Quiet Family Dramas: Four Recent Middle-grade novels

A roundup of recent middle-grade novels about family formation and dissolution. Stories, like people, begin at home, and no matter how fanciful or adventurous middle-grade fiction may be, its mainstay remains what it’s always been: the family.  Four recent novels by award-winning authors present families in the process of bereaving, breaking up, or re-forming, all…

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*The Church Mice Series by Graham Oakley

The Church Mice series recaptures a very British way of life through a band of adventurous mice and their loyal protector cat. The Church Mice Spread Their Wings by Graham Oakley.  Atheneum, 1976 (first American Edition), 34 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 5-up This is the fourth in a series…

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Are Graphic Novels “Literature”?

When I was a kid, back in the day, “comic books” did not have a great reputation.  In fact, in 1949 a book called Seduction of the Innocent, by psychologist Fredric Wertham, sent a groundswell of concerned parents to their children’s comic stash, looking for hidden (or not-so-hidden) sexual themes and violent content.  At best,…

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The Pilgrim’s Regress by C. S. Lewis

The Pilgrim’s Regress by C. S. Lewis.  Eerdmans, 2014, 256 pages.  (Originally published 1933 UK, 1935 US) Reading Level: Teen/adult Recommended for: ages 18-up In his spiritual autobiography, Surprised by Joy, C. S. Lewis recalls one of his earliest memories: his older brother had filled the lid of a biscuit tin with moss and decorated…

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The Pilgrim Travels on: Literary References to The Pilgrim’s Progress

Few works of literature have had the cultural reach of John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress.  That’s pretty amazing—who would have thought an adventure story that pauses every few pages for long discussions of Christian theology would have such a grip on the Western world’s imagination? Clearly Bunyan tapped something deep in the human spirit. The…

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Recommended Graphic Novels: a Booklist

I’m old enough to remember a time when “comics” were frowned upon as a cheap, inferior form of literature that kids shouldn’t be wasting their time on. Most kids (including me) ignored those frowns, spending hours at the local drug store pawing through the comics rack for Little Lulu and Denis the Menace. These days,…

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Graphic Novel Roundup: The Giver and A Wrinkle in Time

Two recent graphic-novel adaptations of classic stories have their strengths, but overall demonstrate the adage, “the book is better.” A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, adapted and illustrated by Hope Larson.  Farrar Strauss Giroux, 2012, 391 pages. The James Patterson blurb on the back cover praises the “colorful panels” but the first thing a…

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The Susan Pevensie Problem

A new teen fantasy novel draws inspiration from Susan Pevensie’s rejection of Narnia to spin a similar tale. In the almost 70 years since C. S. Lewis published The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, the series has attracted heat as well as love.  Uniquely so: Tolkien, his friend and colleague, gets no barbs for…

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The Biggest Win by Joshua Cooley

In The Biggest Win, players from the 2018 Super Bowl championship team coach young athlete in winning the kingdom of God. The Biggest Win: Pro Football Players Tackle Faith by Joshua Cooley.  New Growth Press, 2018, 158 pages Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 12-up The story of the Philadelphia Eagles, last year’s…

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Birds of Pray by Rob Maaddi

A sports reporter who was with the Eagles as their dream team came together tells the story of their amazing Super Bowl Win. Birds of Pray the Story of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Faith, Brotherhood, and Super Bowl Victory by Rob Maaddi.  Zondervan, 2018, 208 pages. Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 14-up Last…

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Cyrus Field’s Big Dream by Mary Morton Cowan

Nobody said “No” to Cyrus Field once he got his brain around a big idea that transformed the history of communication—and history itself. Cyrus Field’s Big Dream: the Daring Effort to Lay the First Transatlantic Telegraph Cable by Mary Morton Cowan.  Calkins Creek, 2018, 199 pages plus notes, index, and bibliography. Reading Level: Teen, ages…

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The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean

“The Disappearing Spoon” is one mystery solved by the periodic table, in this entertaining grab-bag of historical oddities from chemistry. The Disappearing Spoon (Young Readers Edition) by Sam Kean.  Little, Brown, 2018, 212 pages plus appendix. Reading Level: Teen, 12-15 Recommended for: ages 10 and up Even if you flunked chemistry (the way I almost…

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2019 Newbery Buzz #6: Cardboard Kingdom

Cardboard Kingdom (Knopf, 2018) bounced to the top of the book-review radar the moment it was released, and soon after tallied an impressive 5 starred reviews.  It’s a book for the times: a graphic novel with vivid colors and diverse characters created by author Chad Sell’s graphic-artist friends.  Every race and ethnicity is represented in…

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2019 Newbery Buzz #5: The Parker Inheritance

The Parker Inheritance, the latest by Varian Johnson, is a different sort of book from his light-hearted, fun middle grades heist novels (see The Great Greene Heist). Part historical fiction, part realistic fiction, The Parker Inheritance focuses on a small Southern town complete with a checkered past, colorful characters, and a mystery. The book opens…

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Did I Read That? Tracking Books with Notecards

Even before we started Redeemed Reader, I read a lot of books.  Sometimes I reviewed them for my own blog and sometimes I just wanted to jot down my own thoughts as a response to what I read.  The best books encourage pushback!  With some nonfiction, I would take notes or write summaries, especially if…

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2019 Newbery Buzz #4: The Faithful Spy

cover of faithful spy

Janie and Megan talk over one of the most impressive books we read this year: The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler. Janie: Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a name most Evangelicals know—or should know.  In the past five years at least two important biographies have appeared, one of them by Christian author…

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2019 Newbery Buzz #2: The Book of Boy

Janie: The Book of Boy is one of the more unusual middle-grade novels to appear this year.  The main character is (not surprisingly) Boy, a foundling raised by the village priest, who never bothered to give him a name.  Now that the Black Death has carried away his guardian, Boy is a goatherd at the…

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Newbery Roundup – The Books We Didn’t Love (Part Two)

Continuing our series from last Friday about children’s books seen as contenders for the ALA’s coveted Newbery medal. The Truth As Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor.  HarperCollins, 2018, 342 pages Mason, according to his Uncle Drum, has a trifecta of problems: he’s large, he sweats a lot, and he doesn’t do well in…

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Newbery Roundup – The Books We Didn’t Love (Part One)

Then end of the year is the beginning of buildup to the annual American Library Association (ALA) “Youth Media Awards,” culminating in the announcement of the year’s coveted Newbery medal.  Library websites and mock Newbery candidates give us an idea of what’s being talked about, and at Redeemed Reader we try to at least give…

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2019 Newbery Buzz #1: The Season of Styx Malone

It’s that time again!  Children’s book titles are pouring into every librarians’ website as the kidlit community speculates on who will win Newbery gold this year (announced on January 28).  At Redeemed Reader, we’re no exception.   Every Newbery committee is different and it’s almost impossible to predict what will tickle the panel’s fancy (or prick…

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Every Month is a New Year by Susan L. Roth

This picture book gives a neglected holiday its due, celebrating “New Year” around the world with brilliant collage illustrations. Every Month is a New Year: Celebrations around the World by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Susan L. Roth.  Lee & Low, 2018, 50 pages. Reading Level: Picture book, ages 4-8 Recommended for: ages From the midnight…

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Inkling by Kenneth Oppel

Imagination literally runs wild in Inkling, the latest middle-grade novel from popular novelist Kenneth Oppel. Inkling by Kenneth Oppel, with illustrations by Sydney Smith.  Knopf, 2018, 239 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for:  ages 10-14 (ages 8-15 as a read-aloud) Nobody knows how it happened, because only the cat saw it.  Wind…

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The Hungry Cities Chronicles by Philip Reeve

  The movie version of Mortal Engines opens this weekend.  Here’s our original review of the series, originally published in January 2011. The Hungry Cities Chronicles, by Philip Reeve: Mortal Engines (2001), Predator’s Gold (2003), Infernal Devices (2005), A Darkling Plain (2006).  Harper Collins.  Age/interest level: 14-up. If I were idly browsing shelves, I would…

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*God Counts by Irene Sun

More than a simple counting book, God Counts sets out to teach numerically inclined kids what God is like—through numbers. *God Counts: Numbers in His Word and His World by Irene Sun.  New Growth Press, 2018, 28 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, 0-4 Recommended for: ages 2-5 as a read-aloud, 6-7 for independent readers “In…

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Special God by Julie Mililli

Special God sets out to explain biblical theological concepts to young children and those with special needs. Special God by Julie Mililli, design by Matt Stevens.  Crossway, 2018, 59 pages including grossary. Reading Level: Picture book, ages 4-8 Recommended for: ages 5-8 as a read-aloud, 7-10 for independent reading In the Introduction, the author recounts…

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The Year in Books – RR Staff Reflections

Are you the kind of person who asks, “What have you been reading lately?”  Betsy, Megan, Janie, and Hayley took some time to reflect about some of the outstanding books of the year so soon to be over, and here are our thoughts.  We thought you might be interested, too–and, not incidentally, pick up some…

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Carnegie’s Maid by Marie Benedict

This historical novel for teens speculates on a maid who influenced steel magnate Andrew Carnegie to become a philanthropist. Carnegie’s Maid: a Novel by Marie Benedict.  Sourcebooks, 2018, 352 pages Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15 Recommended for: 12-up Clara Kelly knew it was a risk, sailing to America while that nation is engaged in Civil…

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Knights vs. Dinosaurs by Matt Phelan

Three boastful knights bite off more than they can chew in this legendary tale by a popular graphic novelist. Knights vs. Dinosaurs by Matt Phelan.  HarperCollins (Greenwillow), 2018, 148 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 6-10, especially boys and reluctant readers It all started the evening Sir Erec told the banquet…

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*Wicked Nix by Lena Coakley

Wicked Nix, “foulest of the fairies,” encounters a magic that resists all the standard fairy spells: the power of human love. *Wicked Nix by Lena Coakley, illustrated by Jaime Zollars.  Amulet, 2018, 163 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 5-10 as a read-aloud, 7-12 for independent readers A terrible thing has…

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Art and the Picture Book: a Redeemed Reader Booklist!

Redeemed Reader rounds up some picture books that not only teach about art and artists, but encourage children to observe and appreciate. Artists and picture books are a perfect match, and what better way to connect young children with “art appreciation” than through the pages of a beautifully-illustrated book?  Come to think of it, this…

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*Picturing America by Hudson Talbot

Picturing America is an appealing picture-book biography of one of the originators of distinctive American Art. *Picturing America: Thomas Cole and the Birth of American Art by Hudson Talbot.  Nancy Paulsen books, 2018, 31 pages. Reading Level: Picture book, ages 4-8 Recommended for: ages 4-10 How does an immigrant boy from England become an iconic…

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The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin

In Brangwain Spurge, two idiosyncratic writers team up to tell a story of mutual misunderstanding from distinct perspectives. The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge by M. T. Anderson, illustrated by Eugene Yelchin.  Candlewick, 2018, 526 pages. Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 10-up Brangwain Spurge, an elven historian, has been selected by his former…

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The Season of Styx Malone by Kekla Magoon

An instant friendship leads to potential trouble in this engaging, character-driven story for middle grades and early teens. The Season of Styx Malone by Kekla Magoon.  Random House, 2018, 295 pages Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 12-15 Caleb and his brother Bobby Gene belong to a nice ordinary family in Sutton,…

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The Atlas Obscura Explorers Guide by Dylan Thuras

The juvenile version of the Atlas Obscura travel guide may spark a taste for travel in middle graders. The Atlas Obscura Explorers Guide for the World’s Most Adventurous Kid by Dylan Thuras and Rosemary Masco, illustrated by Joy Ang.  Workman Publishing, 2018, 110 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-14 Atlas Obscura,…

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The Grand Escape by Neal Bascomb.

This fascinating true account of a prison escape during World War I will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The Grand Escape: the Greatest Prison Breakout of the 20th Century by Neal Bascomb.  Scholastic, 2018, 229 pages plus appendices. Reading Level: Teen, 12-15 Recommended for: 12-up This Sunday marks the centennial of Armistice…

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Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo

In this sequel to an earlier book, Louisiana Elephante, all of ten years old, finds herself abandoned in a small Georgia town. Lousiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo.  Candlewick, 2018, 227 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-12 When last we met Louisiana Elephante (in Raymie Nightingale), she was competing with Raymie…

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*Sweep by Jonathan Auxier

Sweep combines historical fact with mythical elements to create a compelling story filled with sharp edges and surprising graces. *Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier.  Amulet, 2016, 233 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-15 Nan Sparrow’s first memories are of the Sweep, the gentle,…

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Big Idea Picture Books

Three well-received picture books take on expansive subjects like Love, Imagination, and the Beginning of Everything Imagine! by Raul Colon.  Simon & Shuster, 2018, 40 pages In the afterward of this wordless picture book, Raul Colon describes how he visited the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art for the first time and feasted his eyes on…

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"Hurray for Re-Issues!" by Gladys Hunt

A tribute to classic picture books, recently re-issued. In the last few years publishers have been reissuing picture books that are delightful offerings from some well-loved authors and illustrators. Here are some you may want to look for. Munro Leaf’s The Story of Ferdinand (first published in 1936) has never been out of print, but…

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A Child’s Guide to RESISTANCE

As a national election approaches, three new books urge children toward political involvement and “resistance.”  Is this a good idea? What Can a Citizen Do? by Dave Eggers, illustrated by Shawn Harris.  Chronicle Books, 2018, 40 pages.  For ages 4-8 Not My Idea: a Book about Whiteness by Anastasia Higginbotham.  Dottir Press, 2018, 64 pages. …

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“Look for Illustrators” by Gladys Hunt

We’re up to the sixteenth in our series of posts by Gladys Hunt, author of Honey for a Child’s Heart.  In this one, she shares some thoughts about book illustration and compares three versions of a popular story. I hope you are beginning to collect information and names of illustrators as you use book recommendations…

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Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen

A teenage girl enlists in the Jewish resistance in Poland during World War II. Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen.  Scholastic, 2018, 385 pages. Reading Level: Teen, 12-15 Recommended for: ages 12-18 When the German tanks rolled over the Polish border in September 1959, World War II began and Chaya Lindner’s life changed forever.  Before, she…

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“On Your Next Trip to the Library” by Gladys Hunt

In the fourteenth of our series of previously-unpublished posts, Gladys Hunt makes a list of her most-favorite recent picture books to check out at the library. One Your Next Trip to the Library by Gladys Hunt Take along a list when you go to the library.  I like it that many people take along a…

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*The Faithful Spy by John Hendrix

*The Faithful Spy is an outstanding biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer—and one of the best biographies for kids ever. The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler by John Hendrix.  Amulet, 2018, 175 pages, including notes and index. Reading Level:  Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-up “This is Dietrich. Our story…

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Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech

Nine-year-old Louie volunteers to save Winslow, a newborn mini-donkey, in this gentle story about loss and change. Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech.  HarperCollins, 2018, 165 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 6-10 In the laundry basket on the kitchen floor was a lump. “Another dead thing? Louie asked. “Not yet,” his…

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Bob by Wendy Maas and Rebecca Stead

Two popular authors team up to write this quirky story about a lovable creature named—of course—Bob. Bob by Wendy Maas and Rebecca Stead.  Feiwel & Friends, 2018, 201 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-12 independent readers; ages 6-12 as a family read-aloud Olivia (Livy) doesn’t remember much about her Gran’s…

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“Watch Your Expletives!” by Gladys Hunt

In the twelfth in our series of previously-unpublished posts, Gladys Hunt cautions about “those words” our kids pick up at school, at play–and increasingly in books. Watch Your Expletives! by Gladys Hunt I try not to be the family grammarian, but I have teased my granddaughter (in-love) about the way she adds at to questions…

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*Brother Hugo and the Bear by Katy Beebe

A cryptic aside in a medieval letter is the springboard for this charming story of a monk, a manuscript, and a bear. *Brother Hugo and the Bear by Katy Beebe, illustrated by S. D. Schindler.  Eerdmans, 2014, 28 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 7-10 Recommended for: ages 5-up Brother Hugo is in the kind…

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A Colorful Past by William Boekestein

A coloring book for elementary through middle grades offers a sweeping view of church history, from the first century to the twentieth. A Colorful Past: a Coloring Book of Church History by William Boekestein, drawings by Naomi Kamphuis.  Reformation Heritage, 2018, 44 pages Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: Ages 6-12 October is…

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*John Newton by Simonetta Carr

John Newton’s colorful life is a welcome addition to the Reformation Heritage series of Christian biographies. *John Newton by Simonetta Carr.  Reformation Heritage, 2018, 63 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-14 Most of our readers—I assume—know that John Newton participated in the odious slave trade before he was redeemed by Christ. …

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“Second Guessing the Message” by Gladys Hunt

In the tenth of our previously-unpublished posts by Gladys Hunt, she begins a series on the value of language by reflecting on nonverbal communication. Years ago when we visited France for the first time, someone gave us tickets to see Marcel Marceau, the world-famous mime.  It was a delight!  Partly because we didn’t have to…

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