Posts by Betsy Farquhar
Bright 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.
Read More*My Brother Is Away by Sara Greenwood
My Brother Is Away offers an empathetic glimpse into what it’s like, from the child’s perspective, to have a brother (or sister) off in jail.
Read MoreCaldecott Medal: Hot Dog by Doug Salati
This year’s Caldecott winner is a paean to joyful doghood.
Read MoreTrafficking Books for Teens: A Round-Up
I rarely visit a public restroom these days without seeing a notice for women who are in troubling situations: the text usually reads, “Need Help? Call xxx-xxx-xxxx” along with an image of a desperate young woman. Trafficking is big business, but it’s also an issue that demands discernment, particularly with our children. How much do…
Read MoreRomantic Reads for Teens: A Book List for Girls and Guys
Enjoy this unapologetic list of romantic reads for teens: great love stories and high romance!
Read MoreHoney for a Child’s Heart Read Along: Month 6
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Read More2023 Newbery Buzz #5: I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
I Must Betray You is one of those novels that straddles the line between Newbery age ranges and Printz age ranges. Will it get some love from either award committee? Or both? We’re back with Newbery Buzz Discussion #5 for 2023. To read the rest in the series or previous years’ discussions, check out the…
Read More2023 Newbery Buzz #4: Jack Zulu
Does an independently published novel like Jack Zulu have what it takes to win the Newbery? We’re back with Newbery Buzz Discussion #4 for 2023. To read the rest in the series or previous years’ discussions, check out the Newbery Buzz Page. Independently Published Books Betsy: Megan, we’ve never discussed an independently published book in…
Read MoreWintry Stories: A Book List for Middle Grades and Teens
Whether you live in a place with snow or not, January is the perfect month for a cozy snow story (or three). Look for some of these at your local library and enjoy a long winter’s evening story time. WINTRY STORIES: A BOOK LIST FOR MIDDLE GRADES AND TEENS The Wintry Stories book list below…
Read MoreWintry Picture Books: A Book List
Whether you live in a place with snow or not, January is the perfect month for a cozy snow story (or three). Look for some of these at your local library and enjoy a long winter’s evening story time. The Wintry Picture Books book list below includes books both old and new. Enjoy! WINTRY PICTURE…
Read More2022 In the Books
2022 In Brief Readers, 2022 has been a very long year. I realize that every year technically has the same number of days. But “felt time” (as musicians talk) has been longer for me this year. I look back at my January, 2022, self and hardly recognize her: she was planning a retreat with her…
Read MoreProductivity for Teens: A Round-Up
Do your teens make New Year’s resolutions or goals? Perhaps you wish they would? If any of those goals relate to being more productive or managing time better or simply getting things done, then consider one of the following resources. Each of the resources below works well with a group of teens as well (in…
Read MoreHoney for a Child’s Heart Read Along: Month 5
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Read MoreFinding Jesus on Upside Down Days by Jill A. Miller
Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days is a gentle introduction to the idea of family devotions for those with young children.
Read More*Two Old Women by Velma Wallis
Two Old Women, a legend from Alaska, reminds us to persevere and to seek the good of those around us. *Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival by Velma Wallis. Harper Perennial, 2013 (reprint). Reading Level: Teens, ages 12 and up Recommended for: Ages 12 and up Ch’idzigyaak sat quietly as…
Read MoreChristmas Book Flood: A Reflection
This will be my family’s 7th year of enjoying one of our favorite bookish Christmas traditions: the Icelandic Christmas Book Flood, or Jólabókaflóðið (“Jolabokaflod”). We have no Icelandic heritage, just a shared love of books (and chocolate!). As I wrote in 2018, this is a lovely, simple tradition that my family is able to keep…
Read MoreHome for Christmas, edited by Miriam LeBlanc
Home for Christmas is a lovely, literary collection of stories, old and new, that highlight the “spirit” of Christmas.
Read MoreThe King of Christmas by Todd R. Hains and illustrated by Natasha Kennedy
The King of Christmas reminds young children where to look for Jesus, just as the wise men looked for Him at that first Christmas. The King of Christmas: All God’s Children Search for Jesus by Todd R. Hains and illustrated by Natasha Kennedy. Lexham Press, 2022, 44 pages. Reading Level: Picture books, ages 4-8 Recommended…
Read MoreFairy Tales and Folk Tales: A Picture Book List
Google the difference between fairy tales and folk tales (or is it folktales?), and you’ll find some answers. For instance, folk tales are part of the oral tradition (“Little Red Riding Hood”) whereas fairy tales are ascribed to particular authors (such as Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid”). Another difference is that, usually, folk tales…
Read MoreFamily Advent Devotional List
Do you have a favorite family Advent tradition? Perhaps your family does a Jesse Tree together. Or maybe you have an Advent wreath on your dining room table. Do you wait until the day after Thanksgiving before turning on Christmas music? We have a great lineup of recommended family Advent devotional guides for you, no…
Read MoreThe Light Before Christmas by Marty Machowski
The Light Before Christmas is a thoughtful family Advent devotional that focuses on Christ as the light of the world.
Read MoreHoney for a Child’s Heart Read Along: Month 3
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Read More20 ABC Books for All Ages
We’re celebrating Picture Book Month here at RedeemedReader! ABC Books are some of the most common picture books young children see, but there are many ABC books that delight older readers as well. Just as a teacher’s roster, the dictionary, a filing system use the alphabet as an organizing tool, so, too, do many clever…
Read More*The Story of Us by Mitali Perkins and illustrated by Kevin & Kristen Howdeshell
The Story of Us tells the full redemptive story of Scripture in poetic form, using the classical 4 elements of earth, air, fire, and water. *The Story of Us by Mitali Perkins and illustrated by Kevin & Kristen Howdeshell. Beaming Books, 2022. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8. Recommended For: All ages. “One…
Read MoreThe Three Little Pigs: A Book List
Just for fun, here’s a round-up of some delightful version of the classic folktale “The Three Little Pigs” along with some funny spoofs and spins. Enjoy! Note: titles are linked to amazon. We are participants in the Amazon LLC affiliate program; purchases you make through affiliate links like the one below may earn us a…
Read More*The Red Palace by June Hur
Eighteenth century Korea comes to life in The Red Palace, a gripping—and gritty—historical mystery for teens. *The Red Palace by June Hur. Feiwel and Friends, 2022. 336 pages. Reading Level: Teens, Ages 15-18. Recommended For: Ages 14 and up. Nurse Hyeon knows she must not question the physician who requires her and Nurse Jieun to…
Read MoreThe Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella
Alice wants to be a Wonder and compete in the Wonderland Trials, but she’s just an ordinary Normal girl in this inventive take on Alice in Wonderland for teens. The Wonderland Trials (The Curious Realities, Book 1) by Sara Ella. Enclave Escape, 2022. 368 pages. Reading Level: Teens, Ages 12-15. Recommended For: Ages 12 and…
Read MoreHoney for a Child’s Heart Read Along: Month 2
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Read MoreGod Rescues and Taste & See: 2 Picture Books
God Rescues and Taste & See, new picture books from New Growth Press, offer parents colorful ways to introduce big theology concepts to children. God Rescues: Moses and the Exodus by Jared Kennedy and illustrated by Trish Mahoney. New Growth Press, 2022. 30 pages. Reading Level: Picture books, ages 3-8 Recommended for: Ages 3-8 Part…
Read More*Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key by S.D. Smith and J. C. Smith
Jack Zulu finds adventure where he least expects it in this new middle grades fantasy series opener from S. D. Smith. Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key is one of our Readers’ Choice Top Ten Picks for 2025! Check out the rest and be ready to cast your vote in March. Jack Zulu and the…
Read MoreFantasy Books for Teen Girls: Keeper of the Lost Cities Read-Alikes
We have several fantasy book lists here on Redeemed Reader, but this list is especially for those who enjoy books like Keeper of the Lost Cities: a “fantasy books for teen girls” list, since teen girls* are the target audience of Keeper of the Lost Cities. If you haven’t read our thoughts on Keeper of…
Read MoreKeeper of the Lost Cities: Is it Safe? Is it Good?
Keeper of the Lost Cities is a wildly popular series for teens; what do we think about it? Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger. Aladdin, 2012. 512 pages. Reading Level: Upper middle grades to teens (ages 12+) Recommended For: Ages 12+ (note considerations) Keeper of the Lost Cities: A Brief Summary Special child…
Read MoreHoney for a Child’s Heart Read Along: Introductions
Welcome to month 1 of our Honey for a Child’s Heart Read Along! Not sure what we’re talking about? Find out more here. Normally, these discussions will be for members only, both Golden and Silver Key, but we’re sharing this with everyone this month to give you a sneak peek! Each month, some or all…
Read MoreLabor Day: Books about Work
Readers: this is an adaptation of one of the first posts on Redeemed Reader, way back in 2011 (written by Emily Whitten, the “I” in the post below). The original post had more commentary but fewer recommended books; you can find the original post here. “Of course ‘successful careers’ are important, but I would suggest…
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: Mark Hunt (Author), Part 2
Back Porch Book Chat: A casual conversation about books. Our guest today is Mark Hunt.
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: Mark Hunt (Author), Part 1
Back Porch Book Chat: A casual conversation about books. Our guest today is Mark Hunt.
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: Meghan Cox Gurdon (Book Reviewer, Author)
Back Porch Book Chat: A casual conversation about books. Our guest today is Meghan Cox Gurdon
Read MoreMaze Runner Series: a Christian Response
High octane, fast-paced adventure books for teens, the Maze Runner books raise interesting questions if readers can stop long enough to ponder. The Maze Runner Series by James Dashner. Delacorte. The Maze Runner. 2009. 375 pages. The Scorch Trials. 2010. 394 pages. The Death Cure. 2011. 368 pages. (The Kill Order; a prequel. 2012. Not…
Read MoreLord of the Flies: A Christian Response
When British boys are stranded alone on an island, can they govern themselves? Reading Level: Teens, ages 12 and up Recommended For: Teens, ages 15 and up Summary of The Lord of the Flies A plane crashes on a deserted island in the middle of nowhere. Pilot? Killed in the crash? Passengers? A group of…
Read MoreHigh School British Literature: A Lively Approach
High School British Literature: Dull and Difficult? When I arrived at college, I was absolutely, 100% convinced that British lit was my jam. But it’s safe to say that most of my peers, unless they were already diehard bibliophiles, didn’t share that same love of obscure Victorian novels. Fast forward 30 years, and it’s a…
Read MoreBack to School Books for Middle School
Is it back to school time already? Depending on which part of the country you live in, some schools will be starting up in the next couple of weeks! Most middle schoolers aren’t dying to read a book right before school starts, but keep these in mind as read-alouds or read-withs or even a “you…
Read MoreBack to School Picture Books
Is it back to school time already? Depending on which part of the country you live in, some schools will be starting up in the next couple of weeks! Whether it’s your child’s first year in school, your child’s first year in a new school, your first year teaching in a classroom, or just plain…
Read MoreTo Read or Not to Read? How to Choose Books
We read ahead for you. We’re passionate about kids’ books, culture, and Christ (although not necessarily in that order), and we value our (small) role in helping parents and educators make wise decisions about books for their children and teens. Our readers often request us to review a particular book or series. Sometimes, the book…
Read MorePicture Book Round Up: Cora Cooks Pancit, Thoughtfull, Rice From Heaven, My Breakfast With Jesus
Four picture books encourage young listeners to notice the people around them, to serve with kindness, and to celebrate the diversity of God’s church. Some titles border on books-with-a-message, but all are worth looking into. Look for them at your local library (they were all at mine, even the overtly Christian titles). I learned about…
Read MoreBorn Behind Bars by Padma Venkatramen
When Kabir leaves jail at age nine, he enters a world unknown to him: the free world. A delicate and sensitive novel for middle grades.
Read More*Psalm Twenty-Three and *The Lord’s Prayer, both illustrated by Tim Ladwig
Tim Ladwig illustrates two well-known Biblical texts, using Black families in urban settings in these picture books.
Read More*When Daddy Prays by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Tim Ladwig
When Daddy Prays shows a child’s view of his pastor father, praying during all of life. Beautifully illustrated. *When Daddy Prays by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Tim Ladwig. Eerdmans, 2002. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture books Recommended For: Ages 4-8 “When Daddy prays/ my fear of darkness disappears/ and angels tiptoe down the hall.”…
Read More*Wild Things and Castles in the Sky from Square Halo Books
40 different authors write eloquently about children’s literature, faith in Christ, and shepherding imaginations in Wild Things and Castles in the Sky. *Wild Things and Castles in the Sky: A Guide to Choosing the Best Books for Children, edited by Leslie Bustard, Carey Bustard, and Théa Rosenburg. Square Halo Books, 2022. 272 pages. Reading Level:…
Read MoreAre Your Books Burdens or Blessings? (How to purge your home library collection to benefit others)
“How many bookshelf feet do you need?” This was my husband’s question after I requested some more bookshelves. My response: “I can fill whatever you give me.” Limits are useful, aren’t they? Unless they’re curtailing my book collection. I have books stacked on top of each other, books perched precariously on nightstands, books in my…
Read MoreThe Elk King by Jenn Discher
Can the Elk King guard and protect the animals of Glenariff in the face of treachery? This talking animal story will delight fans of The Green Ember and similar series. The Elk King by Jenn Discher. Independently published, 2022. 285 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Middle grades, ages 10-12. The Elk…
Read MoreAlice’s Farm: a Rabbit’s Tale by Maryrose Wood
Alice and her brother Thistle try to save a human’s farm in this sweet animal story by the author of The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place. Alice’s Farm: a Rabbit’s Tale by Maryrose Wood. Independently published, 2022. 285 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended For: Middle grades, ages 6-12 (note considerations below) Alice…
Read MoreFire Bringer by David Clement-Davies
Rannoch is marked from birth, a deer who faces his destiny in this Watership Down read alike for teens. Fire Bringer by David Clement-Davies. Firebird, 2007 (re-issue). 512 pages. Reading Level: Teens, ages 12 and up Recommended For: Teens, ages 12 and up Rannoch is born a marked fawn, both literally and figuratively. The special…
Read MorePolo Cowboy by G. Neri
Cole learns to be a polo cowboy despite bullying and prejudice in this interesting follow-up to Ghetto Cowboy. Polo Cowboy by G. Neri and illustrated by Jesse Joshua Watson. Candlewick, 2021. 288 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Ages 10 and up (see considerations) After his second summer as a ghetto cowboy…
Read MoreFor Every Little Thing by June Cotner and Nancy Tupper Ling
For Every Little Thing invites children to celebrate each moment of the day through poems and prayers drawn from a wide range of religious and faith backgrounds. For Every Little Thing: Poems and Prayers to Celebrate the Day, selected by June Cotner and Nancy Tupper Ling and illustrated by Helen Cann. Eerdmans, 2021. 96 pages.…
Read MoreWake Up Missing by Kate Messner
Wake Up Missing mixes science with science fiction: DNA manipulation, nefarious plots, and excitement. Wake Up Missing by Kate Messner. Walker Childrens, 2013. 272 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Ages 9-12 When 12-year-old Cat suffers a concussion and brain damage after falling from her bird watching perch, nothing is quite the…
Read MoreFavorite Gardening Books for Kids
Spring has officially begun, and the garden beckons. Do you garden with your kids? If they’re not interested, try a gardening book just for kids: invite them into this marvelous experience! Initially, everything seems a mess of dry, dead-looking twigs. Clear away the old growth, though, and signs emerge everywhere, revealing new life that’s been…
Read MoreBecoming: Adapted for Young Readers by Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama’s Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers is a winsome, engaging look at how one young woman went from Chicago’s South Side to the White House. Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers by Michelle Obama. Delacorte Press, 2021. 432 pages. Reading Level: Teens, Ages 12-15 Recommended For: Ages 14 and up. Summary of Becoming: Adapted for…
Read MoreI Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
Plunge into fear, betrayal, and desperation alongside Christian in 1989 Romania in this thriller for teens. I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys. Philomel, 2022. 336 pages. Reading Level: Teens, Ages 15-18 Recommended For: Ages 14 and up Do you see me? Squinting beneath the half-light, searching for a key to the locked door of…
Read MoreChristian Easter Gifts for Kids and Teens
Do you give Easter gifts in your family? Most families I know give gifts—a lot of them—at Christmas, but give minimally (if at all) at Easter. And, frankly, that’s fine. Our culture loves to use any occasion to encourage us to buy more stuff, which most of us don’t need. And we know that Easter…
Read More*Bare Tree and Little Wind by Mitali Perkins
Bare Tree and Little Wind reminds readers that Jesus is the Real King, and He is coming again. *Bare Tree and Little Wind by Mitali Perkins and illustrated by Khoa Le. Waterbrook, 2022. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: All ages. Bare Tree is stark and barren: no dates, no seeds,…
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: Megan Saben (Book Reviewer, Author, Homeschool Mom)
Back Porch Book Chat: A casual conversation about books. Our guest today is Megan Saben.
Read MoreFirekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
A striking debut novel for older teens that is simultaneously gritty and tender, gripping and thought-provoking. Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley. Henry Holt, 2021. 496 pages. Reading Level: Teens, Ages 16 and up Recommended For: Ages 16 and up First: can we all admire this stunning book cover? It’s even better in person and, frankly,…
Read More*Easter Stories: Classic Tales for the Holy Season
Easter Stories is a lovely—and literary—collection of short stories from authors both old and new. *Easter Stories: Classic Tales for the Holy Season. Plough Publishing House, 2015. 374 pages. Reading Level: Teens, Ages 12 and up Recommended For: Ages 8 and up as a family read aloud Easter stories are about redemption. They’re about mankind’s…
Read MoreThe Apostles’ Creed by Ben Myers
A vibrantly illustrated picture book that helps parents explain the historic Apostles’ Creed to their children. The Apostles’ Creed: For All God’s Children by Ben Myers and illustrated by Natasha Kennedy. Lexham Press, 2022. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4 and up. Many of us recite the Apostles’ Creed*…
Read More2022 Coretta Scott King Picture Book Roundup: Unspeakable, Nina, Soul Food Sunday, and More!
The 2022 Coretta Scott King Award The results for the 2022 Coretta Scott King Awards are IN! We already reviewed the winner, Unspeakable and one honor (We Wait for the Sun); the other reviews below are new. For those who are unfamiliar with the Coretta Scott King Awards, these “awards encourage the artistic expression of…
Read More*Carved in Ebony by Jasmine Holmes
Carved in Ebony profiles 10 inspiring Black women, looking at their lives, their callings, and their faith.
Read MoreSports Books for Kids That Pack a Punch
Are you watching the Superbowl this month? Do you cheer for other sports at home? What about baseball? soccer? basketball? track? Do your sports fans also love sports books? Sports books for kids are a distinct sub-genre, a definite “hook” for many reluctant readers. A good sports book offers more than just a sports story,…
Read MoreLifetime Achievement Awards: Nikki Grimes and Grace Lin
Unlike the Newbery or Caldecott, given for an author’s or illustrator’s work on a particular book, lifetime awards look at the author’s or illustrator’s work over the course of an entire career. Nikki Grimes and Grace Lin each were awarded a lifetime achievement award at the 2022 ALA Youth Media Awards, and they are deserving…
Read More2022 Caldecott Roundup: Watercress, Wonder Walkers, Have You Ever Seen a Flower?, Unspeakable, and Mel Fell
The 2022 Caldecott Award: One Winner and Four Honors The results for the 2022 Caldecott Award are IN! We reviewed the winner, Watercress, several months ago. We’ve excerpted that review below. We also previously reviewed Unspeakable; the other reviews are new. Watercress by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Jason Chin. Neal Porter Books, 2021. 32 pages.…
Read More2022 Newbery Buzz #4: Fallout
Our annual Newbery Buzz Series is a series we run each January in which we discuss books with “Newbery Buzz.” That is, books we’ve heard lots of “buzz” about on various children’s literature websites through the past year. No one knows which books have real “Newbery Buzz,” which books the actual Newbery committee is seriously…
Read MoreWhat’s the Big Deal With the Newbery Medal?
If you’ve been around Redeemed Reader very long, you’ll know that we look at possible Newbery winners every January. Why is the Newbery Medal so important? For that matter, just what is the Newbery Medal? Why should regular moms and dads care what wins each year? The John Newbery Medal The John Newbery Medal is…
Read More2022 Newbery Buzz #2: The One Thing You’d Save
We’ve begun our annual Newbery Buzz Series: a series we run each January in which we discuss books with “Newbery Buzz.” No one knows which books have real “Newbery Buzz,” which books the actual Newbery committee is seriously considering, but we think it’s valuable to take a closer look at the books our broader American…
Read More2022 Newbery Buzz #1: The Beatryce Prophecy
It’s time for our annual Newbery Buzz Series: a series we run each January in which we discuss books with “Newbery Buzz.” That is, books we’ve heard lots of “buzz” about on various children’s literature websites through the past year. No one knows which books have real “Newbery Buzz,” which books the actual Newbery committee…
Read MoreA Year in Books: Reflecting on Reading in 2021
A Year in Books: Reflecting on Reading in 2021 Do you track your reading? I’m good at tracking title + author and filling in my reading challenge categories (Grand Slam for me!). I’m terrible at reflecting on what I read, at least in any sort of permanent, written fashion. For the last few years, one…
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: Stephenie Pyles (Mom to 8 and Read Aloud Champion)
Back Porch Book Chat: A casual conversation about books. Our guest today is Stephenie Pyles
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: Mystie Winckler (Blogger, Author, Podcaster, and More)
Back Porch Book Chat: A casual conversation about books. Our guest today is Mystie Winckler
Read MoreBirdie’s Bargain by Katherine Paterson
Birdie makes a bargain with God in this middle grades book about a girl wrestling with faith, with God’s love, and with relationships. Birdie’s Bargain by Katherine Paterson. Candlewick, 2021. 240 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Middle grades, ages 9-12 I will love you and Jesus and be a witness in…
Read MoreBible Review: ESV Reformation Study Bible, Student Edition
ESV Reformation Study Bible, Student Edition. Ligonier, 2021, 2400 pages. Reading Level: Teens, 12 and up Recommended for: Ages 12 and up The ESV Reformation Study Bible has been around for years. Based on R. C. Sproul’s notes and teaching, the original version is a hefty tome chock-full of helpful aids, commentary, and meticulous notes…
Read More*Tales from Deckawoo Drive Series by Kate DiCamillo
Deckawoo Drive: Home of Mercy Watson and her Neighbors Even though my children are all teenagers now, and long past the chapter book stage, we still enjoy seeing what the folks on Deckawoo Drive are up to. Mercy Watson lives on Deckawoo Drive with some very entertaining neighbors, and one of Kate DiCamillo’s strongest authorial…
Read MoreFlashlight Reads: Can’t-Put-‘Em-Down Books for All Ages
Flashlight Reads: Can’t-Put-‘Em-Down Books for the Kids (and Grown-ups) in Your Life Christmas break is one of those perfect, read-by-flashlight-under-the-covers breaks, isn’t it? Days are short, nights are long. There’s no homework, which means more fun reading time. If you’re looking for books that are hard to put down, books that practically beg readers to…
Read MoreMeals From Mars by Ben Sciacca
Jim and Malik confront their own prejudices as they simultaneously experience God’s providence in a dangerous, complicated situation in this modern parable for teens and adults. Meals From Mars: A Parable of Prejudice and Providence by Ben Sciacca. NavPress, 2017. 224 pages. Reading Level: Teens/Adults Recommended For: Teens and adults, ages 15 and up Against…
Read MoreFallout by Steve Sheinkin
Sheinkin brings the Cuban Missile Crisis to life in this nail-biting read for young teens. Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown by Steve Sheinkin. Roaring Brook Press, 2021. 352 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10+ Recommended For: Middle Grades and Teens, ages 12+ This is a story about spies and spy…
Read MoreTop Secret by Crispin Boyer and Suzanne Zimbler
Learn what it takes to be a spy in this trivia-packed book from National Geographic Kids. Top Secret: Spies, Codes, Capers, Gadgets, and Classified Cases by Crispin Boyer and Suzanne Zimbler. National Geographic Kids, 2021. 192 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Middle Grades ages 9-15 Curious about what it takes to…
Read More*Big Questions Series by Chris Morphew
The Big Questions Series raises—and answers—life’s big questions on a level that middle schoolers will understand and appreciate: suffering, life after death, and more. *The Big Questions Series by Chris Morphew. The Good Book Co., 2021. 96 pages each. What Happens When We Die? Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen? How Do We Know…
Read MoreThe Barren Grounds and The Great Bear by David A. Robertson
Morgan and Eli find their way through an attic portal into a new land, Misewa, in this engaging series for middle grades. The Barren Grounds and The Great Bear (Misewa Saga books 1 and 2) by David A. Robertson. Puffin Canada, 2020 and 2021. ~250 pages each Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For:…
Read MoreAndrew and the Firedrake by Douglas Wilson
In this allegory for middle grades, Andrew journeys on a quest that includes delights, temptations, and dragons. Andrew and the Firedrake by Douglas Wilson. Canon Press, 2021. 188 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Middle grades, ages 8-12 When Andrew wakes up, he’s in a strange garden. He’s not sure why he’s…
Read MoreHere, There Be Dragons by James A. Owen
John, Charles, and Jack go to the edge of the world in this wild, fantastic romp through the lands of myth and legend. Here, There Be Dragons (Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica #1) by James A. Owen. Simon & Schuster, 2006. 336 pages. Reading Level: Teens, Ages 12+ Recommended For: Teens, Ages 12+ John answered…
Read MoreDragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester
Dragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester introduces young readers to eight dragon stories along with THE dragon story. Dragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester. Canonball Books, 2020. 98 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, Ages 8-12 Recommended For: Middle Grades, Ages 8-12 As the first chapter says, “Everyone loves a dragon story.” There are dragon stories…
Read MoreShop The Good Book Company!
Readers, as part of our 2021 Christmas Gift Lists, we’re featuring favorite Christian publishers and booksellers. Amazon is a great option for many things, but shopping directly from Christian booksellers and publishers is a great way to support fellow Christians in an industry increasingly hostile to Christians. More of your dollars stay in their pockets,…
Read MoreShop New Growth Press!
Readers, as part of our 2021 Christmas Gift Lists, we’re featuring favorite Christian publishers and booksellers. Amazon is a great option for many things, but shopping directly from Christian booksellers and publishers is a great way to support fellow Christians in an industry increasingly hostile to Christians. More of your dollars stay in their pockets,…
Read MoreShop Ligonier Ministries!
Readers, as part of our 2021 Christmas Gift Lists, we’re featuring favorite Christian publishers and booksellers. Amazon is a great option for many things, but shopping directly from Christian booksellers and publishers is a great way to support fellow Christians in an industry increasingly hostile to Christians. More of your dollars stay in their pockets,…
Read MoreShop Rabbit Room!
Readers, as part of our 2021 Christmas Gift Lists, we’re featuring favorite Christian publishers and booksellers. Amazon is a great option for many things, but shopping directly from Christian booksellers and publishers is a great way to support fellow Christians in an industry increasingly hostile to Christians. More of your dollars stay in their pockets,…
Read MoreShop Moody Publishers!
Readers, as part of our 2021 Christmas Gift Lists, we’re featuring favorite Christian publishers and booksellers. Amazon is a great option for many things, but shopping directly from Christian booksellers and publishers is a great way to support fellow Christians in an industry increasingly hostile to Christians. More of your dollars stay in their pockets,…
Read MoreShop Indie Books!
Readers, as part of our 2021 Christmas Gift Lists, we’re featuring favorite Christian publishers and booksellers. Amazon is a great option for many things, but shopping directly from Christian booksellers and publishers is a great way to support fellow Christians in an industry increasingly hostile to Christians. More of your dollars stay in their pockets,…
Read MoreShop Exodus Books!
Readers, as part of our 2021 Christmas Gift Lists, we’re featuring favorite Christian publishers and booksellers. Amazon is a great option for many things, but shopping directly from Christian booksellers and publishers is a great way to support fellow Christians in an industry increasingly hostile to Christians. More of your dollars stay in their pockets,…
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