Big by Vashti Harrison

In Big, winner of the 2024 Caldecott medal, one young girl learns to be kind to herself, despite the words of others. Big by Vashti Harrison, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2023. 60 pages. Once upon a time there was a little girl who wasn’t so little. She was a big baby. She became…

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Reading K. M. Shea’s Clean Urban Fantasy

Snarky heroines, quick banter, action, adventure, and a dash of romance are all components to K. M. Shea’s urban fantasy novels, but are they suitable for teens? For the past few years, K. M. Shea’s Magiford books have been a guilty pleasure in my free reading. Often available through Kindle Unlimited, for a while I…

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*Once a Queen by Sarah Arthur

once a queen cover image

Sarah Arthur’s YA fantasy novel Once a Queen imagines a world like ours where stories come to life, but individuals have to return to reality. *Once a Queen by Sarah Arthur, WaterBrook, 2024. 384 pages. What happens after stories end? Eva is arriving in England to visit a grandmother she has never met, one her…

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2024 Newbery Buzz #4: Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow

Simon Sort of Says was longlisted for the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. Could it win the Newbery? We’re continuing our long-running Newbery Buzz Discussion series this year with a book that was longlisted for the National Book Award: Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow. To read the rest in our series…

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YA Fantasy: Murtagh, Theft of Sunlight, & Wind Daughter

A rapid fire round up of three YA fantasy novels that belong to bigger worlds: Murtagh, A Darkness at the Door, and Wind Daughter. Murtagh by Christopher Paolini. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2023, 704 pages. Set following the Inheritance Cycle, Paolini focuses on Murtagh and his dragon Thorn, now living as fugitives. A cryptic…

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Hayley’s Favorite Books, Old and New

We are excited to be partnering with Story Glory Kids for our Winter Book Fair this year! In the past, we linked to amazon for all of our Christmas gift suggestions, but this year, whenever possible, we’ll be directing you to Story Glory for your book-related shopping. Like amazon, we get a small commission. Unlike…

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Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmith & Boulet

Calvin and Hobbes meets the Nickelodeon channel to retell Beowulf in a colorful, creative, graphic novel. Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmith & Boulet. First Second, 2023, 208 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grade, Ages 10-12 Recommended For: Ages 10 and up If you’ve read, Beowulf, you know it begins with an injunction: “Hwæt” Open the pages…

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YA Graphic Novels: Graceling, Cheshire Crossing & Lore Olympus

A rapid fire round up of three YA graphic novels for mature teen readers. Graceling by Kristin Cashore, adapted and illustrated by Gareth Hinds. Clarion Books, 2021, 272 pages. A gorgeous, lyrical graphic novel about a girl graced with a deadly gift. In Cashore’s fantasy world some people are “gracelings,” strange-eyed and possessing a magical…

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Quicksilver by R. J. Anderson

quicksilver

In an engaging sci-fi thriller, one girl attempts to outrun her past while discovering her true identity. Quicksilver by R. J. Anderson. Carolrhoda Lab, 2013. 320 pages. Reading Level:  Young Adults, Ages 16-upRecommended For: Ages 16-up On June 7, the year I turned sixteen, I vanished without a trace. On September 28 of the same year I came…

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Understanding Ukraine

A year after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, here is an updated booklist from Hayley’s 2014 series of posts about Ukraine. In 2014, as Russia invaded the Crimean peninsula, Redeemed Reader provided a series of posts to help readers understand Ukraine and the conflict occurring in Europe. Some of the titles were Ukrainian-specific while others helped…

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*A Dragon Used to Live Here by Annette LeBlanc Cate

In a whimsical tale within a tale, two royal children discover that their castle (and their own mother!) have a very interesting past. A Dragon Used to Live Here by Annette LeBlanc Cate. Candlewick, 2022, 256 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended For: ages 6-12 as a read-aloud, 8-12 independent readers Noble children…

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*The Star that Always Stays by Anna Rose Johnson

Cover of The Star that Always Stays

In a debut novel reminiscent of Maud Hart Lovelace and Laura Ingalls Wilder, a young girl discovers new friends, family, and hope. *The Star that Always Stays by Anna Rose Johnson. Holiday House, 2022. 224 pages. Reading Level: Teens, Ages 12-15 Recommended For: Ages 12 and up Living on Beaver Island wasn’t always easy for…

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Ukraine: Lessons in Liberty and Compassion, Part 1

This post was originally published in 2014, shortly after Ukraine’s Maidan Revolution. Emily’s reflections and application are still timely today. From Emily: As my kids are solidly in the middle of Medieval History in our home schooling, they haven’t had many opportunities to hear the the words, “Cold War.”  But with the events unfolding over…

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Getting to Know Shirley Hughes (1927 —2022)

Quintessentially English, Shirley Hughes delighted generations with her charming stories and beautiful illustrations. Growing up near Liverpool, England in the 1930s -40s, Hughes enjoyed such illustrators as Arthur Rackam.  She dreamed of being an illustrator but didn’t think the dream possible.   Hughes’ family was relatively well-to-do.  Her father, T. J. Hughes founded a department…

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Favorite Classics for Book Lovers

We review primarily new books here on Redeemed Reader, not because we don’t love the old books, but because resources for the new books are sometimes hard to find. We’re reading ahead for you, as it were. But we know that many of you–like us–love the old books, too! Here are some of our very…

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What about Aru Shah?

aru shah book cover

This is a question we often get at Redeemed Reader. In fact, there’s a whole comment thread asking if we’ve reviewed it. Part of the Rick Riordan Presents Series, Aru Shah and the End of Time welcomes readers into the dazzling and rather baffling world of Hindu mythology and reincarnation. Roshani Chokshi is a gifted…

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Looking Behind in The Hobbit

a blue hobbit door

This essay was originally written by Hayley for the Redeemed Reader 2012 Writing Contest. We hope you’ll enjoy it as we revisit The Hobbit this week, just in time for Bilbo’s birthday. Looking Behind As Bilbo Baggins clings to a barrel, increasingly cold and entirely wet, he wonders if he will die. Quite a predicament,…

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J. R. R. Tolkien for Kids by Simonetta Carr

cover image of J. R. R. Tolkien for Kids

An interactive biographical introduction to Tolkien with 21 activities, J. R. R. Tolkien for Kids is perfect for middle grade Tolkien enthusiasts. J. R. R. Tolkien for Kids: His Life and Writing with 21 Activities by Simonetta Carr. Chicago Review Press, 2021. 144 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grade (Ages 12 and up) Recommended For: Ages…

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*Steeped in Stories by Mitali Perkins: a Discussion

cover of steeped in stories

Steeped in Stories is a winsome, thought-provoking celebration of some beloved classics: a Redeemed Reader discussion. *Steeped in Stories: Timeless Children’s Novels to Refresh Our Tired Souls by Mitali Perkins. Broadleaf Books, 2021. 240 pages. Reading Level: Adult Recommended For: YA/Adult Hayley: Why read the classics? Aren’t they out of date? Let alone, how do we…

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A Visit to the Printers

Last Monday, I set off for a visit to our local printers. While I’ve written about going to the printer’s before, this time I wasn’t just picking up a proof. A Basement Tour Instead, it was time for a behind-the-scenes tour of SUN Printing with our printing contact, Carl. Past the lobby, down a corridor,…

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*Reading and Talking about Sexuality

Christian sexuality, broken Greek statue

*Note, this post engages with sexuality and includes conversation and books that are suitable for teens and adults. I was hiking in Europe. A French friend was telling me about a messy hook-up pseudo relationship. I listened and sympathized and then said, thoughtfully,  “That kind of thing wouldn’t happen for me because I believe that…

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Another Kingdom series by Andrew Klavan

another kingdom book cover

Andrew Klavan’s recently concluded gritty fantasy trilogy is a series for adults, not teens. Another Kingdom series by Andrew Klavan. Turner Publishing. Reading Level: Adult Recommended For: *Adults (see below) As Another Kingdom begins Austin Lively is just a Hollywood wannabe closing soon on a has-been. Then, he stumbles through a portal into a kingdom…

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Learning to Find Good Books

find good books, bookshelf picture

How do we find good books? We get this question often at Redeemed Reader. Many of you are on the hunt for books: to satisfy a voracious reader, interest an apathetic reader, find a new read aloud —the list goes on and on. But how do we find good books? And how can you do it? Honestly, this…

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Thought-Provoking YA Fantasy

theft of sunlight book cover

Between the two, The Theft of Sunlight and Into the Heartless Wood take on fairytales, humanity, and the complex web of sex trafficking. Into the Heartless Wood by Joanna Ruth Meyer. Page Street Kids, 2021. 368 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, Ages 14-17 Recommended For: Ages 15 and up Imagine a world where railways plunge…

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*A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus

cover of a place to hang the moon

Young readers will find kindred spirits in A Place to Hang the Moon, a story of three displaced children in wartime Britain. *A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus. Margaret Ferguson Books, 2021. 320 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grade, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Ages 8-12 The story begins in1940s London with a funeral.…

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The Golden Age Detective Stories

the golden age, Agatha Christie photo

This is an abridged version of the article Reading the Golden Age that originally appeared in our Fall 2020 Quarterly. Who murdered ____?  Is it the estranged relative?  The thwarted lover? The embittered neighbor?  But the more immediate question for you, dear reader: what mystery to read? Let me introduce you to some of the…

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Friday Introductions: Hayley

Team Spotlight What does it look like behind the scenes at Redeemed Reader? We’re taking some time on Fridays to give you a glimpse behind the curtains. What happens when a bookworm grows up? In my case, I joined the Redeemed Reader team. I’m Hayley, staff writer and the face behind the newsletters as well…

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*The Simple Art of Flying by Cory Leonardo

A charming middle grade debut featuring a fractious, poetic parrot and a lonely little boy. *The Simple Art of Flying by Cory Leonardo. Aladdin, 2019. 384 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12 Recommended For: Middle Grades, ages 8-12 Alastair is bound and determined to escape the pet shop. Even though it’s the only world…

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The Fellowship: A Discussion

Reading about the Inklings, Hayley and Megan discuss The Fellowship, an excellent book for Tolkien and Lewis enthusiasts. The Fellowship: The Literary Lives of the Inklings: J.R.R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, Owen Barfield, Charles Williams by Philip Zaleski and Carol Zaleski. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2015. 656 pages. Reading Level: Adult Recommended For: Ages 16…

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*Dorothy and Jack by Gina Dalfonzo

dorothy and jack cover

An excellent introduction to the friendship between C. S. Lewis and Dorothy Sayers. Dorothy and Jack by Gina Dalfonzo. Baker Books, 2020. 208 pages. Reading Level: Young adult – Adult, Ages 15 and up Recommended For: Ages 15 and up The first time Douglas Gresham saw his stepfather, C. S. Lewis, cry was at the…

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*The Bootlace Magician by Cassie Beasley

Welcome back to the magic that enchanted us in Circus Mirandus. The Bootlace Magician by Cassie Beasley. Dial Books, 2019, 416 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, age 10-12Recommended for: all ages Micah Tuttle is dealing with grief at the loss of his beloved grandfather. He is also struggling to find his place in the amazing magical…

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Back Porch Book Chat: W. R. Gingell (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 W. R. Gingell from Australia. She chats with us about fantasy, books and authors that shaped her, why she writes “clean” fiction and more! Interview…

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Books We Loved

Ever wondered what it’s like to listen in on our conversations? Here’s a chance! Hayley, Janie, and Betsy talk about some of their favorite books from the past year. Books That Made Us Cry Hayley: I think the older I get, the more books make me cry.  This past year a couple books stand out: Pay…

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Those Literary Couples We Loved

Darcy and Elizabeth  Lord Peter and Harriet Katniss and Peeta . . . or was it Gale? I know, I know!  NOT The Hunger Games.  But what are our favorite literary couples?I’ll start off: Lord Peter and Harriet —I love the character development throughout the Lord Peter Wimsey series that culminates in Gaudy Night.  I especially love…

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2020: Meet the Team —Janie

It’s time for Meet the Team, January 2020 edition! Hayley plays interviewer to introduce the Redeemed Reader team. We’re starting off with our editorial advisor and senior staff writer, Janie B. Cheaney. As Betsy likes to ask in her Back Porch Book Chats, what is your preferred drink as you sit down with a book? …

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House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin Craig

A dark YA fairytale retelling of the twelve dancing princesses. In a haunting, gothic setting, a family mourns as yet another daughter is interred to the sea. This time, Annaleigh is convinced there is something amiss with her sister’s death.

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*Confronting Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin

Rebecca McLaughlin confronts some of the hardest questions faced by Christians today with thoughtful, engaging responses rooted in Scripture. *Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World’s Largest Religion by Rebecca McLaughlin. Crossway, 2019, 240 pages. Reading Level: Teen, ages 15-18 Recommended for: ages 18-up So you are a Christian? Chances are, you’ve encountered someone who believes…

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Our Favorite Mice: A Booklist

Have you ever stopped to consider how many mice are in children’s literature? There is something about these small, unlikely protagonists that captures the imagination. From Aesop’s Fables to contemporary authors, here are some of our favorite mouse books divided by age level. Picture Books Brambly Hedge books by Jill Barklem (For many generations, families…

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Summer Books for Refugees

This month, Redeemed Reader will be donating every part of the commission we earn as Amazon affiliates to the Summer Feed and Read Program that works with refugee children in Nashville.  You might remember it from last summer; one of Redeemed Reader’s co-founders, Emily Whitten, is involved with the program, and it’s an excellent gospel ministry seeking…

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Reading Robin McKinley

“I’m reading a book that’s a little slow.” I told a friend. “Why not stop reading it?” It was a fair question, but it hadn’t even crossed my mind. “Because I like the author . . . and she has these wonderful sentences that make the rest of the book worth reading.” In a nutshell,…

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Meet the Team: Hayley

Our Meet the Team post series concludes with Hayley, answering her own interview questions. What is your first reading memory? Are there some books you remember a parent reading aloud to you? I don’t have a first —our house was filled with books and read alouds. I do remember standing in our basement and staring…

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Meet the Team: Janie

We’re taking some time and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the Redeemed Reader team. Today, Hayley (RR’s executive assistant) interviews our Editorial Advisor and Senior Staff writer, Janie B. Cheaney. What is your first reading memory? Are there some books you remember a parent reading aloud to you? I know my parents read to…

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Meet the Team: Betsy

As we head into 2019, we’re going to take some time and give you a behind-the-scenes look at the Redeemed Reader team. So, with Hayley (our executive assistant) as interviewer, we’re starting off with our Managing Editor and Staff writer, Betsy Farquhar. What is your first reading memory? What are some books you remember your…

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Sign Here: Twenty-Two Unofficially Official Pull-Out Forms

Perfect activity for your list-loving child on a cold winter’s day. Sign Here by Gabrielle Djanogly & Adele Mildred.  Prestel Junior, 2018.  48 pages.   Reading Level: Ages 8 & up Recommended for: Ages 8 — Adult The subtitle does an excellent job of summing up this fun, tongue-in-cheek activity book, “Twenty-Two Unofficially Official Pull-Out Forms for Dreams,…

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The Books Worth a Library Fine

This post really happened.  It was written at the library with a stack of books and without coffee. It has been left close to its original form for your amusement.   Yes, it’s happened again.  I’m bound and determined to review a book, to mention it on Redeemed Reader because I know you’d like it.…

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Five Favorites: Old and New

With leaves changing and school beginning, our Redeemed Reader intern, Zoe Watters, shares five books that can be enjoyed any time of year.  As she says, some lessons, including spiritual ones, are learned better in stories. For example, “it is more fun to have adventures with others, and rescue missions are more successful when kids…

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Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier

Mysterious maps, sea creatures, and an island kingdom where dark secrets threaten to emerge . . . All the makings for an excellent story. Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2018.  400 pages. Reading Level: Ages 16 and up Recommended For: Ages 16 and up Fans of Megan Whalen Turner…

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*In the Land of the Blue Burqas by Kate McCord

In a beautifully written memoir full of vignettes, McCord gives readers glimpses of the people and culture of Afghanistan through her eyes as a Christian NGO. *In the Land of the Blue Burqas by Kate McCord.  Moody Publishers,2012.  320 pages. Reading Level:  Adult (Ages 16 and up) Recommended For: Teens/Adults (Ages 15 and up)  What is…

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Disenchanted by Megan Morrison

Readers eager for more tales from Tyme will be disappointed by a story that is for more political than its precursor.   Disenchanted: The Trials of Cinderella by Megan Morrison.  Arthur A. Levine Books, 2016.  416 pages. Reading Level: teen, ages 10-12 While Grounded was a fairytale romp with thought-provoking themes and engaging characters, Disenchanted tackles weightier…

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Rapid Fire: Five Recent YA

Reading YA takes time. Books often stretch to 400 plus pages, and sometimes at the end of the day, those 400 pages aren’t worth an in-depth review.  But you’d still like something, right? So, at a glance, here are 5 rapid fire reviews of recent YA novels. Children of Blood & Bone by Tomi Adeyemi.  Henry…

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The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill

Watch out Chicago, there’s a new amateur sleuth in town for this jazz age mystery!     The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill.  Blink, 2017. 352 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult (15 & up)         Piper Sail, independent and privileged, is enjoying her senior year of high school in 1920s Chicago.…

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Getting to Know Beatrix Potter (1866 – 1943)

“My dear Eric, Once upon a time there was a frog called Mr. Jeremy Fisher . . .” A day earlier, Beatrix Potter had written Eric’s older brother. “My dear Noel, I don’t know what to write to you, so I shall tell you a story about four little rabbits whose names were —Flopsy, Mopsy,…

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Roll by Darcy Miller

In rural Minnesota,  friendship and rolling pigeons combine in an enjoyable middle grade debut novel.   Roll by Darcy Miller.  HarperCollins, 2017, 224 pages Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10 & up   Ren’s parents have moved to the country, 8 miles away from their small town in Minnesota, and 8 miles…

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Reading Diana Wynne Jones: an Author Portrait

You just finished a good book.  Now what?  Many book lovers can relate to this sad, unsatisfied feeling.  But what if you banished that feeling, by reading the same author widely?  Some discernment needs to be applied, especially if the author wrote across genres.  And unfortunately, it doesn’t apply for an author of limited works. …

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Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray

Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray.  Little, Brown and Company, 2017. 512 pages. Noemi Vidal will die for her country, but an abandoned spaceship and a mysterious mech draw her into a quest that could save Genesis yet threatens to overturn everything she believes.      Reading Level: Young Adults, 16 and up Recommended for: Ages…

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Week 6 : God So Loved, He Gave

Introduction This summer reading challenge has flown by!  Can you believe it’s Week 6 already?  (Granted, we did take a week off for the Fourth of July, but that means 7 weeks have passed since we began.) We’ve covered a lot of ground since we started.  This is true both literally and figuratively; two of…

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Which Path & Which Friend Discussion

This week, the Redeemed Reader team discusses what it looks like to take the right path and our favorite friendships in literature.   Pilgrim’s Progress is one book with a clear “path” in the story.  What are other stories you can think of with both a “right path” and a wrong? Megan:  Well, I’ll start…

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Wisdom & Wonder Week 4 Booklist

Week 4 Theme: Which Path and With Whom Additional Proverbs to Read and Think About 14:12  There is a way that seems right to a man . . . 17:10  A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool. 21:30  No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail…

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Wisdom & Wonder Week 4: Which Path and With Whom?

Welcome to Week 4 of Wisdom and Wonder!  We hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July.  Now, back to the reading challenge! For a quick review, here is what we’ve covered so far: Week 1 —Turning to God, Away from Sin Week 2 —God’s Word is a Treasure Week 3 —Responding to Correction  Home…

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The Queen of Attolia: A Beauty and the Beast Discussion

As part of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure, Megan, Betsy, and Hayley are discussing The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner.   Redeemed Reader’s Megan reviewed the first book in the series, The Thief, last year, and it was part of Redeemed Reader’s Winter Book Fair.  The Queen of Attolia is its sequel and…

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Beauty and the Beast – Devotional #3

Once upon a time there was beautiful girl who became a queen. . . .  And her name was Esther.  There’s a definite fairytale quality to the book of Esther.  Like Belle, beautiful and unsuspecting, Esther is plucked from her home and placed in grandeur.  And, like Beauty and the Beast, redemption is interwoven in…

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*Beauty by Robin McKinley

This is one of the 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 action movie.  …

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Devotion by Adam Makos

It is Korea, 1950, and Jesse Brown, first African American carrier pilot in the Navy, has just crashed over enemy territory . . .                                      Devotion by Adam Makos.  Ballantine Books, 2015, 401 pages.   Reading Level: Adult …

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*A Little Taste of Poison by R. J. Anderson

The stakes are higher than ever for Isaveth Breck, plucky heroine of A Pocketful of Murder, when the future of her city is threatened.    A Little Taste of Poison (Uncommon Magic, #2) by R. J. Anderson.  Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2016, 359 pages.   Reading Level: Middle Grades, 12-15  Recommended for: ages 12 and up *Spoiler Alert…

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