Posts by Betsy Farquhar
The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd
An intriguing mystery for middle grades: what happens when someone gets on the London Eye, a closed system, and doesn’t get off?
Read MoreNative American Traditional Tales: #ownvoices
Back in the day, Gerald McDermott was one of our go to authors for Native American traditional tales. His Arrow to the Sun was a Caldecott winner in 1975. McDermott did much to bring mainstream American attention to the treasure trove in Native American traditional literature. But authors like Gerald McDermott, while well-intentioned, aren’t the…
Read MoreFlygirl by Sherri L. Smith
Ida Mae Jones is a true “flygirl” in this engaging historical fiction read for teens that examines issues of race, coming-of-age, and learning to fly. Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith. Penguin, 2010. 304 pages. Reading Level: Young adult, ages 14-18 Recommended For: Ages 14-18 Ida Mae Jones, aka “Jonesy,” is 18, African American, and a…
Read MoreThe Blossom and the Firefly by Sherri L. Smith
The Blossom and the Firefly, Hana and Taro, are brought together by music and war in this emotional historical fiction read for teens. The Blossom and the Firefly by Sherri L. Smith. Putnam’s, 2020. 340 pages. Reading Level: Teens/Young Adult, ages 15-18 Recommended For: Ages 15-18 Hana helps her classmates wash the sheets and hang…
Read MoreMulticultural Chapter Books: Yasmin, Kayla, and Mindy Kim
Yasmin, King and Kayla, and Mindy Kim are great multicultural early chapter books for young readers. Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi and illustrated by Hatem Aly. Picture Window Books, 2018. 96 pages. Reading Level: Early Readers, ages 6-10 Recommended For: Ages 6-10 Yasmin is an explorer, painter, builder, and fashionista! She explores with maps, wins…
Read MoreHome Is in Between by Mitali Perkins
Home Is in Between, a new picture book from Mitali Perkins, shows a new immigrant navigating two worlds with creativity and enthusiasm. Home Is in Between by Mitali Perkins and illustrated by Lavanya Naidu. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2021. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 (but all ages will…
Read MoreNew Early Readers: Squirrels, Monsters, and Hedgehogs
Donut Feed the Squirrels, Monster and Boy, and Our Friend Hedgehog offer interesting new reading for new/early readers.
Read MoreClass Act by Jerry Craft
Class Act picks up right where New Kid left off, offering insight with humor and great art. Class Act by Jerry Craft. Quill Tree Books, 2020. 256 pages. Reading Level: Graphic novel, ages 10 and up Recommended For: Ages 10 and up (readers in upper middle school will appreciate this most!) Drew (Jordan’s sidekick in…
Read MoreThe Literary Family
Hi there! You’re seeing this message because you’re not a member of the Redeemed Reader Fellowship. Try the Silver Key level for a free 2-week trial! To learn more about Membership, please visit our Membership Page. Username Password Remember Me Forgot Password
Read MoreMedieval Africa: a Resource for Middle School
Discover the glories and weaknesses of Medieval Africa in this well researched history for middle grades. The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa by Patricia and Frederick McKissack. Square Fish, 1995. 160 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Middle Grades and up, ages 10 and up (note…
Read MoreBlack Heroes of the Wild West by James Otis Smith
Black Heroes of the Wild West introduces young readers to three exciting and legendary figures in this graphic novel style history for middle grades. Black Heroes of the Wild West by James Otis Smith. TOON Graphics, 2020. 60 pages. Reading Level: Graphic novels, ages 8-12 Recommended For: Ages 8-12 You’ve heard of Calamity Jane, Wyatt…
Read More*Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt
Just Like That, Gary Schmidt’s latest book for teens, humorously and poignantly explores love and loss. Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt. Clarion, 2021. 400 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12 and up Recommended For: Young Adult, ages 12 and up In September, Meryl Lee Kowalski arrives at St. Elene’s Preparatory Academy for…
Read More*Creative God Colorful Us by Trillia Newbell
Creative God Colorful Us invites students to enjoy God’s diverse family by loving God and their neighbor and celebrating God’s human creation. *Creative God Colorful Us by Trillia Newbell. Moody, 2021. 128 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-12 Recommended For: Middle grades, ages 8-12, especially in groups (families, Sunday school classes, school groups, etc.)…
Read MoreWhat to Read After Mulan
Perhaps you have watched the stunning new Mulan movie (available for free streaming now on Disney+). The gorgeous cinematography would have been lovely on the big screen. My teens loved the animated film and were eager to see the update. My husband and I enjoy movies like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, so we were also…
Read MoreMulan: Before the Sword by Grace Lin
The “prequel” to the new Disney Mulan movie, this middle grades story weaves together Chinese legend with Mulan’s own tale to great effect. Mulan: Before the Sword (Disney Mulan) by Grace Lin. Disney Press, 2020. 384 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, age 10-12 Recommended For: Ages 8 and up Mulan is a well-recognized figure in…
Read More2021 Newbery Buzz #2: Chirp and The List of Things That Will Not Change
We’re continuing our annual “Newbery Buzz” series today with round #2 for 2021. (We discussed King and the Dragonflies earlier this month.) As a reminder, we do not know which books the actual Newbery committee is seriously considering; we discuss books we’ve been hearing lots of “buzz” about in the children’s literature channels and try…
Read MoreEngage with Culture: Two Books for Parents
Mama Bear Apologetics and The Pop Culture Parent both aim to help parents interact with the culture surrounding their kids. Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies, edited by Hillary Morgan Ferrer. Harvest House Publishers, 2019. 288 pages. Reading Level: Adult Recommended For: parents, educators, youth leaders, and others who work with…
Read MoreRead the Bible in 2021
As we head into 2021 after a tempestuous 2020, one thing remains certain: The Word of the Lord stands forever (Isaiah 40:8). Reading God’s Word is a privilege, one we’ve cluttered up with so many different approaches: Is it better to read the entire Bible every year? Is it better to study one book or…
Read MoreThe Prince Warriors Series by Priscilla Shirer with Gina Detwiler
Battles on earth mirror those in the spiritual realm, and these young Prince Warriors learn to wield their spiritual armor in both places in this engaging middle grades fantasy series. The Prince Warriors Series by Priscilla Shirer with Gina Detwiler. B&H Kids. The Prince Warriors (2016) The Prince Warriors and the Unseen Invasion (2016) The…
Read More2020 … In (the) Books
It’s always interesting to look back over the year and reflect. 2020 was an especially eventful year, and we thought it might be fun to see what YOU, our readers, enjoyed most from Redeemed Reader each month. What, in other words, were the most popular posts in 2020? Looking back, we can see the movement…
Read MoreQuarantine Box = Days of Cheer
Are you looking at another holiday stuck at home? Do you have family members scattered across the country? Megan and I both are looking at another holiday spent in our own homes without our beloved family members. Thanksgiving was one day. Christmas, though, usually means days and days of fellowship and family time with our…
Read MoreBooks for Teen Writers
Books for aspiring writers abound. Books for teen writers are a little harder to track down. But many teens are aspiring authors, writing reams of stories or maintaining a lively blog. Thanks to NaNoWriMo, more teens than ever are trying their hand at writing an actual novel. This is fantastic! Below are some books for…
Read MoreBookish Christmas Fun
Are you looking ahead to a Christmas that doesn’t involve extra family and friends as much as previous years’ celebrations? Perhaps you usually travel, but this year you’ll be home. We know that Christmas vacation may look a little … empty this year. We spend a lot of time before Christmas meditating on Advent and…
Read MoreOutlaws of Time Series by N. D. Wilson
Wilson’s Outlaws of Time series is intense, time travel fun with plenty of action and philosophy thrown in. Great for young teens. Outlaws of Time Series by N. D. Wilson. Katherine Tegen Books. The Legend of Sam Miracle (2017) The Song of Glory and Ghost (2018) The Last of the Lost Boys (2018) Reading Level:…
Read MorePicture Books about the Middle Ages for Middle School
Picture books aren’t just for little kids! Picture books are every bit as enjoyable—and beneficial—for middle school kids. Use one (or all) of the books below to bring the Middle Ages to life for your middle schoolers. Check your local library for titles; you might need to get some of the older titles through inter-library…
Read More3 Picture Book Biographies: Beatrix Potter, Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay, and … a Horse
Picture book biographies are one of my favorite categories of picture books. Today, I have three new ones for you: a childlike look at Beatrix Potter, a thorough look at the first men to climb Everest, and a horse whose claim to fame is how many races he lost. Saving the Countryside: The Story of…
Read More13 Books for 13 Year Old Boys (and Girls!)
13 year olds: ready to be done with middle school, but not yet in high school. Officially “teenagers,” but plenty of maturing still to do. 13 year olds straddle the “middle grades” and “young adult” line, not quite ready for some of the more mature content in many YA books but anxious to move out…
Read MoreSports Beat Mysteries by John Feinstein
Feinstein’s Sports Beat Mysteries are great fun for teen sports lovers. Sports Beat Mystery Series by John Feinstein. Yearling. Last Shot: Mystery at the Final Four Vanishing Act: Mystery at the U. S. Open Cover-Up: Mystery at the Super Bowl Change-Up: Mystery at the World Series The Rivalry: Mystery at the Army-Navy Game Rush for…
Read MoreMachines in Motion by Tom Jackson and illustrated by Chris Mould
Machines in Motion is a fascinating picture book absolutely packed with interesting illustrations and trivia all about transportation. Machines in Motion: The Amazing History of Transportation by Tom Jackson and illustrated by Chris Mould. Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2020. 64 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 8-12 Recommended For: Ages 8-12 Do you ever think about…
Read MoreThere’s a Lion in My Nativity! by Lizzie Laferton and illustrated by Kim Barnes
Rhyming text and colorful illustrations help children understand more about Jesus and the Christmas story in this new Christmas picture book. There’s a Lion in My Nativity! by Lizzie Laferton and illustrated by Kim Barnes. The Good Book Co., 2020. 24 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 0-8 Have you ever…
Read More*Hosanna in Excelsis by David and Barbara Leeman
Sing a new song every day of Advent with Hosanna in Excelsis, an Advent devotional that offers a different Christmas hymn each day of Advent. *Hosanna in Excelsis: Hymns and Devotions for the Christmas Season by David and Barbara Leeman. Moody, 2020. 128 pages. Reading Level: Adult Recommended For: All ages (families, schools, churches, etc.)…
Read MoreA Better Than Anything Christmas by Barbara Reaoch
Dig in to the Christmas story a bit more intentionally this year with A Better Than Anything Christmas, a family Advent devotional with interactive questions and journaling prompts. A Better Than Anything Christmas by Barbara Reaoch. The Good Book Company, 2020. 96 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: The Whole Family Most…
Read MoreMore Than a Mystery Links
Hi there! You’re seeing this message because you’re not a member of the Redeemed Reader Fellowship. Try the Silver Key level for a free 2-week trial! To learn more about Membership, please visit our Membership Page.
Read MoreThe Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys. Philomel, 2019. 512 pages. The Fountains of Silence tells a gripping story of love and danger during Franco’s Spain in the 1950s. Historical fiction for older teens. Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 15-18 Recommended For: Young Adults, ages 15-18 Daniel is a budding photographer tagging along with his…
Read MoreThe Return of the Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
Megan and I have followed Megan Whalen Turner’s Thief series for years, and we both pre-ordered the final book, The Return of the Thief, months before publication. And we both read it within the week we received it! Readers: this is highly unusual for us at Redeemed Reader. Normally, we “divide and conquer,” rarely reading the same title as…
Read MoreThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games Series)
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a disappointing prequel to the thought-provoking Hunger Games series. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games pre-quel). Scholastic, 2020. 538 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-15 Recommended For: Young Adult, ages 15+ Coriolanus Snow is born to leadership. Appearing every inch the best…
Read MoreA Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle (Book Club Edition)
Good books are even better when people discuss them. In fact, we label books “discussion starters” when they offer much food for thought. A Wrinkle in Time is one such book. Unfortunately, kids often read this book at far too young an age and think they don’t like it. Even if your child reads at…
Read MoreThe Tripods Series by John Christopher (Retro Reads)
The Tripods: classic science fiction from the 1960s that’s still enjoyable for today’s young teens. The Tripods Series by John Christopher: The White Mountains, The City of Gold and Lead, The Pool of Fire, When the Tripods Came. Aladdin, 2014. (boxed set; the first book was originally published in 1967) Reading Level: Young Adult, ages…
Read More*Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake and illustrated by Jon Klassen
Skunk and Badger are a delightful new odd couple in chapter book format, perfect for newly independent readers. *Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake and illustrated by Jon Klassen. Alonquin, 2020. 136 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 6-10 Recommended For: Ages 6-10 (all, as a read aloud) Badger is a geologist who lives in…
Read MoreFuzzy Mud by Louis Sachar
Are you brave enough to rescue a bully from a hazardous substance, at your own risk? A thought-provoking middle grades read from the author of Holes. Fuzzy Mud by Louis Sachar. Delacorte, 2015. 208 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 “Fuzzy mud” is a mud that gets, well,…
Read MoreThe Mutant Mushroom Takeover by Summer Rachel Short
Bioluminescent fungi, a strange death, and zombie-like side effects threaten Maggie and Nate’s small town. Can they solve the mystery in time to save the town? The Mutant Mushroom Takeover (A Maggie and Nate Mystery**) by Summer Rachel Short. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2020. 256 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12…
Read MoreThe Door on Half-Bald Hill by Helena Sorensen
Idris, Bard of Blackthorn, is on a quest for answers in this darkly brooding fantasy for teens and adults. The Door on Half-Bald Hill by Helena Sorensen. Rabbit Room Press, 2020. 302 pages. Reading Level: Adult (ages 16 and up) Recommended For: Teens and adults, ages 16 and up Blackthorn is dying: water, people, and…
Read MoreThe Golden Key and the Christian Imagination
Meeting George MacDonald I first met George MacDonald through the pages of his poetry and then, later, in his novels (the versions edited by Michael Phillips). I much preferred his poetry to his novels. And then I discovered his fantasy. I promptly told my college thesis advisor that I wanted to write my senior thesis…
Read More*The View from Saturday by e. l. konigsburg (Book Club Edition)
*The View From Saturday by e. l. konigsburg. Atheneum, 1995. 176 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Middle grades and up, ages 10+ Fact: Mrs. Olinski’s sixth grade Academic Bowl team, the Souls, is the best Epiphany Middle School has ever had. Fact: Noah, Ethan, Nadia, and Julian make up the Souls.…
Read More5 Ways to Use Redeemed Reader for School
Apples, new pencils, pumpkin spice, and the hint of a cool breeze—must be September—and a new school year! Did you know you can use Redeemed Reader for school, no matter what school looks like in your home? This School Year is a New Adventure As we all know, this school year is starting off differently…
Read MoreAdorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson: A Discussion
Sometimes, we just have to “discuss” a book instead of merely write a review of it. Come eavesdrop as Betsy and Megan discuss Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson. See below the post for publication information and where you can purchase it (if our discussion convinces you!). Adorning the Dark: A Summary Betsy: Megan, you…
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: Gina Dalfonzo (Writer, Book Reviewer)
Back Porch Book Chat: A casual, virtual conversation about books. Join us as we chat with book lovers like ourselves about a topic we all love! Our guest today is Gina Dalfonzo, currently on staff with Christ and Pop Culture. Check out her bio after the interview for more about Gina. Interview conducted by Betsy.…
Read MoreThe Winter King by Christine Cohen
The Winter King by Christine Cohen. Cannonball Books, 2019. 360 pages. Reading Level: Young adult/teen, ages 12 and up Recommend For: Ages 12 and up The annual feast for the Winter King is looming. Cora Nikolson and her mother (head cook in High Aldorman Fyodor’s kitchen) are working themselves to the bone to prepare. Their…
Read More5 Newbery Award Winners Better in Audio
What happens when Newbery award winners (and honors) are read aloud by skillful narrators? The books truly come alive. Audiobooks also bring diverse settings and multicultural characters to life. Listening to the books below is a superior experience than merely reading them on your own, particularly if you live in a different place than the…
Read More*The Roar on the Other Side by Suzanne Underwood Rhodes
Is poetry writing obsolete? It doesn’t have to be, especially for Christians. *The Roar on the Other Side: A Guide for Student Poets by Suzanne Underwood Rhodes. Canon Press, 2000. 192 pages. Reading Level: Teens, ages 12 and up Recommended For: Teens, ages 12 and up Poetry starts with silence–not silence in the world but…
Read More12 Substitutions for The Kite Runner
High School Literature: Messy and Grown-Up What’s a parent to do when a book like The Kite Runner gets assigned in school? High school students are learning to read as adults; the high school literature canon reflects that: The Great Gatsby, Great Expectations, Lord of the Flies, Fahrenheit 451, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Shakespeare….…
Read MoreIs The Kite Runner OK for 10th Graders?
Is The Kite Runner OK for 10th Graders? “My 10th grader has to read The Kite Runner for school. Do you know anything about it? Is it okay for him to read?” “My 15-year-old daughter was assigned The Kite Runner for school. I’m not comfortable with her reading it. Can you recommend a substitute?” And…
Read MoreThe Arrow and the Crown by Emma Fox
Adventure meets fairy tale in this delightful fantasy read for teens (and their parents!). The Arrow and the Crown by Emma Fox. Independently published, 2019. Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-15 Recommended For: Ages 12 and up A poor girl and her uncle, living on the outskirts of town, can’t afford to lose their trusty…
Read MoreGod Will Provide … Yes, Even the Books
My friends, have you been swapping books? Last week, I got to visit three young friends of mine (and their mother). I traded wildflowers from my yard for books from my friend. #winwin I also talked her girls into reading Farmer Boy, even though it’s not about Laura. We discussed how many books there are…
Read MoreHomeschool Resources Worth the Money
Are You Homeschooling in 2020? This school year is starting off like no other, isn’t it? My husband and I both grew up attending private schools. I earned a teaching degree in college (and later a school library degree), and I’ve worked in both public and private institutions. I love school: the traditional calendar, the…
Read MoreLove Your Yard: Nature Study Books to Spark “Creation Appreciation”
Nature Study … or Creation Appreciation? I’m a nature study junkie. And my kids have been along for the ride since birth. It’s so much a part of our life that we can be very annoying to hike with. Ahem. We need to reclaim “nature study” and call it “Creation Appreciation.” Nature study (or Creation…
Read MoreGyo Fujikawa: It Began With a Page….
Gyo Fujikawa When you grow up with an author/illustrator’s books, they become part of your definition of “home” or “reading” or “friend.” Gyo Fujikawa is one of those authors for me. I remember Oh, What a Busy Day in particular. Gyo Fujikawa’s Books What makes Fujikawa’s books memorable? For starters, she was one of the…
Read More1493 for Young People by Charles C. Mann
A fascinating historical look at globalization that covers botany, anthropology, politics, exploration, the slave trade, and more! 1493 for Young People: From Columbus’s Voyage to Globalization by Charles C. Mann and adapted by Rebecca Stefoff. Triangle Square, 2016. 416 pages. Reading Level: Ages 12-15 Recommended For: Ages 10 and up (note considerations below) When Columbus…
Read More*The Friend Who Forgives by Dan Dewitt
In The Friend Who Forgives, we read about impatient, impetuous Peter and his faithful, forgiving friend Jesus
Read MoreJonah and the Very Big Fish by Tim Thornborough
Jonah and the Very Big Fish has fun with language and offers the full story of Jonah–there’s more than the whale!
Read MoreThe Brotherband Chronicles by John Flanagan
Swashbuckling adventure with mythical Medieval Vikings? Sign me up. The Brotherband Chronicles by John Flanagan. Philomel, 2011-present. Reading Level: Ages 12-15 Recommended For: Ages 12 and up About the Brotherband Chronicles’ Story Hal Mikkelson is half Araluen and half Skandian. He’s all outcast. In a society of Viking-esque, burly fighters like the Skandians, a skinny…
Read More*This Is Our Constitution by Khizr Khan
An immigrant-become-US-citizen offers a powerful, personal explanation of our nation’s Constitution for middle grades and up. *This Is Our Constitution: What It Is and Why It Matters by Khizr Khan. Yearling, 2019. 224 pages. Reading Level: Ages 10-12 Recommended For: Ages 10 and up Khizr Khan and his wife are originally from Pakistan. They are…
Read MoreRead Aloud (or Audiobook) Activities for Big Kids
Missing Read Aloud Time During COVID-19 Quarantine? I don’t know about you, but our audiobook consumption has dropped this year. In the pre-COVID-19 era, we always had audiobooks going in the car. As a mom to two 13-year-olds and one 14-year-old, I was fully in the “chauffeur stage” of parenting. We made the most of…
Read MoreShepherd Suspense Novels by Andrew Huff
Action-packed thrillers with a conscience and spiritual sensitivity, the Shepherd Suspense novels will hook teen readers. A Cross to Kill and Cross Shadow by Andrew Huff. Kregel Publications, 2019 and 2020. 250+ pages. Reading Level: Adult Recommended For: Ages 15 and up John Cross, ex-CIA-turned-pastor, “just happens” to be in the vicinity when journalist Christine…
Read MoreGhetto Cowboy by G. Neri
Ghetto Cowboy tells a heartwarming story of family, hard work, and horses in the midst of urban Philly. Ghetto Cowboy by G. Neri and illustrated by Jesse Joshua Watson. Candlewick, 2011. 224 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Teens, ages 12-15 Coltrane’s mom is driving him to his dad’s and leaving him…
Read MoreThree Picture Books illustrated by Jessica Linn Evans
Three new picture books from small publishers, perfect for young readers (and listeners). All are illustrated by Jessica Linn Evans, but the authors differ. Penguin Sets Sail by Jessica Linn Evans. Rainstorm Publishing, 2020. Wordless books should invite young readers and storytellers to tell the story while allowing for some editorial additions. Penguin Sets Sail…
Read MoreBooks about Racism for Children and Teens
Books About Racism Are Important Books don’t save. Only Jesus saves. But books can be terrific discussion starters, particularly when we want to discuss current events, understand a different point of view, or simply show our children the tremendous diversity the Lord put in his creation. These are some of the books we have found…
Read MoreOpen Mic: Riffs on Life Between Cultures in Ten Voices, edited by Mitali Perkins
In Open Mic, ten writers of color team up to offer their experiences (or stories based on their experiences) in this frank, humorous collection for teens. Open Mic: Riffs on Life Between Cultures in Ten Voices, edited by Mitali Perkins. Candlewick, 2013. 144 pages. Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15 Recommended For: Teens, ages 12+ (note…
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: S. D. Smith (Author)
Back Porch Book Chat: A casual, virtual conversation about books. Join us as we chat with book lovers like ourselves about a topic we all love! Our guest today is S. D. Smith from West Virginia. He chats with us about his family’s reading life, his writing (Green Ember!), and the StoryWarren website. Check out…
Read MoreLost in the Pacific, 1942: Not a Drop to Drink by Tod Olson
8 men struggle to survive when they’re lost at sea in this “drama in real life” story for middle grades. Lost in the Pacific, 1942: Not a Drop to Drink (Lost #1) by Tod Olson. Scholastic, 2016. 176 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Middle grades (ages 8-12) and up NOTE: Lost in…
Read MoreMuppet Treasure Island: a Film Review by a Teen
A Film Review? Film reviews are not prominent here on Redeemed Reader. However, we all enjoy a good film adaption of a favorite book or series! And, we have strong Opinions on the “right” film versions of some classics. You are our people if you prefer the 1995 BBC Version of Pride and Prejudice or…
Read MoreThe Brendan Voyage by Tim Severin
The Brendan Voyage is the real life adventure story of a man who tried to recreate a Medieval legend: sailing across the North Atlantic from Ireland to America in a small leather boat. The Brendan Voyage: Sailing to America in a Leather Boat to Prove the Legend of the Irish Sailor Saints by Tim Severin.…
Read MoreSir Cumference: Math Adventures for Everyone!
Fractions Can be Your Friends Do you enjoy math? Most “readers” I’ve met have an avowed distrust of math. It seems that our cultural narrative lumps learners into humanities types (history/English/art) and STEM types (math/science). I don’t think that’s universally true, but, like all stereotypes, it contains a kernel of truth. I did just fine…
Read More*Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt
Turner comes to understand himself, his father, his peers, his town, and his world in this bittersweet coming-of-age story set in 1912 Maine. *Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt. Clarion, 2004. 217 pages. Reading Level: Young adult, ages 12-15 Recommended For: Teens, ages 12-15 When Turner Ernest Buckminster, III, moves to…
Read MoreStress Reading is a Thing (for Kids, too)
Too Tired to Read? You’ve likely heard of “stress baking.” Have you thought about “stress reading”? Essentially, it’s reading differently because you’re stressed. Some will binge read light, fluffy novels while others will plow through their long list of to-read titles. But others won’t read at all. As adults, we’ve all been there: stressed over…
Read MoreIsland of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
In this classic survival story, Karana learns to fend for herself on an island after her tribe leaves for the mainland. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2010 (originally published 1960). 192 pages. Reading Level: Ages 10-12 Recommended For: Ages 10 and up Karana’s tribe has lived on…
Read MoreEpic Poetry: Learning to Read–and Enjoy–It in 5 Steps
Epic Poetry in School Do you remember reading (or being assigned to read) one of the following in school? The Iliad The Odyssey The Aeneid Beowulf Your teacher might even have assigned something like Longfellow’s The Song of Hiawatha or Evangeline. Perhaps you read Whittier’s Snowbound. Are you shuddering yet? Unfortunately, these lovely epic poems…
Read MoreSoul-Shaping Poetry: 2 Books for Teens and Adults
Soul-Shaping Poetry Have you ever stopped to think about how much poetry has shaped the Christian soul? Poetry is an intrinsic part of our worship services, whether through a responsive reading of a Psalm or the “singing of Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” Paul describes. Poetry occurs throughout Scripture, most notably in the Psalms, but…
Read More*Get Your Story Straight by Kristen Hatton
Get Your Story Straight is a straightforward devotional guide that invites teens to study the story of Scripture, focusing the real hero of the story.
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: Miranda Collingridge (High school senior and social media intern)
Back Porch Book Chat: A casual, virtual conversation about books. Join us as we chat with book lovers like ourselves about a topic we all love! Our guest today is Miranda Collingridge, a high school senior who is currently our social media intern. Miranda and Betsy know each other in “real life,” and today, we’re…
Read More“Pandemic Patronage” = Brilliant Idea
Home Library … for your Neighborhood? With libraries everywhere shutting their doors, we readers still crave something to read. Reading can offer legitimate ways to pass the time, take a break from the news headlines, and re-connect with people. If you have books on your shelves you’ve already read, consider loaning them to friends.* Perhaps…
Read More20th Century Book List for Young Teens
20th Century Book List for Young Teens 20th Century: World wars. A Great Depression. First flight. Space flight. Voting Rights. Civil Rights. Communism. Terrorism. Jazz. Nuclear weapons. Computers. The 20th Century included huge, sweeping changes, inventions, and events which, more than any century previous, connected our globe. A reader could read for years and…
Read MoreThe Legacy of Mildred Taylor: Roll of Thunder and the Logan Family Saga
The Legacy of Mildred Taylor Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is a “must read.” Truthfully, at Redeemed Reader, we resist telling you any book save for the Bible is a must read. But Roll of Thunder comes mighty close. Mildred Taylor earned a Newbery Medal for Roll of Thunder in 1977. The book instantly…
Read MoreFever Year by Don Brown
Don Brown tells the story of Spanish Influenza in three acts in this graphic novel format nonfiction book for young teens. Fever Year: The Killer Flu of 1918 by Don Brown. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2019. 96 pages. Reading Level: Ages 12-15 Recommended For: Ages 12 and up The Spanish Influenza was catastrophic, killing…
Read MorePicture Biographies Round-Up: Beverly Cleary, Aretha Franklin, George Washington Carver, and More!
This Picture Book Biographies Round-Up includes the following titles: Just Like Beverly (Beverly Cleary), Anna & Samia, A Voice Named Aretha, Patricia’s Vision, The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver, and Magic Ramen (about Momofuku).
Read MoreGiant Presidents' Day Book List
POTUS POTUS: President of the United States: one of the most powerful people in the world. Presidents’ Day honors George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in particular. But each of the Presidents in America’s history have exerted tremendous influence on both our nation and those around the world. Therefore, our Presidents’ Day Book List includes books…
Read More5 Lent Devotionals (for Protestants)
Do you observe Lent? Did you know that there are Lent devotionals written with Protestants in mind? The early church officially began marking Lent liturgically at the Council of Nicea in AD 325 (incidentally, this is the same council from which we get the Nicene Creed). The authors below assure readers that we don’t earn…
Read MoreFeed by M. T. Anderson
M. T. Anderson’s Feed imagines what the world would look like if we all had “feeds” (like today’s smart phones) implanted in our brains.
Read MoreBlack History Month Picture Books for Tweens and Teens
Black history month picture books for middle grades and young adults.
Read MoreProtected: Hope on the Horizon Purchase Confirmation
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: Tim Challies (Blogger, Author, Book Reviewer)
Back Porch Book Chat with Tim Challies: a casual conversation about books, ministry, and more.
Read More2020 Newbery Buzz #3: The Undefeated and A Place to Land
Newbery Buzz Discussion: Betsy and Hayley discuss 2 picture books: The Undefeated and A Place to Land.
Read More2020 Newbery Buzz #2: New Kid and Guts
Newbery Buzz Discussion: Janie and Betsy discuss New Kid and Guts in light of their potential Newbery-qualities.
Read MoreMajor Impossible by Nathan Hale
The true story of John Wesley Powell, the man who mapped the Grand Canyon, told in graphic novel format.
Read More2019: Looking Back (Popular Posts and Starred Reviews)
2019 in Review: Popular posts, starred reviews, and reflections.
Read More20/20: Reading More Clearly (or, Reading Resolutions for New Year's)
20/20 Reading More Clearly: one reader’s New Year’s Goals as a prescription for reading more clearly in 2020.
Read More2020 Reading Challenge for Kids and Teens is Here!
Get your FREE 2020 Reading Challenge today! 4 levels for all types of readers.
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: Bridgette Boudreaux (Chemistry Teacher)
Back Porch Book Chat: A casual conversation about books. Our guest today is Bridgette Boudreaux
Read MoreReflections on A Christmas Carol
Is A Christmas Carol a “Christian” book or movie? We’ve got some thoughts on that–and a watch-along guide for when you watch the movie.
Read MoreChristmas Books Round-Up
All our reviews of Christmas books — that is, books about Christmas or set during the Christmas season — in one place! You’re sure to discover some new family favorites as well as be reminded of old familiar friends. Surely some of these will be at your local library! Christmas Picture Books One Christmas Wish…
Read More