Posts by Janie Cheaney
*Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by Richard Adams, James Sturm, and Joe Sutphin
The graphic-novel version of Watership Down combines the dramatic force of the original story with winning art.
Read MoreTraditional Christmas Picture Books: A Roundup
The Chimney Problem, the decorating dilemma, a pesky pigeon, and a reformed Grinch take center stage in four new Christmas picture books.
Read MoreChildren of Israel: Our Book List of Jewish Life, History, and Culture
Books to increase children’s understanding of the Jews’ unique history, culture, and relevance.
Read MoreNothing Else but Miracles by Kate Albus
Nothing Else but Miracles features a spunky and imaginative protagonist making the most of hardships on the WWII home front.
Read MoreA Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes and Jerry Pinkney
A Walk in the Woods features Jerry Pinkney’s last illustrations in a sensitive portrayal of childhood grief.
Read More*Enemies in the Orchard by Dana VanderLugt
In Enemies in the Orchard, an American girl and a German POW discover a shared humanity among the tragedy of war.
Read More*The Miracle Seed by Martin Lemelman
The Miracle Seed tells the amazing story of how a tree extinct for a millennium came back to life.
Read MoreThings in the Basement by Ben Hatke
Ben Hatke’s graphic novel Things in the Basement takes an intrepid protagonist through centuries of art and symbolism.
Read More*The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo
The Puppets of Spelhorst is a bittersweet fairy tale with engaging characters and an enthralling conclusion.
Read MoreThe Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day
The Mona Lisa Vanishes tells of an astonishing theft while tracing the background of the world’s most famous painting.
Read More*The Vanderbeekers Ever After by Karina Yan Glaser
The Vanderbeeker family faces their greatest challenge yet in this last volume of a beloved series.
Read MoreChinese Menu by Grace Lin
Chinese Menu traces the origin of everybody’s favorite Chinese dishes, from wonton soup to rice fortune cookies.
Read MoreImpossible Escape by Steve Sheinkin
Impossible Escape tells the story of one determined teenager who survived Auschwitz and became one of the first to reveal details of the Holocaust.
Read MoreThe Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall by Ali Standish
The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall series imagines the mystery-ridden education of a classic mystery writer.
Read MoreMaps, by Eleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski
Maps is an oversize and endlessly browseable collection of hand-drawn maps of most of the world. Maps by Eleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski. Candlewick, 2013, 107 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 You like maps? We’ve got maps! After a view of the whole world, followed by a political map of Europe, the fun…
Read MoreGod, You Are by William R. Osborne
God, You Are introduces young children to God’s character and attributes in a warm devotional setting.
Read MoreThe Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass
The Lost Library is thin on theme, but warm hearted and family-friendly.
Read MoreDust by Dusti Bowling
Dust is the story of an asthma sufferer challenged to “use her breath” to fight a wrong.
Read MoreSmART: Use Your Eyes to Boost Your Brain by Amy E. Herman
SmART, a young-reader version of the best-seller Visual Intelligence, employs art as a way of teaching observation and interpretation.
Read MoreThe Switch by Roland Smith
A 13-year-old boy must help his large family survive an ElectroMagnetic Pulse in The Switch.
Read MoreSparrow Being Sparrow by Gail Donovan
Sparrow Being Sparrow introduces a likeable heroine with some impulsive ways that are open to correction.
Read MoreStuff Kids Should Know by Clark and Bryant
Stuff Kids Should Know draws from a popular podcast to detail the fascinating histories behind some everyday realities.
Read MoreThe Story of Gumluck the Wizard by Adam Rex
Gumluck the Wizard is a charming chapter-book character with some humorous misapprehensions
Read MoreNonfiction Picture Books: We Are Starlings, Great Carrier Reef, The Book of Turtles
We Are Starlings: Inside the Mesmerizing Magic of a Murmuration by Robert Furrow & Donna Jo Napoli, illustrated by Marc Martin. Random House Studio, 2023, 30 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 0-4 Recommended for: ages 3-8 “We are starlings. This morning is chilly. We are restless to leave this cold place.” They start with…
Read MoreUltraviolet by R. J. Anderson
A first-person psychological thriller inside one young woman’s remarkable consciousness. Ultraviolet, by R. J. Anderson. Carolrhoda Lab, 2011, 303 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, Ages 14-upRecommended For: Ages 14-up When Alison Jeffries wakes up in an unfamiliar place with a head full of screaming memories and arms scarred with angry welts, it takes a while to…
Read MoreStarboard by Nicola Skinner
Starboard takes a young reality-TV star on an involuntary voyage of self-discovery.
Read MorePortraits of Faith: *Pilipinto and God’s Servant Ruth
A missionary daughter in the 20th century and a pagan-born woman of ancient Israel offer two inspiring examples of faithfulness in difficult circumstances.
Read MoreTeaching the Faith: *The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism
A new edition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism uses cartoon illustrations as an aid to understanding and discussion.
Read MoreHow to Stay Invisible by Maggie C. Rudd
In How to Stay Invisible, an abandoned boy attempts to make it on his own and discovers he needs other people.
Read MoreGinny Off the Map by Caroline Hickey
In Ginny off the Map, a geography-obsessed sixth-grader learns to meet people where they are and find “true north” in her own family.
Read MoreThe McNifficents by Amy Mckechnie
The McNifficents are a family of rambunctious kids corralled by a perceptive and conscientious Schnauzer.
Read MoreIn the Tunnel by Julie Lee
In the Tunnel takes readers into the savagery and family upheaval of the Korean War .
Read MoreRace against Death by Deborah Hopkinson
Race against Death surveys the fall of the Philippines during WWII, the fate of American prisoners left there, and the bold plan to rescue them near the war’s end.
Read MoreComics: Whys, Hows, and Wherefores
One for teens, one for middle-graders on what “comics” are all about.
Read MoreGladys Hunt on Re-issues: Good, Bad, and Ugly
Some re-issues actually improve on the original. Others, not so much . . .
Read MoreSummer Fun Ahead: a Picture Book Tour
An eclectic collection of picture and travel books for summer fun.
Read MoreAlternative Physics: Larklight
The Larklight series is a rollicking ride through a steampunk solar system.
Read MoreGladys Hunt on Starred Reviews
Did you ever wonder how your local librarian chooses books for the children’s collection?
Read MoreTalking About Money
What better time to talk about value, budgeting, and a summer job?
Read MoreGladys Hunt on Personal Libraries
How many books should a child own?
Read More*Land of Hope by Wilfred McClay
Land of Hope offers a balanced, positive, and often inspiring view of American history.
Read MoreGladys Hunt on Stellar Historical Fiction
There’s plenty of appropriate historical fiction for middle-graders, but sometimes you have to dig below the surface recommendations.
Read MoreGladys Hunt on Pop-up Books
Besides giving one to a two-year-old, what should you consider before purchasing a pop-up?
Read MoreWhen Clouds Touch Us by Thanhhà Lai
When Clouds Touch Us follows up the award-winning Inside Out and Back Again with the further adventures of a Vietnamese refugee family in the 1970s.
Read MoreBuffalo Flats by Martine Leavitt
Buffalo Flats takes readers to the Northwest Territory of Canada, for an unforgettable story of spiritual growth and romance.
Read MoreGladys Hunt on the Magical Tool of Language
Stop and think for a minute about the immense power you wield every day.
Read More*Nearer My Freedom by Monica Edinger and Lesley Younge
Nearer My Freedom uses the actual text of an 18th-century memoir to create a poetic account of an extraordinary life story.
Read More*Arthur, the Always King by Kevin Crossley-Holland
The lavishly-illustrated Arthur the Always King communicates the doomed majesty of the Arthurian legend.
Read MoreGladys Hunt on an Exaggerated Demise
Back in 2009, experts were predicting physical books and libraries would soon be outdated. Gladys Hunt begged to differ . . .
Read MoreEnter the Body by Joy McCullough
Enter the Body engages three tragic heroines of Shakespeare in a discussion of love, oppression, and what they might have done differently.
Read MoreThe Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson
Noting one important consideration, The Firefly Summer is an enjoyable light read with a theme of family solidarity.
Read MoreSongs of America by Jon Meacham and Tim McGraw
Songs of America takes an interesting approach to American history—tracing our story through popular tunes and lyrics.
Read MoreGladys Hunt on Diversity
Does multicultural reading require multicultural authors?
Read MoreBig Tree by Brian Selznick
Big Tree, by best-selling author-illustrator Brian Selznick, attempts to capture the wonder of creation without a Creator.
Read MoreGladys Hunt on Disappearing Mothers
Could a fictional mother send the protagonist off to fight the dragon–without his overcoat?
Read More*The Labors of Hercles Beal by Gary Schmidt
The title character of The Labors of Hercules Beal works through his grief by duplicating, in contemporary terms, the 12 “labors” of his mythical namesake.
Read MorePicture Books to Make You Think: Twenty Questions, Bucket of Questions, Wants vs. Needs vs. Robots, and The Tree and the River
Four new picture books raised questions and stimulate discussion for readers ages 3-12.
Read MoreSunshine by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Sunshine is the true story of a young man finding joy amid sorrow at a summer camp for seriously-ill children.
Read MoreGladys Hunt: In Praise of Mothers
For all you mothers out there . . .
Read More*Make Way by Angel Burke Kunkel
Make Way tells the story of a very famous family of ducks, the man who made them famous and the woman who made them a landmark.
Read MoreAbandon Ship by Michael J. Tougias
Abandon Ship! tells the little-known story of a World War II sea disaster with a surprising twist.
Read MoreGladys Hunt on “Improving” the Classics
14 years ago, A.A. Milne’s estate sanctioned a new book of Winnie-the-Pooh adventures. Was this a good idea?
Read MoreButton Pusher by Tyler Page
Button Pusher is the graphic-novel memoir of a boy who struggled with ADHD before learning to manage it.
Read MoreThe Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat
The Legends of Lotus Island series follows a child of destiny as she seeks to pass “The Guardian Test.”
Read MoreGladys Hunt on Getting Them to Sleep
Gladys Hunt shares two of her favorite go-to-sleep books.
Read MoreThe Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri: A Book Discussion
The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri: Betsy and Janie Discuss Betsy: Janie, you and I both (eagerly) received advance reader copies of Daniel Nayeri’s newest book, The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but this book was delightful. It’s also…
Read MoreGladys Hunt on Developing a Sympathetic Heart
How good stories can be good teachers
Read MoreIceberg by Jennifer A. Nielsen
In Iceberg, a 12-year-old stowaway experiences history’s worst maritime disaster.
Read MoreNonfiction Picture Books: Concrete; Luminous; The Animal Toolkit; The Universe in You; Digestion: The Musical
Outstanding picture books from 2022 feature the story of a ubiquitous building material, unusual animals, basic particle physics, and a different take on the topic of digestion.
Read MoreGladys Hunt on Taking Notice
“A good book should help you notice the world, and you can’t begin too early with noticing.”
Read MoreSchool Trip by Jerry Craft
School Trip, a companion novel to Newbery-winning New Kid, launches the Riverdale Academy students on a tour of Paris.
Read MoreA First Time for Everything by Dan Santat
In A First Time for Everything, Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat looks back on a life-changing tour of Europe as a 13-year-old.
Read MoreNot an Easy Win by Chrystal D. Giles
Not an Easy Win is the encouraging story of a displaced young man finding purpose and life lessons in the game of chess
Read MoreLeeva at Last by Sara Pennypacker
Leeva at Last introduces us to a plucky young heroine who overcomes evil with good.
Read More3 Picture Books about Friendship and Positivity
Silver Linings and The Bright Side showcase a positive attitude, while Friends beyond Measure puts a clever, mathematical spin on childhood best friends.
Read MoreNoticing by Kobi Yomada
Noticing, a picture book for tweens and older, beautifully illustrates the point that “One of the best things you can be is interested.”
Read MoreGladys Hunt on Library Blessings
The first American public libraries were no place for a kid. Why?
Read MoreHoney and Me by Meira Drazin
Honey and Me explores the fun and challenge of middle-grade friendship in the context of the Orthodox Jewish community.
Read MoreAll My Rage by Saaba Tahir
All My Rage, winner of the 2023 Printz Award, follows a pair of Pakistani-American teens from uncertainty through trauma to stability and hope.
Read MoreGladys Hunt on Simplicity
Bored with reading the same picture books over and over?
Read More*Dragonfly Eyes by Cao Wenxuan
Dragonfly Eyes is a slowly-unfolding, beautiful picture of family love and loyalty during the stressful days of China’s Cultural Revolution.
Read MoreCSK Illlustrator Roundup: Standing in the Need of Prayer, Me and the Boss, and The Talk
These picture books featuring the African American experience earn high marks for illustration.
Read MorePrincess of the Wild Sea by Megan Frazer Blakemore
A twist on Sleeping Beauty, Princess of the Wild Sea explores the concept of heroism and the danger and reward of risk-taking.
Read MoreVictory, Stand! by Tommie Smith and Derrick Barnes
Victory, Stand! tells the story of the notorious “Olympic fist” from a point of view that makes it understandable.
Read MoreGladys Hunt on Pigs and Possibilities
Nine recommendations for a classic story involving three plucky porkers
Read More2023 Geisel Award Winner: I Did It! by Michael Emberley
I Did It!, winner of this year’s Geisel Award for early readers, charmingly illustrates a common childhood experience: trying and failing.
Read MoreGeisel Roundup: A Seed Grows, Fish and Wave, Gigi and Ojiji, Owl and Penguin
The 2023 Theodore Seuss Geisel honors books for beginning readers focus on friendship, family, and nature.
Read MoreGladys Hunt on Shared Adventures
Gladys Hunt shares how (and why) to become an the adventurous, read-aloud family.
Read MoreNewbery Honor: Iveliz Explains it All by Andrea Beatriz Arango
Iveliz Explains It All follows a 13-year-old girl into depression following a traumatic event, with signs of hope toward the end.
Read More2023 Newbery Winner: Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson
Freewater, this year’s Newbery Medal winner, is as much an adventure tale as little-known history.
Read MoreGladys Hunt on the Music (and Magic) of Words
We wrap up this month’s -Honey for a Child’s Heart Read-along with two meditations on the unique power of language to the human soul.
Read MoreThe Lost Year by Katherine Marsh
The Lost Year uses multiple voices to narrate a sad chapter of history: Stalin’s deliberate starving of Ukraine.
Read MoreGladys Hunt on Raising Readers
“Literacy” begins long before a child can read for herself. Here, Gladys Hunt muses about how to take those first steps.
Read MoreThe Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen by Isaac Blum
“Hoodie Rosen” introduces teen readers to the Orthodox Jewish world and the reality of antisemitism.
Read MoreCaldecott Honor Roundup: Ain’t Burned All the Bright, Berry Song, Choosing Brave, and Knight Owl
This year’s Caldecott honor books explore a range of moods from wistful to whimsical.
Read MoreGladys Hunt on Enjoying Poetry with Children
Children have a natural love of poetry that can easily be encouraged.
Read MoreThe British Are Coming (Young Reader Ed.) by Rick Atkinson
The British Are Coming recounts the first 4 years of the American Revolution in an engaging style, capturing substance and detail.
Read MoreMr. Lincoln Sits for His Portrait by Leonard S. Marcus
Mr. Lincoln Sits for His Portrait is an unusual and touching look at our nation’s 16th president through the then-new medium of photography.
Read MoreToo Small Tola and the Three Fine Girls by Atinuke
“Too Small Tola” returns in a second volume of this warm-hearted series of Nigerian family life.
Read MoreLove and Laughter Book List
A Valentine’s Day list of books that celebrate family love and wholesome romance
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