Posts by Janie Cheaney
Eventown by Corey Ann Haydn
Eventown is a place of forgetting, but how much forgetting does that take before you forget yourself?
Read MoreThe Lost Girl by Anne Ursu
Identical twins struggle to re-define themselves in The Lost Girl, a fantasy for middle-grade readers.
Read MoreSomeday We Will Fly by Rachel DeWoskin
Someday We Will Fly explores a little-known chapter of the Holocaust: the Jewish refuge of Shanghai.
Read MoreA Drop of Hope by Keith Calabrese
Destiny moves in mysterious ways in A Drop of Hope, a fun and engrossing read for middle grades.
Read More*Forward Me Back to You by Mitali Perkins
Mitali Perkins’ latest novel takes two conflicted teens to India to confront human trafficking and challenges to their Christian faith.
Read MoreExplorer Academy: The Nebula Secret by Trudi Truett
Explorer Academy launches an action sci-fi series taking readers to the world’s natural wonders.
Read MoreZap by Martha Freeman
A days-long power outage is the premise for Zap, a STEM-based, character-driven novel for middle graders.
Read MoreThe Author’s Mission: Gary Schmidt
What’s the story behind a Gary Schmidt story? More significantly, what are the questions?
Read MoreChecked by Cynthia Kadohata
In Checked, one family’s deep involvement in hockey provides the background for life questions
Read MoreSpy Runner by Eugene Yelchin
A dauntless 11-year-old boy confronts a possible Russian spy in this Cold-War-era thriller.
Read More*Pay Attention, Carter Jones by Gary Schmidt
To “pay attention” to the world around you is rule #1 of a life well lived, as this winning middle-grade novel shows
Read MoreRecommended 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,…
Read MoreGraphic 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…
Read MoreNew Kid by Jerry Craft
New Kid offers a fresh and funny graphic-novel take on the middle-school blues.
Read MoreThe Enchanted Hour by Meghan Cox Gurdon
In The Enchanted Hour, Meghan Cox Gurdon makes the intellectual, social, and emotional case for reading aloud, at any age, to any age.
Read MoreThe Faithful Artist: an Interview with John Hendrix
A chat with the author/illustrator of The Faithful Spy, one of our favorite books from last year.
Read More*The Promise of Change by JoAnn Boyce
The Promise of Change revisits the civil rights era with this poignant memoir of a teenage girl becoming an icon.
Read MoreInventing Victoria by Tonya Bolden
Inventing Victoria follows a young biracial girl through a seldom-explored period of Reconstruction history.
Read MoreRoundup: Three Novels That Address Mental Illness
Three recent novels for middle-grade through YA feature characters with schizophrenia or depression.
Read MoreChristians and Mental Illness: an Interview with Simonetta Carr
The author of Broken Pieces and the God Who Mends them shares further insights about her experience with schizophrenia.
Read More*Broken Pieces and the God Who Mends Them by Simonetta Carr
One of our favorite authors documents the nightmare of schizophrenia and offers practical advice for families and churches dealing with it.
Read MoreIt’s Up to You, Abe Lincoln by Tom and Leila Hirschfeld
This unusual biography of Abraham Lincoln frames his life as a series of ten decisions, in which the reader is invited to participate.
Read More*What the Night Sings by Vesper Stamper
Moving and beautiful, this post-Holocaust novel offers hope after horror.
Read More*Into the Jungle by Katherine Rundell
In these four tales inspired by Kipling’s Jungle Book, Mowgli the man-cub learns the backstories of his fellow creatures.
Read MoreNowhere Boy by Katherine Marsh
A teenage Syrian refugee is the “Nowhere Boy” whose fate falls into the hands of an American 13-year-old.
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreBirds 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…
Read MoreCyrus 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…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read More2019 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…
Read More2019 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…
Read MoreDid 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…
Read More2019 Newbery Buzz #4: The 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…
Read More2019 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…
Read MoreNewbery 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…
Read MoreNewbery 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…
Read More2019 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…
Read MoreEvery 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…
Read MoreInkling 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…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read More*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…
Read MoreSpecial 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…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreCarnegie’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…
Read MoreKnights 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…
Read More*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…
Read MoreArt 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…
Read More*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…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreThe 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,…
Read MoreThe 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,…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreLouisiana’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…
Read More*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,…
Read MoreBig 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…
Read More"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…
Read MoreA 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. …
Read More“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…
Read MoreResistance 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…
Read More“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…
Read More*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…
Read MoreSaving 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…
Read MoreBob 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…
Read More“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…
Read More*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…
Read MoreA 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…
Read More*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. …
Read More“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…
Read MoreAmal Unbound by Alisha Saeed
Amal, a Pakistani girl with dreams of an education, finds her dreams derailed in this engaging story for middle graders. Amal Unbound by Alisha Saeed. Penguin (Nancy Paulsen), 2018, 226 pages Reading Level: middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-15 Maybe, if Amal’s mother had given birth to a boy instead of a fifth…
Read MoreBuried beneath the Baobab Tree by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani
Buried Beneath the Baobab Tree is a tough but vital read for thoughtful Christian teens. Buried Beneath the Baobab Tree by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani. HarperCollins, 2018, 327 pages Reading level: Teen, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 16-up Our nameless protagonist, the only girl in a family of five brothers, has dreams: saving up to buy…
Read MoreToaff’s Way by Cynthia Voight
A squirrel with a mind of his own navigates the seasons of his first year in this gentle animal story. Toaff’s Way by Cynthia Voight. Knopf, 2018, 256 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 5-10 as a read-aloud, 8-12 as a read-alone Squirrels like to talk more than they like to…
Read MoreBlack Rock Brothers by S. J. Dahlstrom
Wilder Good, now thirteen, continues his outdoor adventures with his biggest challenge yet. Black Rock Brothers (Wilder Good #5) by S. J. Dahlstrom. Paul Dry Books, 2018, 212 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 8-15, especially boys We first encountered young Wilder Good in Elk Hunt, his first-ever big game hunting…
Read More“Born to Read” by Gladys Hunt
Gladys Hunt reflects on the importance of reading in a child’s life and shares some of her favorite books for encouraging kids to read. This is the eighth in our series of previously-unpublished blogposts by the author of Honey For a Child’s Heart. Born to Read by Gladys Hunt Reading to children, taking them to the…
Read More“Reading Intentionally” by Gladys Hunt
Gladys Hunt recommends reading aloud not just a a way of bonding with family but as a way of making and keeping friends. This is the sixth in our series of previously-unpublished posts by the author of Honey for a Child’s Heart. The title was added. Reading Intentionally by Gladys Hunt “How do people know…
Read MoreThe Dollar Kids by Jennifer Richard Jacobson
How a sensitive boy handles death and guilt is the subject of The Dollar Kids: one of our “discussion starter” titles. Ages 10-15 The Dollar Kids by Jennifer Richard Jacobson. Candlewick, 2018, 403 pags. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 12-15 Lowen’s ambition is to draw comics, and he takes it seriously. …
Read More*Spooked! by Gail Jarrow
The Mercury Theater broadcast of “War of the Worlds,” a fascinating footnote from American history, has interesting implications for today. Ages 10-15 *Spooked! How a Radio Broadcast and the War of the Worlds Sparked the 1938 Invasion of America by Gail Jarrow. Calkins Creek, 2018, 139 pages. Reading level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for:…
Read MoreThe Wright Brothers: Nose-Diving into History by Ben Thompson
A new series about advances in technology begins with the indomitable spirit of the Wright Brothers. The Wright Brothers: Nose-Diving into History (Epic Fails #1) by Ben Thompson and Eric Slader, with illustrations by Tim Foley. Roaring Brook Press, 2018, 128 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-12 “If at first…
Read MoreRedeemed Readers, Rejoice!
Announcing a valuable resource for our fellow “Redeemed Readers,” and anyone with an interest in quality children’s literature. Hard as it is to believe, this is Redeemed Reader’s eighth year online. We’ve had personnel changes, a serious hack, three major re-designs, and resultant glitches. We’ve featured read-alongs, giveaways, summer reading programs, and interviews with well-known…
Read More“Building a Child’s Personal Library” by Gladys Hunt
How do you know which books you just have to own? In her fourth post of our series, Gladys Hunt offers tips on recognizing “the keepers.” After enthusiastic praise of libraries, should anyone bother to buy books? How many books should a child own? A library book is a wonderful discovery, a taste treat to…
Read MoreScience Ideas in 30 Seconds by Mike Goldsmith
In spite of some outdated ideas about science and faith, these 30-second explanations form an interesting tour of science history. Ages 8-15 Science Ideas in 30 Seconds: 30 Breakthrough Theories for Junior Geniuses Explained in Half a Minute by Dr. Mike Goldsmith. Ivy Press, 2016, 96 pages, including index Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10…
Read MoreThe Unforgettable Guinevere St. Clair by Amy Makechnie
A girl struggles to reconcile her needs with her mother’s severe mental illness, in this winsome story with some unforgettable characters. Ages 10-15 The Unforgettable Guinevere St. Clair by Amy Makechnie. Athenaeum, 2018, 322 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-15 “My father said that some people were harder to love,…
Read MoreA Stitch in Time by Dalphne Kalmer
A Stitch in time, a quiet story about death, grieving, and change, takes place in the Vermont countryside of 1920. Ages 10-15 A Stitch in Time by Daphne Kalmer. Feiwel & Friends, 2018, 167 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-15 It was only two weeks ago that her father was…
Read More“Make Your Own Life Bigger” by Gladys Hunt
According to Gladys Hunt, developing an appreciation for the public library in your child begins with YOU. This is the second in our series of previously-unpublished blog posts by the author of Honey For a Child’s Heart. Make Your Own Life Bigger Your own experience with the library–or lack of it–may be the biggest hindrance…
Read MoreIllegal by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin
Illegal, a graphic novel, puts readers into the perils of a refugee from Africa while stimulating important questions about refugees worldwide. Ages 12-15 Illegal by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin, artwork by Giovanni Rigano. Sourcebooks, 2018, 122 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 12-15 Ebo, his brother Kwame, and their sister…
Read MoreThe Continuing Legacy of Gladys Hunt
Announcing a series of NEW posts from Gladys Hunt, author of Honey for a Child’s Heart and Honey for a Teen’s Heart. Several months ago, we at Redeemed Reader were offered a golden opportunity. Yes, we know–“Golden opportunity” is a cliché attached to everything from timeshares to scams, but how often does a website get…
Read More*The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden by Karina van Glaser
The five Vanderbeeker children are back, with irrepressible high spirits, good intentions and miscalculations intact. *The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden by Karina van Glaser. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2018, 322 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 8-14 It’s mid-summer, six months after their introductory adventure, and the five Vanderbeeker kids are…
Read MoreMulticultural Graphic Novels: Akissi and the Dragon Slayer
Two graphic novels give readers a glimpse of life and culture in Africa and South America. Ages 7-12 Akissi: Tales of Mischief by Marguerite Abouet and Mattieu Sapin. Flying Eye Books, 2018, 181 pages. Akissi lives with her big brother Fofana, her teenage sister Victorinne, her mom and dad and countless aunts and uncles in…
Read MoreCan You Identify the Five Nonfiction Categories?
The Juvenile nonfiction designation has exploded, especially since the push for Common Core standards was supposed to increase factual reading. Common Core seems to be quietly fading away, but nonfiction is still growing in every age category. Expansion always leads to categories and sub-categories, as anyone can see who regularly reviews it. A helpful article…
Read MoreBoy Bites Bug by Rebecca Petruck
In Boy Bites Bug, a single incident develops into a school-wide situation and an insightful look at fading friendship. Ages 10-15 Boy Bites Bug by Rebecca Petruck. Amulet, 2018, 250 pages (plus recipes) Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-15 Who could have thought an absurd incident would blow up to such…
Read MoreBack to School with Babymouse and Og the Frog
Two back-to-school series for different ages tickle the funny bone, satirize social conventions, and even stimulate sympathy for others. Ages 6-12 Life According to Og the Frog by Getty G. Birney. Putnam, 2018, 160 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Book, ages 7-9 Recommended for: ages 6-10 Og was enjoying life in the marsh (Think. Float. Doze.…
Read MoreAl Capone Throws Me a Curve by Gennifer Choldenko
The latest installment in the “Tales from Alcatraz” series deals with mature themes in a sympathetic, engaging way. Ages 12-15 Al Capone Throws Me a Curve by Gennifer Choldenko. Penguin Random House, 2018, 240 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 12-15 Matthew Flanagan, better known as Moose, didn’t want to move…
Read MoreThe Language of Spells by Garret Weyr
Pensive and quiet, The Language of Spells casts its own spell for thoughtful readers—who like dragons. Ages 10-15 The Language of Spells by Garret Weyr, with illustrations by Katie Harnett. Chronicle, 2018, 299 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-15 “Back when the world was long ago and far away, deep…
Read MoreThe Legend of Greg by Chris Rylander
A humorous and action-packed take on the updated-legend genre (a la Percy Jackson) also offers interesting characters and conflict dynamics. Ages 12-15. The Legend of Greg (An Epic Series of Failures, #1) by Chris Rylander. Putnam, 2018, 338 pages. Reading Level: 10-12 Recommended for: 12-15 Greg always knew he was weird—in the normal, overweight, socially-awkward…
Read MoreUp & Down by Don Brown
Graphic novelist Don Brown offers a fascinating picture book about early hydrogen ballooning. Ages 5-10 Up & Down: The Adventures of John Jeffries, First American to Fly by Don Brown. Charlesbridge, 2018, 39 pages Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 5-up Dr. John Jeffries of Boston picked the wrong side in the…
Read MorePass Go and Collect $200 by Tanya Lee Stone
Pass Go and Collect $200 is fun, relatable social history for Monopoly fans and anyone who ever had a great idea. Ages 6-up Pass Go and Collect $200: the Real Story of How Monopoly Was Invented by Tanya Lee Stone, Illustrated by Steven Salerno. Henry Holt, 2018, 40 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10…
Read MoreHouse of Dreams: the Life of L.M. Montgomery by Liz Rosenberg
L.M. Montgomery’s life was overshadowed by sadness, but this biography shows how she was able to give the world one of its most beloved literary figures. Ages 16-up House of Dreams: the Life of L. M. Montgomery by Liz Rosenberg, with illustrations by Julie Morstad. Candlewick, 3028, 338 pages, including bibliography and index. Reading Level:…
Read MoreSid Fleischman Biographies
Near the end of his prolific career, Newbery medalist Sid Fleischman published remarkable biographies of three remarkable men. Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain, 1835-1910), Ehrich Weiss (a.k.a. Harry Houdini, 1873-1926) and Charles Spencer Chaplin (1889-1978) shared little in common except an outsized persona, a talent for entertaining audiences, and lifespans that overlapped in interesting ways. …
Read More*The Sky at Our Feet by Nadia Hashimi
The Sky at Our Feet treats the immigration issue fairly and compassionately, through the perspective of an Afghan-American boy on the run. Ages 10-15 *The Sky at Our Feet by Nadia Hashimi. Harper, 2018, 291 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grade, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-15 Even though his mother calls him by his Afghan…
Read MoreCleopatra and Ancient Egypt for Kids by Simonetta Carr
Christian biographer Simonetta Carr explores the life of Cleopatra, one of the most fascinating and mysterious women in history. Ages 10-16 Cleopatra and Ancient Egypt for Kids: Her Life and World, with 21 Activities by Simonetta Carr. Chicago Review, 2018, 132 pages, including appendices. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-16 For…
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