Posts by Betsy Farquhar
*Twelve Days in May by Larry Dane Brimner
For middle grades and up: a photographic, journalistic look at those famous twelve days in May when a group of whites and blacks bravely tried to integrate the bus system. *Twelve Days in May: Freedom Ride 1961 by Larry Dane Brimner. Calkins Creek, 2017. 112 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Ages…
Read MoreThe Girl Who Drew Butterflies by Joyce Sidman
A beautifully crafted middle grades biography of a girl who drew butterflies back in the 1600s, changing the study of natural history in the process. The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian’s Art Changed Science by Joyce Sidman. HMH Books, 2018. 160 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Middle grades, ages 10…
Read More*Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson
For middle grades: A compelling look into the life of Betty before X (Malcolm X) and the influence of the black church in the racially charged 1940s. *Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2018. 256 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-12 Recommended For: Middle grades, ages 10-12 11-year-old Betty…
Read MorePie-Themed Picture Books for Pi/Pie Day!
“Pi/Pie Day” is coming up on March 14th! Check out one of the pie-themed picture books below from your local library to enjoy with your kids on Pi Day. Be sure to make some pie to go with these tasty-looking books! How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the U. S. A. by Marjorie…
Read MoreNonfiction Picture Books Round-up: Biographies, Science, and Words
A round-up of 2018 nonfiction picture books on all sorts of subjects and for all sorts of ages! The Great Dictionary Caper by Judy Sierra and illustrated by Eric Comstock In this lively book, words become art as well as the subject: they are bored and escape the dictionary! Homophones, verbs, contractions, palindromes, and even archaic…
Read More*Abigail Adams: Witness to a Revolution by Natalie S. Bober
Starred review for this young adult biography that showcases a thoughtful–and thought-provoking–Abigail Adams against the backdrop of tumultuous American history. *Abigail Adams: Witness to a Revolution by Natalie S. Bober. Aladdin Paperback, 1998. 272 pages. Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15 Recommended For: Ages 10 and up My dearest friend, as you have been called in…
Read More*Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes (Retro Reads)
75 years later, this Newbery-Award winning story about Johnny Tremain is still a great historical fiction read about the birth of America. *Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes. HMH Books, 2011 (originally published 1943). 320 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: All ages as a read aloud, ages 10 and up as an independent…
Read MorePicture Book Round-Up: 6 Multicultural Youth Media Award Winners
The 2018 ALA Youth Media Awards were announced last week, and children’s lit fans around the country live-streamed the event (unless they were privileged to be there in person!). The Youth Media Awards now include a full slate of awards, announced roughly in reverse chronological order: the oldest two awards–and most well known, the Caldecott…
Read MoreHello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
Four sixth graders come together in a serendipitous turn of events in this year’s Newbery award winner, Hello, Universe. Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly. Greenwillow, 2017. 320 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Middle grades, ages 8-12 Virgil hates that his parents call him “Turtle,” but the nickname does kinda fit: his…
Read MoreFacing Frederick: The Life of Frederick Douglass by Tonya Bolden
Facing Frederick is a well written, nuanced biography for middle grades that sheds light on both Frederick Douglass and the tumultuous times in which he lived. Facing Frederick: The Life and Times of Frederick Douglass by Tonya Bolden. Harry Abrams, 2018. 208 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Ages 10 and up If we…
Read MoreBlack History Month Nonfiction Book List
Black History Month Nonfiction Book List It’s a month full of book lists here at Redeemed Reader! We hope you enjoyed our Love and Laughter Book List on Valentine’s Day. Today, we’re offering a Black History Month Nonfiction Book List in honor of Black History Month! But first: don’t miss this earlier post, “Why Black…
Read MoreThe 2018 ALAYMA Results: Redeemed Reader Reacts
Hot off the press! The Newbery, Caldecott, Coretta Scot King Awards and more were announced this morning. We’ve made our predictions, and now Betsy offers a few knee-jerk thoughts on a few of the awards (as she live streamed!). For the full list of today’s awards, see the ALA announcement. We’ll be back later with…
Read MorePrognosticating the 2018 Newberys
We’re posting our best guesses for the 2018 ALA Youth Media Awards just a half hour before the awards ceremony begins. And then I (Betsy) will be reporting back on the results as soon as they’re in! We’ll see how we did… Janie predicts: as usual, I not going to state an order or preference…
Read More2018 Newbery Buzz #5: Real Friends and All’s Faire in Middle School
It’s our final Newbery Buzz of the 2018 season. Betsy and Alysha discuss two graphic novels for this last round. Graphic Novels as Newbery Winners? Graphic novels as Newbery Award winners or honors is nothing new by now. Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo, El Deafo by CeCe Bell, and Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson have earned Newbery attention before,…
Read MoreOrdinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen by Deborah Hopkinson
This sweetly illustrated biography introduces young readers to the ordinary, extraordinary Jane Austen. Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by Qin Leng. Balzer + Bray, 2018. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture books, ages 8-10 Recommended For: Jane Austen fans! All ages Jane Austen’s childhood was fairly ordinary… for her time. Her family…
Read More2018 Newbery Buzz #4: One Last Word and I’m Just No Good at Rhyming
Betsy, Megan, and Janie continue our Newbery Buzz discussions with One Last Word and I’m Just No Good At Rhyming, poetry books that are quite different from one another. Poetry Books as Newbery Award Winners? Poetry and tea were meant to go together, even before “Poetry Teatime” was an official “thing” for the homeschool world. Back in…
Read More2018 Reading Challenge Check-In: January
Reading Challenge Check-In: January Well, readers, we’re a month into year 2018. A month!?! It seems like a good time to take the pulse of our 2018 reading challenge efforts. Humming along nicely? Haven’t started yet? Started, but already stalled out? Redeemed Reader Resources Throughout this year, we’ll be posting booklists that target various categories…
Read MoreEdge of Extinction Series by Laura Martin
Living on the edge of extinction: Cloned dinosaurs plus dystopian autocratic society plus a renegade band of treetop dwellers equals a fast-paced middle grades sci-fi adventure. Ages 8-12. Edge of Extinction Series by Laura Martin. HarperCollins. The Ark Plan. 2016. 368 pages. Code Name Flood. 2017. 352 pages. Reading Level: Ages 8-12 Recommended For: Ages…
Read MorePortrait of a Reader: The Nurturer
Portrait of a Reader is a new feature in which we try to “unpack” a particular kind of reader. The portraits will overlap; most people will fit into more than one. Rather than being a personality test, this is more of an interest-based and ability-based description. Meet the Nurturer: a Lover of Family and Community in…
Read MoreHere Be Dragons: Mega Fantasy and Sci-Fi Booklist! (All ages)
A mega fantasy and sci-fi booklist with books for all ages and all types of fantasy lovers (even those who don’t think they ARE fantasy lovers). Bonus: here be dragons. Fantasy/Sci-Fi: Love It or Hate It? Are you a fantasy or sci-fi junkie? Skip to the fantasy and sci-fi booklist below and start putting books…
Read MoreBronze and Sunflower by Cao Wenxuan
Bronze and Sunflower is a gentle, thought-provoking peek into the cultural revolution in China, its effects on two children, and the importance of sacrificing for your family. Ages 8-10 Bronze and Sunflower by Cao Wenxuan and translated from the Chinese by Helen Wang. Illustrations by Meilo So. Candlewick, 2017. 400 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended…
Read More2018 Newbery Buzz #2: Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder
We’re back for our second Newbery Buzz discussion of 2019. Last week, Hayley and Janie discussed Tumble and Blue. This week, Hayley and I (Betsy) discuss Orphan Island. Since we haven’t reviewed Orphan Island yet, we’ll start with a brief summary of the book. (Don’t miss our final paragraphs in which Hayley and I wax eloquent on our…
Read MoreThe River Doubt and the Amazing Amazon: 4 True Stories for All Ages
Teddy Roosevelt travels the River Doubt, Percy Fawcett hunts for the City “Z,” and a tiny fish is making headlines in conservation efforts for the Amazon. The Amazon River Basin Overflowing with vibrant life, there are countless unidentified species thriving alongside some of the most interesting lifeforms on the planet in the amazon Amazon River…
Read MoreReading Goals for the New Year
Reading Goals for the New Year It’s that time of year, folks! Everyone is making resolutions and goals for the New Year. I used to make resolutions, but a few years ago, I switched to making goals. Goals are more concrete and force me to think through specifics a bit more than the vague resolutions I’d…
Read More2018 Reading Challenge for Kids and Teens (with printable!)
The 2018 Reading Challenge for Kids and Teens Our 2018 Reading Challenge for Kids and Teens is back and better than ever! We’ve changed it up a bit from our previous yearly reading challenges to make it more accessible and flexible. Additionally, it should be easier to find relevant titles right here on Redeemed Reader,…
Read MorePoe: Stories and Poems: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Gareth Hinds
Poe: Stories and Poems is just as gripping, psychological, and scary in this well done graphic novel format as it is in the original prose. Poe: Stories and Poems: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Gareth Hinds. Candlewick, 2017. 120 pages. Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15 Recommended For: Fans of Edgar Allan Poe, ages 12 and…
Read MoreFunny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever. Edited by Betsy Bird
Quirky, funny stories written with middle school girls in mind. Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever. Edited by Betsy Bird. Viking, 2017. 224 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Ages 10 and up (note cautions) Bella and Rover are a cat and dog team offering wisdom via an advice column. Trixie, using an assumed…
Read More*Honey for a Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt
Honey for a Child’s Heart was one of the first books advocating for building a Christian family culture around books. *Honey for a Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt. Zondervan, 2002. 256 pages. Reading Level: Adult Recommended For: Parents and all adults interested in building their family culture around books “Children and books go together in a…
Read MoreThe Literary Nightstand
The Literary Nightstand: Our Professional Reading The Literary Nightstand is a peek into what’s on our professional nightstands. Most of us here at Redeemed Reader have been reading and studying children’s literature for many years. This is our attempt to help sift the wheat from the chaff for our readers who want to learn more…
Read MoreThe Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson: the Kids Discuss….
Four middle grades kids discuss The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: what stands out in this funny, modern Christmas classic? The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. HarperCollins, 2005 (reprint; originally 1972). 128 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended For: Family read aloud (note cautions below) One of the delights of my job is…
Read More*Comforting, Training, and Teaching Minds: Catechism Devotionals by Starr Meade
Family devotionals centered around the Heidelberg and Shorter catechism are based on Scripture and are designed to help families memorize the catechisms. *Comforting Hearts, Teaching Minds: Family Devotionals Based on the Heidelberg Catechism by Starr Meade. P & R, 2013. *Training Hearts, Teaching Minds: Family Devotionals Based on the Shorter Catechism by Starr Meade. P & R,…
Read More*Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
Same Kind of Different As Me is an emotional and spiritual memoir of two men who became friends despite their backgrounds, races, and preconceptions. *Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent. Thomas Nelson, 2006. 237 pages Reading Level: Adult, ages 16 and up Recommended For: Teens and adults,…
Read MoreThe Whydah by Martin W. Sandler
Fascinating middle grades nonfiction about the Whydah: a slave ship turned pirate ship turned treasure hunter glory. The Whydah: A Pirate Ship Feared, Wrecked and Found by Martin W. Sandler. Candlewick, 2017. 176 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Fans of nonfiction, nautical tales, and pirates (ages 8-15) The Whydah was once captained by…
Read MoreSinking the Sultana by Sally M. Walker
Middle grades nonfiction takes a sobering look at the sinking of the Sultana–a worse maritime tragedy even than the Titanic. Sinking the Sultana: A Civil War Story of Imprisonment, Greed, and a Doomed Journey Home by Sally M. Walker. Candlewick, 2017. 208 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Ages 10 and up…
Read MoreThe Wonder of the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp
The Wonder of the Greatest Gift offers a complete Jesse Tree experience with devotional and ornaments for the whole family to enjoy. The Wonder of the Greatest Gift: An Interactive Family Celebration of Advent by Ann Voskamp. Tyndale House, 2017. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-12 Recommended For: Ages 0-10, family read aloud/activity Based on Unwrapping…
Read More*Voices of Christmas by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Eric Velasquez
Voices of Christmas is a beautiful and poetic exploration of the different characters in the Christmas story–perfect for middle grades kids! *Voices of Christmas by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Eric Velasquez. Zonderkidz, 2009. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 8-12 Recommended For: Middle grades and family read aloud Each familiar character in the…
Read More5 New Nonfiction Picture Books
Nonfiction picture books are one of the best ways to introduce a subject/person, enrich your study of a topic, or just learn something new! Hot off the press: below are some of 2017’s most interesting nonfiction picture books, each of which is expertly illustrated by one of today’s most talented illustrators. Note: these aren’t just…
Read MoreGiant Christmas and Advent Book List for All Ages
We love Christmas and Advent at Redeemed Reader, and we’ve reviewed lots of related resources over the years. Advent begins on December 1, and the Christmas season extends through the first week of January. Are you one of those families who likes to open a “new” book each day of Advent? Perhaps you plan more…
Read MorePoetry for Young People Series
Poetry is for Children Children love poetry. They really do. And it doesn’t need to be “children’s poetry,” either. Sure, they love the silly rhymes and rhythms of poets like Seuss and Silverstein. But they also appreciate Emily Dickinson’s down-to-earth observations, Robert Louis Stevenson’s reflections on childhood, Langston Hughes’s rhythms, and Henry Wadsforth Longfellow’s patriotic…
Read MoreOne Last Word by Nikki Grimes
One Last Word showcases poems from the Harlem Renaissance alongside contemporary poems by Grimes that build on and reflect those earlier poets. One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance by Nikki Grimes. Bloomsbury, 2017. 128 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Middle grades and up Well, son, I’ll tell you:/Life for me ain’t…
Read More2017 Winter Book Fair List: Books for Everyone!
2017 Winter Book Fair Books for Everyone on Your Christmas List! It’s that time of the year again: Christmas is coming, and all the special people in your life need books under that tree! This is one of our favorite book lists to put together each year. We look back over the year’s reviews, our…
Read MoreRetro Reads: *The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
The Witch of Blackbird Pond is a modern classic with good reason: young Kit Tyler faces the questions all adolescents face as she tries to balance obedience with following her beliefs. *The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2011 (orig. 1958). 272 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages…
Read More*Echoes of Eden by Jerram Barrs
Starred review for Echoes of Eden, in which Barrs offers guidelines for evaluating art and literature from a Christian review. *Echoes of Eden: Reflections on Christianity, Literature, and the Arts by Jerram Barrs. English, 2013. 208 pages. Reading Level: Adult Recommended For: Parents, Librarians, Teachers, and Teens How should we evaluate literature (and all art) as…
Read MoreMystery Book List for Elementary, Tweens, and Teens!
Calling all mystery lovers! Mystery book list for all ages! Whether or not you’re planning to see Murder on the Orient Express this month, you likely have a mystery fan in the house. What can they read when they’ve exhausted the library’s stash of Boxcar Children, Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew, and Hardy Boys? Read on! Three Lists We’re putting…
Read MoreRetro Reads: *The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
A middle grades mystery that has become a modern classic: The Westing Game is just as engaging as ever! *The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. Puffin Modern Classics, 2004. (orig. 1978). 192 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Middle grades, ages 10 and up Turtle Wexler is brave and good at figuring…
Read MoreDame Agatha: Murder on the Orient Express and And Then There Were None
A Scene of Terror Sitting alone in the dark house, I gripped the book tightly, desperate to finish and petrified at the same time. Was that a noise I just heard? Should I call my mom? When would the parents of the sleeping child down the hall return? I was twelve and covering my weekly…
Read MorePatina by Jason Reynolds
Patina gets passed the baton in more ways than one in this middle grades novel revolving around an elite track team. Patina (Track) by Jason Reynolds. Atheneum, 2017. 240 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Middle grades, ages 10-12 “Patty ain’t no junk.” Her momma might be disabled due to diabetes, her…
Read MoreSola Scriptura: The Bible is Pre-Eminent Among Books
500th Anniversary of the Reformation Tomorrow is the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s famous act: the nailing of his 95 Theses on the church door in Wittenburg. Now, of course, the seeds of the Protestant Reformation had already been planted (*coughs* Jan Huss, John Wycliffe, etc.) and the Lord used many other believers to help reform…
Read More*The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch
Starred review for this book about a tech-wise family that is characterized by 10 commitments reflecting the proper pace of technology in a family’s life together. The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place. Baker Books, 2017. 224 pages. Reading Level: Adult Recommended For: Parents (and college students!) We are meant to…
Read MoreThe Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein
The Pearl Thief is a prequel to the award-winning Code Name Verity, but it lacks the same sophistication and character development. The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein. Disney-Hyperion, 2017. 336 pages. Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15 Recommended For: Teens (not officially “recommended”–note the cautions below) The Pearl Thief is a prequel to Code Name Verity and Rose Under Fire. Readers…
Read MoreHow to Throw a Simple Book Party with Costumes
You’re not going to believe me when I say that a book party with costumes can be very, very easy. Trust me. It’s all in the (easy) details and your children’s amazing imagination. I promise. Years ago, a good friend of mine told me that her family did a book party every Halloween night: costumes, the movie…
Read MoreWord Shapers: 4 Men Who Influenced the English Language
Word Shaper: Someone who shapes, and changes, words. We associate envy with the color green. Why? William Shakespeare. In America, we write “color” instead of the British “colour.” Why? Noah Webster. We have myriad books printed just for children. Why? John Newbery. Instead of “said,” we can use a thesaurus to look up “chorused,” “spoke,”…
Read MorePortrait of a Reader: The Adventurer
Portrait of a Reader is a new feature in which we try to “unpack” a particular kind of reader. The portraits will overlap; most people will fit into more than one. Rather than being a personality test, this is more of an interest-based and ability-based description. Meet the Adventurer: a Lover of Adventure in Books and…
Read MoreReformation Church History Book List
Happy 500th birthday to the Protestant Reformation! 500 years ago this month, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door in Wittenburg. Of course, the Reformation encompasses more than just Luther’s bold act. The Lord used men and women before and after Luther to bravely proclaim the importance of God’s Word, God’s grace, Christ’s sufficiency,…
Read MoreReformers, Puritans, and Covenanters: Biography Anthologies by Hannula
*For Christ’s Crown: Sketches of Puritans and Covenanters By Richard Hannula. Canon Press, 2014. 223 pages. Just as the title implies, this volume is all about Christians in England and the Americas during the 16th and 17th century. The Puritans were those who came to the New World in search of freedom of religion; the…
Read MoreOn the Nightstand: One Family’s Current Reads
“What are your kids reading these days, Betsy?” My friend and I were sitting at the park this week on a gorgeous afternoon while the kids horsed around. I thought for a minute, and I realized that my family has an eclectic reading style. I honestly didn’t know where to start in answering her about…
Read More10 New Picture Books for All Ages, All Interests, Fact and Fiction!
New picture books! Brand, spanking, new! Beautiful, silly, thoughtful, informative, and downright fun. Take a look! (Several of these made it onto our Back-to-School Booklist, but they’re worth reminding everyone about.) Titles are linked to amazon (affiliate links, thanks!). This Beautiful Day by Richard Jackson and illustrated by Suzy Lee. Atheneum, 2017. 40 pages. For…
Read MorePanda-monium by Stuart Gibbs
Panda-monium offers plenty of hi-jinks, animal facts, and quirky characters as Teddy solves the mystery of the theft of a prized giant panda. Panda-monium by Stuart Gibbs. (FunJungle #4) Simon & Schuster, 2017. 352 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Middle grades, ages 8-12, especially lovers of mysteries and animal stories When…
Read More10 True Stories for Teens
10 True Stories for Teens It’s hard to beat a good, true story. Something about the it really happened aspect just makes it better, don’t you think? If your teen (or you!) enjoys strong narratives full of action and plenty to talk about, check out the true stories for teens below, many of which feature the…
Read MoreIrresistible by Adam Alter
Irresistible is a fascinating look at technology’s impact on humanity, particularly in the light of behavioral addiction. Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked by Adam Alter. Penguin, 2017. 368 pages. Reading Level: Adult Recommended For: Parents! (and other adults who use technology) “You HAVE to read this book!…
Read MoreBack-to-School Booklist, 2017 edition (+ Giveaway!)
Have your kids already started school? Or perhaps that’s still to come in the next couple of weeks. No matter what stage of back-to-school season you’re in or whether you’re a homeschool family or fans of traditional school, check out our annual Back-to-School Booklist! Back-to-School Booklist As usual, our Back-to-School Booklist features books for all ages,…
Read MoreGet Ready for the Eclipse! Space and Sci-Fi Booklist
Ready for the Eclipse? Have you tested out your eclipse glasses? Do you know where you’re going to be on August 21 when the eclipse happens? Are you planning to travel to a better spot, or are you one of the lucky ones who’s already in a 100% coverage zone? Do you have your eclipse…
Read MoreExploring Space by Jenkins and Biesty
Explore space–and humans’ attempts to explore space–in this information-packed and expertly illustrated coffee table sized book. Exploring Space: From Galileo to the Mars Rover and Beyond by Martin Jenkins and Stephen Biesty. Candlewick, 2017. 64 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Space fans, ages 6 and up What’s up in the night sky?…
Read MoreWisdom & Wonder Giveaway Winners!
We hope everyone enjoyed our summer of Wisdom & Wonder! Everyone who subscribed to the special Wisdom & Wonder newsletter received an entry into our giveaway. Those who participated in other forms (coloring pages, responding to newsletter questions, and more) received additional entries. Thanks to all who participated! We are happy to announce our three…
Read MoreHow to Read Aloud Hard Books: 5 Steps
Love to read aloud, but stumble over the hard books? You’re not alone. Hard books are hard to read aloud. They just are. Even for the experts. I have read aloud thousands of books in my various careers as mom, English teacher, school librarian, and home educator. Some are easy: I used to know Llama, Llama Red…
Read MoreThe Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming by J. Anderson Coats
The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming by J. Anderson Coats. Atheneum, 2017. 288 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Historical Fiction lovers, ages 10 and up Eleven-year-old Miss Jane Deming is eagerly anticipating the fulfillment of Mr. Mercer’s promises to her step-mother and a bevy of other young women of “sturdy…
Read MoreWisdom & Wonder Week 6: Generosity and Love in Literature
Betsy: It’s hard to believe we’re at the end of our Wisdom & Wonder Summer Reading Challenge! On a personal level, this has been a rewarding study for both my kids and myself. I have been working through the NavPress LifeChange Proverbs study guide we recommended for teens and up, and it has been very…
Read MoreWisdom & Wonder Week 6 Booklist
Our last Wisdom & Wonder Booklist to help you wrap up your summer! You’ll see a couple of repeats from earlier in the summer as well as a few new books to check out these last couple of weeks before school starts. As with our previous weeks, the Redeemed Reader team will be discussing this…
Read MoreTeach Literary Elements With … Movies!
All stories share the same literary elements, be they written or acted, books or movies. Summer Blockbusters For the Win And movies are a terrific means of illustrating all of those literary elements! Whether you yourself want to understand them better, want to have stimulating discussions with your kids, or want to teach your high…
Read MoreThe Source of Wisdom: What does it look like in books?
The Redeemed Reader Team is discussing books this week in light of our Wisdom & Wonder Week 2 Theme: God’s Word! In particular, we’re looking at how we (and our favorite book characters!) are listening to and seeking God’s Word as the source of wisdom and guidance in contrast to listening to the voice of…
Read MoreWisdom & Wonder: All About God’s Word (Links!)
God’s Word is a Treasure Did you know that there are a wealth of Bible-related resources here at Redeemed Reader? Children’s literature is not our first love; God’s Word is! Check out some of these resources below as you meditate on this week’s theme of God’s Word as a treasure. Bible Reviews Janie reviews loads…
Read MoreWisdom & Wonder Week 2 Booklist
Wisdom & Wonder Week 2 Booklist Weekly Theme: God’s Word is a Treasure Additional Proverbs to Read and Think About 4:23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. 15:32 The fear of the Lord is…
Read MoreWisdom & Wonder Week 2: God’s Word is a Treasure
Welcome to week 2 of our Wisdom & Wonder Summer Reading Challenge! Last week, we learned about turning to God and away from sin. Jesus is the real wise man, and it is only through his grace that we can turn from our sin and to him in faith. Wisdom & Wonder Week 2: God’s…
Read MoreAsk-a-Librarian: Professional Development for Nonprofessional Readers
Ask-a-Librarian is an occasional feature in which we answer a reader’s question. Feel free to send us questions you think would be good for this space! (Use the comment form or simply comment on this post). A Reader’s Question How can I, as a parent, know how to talk about books with my kids? How do I…
Read MoreWisdom & Wonder Activities and Giveaway!
Wisdom & Wonder is Just Around the Corner! Are you excited about joining us for our Wisdom & Wonder summer reading challenge? Don’t forget to get your copy of Wise-Up by Marty Machowski! Sign up for the Wisdom & Wonder newsletter to get a coupon code . Six Weeks We’ll be diving into Proverbs, Shakespeare, Pilgrim’s Progress, and…
Read MoreUndefeated by Steve Sheinkin
Undefeated is a fascinating account of how a group of talented, creative, and brave young Indians changed the game of football forever. Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team by Steve Sheinkin. Roaring Brook Press, 2017. 288 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-15 Recommended For: Ages 10 and up, especially football…
Read MoreThe Battle of Seattle by Douglas Bond
A little known slice of American history comes to life in this Christian middle grades historical fiction novel about the Battle of Seattle. The Battle of Seattle by Douglas Bond (Heroes & History Series). P & R Publishing, 2016. 312 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Middle grades, ages 10 and up William…
Read MoreWisdom & Wonder Summer Reading “Anchor” Books
Join us for Wisdom & Wonder: our 2017 Summer Reading Challenge focused on Proverbs! Wisdom & Wonder We are going to be diving into the book of Proverbs with the help of Marty Machowski’s Wise-Up family devotional. In addition, families are encouraged to choose one of the “anchor” books below that best fits their children’s ages.…
Read More2017 Summer Reading Challenge is Coming…
Join us for our 2017 Summer Reading Challenge: Wisdom & Wonder Get ready to dive into the book of Proverbs, read great literature, examine it from a biblical perspective, and enjoy each other’s creative gifts. Families will be able to choose from among three broad age groups, each with its own “anchor” books and supplementary titles.…
Read MoreSad Dog Stories: They’re a Thing—and a Necessity
Does the Dog Die? (The Saddest of Sad Dog Stories!) “Miss Wanda,” I stage-whispered to the children’s librarian across from me, “I need to know. Does the dog die?“ I was holding an audio copy of Shiloh, and I needed to be prepared before listening with my 2nd and 3rd grade children. After all, I’d grown up on Old…
Read MoreThe Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies
Winner takes all in a bet between siblings Jessie and Evan Treski as they battle it out lemonade-stand style in this realistic fiction novel for kids. The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2009. 192 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended For: Ages 7-11, especially siblings! But this. This was…
Read MoreRetro Reads: Mei Fuh by Edith Schaeffer
This is a guest post by Candice Watters, blogger at Family Making. Her original, longer review of Mei Fuh appeared there first. Welcome, Candice! Travel with theologian Francis Schaeffer’s wife, Edith, to China, the land of her birth, in this autobiographical story for grade school aged children. Mei Fuh: Memories from China by Edith Schaeffer.…
Read MoreEaster List Round-Up, 2017 Edition
Need a last minute gift idea for Easter morning? Want to have some books around that remind your children of the real reason for Easter? Here’s a compilation of our Easter lists along with a couple of reminders of other books we’ve featured that work well for Easter. Mission Accomplished: A Two Week Devotional for…
Read MoreMusical Mondays and Theology Thursdays: How to Use Christian Resources with Kids
We love to track down solid biblical resources for you to use with your families, Sunday School classrooms, and Christian school classrooms. Not only do we review them, they make regular appearances on our Christmas, Easter, and Graduation Gift Lists. We even spent the month of October focusing just on Church History! But do you…
Read MoreDon’t Take Yourself (or Your Reading) Too Seriously!
Today, in my leisure reading, I came across some good “fifty cent” words: pandemonium, benefactors, stratosphere, maligned, facilitate, photons,… I also noticed some terrific literary allusions (such as Hamlet). This particular title is from the Dewey (nonfiction) shelves, and I noted that the visuals were a terrific addition to the text. They enriched my understanding of…
Read MoreTo See or Not To See: The RR Team Reflects on the New Beauty and the Beast
This discussion is part of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure this month. The text below reflects several ongoing discussions the Redeemed Reader team has had via email this month. We are trying to model how Christians might go about deciding whether to see this movie as well to model some of the discussions you might have…
Read MoreThe Martian: Classroom Edition by Andy Weir
A snarky, totally believable science fiction narrative for teens. The Martian: Classroom Edition by Andy Weir. Broadway Books, 2016. 400 pages. Reading Level: Teens, ages 15-18 Recommended For: Teens, ages 15-18 Andy Weir never dreamed his book would be a runaway hit! First published in blog format, then in practically free Kindle format (at the request…
Read MoreEvery Falling Star: A Beauty and the Beast Discussion!
Like our Newbery Buzz discussions, Janie and Betsy discuss Every Falling Star “virtually” in light of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure this month. We hope these discussions help model how to talk to the kids in your life about books! In the fall, we reviewed a poignant memoir for teens, Every Falling Star, that chronicled one boy’s desperation in…
Read MoreThe Queen of Katwe: Book and Movie Review
This is a featured title in our Beauty and the Beast Adventure. Redeemed Reader is not affiliated with or endorsing the new Disney Beauty and the Beast film; rather, we are examining the traditional fairy tale, its biblical themes, and relevant contemporary literature and movies. Meet Phiona, Queen of Katwe, in this thought-provoking, sensitive true story for…
Read MoreBeauty and the Beast by Nancy Willard and illustrated by Barry Moser
Beautiful, lengthy prose accompanied by striking woodcut illustrations make this retelling a good fit for intermediate and middle grade readers. Beauty and the Beast by Nancy Willard and illustrated by Barry Moser. Harcourt, 1992. 67 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-12 Recommended For: middle grades, ages 8-12, and younger (experienced) listeners Pretty girls are a dime…
Read MoreBeauty and the Beast – Devotional #2: the Beast
See our first Beauty and the Beast Devotional if you missed it! This is part of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure which is focusing on the traditional fairy tale and examining it in light of Scripture and comparing it with relevant literature. We are not affiliated with or endorsing the new Disney movie. The…
Read MoreBeauty and the Beast retold by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Meg Park
This is one of the picture book retellings of Beauty and the Beast we are featuring as part of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure. We are exploring the great biblical themes of beauty, beast, love, and redemption as depicted in the traditional fairy tale. Redeemed Reader is not affiliated with or endorsing the new Disney live…
Read MoreBeauty and the Beast Adventure
Join us as we dive into the themes and stories behind Beauty and the Beast during the month of March! And don’t worry, it’s not just for girls–we have lots of relevant “boy” titles, too. Please note that Redeemed Reader is not affiliated with or endorsing the new Disney movie; rather we are examining the traditional fairy tale…
Read More*The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson
An epic middle grades fantasy series full of adventure, toothy cows, heroes and heroines, and dragons. *The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson. Rabbit Room Press. On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. 2008. 284 pages. North! Or Be Eaten. 2009. 330 pages. The Monster in the Hollows. 2011. 348 pages. The Warden and the Wolf King.…
Read More*Wingfeather Tales (The Wingfeather Saga) edited by Andrew Peterson
A delightfully diverse collection of “tales” written and illustrated by a group of authors and illustrators who are themselves fans of the Wingfeather Saga! *Wingfeather Tales (The Wingfeather Saga) edited by Andrew Peterson. Rabbit Room, 2016. 339 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 12-15 Recommended For: Ages 10 and up, especially fans of the Wingfeather Saga…
Read More*100 Cupboards Series by N. D. Wilson
Henry discovers 100 cupboards that lead to other worlds in this complex middle grades fantasy series that mirrors the creation-fall-redemption narrative framework of Scripture. 100 Cupboards (100 Cupboards, Book 1) by N. D. Wilson. Yearling, 2008 (paperback). 320 pages. Dandelion Fire (100 Cupboards, Book 2) by N. D. Wilson. Yearling, 2009. 480 pages. The Chestnut King…
Read MoreRapid Fire: 10 Recent Award-Winning Picture Books
Rapid Fire: a quick, “rapid fire” list of mini-book reviews. Janie and I love to prognosticate the Newbery Award, discuss possible contenders, and dialogue during the announcement itself! But the ALA announces many more awards than the Newbery or Caldecott. Enjoy this “rapid fire” list of short reviews of some of the other award-winning (picture) books announced…
Read MoreStraight Talk About the Birds and the Bees
This is a review specifically for parents; librarians and teachers may benefit as well, but children should ask their parents first before reading further. This is also part reflection/part review, so the format is a bit different and longer than our usual reviews. With Valentine’s Day hovering, love is not just in the air, but has been assaulting our…
Read MoreTeaching Discernment: Bad Words in Books
True Story: We’re getting in the car after a park date with our homeschool friends, and one of my 9-year-old sons says: Mom! We learned some new bad words from Jim*! He told us about the F-word…. *name changed for privacy sake. I mention that this child is homeschooled only to point out that our children…
Read MorePrognosticating the 2017 Newbery (and other ALA Awards)
Today’s the day Betsy and Janie haul out their crystal balls from under the clutter in the hall closet (Betsy moved across country this year, so she’ll be lucky if she can find hers!) and try to predict this year’s winners of the coveted Newbery award. Our crystal balls are usually very cloudy–for the last…
Read More