sinking fast.

Mrs. Fowler offered me a way out:
“Write some stories of your own for extra credit.”

I took the challenge — and discovered something surprising.

Creating stories was way more fun than reading them.

The Book That Started It All

I still wasn’t much of a reader, but I’d occasionally pick up a book. We had a set of The Chronicles of Narnia, and it caught my eye. I picked it up mainly because it was a thin book with short chapters.

The story of four kids dropped into a fantasy world filled with talking animals was a fun, magical romp. Finishing it felt like a huge accomplishment.

Then my brother dropped the twist:

“You know it’s about Jesus, right?”

“Huh?”

He explained how Aslan’s sacrifice on the Stone Table, his resurrection, and his victory over the White Witch mirrored the gospel. I’d had no idea stories could work on more than one level.

I was hooked.

That moment planted the seed for what would eventually become my passion: writing clean adventure stories that families can read, enjoy, and talk about together.

The Surprising Reason Why Clean Adventure Stories Matter

Over the years, I’ve realized something: stories stick with us in ways speeches don’t.

As a local pastor, I’ve delivered many sermons, talks, and devotionals. Yet I can’t remember most of what I said — and I doubt most listeners do either.

But I can remember:

• What Rhett Butler said to Scarlet when she arrived in the green curtain dress
• How Irene braved the snow to make her delivery
• The delightfully sneaky ways the Phantom outsmarted the opera managers

That’s the power of storytelling.

A clean adventure story entertains and plants images and lessons deep in our memories. All without relying on questionable content or themes.

Reading Books Shapes Family Life

I love writing clean adventure fiction, knowing it’s something you can confidently share with your kids.

We have read Anne of Green Gables, The Green Ember, The Mysterious Benedict Society, Winnie-the-Pooh, and countless other family-friendly adventures. These stories have helped us guide our kids through life lessons about courage, kindness, perseverance, and forgiveness. And without worrying about inappropriate content.

That’s the heart of a clean adventure: excitement without compromise.

Why Sharing Clean Adventure Books Builds Unexpected Connection

Have you ever had a friend recommend a book to you?

If it’s non-fiction — maybe something on finance, marriage, or time management — it can feel a little invasive. Like, “I see you struggling, and this will fix it.” That book might be helpful, but your first instinct is often to resist.

But if someone hands you a well-loved, clean adventure book, you’re more likely to dive in. Why? Because adventure stories feel like a gift, not a lecture.

That’s what I aim for in my own writing: fun, fast-paced, clean adventures. I hope they are enjoyable on your own and meaningful when shared with others.

Join Me for Your Next Clean Adventure

That’s why I love writing these stories — and why I want to share them with you. I believe adventure fiction has a unique power to inspire, entertain, and bring families together.

If you enjoy clean, page-turning stories, I’d love to invite you to join my reader group. You’ll get a free copy of my book, Showdown in the Yukon, plus behind-the-scenes updates on every new release.

📚 Click here to get your free clean adventure book

And even if you don’t join my list, pick up a good mystery, a fish-out-of-water tale, or a thrill-ride adventure. Take the journey with the hero. See where the story takes you.

FAQ: Clean Adventure Stories

What makes a story a “clean adventure”?
A clean adventure delivers excitement, danger, and suspense without profanity, graphic violence, or explicit content. In other words, they are safe for all ages.

Are clean adventure stories good for family read-alouds?
Absolutely! These stories are perfect for families who want something exciting and meaningful without worrying about inappropriate material.

Where can I find more clean adventure books?
Start with my free book, Showdown in the Yukon. You can also check my library for recommendations on other family-friendly adventures.