Book Reviews
Top Posts from 2024
By Betsy Farquhar |
It's always fun for us to look back and see what you, our readers, enjoyed most during the year. Below are the top posts of ...
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Tales from the Forest by Jane Riordan
By Janie Cheaney |
Tales from the Forest carries on the adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh in a style that faithfully echoes the original. Tales from the Forest by Jane Riordan, ...
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Three 2024 YA Romantic Fantasy Novels
By Hayley Morell |
Dragonfruit, What Monstrous Gods, and The Hedgewitch of Foxhall: three 2024 YA romantic fantasy novels by authors we have enjoyed in the past. Dragonfruit by ...
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Jolabokaflod for Megan’s family in 2024
By Megan Saben |
Choosing Jolabokaflod titles for my family every year is a pleasant challenge. What would interest each member that we don't already have in our collection? ...
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Back Porch Book Chat with Tasha Kazanjian (YA author)
By Megan Saben |
Back Porch Book Chat: a casual conversation about books and writing. Today we're visiting with Tasha Kazanjian, author of A Trick of Spades. A lover ...
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On Track by Tom Adams
By Janie Cheaney |
On Track tracks the development of worldwide rail lines and their significance to both industry and history. On Track: The Remarkable Story of How Trains ...
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Fun Middle-Grade Reads for Winter Break: Library Girl, The Long Way Around, and We Do Not Welcome Our 10-Year-Old Overlord
By Janie Cheaney |
Library Girl is the whimsical story of a girl finding a home while her adoring caretakers find true love. Library Girl by Polly Horvath. Holiday ...
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Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton
By Betsy Farquhar |
Katy and the Big Snow is pitch perfect as a kindergarten/early elementary age read aloud. Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton. HMH ...
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The Miniature World of Marvin and James by Elise Broach and illustrated by Kelly Murphy
By Betsy Farquhar |
Large font, vivid illustrations on every page, and a simple plot make The Miniature World of Marvin and James a good fit for new readers ...
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Lost in the Empire City by Avi
By Janie Cheaney |
Lost in the Empire City takes readers to 19th century New York, where a young immigrant from Italy attempts to find his way. Lost in ...
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Amazing Asia by Rashmi Sirdeshpande
By Janie Cheaney |
Amazing Asia takes readers on a whirlwind tour of the geography, basic history, ethnicities and cultures of the world’s largest and most varied continent. Amazing ...
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*Mishka by Edward van de Vendel
By Janie Cheaney |
Mishka is the gentle, heartwarming story of refugees and rabbits finding home. *Miskha by Edward van de Vendel and Anoush Elman, illustrated by Annet Schaap ...
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Rube Goldberg’s Big Book of Building by Ed Stackley, et al
By Janie Cheaney |
Rube Goldberg’s Big Book of Building features practical instructions to building 25 impractical machines. Rube Goldberg’s Big Book of Building: Make 25 Machines that Really ...
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Glad and Golden Hours by Lanier Ivester
By Betsy Farquhar |
Glad and Golden Hours is a lovely companion to Christ-centered Christmas celebrations, both in anticipation of Christmas Day and during the 12 days following. Glad ...
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The Amazing Christmas Extravaganza by David Shannon
By Megan Saben |
A simple effort to brighten up the holidays goes way overboard in this Christmas story about pride going before a fall. The Amazing Christmas Extravaganza ...
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*Great Joy by Kate DiCamillo
By Megan Saben |
Frances is concerned about the organ grinder man who stands on the street corner. Is he cold? Where does he go at night? She can't ...
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I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 by Lauren Tarshis
By Betsy Farquhar |
Part of the popular I Survived Series, I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 is a lively introduction to what the Revolutionary War might have been ...
Read More *The Biggest Story Family Devotional by Kevin DeYoung
By Janie Cheaney |
The Biggest Story Family Devotional expands on The Biggest Story Bible Storybook to offer a practical and flexible devotional guide. *The Biggest Story Family Devotional ...
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Fun with Math: Sir Cumference Speaks Volumes, The Pigpen Problem, and Our World: By the Numbers
By Janie Cheaney |
Sir Cumference returns, Goat and Sheep solve a math problem, and Steve Jenkins crunches the numbers. Sir Cumference Speaks Volumes follows our hero through another ...
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Light Comes to Shadow Mountain by Toni Buzzeo
By Janie Cheaney |
In Light Comes to Shadow Mountain, a young girl is determined to bring electricity to her Kentucky home through the Rural Electrification Project. Light Comes ...
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Spiders: A Book List for Young Arachnophiles
By Megan Saben |
A few weeks ago I was trying to address the cobwebs on the walls and corners above my desk (possibly some procrasti-cleaning due to a ...
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Beyond Infinity by Stephanie Warren Drimmer
By Janie Cheaney |
Beyond Infinity examines the technology that went into building the James Webb Space Telescope, as well as what it has discovered since its launch. Beyond ...
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*Little Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, illustrated by Joe Sutphin
By Megan Saben |
A classic Christmas story of an old sinner who finds redemption through visits from four spirits who convict him of his worldly wretchedness. Little Christmas ...
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*Knight Owl and Early Bird by Christopher Denise
By Hayley Morell |
Whooo goes there? It's Knight Owl and Early Bird in this charming picture book sequel! Knight Owl and Early Bird by Christopher Denise. Christy Ottaviano ...
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Gifts for Grownups, Round 2
By Betsy Farquhar |
Even though your Redeemed Reader team is reading a plethora of books for children and teens, we do also read grownup books, too! A few ...
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The Best News of All by Sally Michael
By Janie Cheaney |
The Best News of All shares the Christmas story by examining one short scripture passage which children are encouraged to memorize. The Best News of ...
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*Drawn Onward by Daniel Nayeri
By Megan Saben |
A boy struggling after the loss of his mother goes on a fantasy adventure and finds peace in her memory. *Drawn Onward by Daniel Nayeri. ...
Read More A Kid’s Guide to the Night Sky by John A. Read
By Janie Cheaney |
A Kid’s Guide to the Night Sky provides young stargazers with a handy and accessible primer. A Kid’s Guide to the Night Sky: Simple Ways ...
Read More BIG Words for Little Astronauts by Lisa M. Gerry
By Janie Cheaney |
BIG Words for Little Astronauts provides an introductory vocabulary for younger readers, from Astrophysics to EXtraterrestrial. BIG Words for Little Astronauts: The Stellar Dictionary Every ...
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Frindle and The Frindle Files by Andrew Clements
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Frindle Files brings Nicholas Allen, from Frindle fame, back into the limelight in this lively follow-up for middle grade readers. Frindle by Andrew Clements. ...
Read More *One Long Line by Loree Griffin Burns
By Janie Cheaney |
One Long Line illustrates the scientific method through the simple observance of one species of caterpillars. *One Long Line: Marching Caterpillars and the Scientists Who ...
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You’re the Boss by Brian Weisfeld and Bonnie Bader
By Janie Cheaney |
You’re the Boss is a quick but comprehensive guide to for entrepreneurial kids interested in starting a business. You’re the Boss: A Kid’s Ultimate Guide ...
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Twelve Classic Christmas Stories: A Feast of Yuletide Tales
By Megan Saben |
Twelve Classic Christmas Stories is a lovely collection of short stories about Christmas that may inspire you to revisit classic authors in the coming year. ...
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Answers to Dog by Pete Hautman
By Janie Cheaney |
In Answers to Dog, an abused border collie finds a home and a boy finds a friend--multiple friends. Answers to Dog by Pete Hautman. Candlewick, ...
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Art All around Us by Xiao Situ
By Janie Cheaney |
Art All Around Us introduces young readers to the nearly infinite variety of art and its meaning in ordinary life. Art All around Us: A ...
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Neighborhood Sharks by Katherine Roy
By Betsy Farquhar |
Vividly illustrated, Neighborhood Sharks brings readers up close and personal with one of nature's most fearsome apex predators. Neighborhood Sharks: Hunting with the Great Whites ...
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Who Built That? Bridges by Didier Cornille
By Betsy Farquhar |
Who Built That? Bridges is a clever picture book-in-translation that illustrates ten famous bridges and the construction process and engineers behind them. Who Built That? ...
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*Big Book of Math by Katherine Hannon
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Big Book of Math is a timeline book absolutely filled with mathematical figures, faces, and facts, all situated within the context of a biblical ...
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*The Hotel Balzaar by Kate DiCamillo
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Hotel Balzaar, Kate DiCamillo continues her magical Norendy Tales series with intriguing hints of further connections. *The Hotel Balzaar (A Norendy Tale) by ...
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Two Cozy Chapter Books: Beti and the Little Round House and Stella & Marigold
By Janie Cheaney |
Two new Chapter Books about Beti, Stella, and Marigold celebrate the simple joys of seasons and siblings. Beti and the Little Round House by Atinuke, ...
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Home Is Right Where You Are by Ruth Chou Simons
By Betsy Farquhar |
Ruth Chou Simons takes inspiration from Psalm 23 in this gentle, loving reminder to her reader that the Lord is with us wherever we go. ...
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*A Wondrous Mystery: Daily Advent Devotions by Charles Spurgeon
By Betsy Farquhar |
Joyful and thoughtful, A Wondrous Mystery offers 30 devotional readings drawn from Charles Spurgeon's sermons. *A Wondrous Mystery: Daily Advent Devotions by Charles Spurgeon, edited ...
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*Promises Made Promises Kept: A Family Devotional for Christmas by Marty Machowski
By Betsy Farquhar |
Promises Made Promises Kept is a short, engaging, 2-week Christmas devotional that invites families to look at God's promises in the Old Testament which are ...
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*I Worked Hard on That! by Robyn Wall
By Megan Saben |
Kiara the spider keeps trying to make a web that is beautiful, not just practical, and her efforts are repeatedly foiled. Playful language, lovely illustrations, ...
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Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
By Janie Cheaney |
Impossible Creatures takes readers on an unforgettable quest to re-enchant an imaginary world—that may not be as imaginary as it seems. Impossible Creatures by Katherine ...
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The Found Boys by S. D. Smith
By Janie Cheaney |
The “Found Boys” find trouble in their West Virginia small town, but also deepen their understanding of grace and forgiveness. The Found Boys by S. ...
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Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody by Patrick Ness
By Janie Cheaney |
Zeke, a “Lizard Nobody” in his own opinion (as well as an actual lizard) learns to stand up for himself in this hilarious and heartfelt ...
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*Something Sad Happened: Helping Children with Grief by Darby A. Strickland
By Betsy Farquhar |
Something Sad Happened is a childlike look at what grief feels like, how we cope with it, and what the Bible has to say. *Something ...
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Between Flowers and Bones by Carolyn Leiloglou
By Janie Cheaney |
Between Flowers and Bones continues The Restorationists adventure series, in which members of a family are gifted with the ability to travel through works of ...
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History Picture Books: The Soldier’s Friend, The Painter and the President, and Star and the Maestro
By Janie Cheaney |
Three outstanding picture books introduce young readers to Walt Whitman, Gilbert Stuart, and Mozart. The Soldier’s Friend: Walt Whitman’s Extraordinary Service in the American Civil ...
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Spirit Sleuths by Gail Jarrow
By Janie Cheaney |
Spirit Sleuths wraps ghosts, mediums, seances, scams, and Houdini in a fascinating true tale. Spirit Sleuths: How Magicians and Detectives Exposed the Ghost Hoaxes by ...
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Rosa by Starlight by Hilary McKay
By Janie Cheaney |
Rosa by Starlight is a sweet story of an orphan finding her way home, with the help of a host of sympathetic cats. Rosa by ...
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*Shakespeare’s First Folio: All the plays, a children’s edition
By Megan Saben |
Shakespeare's First Folio is a wonderful introduction to the plays, suitably shortened for children, a gorgeous addition to any home library. *Shakespeare's First Folio: All ...
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*The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
By Megan Saben |
A wild robot explores an island and learns more than how to survive nature from the animals; she develops relationships and makes it home. A ...
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*The Mythmakers by John Hendrix
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Mythmakers, John Hendrix explores an extraordinarily fruitful friendship and its roots in myth and legend. *The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C. S. ...
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*Evangelical Heroes by Joel Beeke and Douglas Bond
By Janie Cheaney |
Evangelical Heroes presents famous and lesser-known Christian role models throughout the modern era. *Evangelical Heroes, Vol. 1 and 2 by Douglas Bond and Joel Beeke. ...
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Out of My Dreams by Sharon Draper
By Janie Cheaney |
Melody Brooks, a 13-year-old with cerebral palsy, concludes her trilogy by stepping onto a global stage in Out of My Dreams. Out of My Dreams ...
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Radar and the Raft by Jeff Lantos
By Janie Cheaney |
Radar and the Raft traces the invention of Radar through the harrowing story of a missionary family torpedoed and rescued during World War II. Radar ...
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A Scarecrow Dressed Up: An Educator’s Response to AI-Generated Homework
By Betsy Farquhar |
Is AI-Generated Homework "Cheating"? Whether we educators like it or not, AI is here to stay. Nearly every website I use or app on my ...
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The Best This World Can Do: Thoughts about “Not Nothing” by Gayle Forman
By Janie Cheaney |
Christian book reviewers face certain challenges. We could review only Christian books and be reasonably assured that we won’t run into glaring content problems like ...
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A World Wonder by Laura Wifler
By Betsy Farquhar |
A World Wonder cheerfully celebrates the real world wonders and reminds readers to fully invest in both their work and the people around them. A ...
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3 Picture Books about “How”: The Dictionary Story, The Shape of Things, and How to Make a Picture Book
By Janie Cheaney |
Three new picture books give readers insight into words, maps, and stories. The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston. Candlewick, 2024, 56 pages. ...
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Choosing Biographies: Practical Considerations
By Betsy Farquhar |
Before we look at some practical considerations for choosing biographies, have you already answered the most important question before choosing biographies? That might seem like ...
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The Sherlock Society by James Ponti
By Janie Cheaney |
The Sherlock Society kicks off a fun mystery series by popular MG author James Ponti. The Sherlock Society (#1) by James Ponti. Aladdin (Simon & ...
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The Science of Friendship by Tanita S. Davis
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Science of Friendship, an 8th-grade girl takes an analytical approach to keeping friends and discovers some important truths about herself. The Science of ...
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Growing Up under a Red Flag by Ying Chang Compestine
By Janie Cheaney |
Growing Up under a Red Flag introduces China’s Cultural Revolution in a way picture-book readers can understand. Growing Up under a Red Flag: A Memoir ...
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Jack Zulu and the Girl with the Golden Wings by S. D. Smith
By Betsy Farquhar |
Jack Zulu and the Girl with the Golden Wings is an exhilarating installment in the Jack Zulu series, but it will leave you wanting more! ...
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Choosing Biographies: Start with Your “Why”
By Betsy Farquhar |
Deshawn comes home from school with a dreaded school book report assignment: biographies. Leyla needs to diversify her fantasy reading, and Dad thinks biographies are ...
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Jupiter Rising by Gary Schmidt
By Janie Cheaney |
Gary Schmidt brings a sad story (Orbiting Jupiter) to a hopeful conclusion with Jupiter Rising. Jupiter Rising, by Gary D. Schmidt. HarperCollins, 2024, 201 pages. ...
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Back Porch Book Chat with William Boekestein
By Janie Cheaney |
Back Porch Book Chat: a casual conversation about books and writing. Today we're visiting with William Boekestein. Bill is an author best known around here ...
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The Minor Miracle by Meredith Davis
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Minor Miracle is a light-hearted, fun read with lots of heart, perfect for fans of comic books, superheroes, and friends. The Minor Miracle: The ...
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Back Porch Book Chat: Kristyn Getty (Singer, Hymn Writer, and Author)
By Janie Cheaney |
Kristyn is the founder, along with her husband Keith, of Getty Music. She is an award-winning hymn writer and the author of Sing! and a ...
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*Granny Smith was Not an Apple by Sarah Glenn Fortson
By Hayley Morell |
A beautiful picture book chronicling the origin of the Granny Smith apple variety through the life of one determined woman. *Granny Smith was Not An ...
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*Joni Eareckson Tada by Kristyn Getty
By Janie Cheaney |
A new biography of Joni Eareckson Tada for kids demonstrates how anyone can honor God no matter the circumstances. *Joni Eareckson Tada: The Girl Who ...
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Build a House by Rhiannon Giddens
By Megan Saben |
Build a House shows the resilience and hope of human nature through a story about a family who perseveres in building a house, setting down ...
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*Moving the Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion: A true story by Dave Eggers
By Megan Saben |
A silver mine, a single man in possession of a great fortune who is in want of a wife, a wedding, a house project, a ...
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Finding My Vocation by William Boekestein
By Janie Cheaney |
Finding My Vocation offers a concise yet comprehensive guide for Christian teens considering their first steps into adulthood. Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young ...
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3 Devotionals for Teens (or Families with Teens)
By Betsy Farquhar |
High school students are busy people! How much more important to encourage these young people during such a busy season to keep up the habit ...
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Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings by Dionna L. Mann
By Janie Cheaney |
Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings features a winsome protagonist trying her hand at parental matchmaking. Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings by Dionna L. Mann. Holiday House/Margaret Ferguson ...
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Wormwood Abbey: A Guest Post by Gina Dalfonzo
By Hayley Morell |
Today we are happy to share a guest post from Gina Dalfonzo, author and fellow book reviewer. Gina has been a guest at Redeemed Reader ...
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2 Books about Bikes: Birth of the Bicycle and The Running Machine
By Janie Cheaney |
Two recent picture books about the development of the bicycle entertaining introduces kids to history they can relate to. Birth of the Bicycle: A Bumpy ...
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World More Beautiful by Angela Burke Kunkel
By Betsy Farquhar |
World More Beautiful brings to life the world and art of Barbara Cooney, creator of beloved picture book classics like Roxaboxen and Miss Rumphius. World ...
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Where Did the Ratings Go?
By Hayley Morell |
This post was first shared in our weekly newsletter. If you'd like to subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates: book reviews, book trivia, and ...
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Little Shrew by Akiko Miyakoshi
By Janie Cheaney |
Little Shrew is the dutiful hero of his ordinary life in this understated chapter book. Little Shrew by Akiko Miyakoshi. Kids Can Press, 2024, 71 ...
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The Legend of the Last Library by Frank L. Cole
By Janie Cheaney |
The Legend of the Last Library pictures a dystopian future without books or paper, and one intrepid reader who holds the key to restoration. The ...
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*The Wilderking Trilogy by Jonathan Rogers (20th anniversary editions)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Aidan, fifth son of a Lord of Corenwald, befriends Feechies, defeats a giant, and leads a loyal group of followers in the Wilderking Trilogy, a ...
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*Ben Washington Is the Newbie on the Block by Jasmine Mullen
By Janie Cheaney |
Young Ben Washington, the star of this new middle-grade series, is funny, flawed, and fully relatable. *Ben Washington Is . . . the Newbie on ...
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The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry
By Hayley Morell |
A sweet middle-grade historical fiction recounting some of the Luminous Life of Lucy Landry, an Ojibwe orphan. The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry, Anna Rose ...
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The Bard and the Book: How the first folio saved the plays of Shakespeare
By Megan Saben |
If it weren't for Shakespeare's First Folio, a collection of plays preserved and published by his friends after he died, we would be bereft of ...
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Faker by Gordon Korman
By Janie Cheaney |
In Faker, a boy faces critical ethical questions involving his own immediate family. Faker by Gordon Korman. Scholastic, 2024, 214 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...
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Majestica by Sarah Tolcser
By Janie Cheaney |
Majestica takes readers on a thrill ride through a wildlife park filled with magical creatures. Majestica by Sarah Tolcser. G.P. Putnam’s Sons (PRH), 2024, 307 ...
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Uprising by Jennifer A. Nielsen
By Janie Cheaney |
Uprising is the story of a Polish girl’s experience of World War II, based on the experiences of a real-life teenage resistance fighter. Uprising by ...
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Celebrity Picture Books that Aren’t Bad, by B.J. Novak, Julie Andrews, Emma Thompson, and Spike Lee
By Janie Cheaney |
“Legitimate children’s book authors”—that is, those who won a publishing contract through finely-honed craft and dogged persistence—have nothing but scorn for picture books with celebrity ...
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New Chapter Book Series: Bibsy Cross and Detective Sweet Pea
By Janie Cheaney |
Bibsy Cross, an irrepressible third-grader, and Sweet Pea, a hound with a nose for mystery, are the loveable protagonists of two new series for early ...
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The Treasure by Marty Machowski
By Megan Saben |
Two children living on a Greek island discover a sealed clay pot containing two scrolls and a book. A treasure hunt, a ship, special coins, ...
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Wander Lost by Laura Martin
By Janie Cheaney |
Wander Lost features hidden worlds within a variety of board games, and twin brothers launched on a desperate rescue mission. Wander Lost by Laura Martin. ...
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The Secret Language of Birds by Lynne Kelly
By Hayley Morell |
A neurodivergent tween finds friends and makes an amazing discovery at summer camp. The Secret Language of Birds, Lynne Kelly, Delacorte Press, 2024. 240 Pages ...
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Evan Miller Is Waking Down by Jerel Law
By Betsy Farquhar |
Evan Miller Is Waking Down ... and dreamwalking in this inventive dystopian series opener for middle schoolers. Evan Miller Is Waking Down by Jerel Law. ...
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And Then, Boom! by Lisa Fipps
By Janie Cheaney |
And Then, Boom! features a winsome protagonist who suddenly finds himself abandoned. And Then, Boom! by Lisa Fipps. Nancy Paulsen (PRH), 2024, 244 pages Readling ...
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*Mercy Watson is Missing! by Kate DiCamillo
By Megan Saben |
What could possibly entice Mercy Watson to wander away from home? And who will help Mr. and Mrs. Watson recover their beloved porcine pet? Mercy ...
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