The Best Catholic Bible for Children, Youth, & Teens

If you’re searching for the best Catholic Bible for children or teens, we’ve found the perfect choices!

Using an age-appropriate Bible can make a big difference in a child or teen’s desire to read the Bible. It’s important to select one that is at their developmental level so they can understand and not lose interest.

With an engaging Bible, the next generation can develop a life-long love for God that is firmly rooted in Scripture.

We’ve narrowed down the top 3 Catholic Bibles for elementary school children, middle schoolers, and teens that will get them excited about their faith.

How We Choose The Best Catholic Bible for Children & Teens

When we look for the best Bibles for young people, we look for complete Bibles that inspire them to read the word of God. We avoid Bibles that only tell a portion of salvation history.  

We search for Bibles that use an approved Catholic translation such as The New American Bible, Revised Edition. This edition is a major update to the New American Bible released in 1970 and is translated by scholars using the original languages of the Bible which were Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic.

To be selected as a top Catholic Bible for kids and teens, the Bible needs to be engaging enough that young people want to read Sacred Scripture and inspiring enough to encourage them to live out God’s word in their daily lives.

We found the best Bibles for grade school, middle school, and high school youth to foster a love for their Catholic faith that will carry them through adulthood.

What’s True, Pure, & Lovely About It

We love that this is a complete children’s Bible! Most children’s Bibles only include select Bible stories while leaving out important parts of salvation history. This absolutely beautiful Bible has it all and is told in an age-appropriate manner to introduce young children to Sacred Scripture.

The revised version comes with a simple reading plan and stickers. What kid doesn’t love stickers? The pages include awe-inspiring artwork and large type, easy-to-read font, increased line spacing, and highlighted vocabulary words for easier reading and enhanced comprehension.

This Bible has 3 important sections woven throughout. The “Understand it” section help kids understand central themes by reading additional stories and explanations. The “Live it” section includes activities and prayers that make the Bible more meaningful in their daily lives. The “Tell it” section asks the child to retell the story in their own words for increased reading comprehension.

Details to Know

The Catholic Children’s Bible is recommended by the manufacturer for grade levels 1st-4th. Reviews suggest that the Bible is best for 6-8 year-olds. The Bible dimensions are 7″ x 10.25″ and contains 2,000 pages.

What’s True, Pure, & Lovely About It

This Bible is designed specifically for middle school children. It uses some elements of the Catholic Children’s Bible and some from the more advanced Catholic Youth Bible.

The Bible is divided into 3 sections. The “Pray it” section encourages pre-teens to develop a relationship with God where they talk and listen for his voice. It helps them understand more about how we pray at mass and encourages them to begin journaling. The “Live it” section shows middle schoolers how to apply what they are reading to their relationships with others and service to God’s people. The “Study it” section delves deeper into biblical history and the Jewish people of Jesus’ time.

The Bible also has a “Catholic Connection” section that demonstrates how our Catholic beliefs are rooted in scripture.

Details to Know

Breakthrough has a manufacturer recommendation for grade levels 7-9 with a reading age of 10-13 years old. The Bible is 6.5″ x 9.5″ and 2,128 pages.

What’s True, Pure, & Lovely About It

We think this best seller is amazing for today’s teens who often spend a significant amount of time on their phones and social media. It’s hard to engage teenagers in reading the Bible when they’re used to such a fast-paced world.

This isn’t your ordinary Bible. There’s a lot going on inside!  This Bible keeps teens engaged by allowing them to add their own personal touches with numerous coloring areas and journaling opportunities at the end of each book of the Bible.

An informative introduction to each Bible section and book gives historical context and provides an overview of the reading including the predominant message so teens can better understand what they’re reading. The Bible has vivid colored illustrations, printed tabs to divide the books, and valuable footnotes.

The Bible has engaging sidebars dispersed throughout the Bible that get teens thinking more deeply about Scripture and acting out their faith. We have a few favorite sidebars such as the “Catholic Connection” area that helps teens understand why we Catholics believe what we believe and the scriptural connection to our beliefs and principles on social teachings.

The “Did You Know” area helps teens understand the Bible better by understanding more about the Jewish culture of that time. The “Growing in Faith,” “When I’m Feeling,” and “Searching for God” special features help teens recognize how God is speaking to them in their lives and how to journey through life with the Bible as their guide. The “Who is My Neighbor,” “Scripture Highlights,” and “Challenge” sections get teenagers to think beyond themselves to help those around them by putting their faith into action.

Teens can personalize this unique Catholic Bible and learn to live out their faith and dive deeper into scripture!

Details to Know

This Bible is recommended for grades 9-12 by the manufacturer. It’s is 6.25″ x 9″ and contains 1,920 pages. The Bible is printed in Italy with a book spine that is sewn rather than glued for increased durability.

FAQs When Buying a Catholic Bible for Children & Teens

It’s important to find an engaging Bible that can inspire a young person.

Below you will find helpful information that can assist you in selecting the best Catholic Bible for a child or teen that will help them to enjoy and appreciate the wisdom of the Bible.

What to Consider When Purchasing the Best Catholic Bible for Children & Teens

The main consideration when purchasing a Bible for a child or teen is their age. The Bible should be at the reading and comprehension level of the youth. A Bible that is too advanced with lead to frustration and loss of interest just as one that is too easy will often be set aside.

You should also consider the Bible translation used and how engaging the Bible is for the child or teen. All of the selected Bibles use The New American Revised Edition and are rated and reviewed as the most engaging Bibles for youth.

If you are looking for a first communion gift,  The Catholic Children’s Bible is a perfect choice for 2nd graders. If you are searching for a Confirmation gift, the Catholic Youth Bible is ideal since it can be used throughout high school.

Getting one of these Bibles into the hands of kids and teens will help build the next generation of strong Catholics.

Keep Shopping Catholic!

Many Blessings,

Angela