Posts by Betsy Farquhar
📚Amazon Black Friday BOOK Deals (2024)
We resist posting much Christmas content before Thanksgiving, but we also know that *many* of you are watching those Black Friday deals. Side note: since when did “Black FriDAY” become “Black Friday WEEK”? I digress. A gazillion children’s books are currently on sale on amazon right now. Since we’re reading ahead for you, we’re gonna…
Read MoreFrindle and The Frindle Files by Andrew Clements
The Frindle Files brings Nicholas Allen, from Frindle fame, back into the limelight in this lively follow-up for middle grade readers.
Read MoreNeighborhood Sharks by Katherine Roy
Vividly illustrated, Neighborhood Sharks brings readers up close and personal with one of nature’s most fearsome apex predators.
Read MoreWho Built That? Bridges by Didier Cornille
Who Built That? Bridges is a clever picture book-in-translation that illustrates ten famous bridges and the construction process and engineers behind them.
Read More*Big Book of Math by Katherine Hannon
The Big Book of Math is a timeline book absolutely filled with mathematical figures, faces, and facts, all situated within the context of a biblical worldview.
Read MoreHome Is Right Where You Are by Ruth Chou Simons
Home Is Right Where You Are: Ruth Chou Simons takes inspiration from Psalm 23 in this gentle, loving reminder to her reader that the Lord is with us wherever we go.
Read More*A Wondrous Mystery: Daily Advent Devotions by Charles Spurgeon
Joyful and thoughtful, A Wondrous Mystery offers 30 devotional readings drawn from Charles Spurgeon’s sermons.
Read More*Promises Made Promises Kept: A Family Devotional for Christmas by Marty Machowski
Promises Made Promises Kept is a short, engaging, 2-week Christmas devotional that invites families to look at God’s promises in the Old Testament that are fulfilled in Jesus in the New Testament.
Read More*Something Sad Happened: Helping Children with Grief by Darby A. Strickland
Something Sad Happened is a childlike look at what grief feels like, how we cope with it, and what the Bible has to say.
Read MoreAbsent Fathers in Children’s Literature: A Problem?
Are absent fathers a new problem in children’s literature? Or are they a long-used plot device?
Read More“More Pages” Does Not Equal “More Rigor”
Long works (more pages) do not necessarily equal more rigor.
Read MoreA Scarecrow Dressed Up: An Educator’s Response to AI-Generated Homework
Nearly every piece of writing I’ve read that’s been AI-generated has lacked oomph, substance, an opinion.
Read MoreA World Wonder by Laura Wifler
A World Wonder cheerfully celebrates the real world wonders and reminds readers to fully invest in both their work and the people around them.
Read MoreChoosing Biographies: Practical Considerations
Some practical considerations to keep in mind when choosing biographies for your children or students.
Read MoreJack Zulu and the Girl with the Golden Wings by S. D. Smith
Jack Zulu and the Girl with the Golden Wings is an exhilarating installment in the Jack Zulu series, but it will leave you wanting more!
Read MoreChoosing Biographies: Start with Your “Why”
What is the most important question in choosing biographies? We’ve got the answer!
Read MoreThe Minor Miracle by Meredith Davis
The Minor Miracle is a light-hearted, fun read with lots of heart, perfect for fans of comic books, superheroes, and friends.
Read More3 Devotionals for Teens (or Families with Teens)
These devotionals for teens are not all specifically for “teens,” but all are accessible to teens, all are grounded in God’s Word, and all have merit.
Read MoreWorld More Beautiful by Angela Burke Kunkel
World More Beautiful brings to life the world and art of Barbara Cooney, creator of beloved picture book classics like Roxaboxen and Miss Rumphius.
Read More*The Wilderking Trilogy by Jonathan Rogers (20th anniversary editions)
Aidan, fifth son of a Lord of Corenwald, befriends Feechies, defeats a giant, and leads a loyal group of followers in this middle grades fantasy retelling of the biblical story of King David.
Read MoreEvan Miller Is Waking Down by Jerel Law
Evan Miller Is Waking Down is an interesting addition to the dystopian fiction landscape that is thought-provoking and clean.
Read More*Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton
A modern classic, Cry, the Beloved Country movingly illustrates how faith and culture intersect in Apartheid-era South Africa.
Read More*Indescribable Atlas Adventures by Louie Giglio
Indescribable Atlas Adventures is a large format picture book full of interesting details about the world God made, including people, places, and animals.
Read MoreElf Dog and Owl Head by M. T. Anderson
Clay befriends a strange elf dog in this tale that mixes friendship and the fae.
Read More*Risen Hope: The Church Throughout History by Luke Davis
Risen Hope is an engagingly written church history resource from Christian Focus for middle grades and teens.
Read MoreHow Do You Spell Unfair? by Carole Boston Weatherford
In this award-winning picture book, we learn about MacNolia and her fight for the National Spelling Bee championship as a Black girl in 1936.
Read MoreBuilt to Last by Dan Santat and Minh Lê
In this beautiful picture book, two boys want to build something that will last, but their final product is not what they first expect.
Read MoreWhat the World Eats: A Roundup of Global Food Books
If you’re traveling the world with us this summer, consider looking for one of the books below, like What the World Eats, in your local library and reading/eating through it with your children!
Read MoreKailani’s Gift by Dorian Lazo Gilmore-Young
Kailani’s Gift features a young girl who wants to honor her grandparents for their 50th wedding anniversary by learning tinikling.
Read MoreGlobal Prayer Resources: Operation World and Window on the World and More
How can we better pray for our brothers and sisters around the world? Operation World and Window on the World help us pray for God’s people wherever they may be found.
Read More*Rwendigo Tales by J. A. Myhre
Dr. Myhre wrote the engaging Rwendigo Tales, a middle grades series with spiritual overtones, based upon her experience as a doctor serving in Africa.
Read More*Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a lovely story about gratitude and Chinese mythology for middle grades.
Read MoreKentucky Derby Book List: Books for Young Horse Lovers
Books about horses for horse lovers of all ages, boys and girls, just in time for the Kentucky Derby events this weekend.
Read MoreOffsides by Lori Z. Scott
In Offsides, Dani just wants to play soccer and have the best senior year ever, but she’s suddenly alert to the signs of a sex trafficking ring right in her own community.
Read MoreThe Looking-Glass Illusion by Sara Ella
The Looking-Glass Illusion brings the story from The Wonderland Trials to a clever and satisfying conclusion in this fantasy series for teens.
Read MoreJulie Fogliano, Children’s Poet
Julie Fogliano’s poetry for children expects them to read between the lines, to appreciate a delicate, spare language. And it works. She understands the essence of childhood.
Read MoreSmall Poems and Peacock by Valerie Worth (and illustrated by Natalie Babbitt)
Small poetry books full of small poems and small drawings: just right for small hands and small listening ears.
Read MoreThe Book Scavenger Series by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
The Book Scavenger Series is an engaging middle grades mystery series for book lovers and puzzle aficionados.
Read MoreLauren Castillo’s Art: Nana in the Country, It’s Not Time for Sleeping, Twenty Yawns, The Ramble Shamble Children
Lauren Castillo’s bold outlines and childlike compositions make these books accessible to young readers and their parents, too.
Read MoreDune: Book vs. Movie
Reading Dune (with teens) vs watching the movies (with teens): a Christian reader reflects.
Read MoreArc of a Scythe Trilogy by Neal Shusterman
The Arc of a Scythe Trilogy is a thought-provoking dystopian series for mature teens; it has problematic elements, but raises good questions about the essential nature of humanity.
Read MoreRecent Picture Books from New Growth Press: My First ABC Book of Bible Verses, Something Scary Happened, Our Great God
Three recent picture books from New Growth Press help parents and care givers disciple and nurture children.
Read MoreRecent Christian Picture Books: God’s Signpost, The God Contest, and The 10 Commandments
Three recent Christian picture books show children more about who God is and how He instructs us.
Read MoreThe Sacred Sacrifice by Hannah Paris
In The Sacred Sacrifice, Paris is proposing we use Bach’s St. Matthew Passion in Lent and Easter much like we enjoy Handel’s Messiah during Advent and Christmas.
Read More*African Heroes by Jerome Gay, Jr.
African Heroes introduces children to heroes of the faith who are from Africa in this vibrantly illustrated picture book from New Growth Press.
Read More2024 Newbery Buzz #5: Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins
Today, we’re looking at a book by a favorite author, wondering if it has what it takes: Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins.
Read More2024 Newbery Buzz #2: Nothing Else But Miracles by Kate Albus
Today, we’re looking at a solid historical fiction option, wondering if it has what it takes: Nothing Else But Miracles by Kate Albus.
Read MoreScythe (Arc of a Scythe #1) by Neal Shusterman
Scythe is the first in a gritty dystopian trilogy about a society in which no one can die… unless a scythe gleans him or her. And scythes have a quota to fill….
Read More2024 Newbery Buzz #1: A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat
A First Time For Everything has already won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. Could it also win the Newbery?
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: Elizabeth Farquhar (Teen Writer)
Back Porch Book Chat: A casual conversation about books. Our guest today is Elizabeth Farquhar, a teen writer.
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: Josiah DeGraaf (Director of Young Writers Workshop)
Back Porch Book Chat: A casual conversation about books. Our guest today is Josiah DeGraaf, director of the Young Writers Workshop.
Read MoreMooses with Bazookas by S. D. Smith
Mooses with Bazookas is a light-hearted, funny romp through humorous letters and stories; they remind us not to take ourselves too seriously!
Read More*Daughter of Arden Trilogy by Loren Warnemuende
The Daughter of Arden Trilogy is an epic retelling of an older fairy tale; in its new version, strong echoes of Christian faith mingle with a romance, a war, and a quest.
Read More*Journey to Bethlehem by Leland Ryken
Journey to Bethlehem is a lovely anthology of historic Christmas poetry, hymns, and devotionals. Starred review!
Read MoreGift Books for Grown-Ups
Redeemed Reader exists to “shed a gospel light on books for children and teens.” But you know what? We read books for grown-ups, too! We asked a few friends of Redeemed Reader to help us curate a dynamite list of books for grown-ups that would make great gifts this year. You might also consider this…
Read MoreNiche Nonfiction for Teens (AKA “Living Books”): A Book List
Living books for teens make great gifts, especially niche nonfiction in subjects they love!
Read MoreBetsy’s Favorite Books, Old and New
Betsy shares her favorite books that are featured in our Winter Book Fair.
Read MoreChristian Christmas Picture Books Round-Up
Four Christian Christmas picture books that celebrate the birth of Christ. One uses the biblical text; others are more imaginative.
Read MoreTomie DePaola Christmas Picture Books Round-Up
Four Christmas picture books by Tomie DePaola, three of which are about the Christmas story and one of which is about Strega Nona.
Read MoreA Stubborn Sweetness by Katherine Paterson
“A Stubborn Sweetness” is one of 15 short stories that celebrate the truth, beauty, and goodness of the real meaning of Christmas.
Read MoreWicked History Series: Henry VIII, Leopold II, and Rasputin
The Wicked History series offers a lively, interesting, and well-researched option for learning about the villains of history
Read MoreWhich Version of The Diary of Anne Frank Is Best?
Is The Definitive Edition of The Diary of Anne Frank better than the “original”?
Read MoreThe Weary World Rejoices, edited by Melissa Kruger
The Weary World Rejoices is a collection of Advent readings from the Gospel Coalition that relate to the Advent wreath. For teens and up.
Read MoreAwaiting the Manger by Ocieanna Fleiss
Awaiting the Manger, an Advent devotional for teens and up, uses stories from the Old Testament to point to the coming of Jesus.
Read MoreHe Came Down From Heaven by Laurel Sauder
He Came Down From Heaven offers 25 days of biblical readings and cultural enrichment for families who celebrate Advent.
Read More*Seeds of America Trilogy by Laurie Halse Anderson
The Seeds of America Trilogy powerfully examines some of the complex ideas of the American Revolution: freedom, justice, and equality for all.
Read MoreFever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
Yellow fever sweeps through Philadelphia, challenging young Mattie to the core in this historical fiction novel for young teens.
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: Carolyn Givens (Author, Publisher, Reader)
Back Porch Book Chat: A casual conversation about books. Our guest today is Carolyn Givens.
Read MoreRetro Reads: The Rescuers by Margery Sharp
The Rescuers by Margery Sharp offers fun, old-fashioned storytelling that bears little resemblance to the Disney movie. The Rescuers by Margery Sharp, illustrated by Garth Williams. New York Review Books, 2016 (re-issue). 160 pages. I can sing every word of the songs from the animated Rescuers movie—truly, one of the classics of its genre. So, it…
Read MoreWhile Everyone Is Sleeping by Sarah Mackenzie
While Everyone Is Sleeping is a sweet bedtime book, perfect for cozy nights.
Read More*Charis in the World of Wonders by Marly Youmans
Charis in the World of Wonders is a richly satisfying novel of a young Puritan woman who learns much about the world and herself through hardship and perseverance.
Read MoreCode of Silence and Back Before Dark by Tim Shoemaker
A heart-pounding mystery series, with hidden twists and turns at every corner and a powerful message. Note: this is a guest review. See below for more information! Code of Silence Series by Tim Shoemaker. Zonderkidz. Reading Level: Teens, ages 12-15 Recommended For: Ages 12 and up; note considerations below. The Code of Silence series, written by Tim…
Read MoreImpossible Christianity by Kevin DeYoung
Impossible Christianity is a breath of fresh air for those Christians feeling weighed down by false guilt over unbiblical expectations. Impossible Christianity by Kevin DeYoung. Crossway, 2023. 160 pages. When I was a brand new college graduate, I read Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges with a friend. And it transformed my life. Impossible Christianity reminded…
Read More*The Carver and the Queen by Emma Fox
An adventurous fairy tale set in Imperial Russia, perfect for teens who enjoy books like The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis. *The Carver and the Queen by Emma Fox. Owl’s Nest Publishers, 2023. 304 pages. Petr is doomed to serfdom. All he wants to do is learn to carve malachite, the striking green mineral…
Read More5 Ways to Encourage Art Appreciation with Picture Books
When are children old enough to begin appreciating quality art? As soon as they start looking at picture books.
Read MoreWhat Came From the Stars by Gary D. Schmidt
What Came From the Stars is mysterious, offering hope for those grieving and illuminating the strange power of art. What Came From the Stars by Gary D. Schmidt. Clarion, 2012. 304 pages. What Came From the Stars alternates in perspective between the Valorim, a far-off creature group in a far-off galaxy on a far-off planet, and…
Read MoreAuthority vs. Anarchy: A Book List for Teens
Authority vs. Anarchy: Opposites? Two sides of the same coin? Romans 13 reminds us to obey our governing (civic) authorities. Exodus 20 and Ephesians 6 remind us to obey our parental authorities. Certain people in the church are given spiritual authority over those they shepherd in their congregations. We’re all to obey the Lord as…
Read MoreReading Ancient Literature with High School Students
Some of us love ancient literature, especially the great Homeric epics. Others shudder at the thought. I’m in the former camp, but I haven’t always been. I dreaded reading ancient literature in high school, especially Homer’s Iliad. I remember very little other than being unimpressed. Now, as I plan to teach not only The Iliad,…
Read MoreThe Windeby Puzzle: History and Story by Lois Lowry
The Windeby Puzzle is half history and half story: Lowry allows young readers to peer behind the curtain into the process of creating a work of fiction grounded in history.
Read MoreRR Quarterly Links
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Read MoreBatter Up! Books About Baseball (a Librarian’s List)
(Originally published at Redeemed Reader on May 27, 2013; updated July, 2023) Aside from the beach, nothing says “summertime” and “American” more than a game of baseball, complete with hot dog, iced beverage, bleachers, and the elusive foul ball dropping into the stands. Our local Minor League team has great promotions all summer that include…
Read More5 Souvenirs from Narnia
What are the takeaways from a memorable read-aloud experience?
Read MoreBeach Books! (Librarians’ List)
Originally published at Redeemed Reader on June 6, 2014. Of course a professional book reviewer and librarian takes books with her to the beach—for herself AND her family. In case you’re of like mind, here are some beach-related books and Dewey numbers to check out before you head to the coast this summer. Kids enjoy…
Read MoreHigh School World Literature: A Thematic Approach
High School World Literature: What to Cut? “World literature” can mean literally any book ever written. The hard part of planning a world literature class is narrowing the focus: Do we cover antiquity to the present? Do we focus on broad world-wide representation? Do we read “the classics” (European classics, that is) that haven’t already…
Read MoreThe Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo
The Magician’s Elephant is a delicately written (and illustrated) fairy tale of one boy’s longing for family, one girl’s longing for home, and an elephant who longs for both.
Read MoreAmerican Born Chinese by Gene Yuen Yang
American Born Chinese is a coming-of-age story with great spiritual insight in graphic novel format.
Read MoreTwo Books about Sexuality for Kids and Teens
Books about sexuality for kids and teens are not new, but these days, it’s getting harder to separate the wheat from the chaff. Well-meaning titles might include a lot of valuable, helpful information, only to toss in tidbits about the viability of abortion for unwanted pregnancies, birth control options for teens who choose to be…
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: Josiah Pettit (Director of Westminster Books)
Back Porch Book Chat: A casual conversation about books. Our guest today is Josiah Pettit (Director of Westminster Books)
Read MoreThe Book That No One Wanted to Read by Richard Ayoade
What if a book writes itself, but is determined that no one should actually read the final product? The Book That No One Wanted to Read by Richard Ayoade. Walker Books, 2023, 128 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: Ages 10 and up … I can say with all modesty that this…
Read MorePractical Graduation Gifts: A Book List
We have a robust list of book recommendations for graduation gifts. Why another? This book list is all about practical graduation gifts: books that offer some down-to-earth advice for starting off on one’s own (with some philosophy and Christian wisdom thrown in!). Note: If you haven’t seen our other graduation gift lists, see Janie’s post…
Read More*A Little More Beautiful by Sarah Mackenzie
Lou Alice loves to make the world a little more beautiful. But what happens when she’s old and bedridden? *A Little More Beautiful by Sarah Mackenzie and illustrated by Breezy Brookshire. Waxwing Books, 2023, 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended for: All ages Lou Alice is one of those lovely ladies who…
Read MoreDo Not Be True to Yourself by Kevin DeYoung
Kevin DeYoung reminds young adults to be true to Christ and His church, not true to their own selves, in this short, engaging read. Do Not Be True to Yourself: Countercultural Advice for the Rest of Your Life by Kevin DeYoung. Crossway, 2023. 80 pages. Reading Level: Teens, Ages 15-18 Recommended for: Ages 15+ Seriousness…
Read MoreThe Silence of Bones by June Hur
A twist on Sleeping Beauty, Princess of the Wild Sea explores the concept of heroism and the danger and reward of risk-taking.
Read MoreLiar & Spy by Rebecca Stead
A twist on Sleeping Beauty, Princess of the Wild Sea explores the concept of heroism and the danger and reward of risk-taking.
Read MoreBright Island by Mabel Robinson (Retro Reads)
In this “Retro Reads” book, homeschooled Thankful Curtis must leave her beloved island to brave the mainland and boarding school.
Read More15 Books for 15-Year-Old Boys: A Book List
15-year-old boys: learning to drive. Wrestling with heavy high school work (10th grade is usually more intense than 9th, in terms of work load). Taking standardized tests with an eye to college. Girlfriend? Part-time job? Who has time to read? When the right book appears, it’s amazing what you can make time for! We’ve got…
Read MoreAt Jerusalem’s Gate by Nikki Grimes
At Jersualem’s Gate offers poetic meditations on what people involved in the events leading to Christ’s resurrection might have thought and felt.
Read MoreThe Really Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thornton
A tremendous follow-up to The Radical Book for Kids, The Really Radical Book for Kids offers plenty of trivia along with plenty of thoughts to chew on.
Read MoreHoney for a Child’s Heart Read Along: Month 7
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Read MoreLike Me by Laura Wifler
A young boy recounts a typical day in the life of his family, which includes a younger brother who has physical and mental disabilities.
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