Kylee's Quest

by Kelly Strenge, Nathalie Kranich (cover_art)

Can you love someone and hate them at the same time?




Divorce is splintering thirteen-year-old Kylee Strong's family. She wants nothing more than her dad's approval. However, his emotional and physical abuse confuses her. What do you do when someone who is supposed to love you, hurts you instead? She believes making an elite golf team will finally impress her father. But when her position on the team drives yet another wedge between them, she finds herself turning to a retired teacher for Nancy Henson.




Kylee must decide if her need to earn her father's love outweighs her desire to protect her little brother. She discovers unexpected strength in newfound friendships, but is she strong enough to forgive her dad? God? Or herself? 




Kylee's Quest is an inspiring coming-of-age story that doesn't shy away from difficult subject matter. If you enjoyed Wish by Barbara O'Connor, The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart, or Mike Lupica's work . . . you will love Kylee's Quest. Filled with humor, heartache, and hope, Kelly Strenge's debut novel is sure to become a fan favorite.

184 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2025

About the author

Kelly Strenge is a writer of Christian fiction for young teens, a wife, a mother, a church council member, and above all a child of God. Her mission is to spark and strengthen faith in youth through the use of story. Reading, watching her kids play sports, and frozen yogurt bring her joy. Kelly lives with her husband, two kids, cat, and dog in small town Minnesota.

Reviews

[Heirloom Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uniquely raw and real in its honest portrayal of a young girl caught in the storm of abuse. Characters young and old gather around the main character, Kylee, helping her onto a path of forgiveness and love from a much-needed safe place of family, some related and some not. Author Kelly Strenge tackles this theme carefully, unfolding an otherwise charming sports story around youth golf but packed with importance and growth on and off the green. Narcissistic abuse can take many forms, some not so obvious, as readers find out. Author Strenge keeps things age-appropriate and even endearing as she imparts kindness and closeness to God through such circumstances. This is accessible and age-appropriate drama, rooted in strong family bonds, even in the midst of a divorce, and promotes a friendship with the elderly who often know more than we ever could. The lessons are deep, and hardships are made easy to endure, thanks to a warm, sport-themed atmosphere, grounding a heavy yet useful topic for middle schoolers and above about finding one’s worth.

[Kristin Flanagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I loved Kylee as a character. I thought this book was well written. It approached hard topics like domestic violence and divorce in a realistic but age appropriate way. I also liked Kylee’s journey with God and how she worked through her doubts in the midst of what she was going though. I cannot praise this book enough

[Kathleen Tirevold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just couldn't put it down!!! I confess to not being an avid reader. This book captivated my interest to where I just had to keep going. Woven with faith to endure difficult times. Demonstrates what an impact one person can have on another's life. Love the texture of hard cover. Blessings to all!

[Evy Strenge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book and found it to eloquently written. I felt all the emotions that Kylee had. It is a great for pre-teens and teens as many kids grow up in same environment as Kylee. It was very apparent the Kylee's heart was in the right place has she followed her faith in God. I highly recommend this book,.

[Lacey Markt · Rating 5 out of 5]

My twelve-year-old daughter and I loved taking this journey with Kylee as she struggles to understand her parents' divorce and forgive the hurt her Dad has done to her. The author really makes you feel all the highs and lows Kylee goes through and tackles the difficult subject matter with sensitivity and a Biblical, grace-filled perspective.

[Kelly Strenge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be biased but I truly think this is a beautiful story. It's real and honest. It demonstrates what it's like to wrestle with our faith and come out stronger in the end.