Posts by Betsy Farquhar
Read 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 MoreBest Games for Book Lovers
Analog fun: A list of the best games for book lovers of all ages. Hint: they involve words, naturally.
Read MoreGifts for Book Lovers: ALL Gift-Giving Lists in One Place!
Gifts for Book Lovers: books, stocking stuffers, and more!
Read More*Love Came Down At Christmas by Sinclair Ferguson
An excellent devotional for Advent for teens and up: meditations on 1 Corinthians 13 by Sinclair Ferguson.
Read More*Unwrapping the Names of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu
Mediate on the names of Jesus during Advent with this helpful, inspiring family devotional.
Read MoreThe Light Princess by George MacDonald {Rabbit Room edition}
A beautiful new edition of The Light Princess complete with foreword by Jennifer Trafton, afterword by Andrew Peterson, and illustrated by Ned Bustard. The Light Princess by George MacDonald. Rabbit Room Press, 2019. 102 pages. Reading Level: Ages 10-12 Recommended For: EVERYONE The story of The Light Princess is familiar to many: a king and…
Read MoreGames of Deception by Andrew Maraniss
Games of Deception is a fast-paced, gripping narrative about basketball, America, and the Olympics.
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: Sarah Dempsen (After School Ministry Leader)
Betsy interviews Sarah Dempsen, mom and co-director of an after school program on the Yakama Reservation.
Read MoreThanksgiving Comes Before Christmas
Thanksgiving comes before Christmas, and we think that’s important!
Read MoreDisclosure Policy
We participate in affiliate marketing programs, where we receive a small commission when products are purchased through links on our website. We strive to correctly identify all affiliate links. We are so grateful to our many readers who have helped support Redeemed Reader over the years by choosing to click through our links. Redeemed Reader…
Read MoreIs Dracula Worth Reading?
Betsy explores the difference between the original Dracula and the modern fascination with vampires.
Read MoreMartin Luther and the Reformation by Lou Hunley
A great middle grades-level look at both Martin Luther in particular and the Protestant Reformation in general.
Read MoreCalling All Readers: Annual Reading Challenge Info!
Reading challenge check-in and information on the new 2020 reading challenge!
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: Melissa Deming (Bible Teacher)
Back Porch Book Chat: A Casual Conversation about Books. Today’s guest is Melissa Deming.
Read MoreThe Boys in the Boat (Young Readers Adaptation) by Daniel James Brown
The Boys in the Boat is a gripping nonfiction story for middle grades about teamwork, perseverance, and triumph at the Olympics.
Read MoreBreakthrough! by Jim Murphy
Three unlikely people team up to perform a dangerous new surgery in Depression-era times in this gripping nonfiction story.
Read More*Bolivar by Sean Rubin
This large-format graphic novel brings to life a new, lovable dinosaur while simultaneously nudging readers to be more perceptive.
Read More4 Books About the Reading Life: a Literary Nightstand Round-Up
On Reading Well, Book Girl, Bequest of Wings, and I’d Rather be Reading: books about the joys of the reading life.
Read MoreWorld Atlas: Essential Student Reference
A world atlas is a great resource for students; we recommend a few in this post!
Read MoreExplorer Academy: Code-Breaking Activity Adventure
Learn to break codes like a professional sleuth in Explorer Academy: Code-Breaking Activity Adventure for middle grades.
Read More*The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue by Karina Yan Glaser
The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue continues the Vanderbeeker fun as the kids try to rescue their mom’s cookie baking business.
Read MoreCookbooks for Kids and Teens: A Book List
A short list of cookbooks for kids and teens that will take your preschooler through to “kitchen graduation” as a teen.
Read MoreLaid-Back Language Arts
Laid Back Language Arts: learning to enjoy writing and communicating well without drudgery.
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: Lou Hunley (Public Librarian)
Back Porch Book Chat: a casual conversation about books on our virtual back porch. Today’s topic: enjoying the public library with Lou Hunley.
Read More*We are (Not) Friends by Anna Kang and illustrated by Christopher Weyant
The latest in the You are Not Small series, We Are (Not) Friends is a perfect read for new readers heading back to school.
Read MoreSeries Fiction for Tweens and Teens: A Book Series List!
Recommended series fiction for tweens and teens no matter what type of reading they enjoy!
Read MoreThe Ranger’s Apprentice Series by John Flanagan
A best-selling series for young teens set in a Medieval-esque, pseudo European world that combines adventure, heroism, villains, danger, and a touch of love.
Read MoreThe Mysterious Benedict Society Series by Trenton Lee Stewart
The Mysterious Benedict Society is a clever middle grades mystery series perfect for puzzle-loving tween and young teen readers.
Read MoreWild Bird by Wendelin Van Draanen
Wren Clemmons learns much about herself, the desert, and true friendship in wilderness therapy camp in this teen read about drug use.
Read MoreSwing and Solo by Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess
Swing and Solo: two novels-in-verse for teens that grapple with music (jazz and rock and roll), baseball, young love, and what’s really important in life.
Read MoreSo Your Kid is Reading Harry Potter…. A Christian Family’s Response
One Christian family’s experience with the Harry Potter series.
Read MoreA Lunar List: New Books About the Moon
New picture books about the moon and the moon landing, just in time for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing!
Read More*The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw (Retro Reads)
A middle grades novel packed with life in ancient Egypt and an orphan’s adventure among the tombs of the dead.
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: Virginia Lee Rogers (Bookseller and Homeschool Mom)
Back Porch Book Chat is a casual conversation about books on our virtual back porch. Join us!
Read MoreFamily Vacation Book List: Fun for the Whole Family
Going on vacation this summer? What about daily trips to the pool and back? Perhaps you have some summer evenings on the porch planned. Sounds like you need a good family vacation book list! The books below are all excellent choices for some family reading time this summer: enjoyable for a wide variety of ages…
Read MoreSimple Summer Reading Challenge for Tweens and Teens
A simple summer reading challenge for tweens and teens AND their families.
Read MoreSummer Reading Challenge Round-Up
Summer Reading Challenge Round-up: our three most popular programs in one spot.
Read MoreSummer Reading for Moms
Two books for moms that point us to Christ for our summer reading.
Read MoreMercy Watson, the Porcine Wonder (books by Kate DiCamillo)
The Mercy Watson books are delightful with memorable characters and work well as read alouds, chapter books, and books for new readers.
Read MoreThe Pilgrim’s Progress: A Short History
A brief look at the history of Pilgrim’s Progress and its author.
Read MoreAdulting 101 by Josh Burnette and Pete Hardesty
Find wisdom for life and advice on real world skills in this small, pithy book.
Read MoreBirds of a Feather: Bird Books for Kids
A short list of favorite books about birds and bird-watching.
Read More*He is Risen: Rocks Tell the Story of Easter by Patti Rokus
A beautiful, artistic representation of the story of Easter using rocks set against a black backdrop. Starred review for He is Risen.
Read MoreSweeter Than Honey by Melissa Deming
Sweeter Than Honey offers readers a clear, step-by-step approach to studying the Bible.
Read MoreReading Challenge Check-In (Spring): How Are You Doing?
Betsy and her three kids reflect on their progress in the 2019 reading challenge to date.
Read More*By the Great Horn Spoon by Sid Fleischman (Retro Read)
Jack and Praiseworthy must use their wits and resourcefulness if they are to strike it rich in California’s goldfields in this funny middle grades novel.
Read More*The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
Holling C Holling comes to appreciate more than Shakespeare in this humorous historical fiction middle school novel. Starred review!
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chats
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! Below is a list of our Back Porch Book Chat guests to date: Virginia Lee Rogers: Bookseller and Homeschool Mom Lou Hunley: Public Librarian Melissa Deming: Bible Teacher Sarah…
Read MoreFaith, Fiction, & Fellowship, Week 3: Let’s Discuss!
Some discussion questions for week 3!
Read MoreRickshaw Girl by Mitali Perkins
Naima loves to draw, but how can she use that gift to help her poor Bangladeshi family earn some much needed income?
Read More*Bamboo People by Mitali Perkins
Chiko and Tu Reh learn to face challenges and love their enemies in modern day, war-torn Burma in this realistic fiction novel for teens. Starred review.
Read MoreFaith, Fiction, & Fellowship, Week 2: Let’s Discuss!
Let’s discuss a few of week 2’s questions!
Read MoreHey Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Krosoczka, author of the Lunch Lady graphic novels, tells his own story in Hey Kiddo, a graphic novel memoir for teens that is by turns harsh and tender.
Read MoreFaith, Fiction, & Fellowship Week 1: Let’s Discuss!
Let’s discuss some of the Faith, Fiction, & Fellowship questions for week 1!
Read MoreYou Who by Rachel Jankovic
You Who: Why You Matter and How to Deal with It is a refreshing take on the “find yourself” messages blaring from our culture for teens and their parents.
Read More30+ Women in Church History: A Book List
A book list of biographies about 30+ women in church history for middle grades and teens just in time for Women’s History Month.
Read MoreFaith, Fiction, & Fellowship Read-Along Details
Details for the upcoming Faith, Fiction, & Fellowship read-along!
Read More4 New Multicultural Picture Books: Gratitude, Island Culture, Rap, and Hannukah!
4 noteworthy, new multicultural picture books about the roots of rap, Hannukah, gratitude, and Island culture.
Read MoreCelebrate Our Birthday With Us! (Hint: there will be giveaways!)
Check out our birthday party invitation!
Read More*The Young Man’s Guide to Awesomeness by Barrett Johnson
The Young Man’s Guide to Awesomeness is a well-organized, humorous, straight-talking guide for young men as they mature into godly adults.
Read MoreAt the Well by Kristen Tiber
At the Well is a short book urging singles (teens and up) to wait on the Lord for marriage and for his timing.
Read MoreFaith, Fiction, & Fellowship: A Read Along for Girls Ages 10-100
Join us for the Faith, Fiction, & Fellowship Read Along during March: perfect for girls ages 10-100!
Read More2019 Sibert Medal Winners are, well, Winners!
According to the ALA, “the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal is awarded annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished informational book published in the United States in English during the preceding year.” In an age that prizes and publishes “informational texts,” (thank you, Common Core), this is not an insignificant award. The Sibert…
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