Book Reviews

Echo Nova by Clint Hall

Echo Nova mixes time travel, illegal rooftop racing, and a greedy corporation into a fun science-fiction thriller for teens. Echo Nova by Clint Hall. Enclave ...
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A Child’s First Illustrated Book of Bible Words by Samantha Cabrera

A Child's First Illustrated Book of Bible Words is a sweet concept board book suitable for home or church nursery libraries. A Child's First Illustrated ...
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*Pippa and the Singing Tree by Kristyn Getty and illustrated by P. J. Lynch

Pippa and the Singing Tree lyrically celebrates the joy of Creation's song and invites us to join in. *Pippa and the Singing Tree: Joining the ...
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*52 Weeks in the Word: Student Edition by Trillia J. Newbell

52 Weeks in the Word thoughtfully guides students through reading the New Testament in a year. *52 Weeks in the Word: Student Edition by Trillia ...
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*The Hiding Place: A Graphic Novel adapted by Mario DeMatteo

The Hiding Place: A Graphic Novel faithfully adapts Corrie Ten Boom’s story for graphic-novel fans. *The Hiding Place: A Graphic Novel by Corrie Ten Boom, ...
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Heidi: A Graphic Novel adapted by Mariah Marsden

Heidi: A Graphic Novel introduces young readers to the classic story with gentle artwork and minimal text. Heidi: A Graphic Novel by Joanna Spiri, adapted ...
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*Otto and the Story Tree by Vivien Mildenberger

Otto and the Story Tree is a winsome reminder of the importance and power of stories, both for the hearer and the teller. *Otto and ...
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*Surviving Vesuvius by Beth Waters

Surviving Vesuvius is an intimate look at an ancient disaster. *Surviving Vesuvius: A Lucky Escape from the Tragic Fate of Ancient Pompeii by Beth Waters, ...
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*Eric’s Greatest Race by Tim Challies

Eric's Greatest Race is a lively graphic novel-style biography of a man who followed Christ to the Olympics and to China. *Eric's Greatest Race by ...
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*Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson

A charming whimsical picture book with a very important message: Don't Trust Fish! *Don't Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson and illustrated by Dan Santat. Dial ...
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Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham

Lunar New Year Love Story is a terrific example of a graphic novel for mature teens: artistic, layered, and storied. Lunar New Year Love Story ...
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*Towed by Toad by Jashar Awan

Toad is busy helping other drivers, but sometimes the helper needs help. Towed by Toad by Jashar Awan. Tundra, 2024. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture ...
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The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman

The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest is a thoughtful, touching, and gently humorous speculation about the afterlife. The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey ...
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Once for Yes by Allie Millington

In Once for Yes, an apartment building forms relationships with its residents and faces threats of its own demolition. Once for Yes by Allie Millington. ...
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Old School by Gordon Korman

A boy raised in a retirement village must give up his Old School for seventh grade with . . . actual seventh-graders. Old School by ...
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Lola by Karla Arenas Valenti

Lola is a sensitive exploration of loss with striking visual imagery and an unusual plot. Lola by Karla Arenas Valenti. Knopf Books for Young Readers, ...
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First Steps in Verse: *You’re a Poet and Dino Poet

You’re a Poet is a friendly and practical guide not just to writing poetry, but thinking poetically. *You’re A Poet: Ways to Start Writing Poems ...
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Pilgrim Codex by Vivian Mansour

Pilgrim Codex is a story about Mexican immigration told in Aztec-inspired artwork and text. Pilgrim Codex by Vivian Mansour, illustrated by Emmanuel Valtierra, translated by ...
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The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon by Grace Lin

The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon blends folklore, contemporary fantasy, and painting into a lovely work of art. The Gate, the Girl, and the ...
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God with Us: Bible Stories on the Road to Emmaus by Matt Mikalatos

The graphic novel God with Us takes a unique approach to Bible stories, using Luke 24:27 as a framework. God with Us: Bible Stories on ...
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*Embergold by Rachelle Nelson

Embergold is a thought-provoking fantasy for teens that includes true love, sacrifice, and dragons. *Embergold by Rachelle Nelson. Enclave Escape, 2025. 325 pages. Reading Level: ...
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*The Storyteller’s Bible by Kathryn Butler

The Storyteller’s Bible weaves the gospel into 35 theologically-rich stories from scripture. *The Storyteller’s Bible: Celebrating the Greatest Storyteller of All by Kathryn Butler. B&H ...
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The Book of Belonging by Mariko Clark

The Book of Belonging gets a lot of the Bible right but makes some significant omissions. The Book of Belonging: Bible Stories for Kind and ...
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What a Character! Notable Lives from History by Marilyn Boyer

History lovers will enjoy the short biographies of notable historical figures in the What a Character! series from Master Books. What a Character! Notable Lives ...
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Miss Prim Goes Wild by Katy Rose

Miss Prim Goes Wild is a delightful picture book that celebrates the awakening both of spring and of a person's heart. Miss Prim Goes Wild ...
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Off-Limits by Helen Yoon

A little girl can't resist the urge to play in her daddy's office while he's out, but is surprised to find that her room has ...
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Gladiola Garden by Effie Lee Newsome

Reprinted from the original, Gladiola Garden is a sweet poetry anthology featuring black children in its illustrations (and written by a black woman). Gladiola Garden ...
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The Last Keeper (Dream Keeper series #5) by Kathryn Butler

The 5-volume Dream Keeper series comes to a rousing finish with The Last Keeper. The Last Keeper (Dream Keeper Saga, book 5) by Kathryn Butler. ...
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My First 123 Book of Bible Numbers by Jonathan Gibson

My First 123 Book of Bible Numbers colorfully mixes learning to count with learning important Bible stories. My First 123 Book of Bible Numbers by ...
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The Wheelies Series by Sarah Reju

The Wheelies series features Coop, the youngest member of his automotive family, learning how to clean up, help out, and serve others. Coop Helps Out ...
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Angels on Your Side by Marty Machowski

Angels on Your Side is a fun book, but it's also a book with a great reminder of God's care for his people. Angels on ...
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100 Great Poems for Boys, edited by Leslie Pockell

100 Great Poems for Boys offers a solid collection of worthy poems, from the heroic to the humorous, for boys of all ages. 100 Great ...
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The Tale of Peter Rabbit: A Sponsored Review

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. F. Warne & Co., 1902. Reading Level: Picture Books, Ages 0-6 Recommended For: Ages 0-6 This charming ...
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*How Elegant the Elephant by Mary Ann Hoberman

How Elegant the Elephant teams a beloved poet with a Caldecott-honor author to create a winning collection of animal poems. *How Elegant the Elephant: Poems ...
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Birdlore by Jess Keating

Birdlore is a vibrant picture book biography of Florence Merriam Bailey, bird-watcher extraordinaire. Birdlore: The Iridescent Life of Florence Merriam Bailey by Jess Keating, illustrated ...
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Max in the Land of Lies by Adam Gidwitz

Max in the Land of Lies completes Adam Gidwitz’s “Operation Kinderspion” duo with a tale both thrilling and thought-provoking. Max in the Land of Lies ...
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How to Survive on the Moon by Joalda Morancy

Getting to the moon was only the beginning. But How to Survive on the Moon? How to Survive on the Moon: Lunar Lessons from a ...
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*Glory, Too: Poems by Nikki Grimes

Glory, Too: Poems by Nikki Grimes is a beautiful anthology of poetry inspired by Scripture. *Glory, Too: Poems by Nikki Grimes. Paraclete Press, 2025, 160 ...
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*Glory in the Margins: Sunday Poems by Nikki Grimes

Glory in the Margins: Sunday Poems is a striking and deeply spiritual collection of poetry worth savoring. *Glory in the Margins: Sunday Poems by Nikki ...
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*Painting Wonder by Katie Wray Schon

Painting Wonder, an outstanding example of a picture book biography, is a sure winner for all Narnia and Tolkien fans. *Painting Wonder: How Pauline Baynes ...
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That Book Woman by Heather Henson

Part story of Appalachia, part story of the original Pack Horse Librarians, all story about finding a love of reading, That Book Woman is a ...
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The Enemy’s Daughter by Anne Blankman

The Enemy’s Daughter traces a friendship born in adversity during World War I. The Enemy’s Daughter by Anne Blankman. Viking, 2025, 272 pages Reading Level: ...
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Birds of a Feather: Bird Books for Kids

Do you have a young bird lover in your house? A bird nerd who, at age 10, can tell you all the migratory species that ...
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A Wonderful Surprise by Sally Michael

A Wonderful Surprise looks at Easter through the lens of one short scripture passage which children are encouraged to memorize. A Wonderful Surprise by Sally ...
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Trouble Dog by Carol A. Foote

Tucker is nothing but trouble, but a kind new owner helps this trouble dog learn to be a hero in this lively nonfiction picture book. ...
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Jella Lepman’s Library of Dreams by Katherine Paterson

Katherine Paterson’s latest is a biography of Jella Lepman, an unexpected postwar hero. Jella Lepman and Her Library of Dreams: The Woman Who Rescued a ...
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The Big Book of Balloon Art by Gerry Giovinco

The Big Book of Balloon Art is a great introduction to an inexpensive hobby that is sure to bring delight. The Big Book of Balloon ...
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My Presentation Today Is about the Anaconda by Bibi Dumon Tak

Animals give school-style presentations about other animals. Guess whose Presentation Today Is about the Anaconda? My Presentation Today Is about the Anaconda by Bibi Dumon ...
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All Better Now by Neal Schusterman

All Better Now, a thought-provoking read for mature teens, grapples with the consequences of a different kind of pandemic. All Better Now by Neal Shusterman. ...
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Mixed Feelings by Liana Finck

Mixed Feelings introduces very young children to their own complicated emotions. Mixed Feelings by Liana Finck. Rise (PRH), 2025, 38 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ...
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*Battle Bunny by Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett

A birthday book from Alex's grandma is transformed into a very different kind of story: Battle Bunny is the hilarious result. *Battle Bunny by Jon ...
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Black Culture Roundup: *When I Hear Spirituals, How Sweet the Sound, *Everywhere Beauty is Harlem

Three picture books about African American culture can open windows of understanding a wider world. *When I Hear Spirituals by Cheryl Willis Hudson, illustrated by ...
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Counting Winter by Nancy White Carlstrom

Counting Winter is a clever picture book that manages to mix counting, nature study, and poetry into one irresistible wintry package. Counting Winter by Nancy ...
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The Most Beautiful Winter by Cristina Sitja Rubio

The Most Beautiful Winter celebrates new friends, creativity, and seasonal delights. The Most Beautiful Winter by Cristina Sitja Rubio, translated by Vineet Lal. Eerdmans, 2024 ...
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girl who lost a leopard

The Girl Who Lost a Leopard by Nizrana Farook

In The Girl Who Lost a Leopard, free-spirited Selvi desires nothing more than to protect the leopard, Lokka, until she realizes that she can't do ...
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Song of a Blackbird by Maria van Lieshout

Song of a Blackbird connects two generations of an Amsterdam family through the story of the Dutch Resistance during World War II. Song of a ...
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*Beyond Mulberry Glen by Millie Florence

Beyond Mulberry Glen is a deeply satisfying, enjoyable fantasy that would make a great family read aloud. *Beyond Mulberry Glen by Millie Florence. Waxwing Books, ...
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*New House, New Home by Megan Saben

Lively text and pictures show what it takes to make a New House, New Home—by our own Megan Saben! (And scroll down for a special ...
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*The Last Zookeeper by Aaron Becker

A lovely wordless picture book about animals and a giant robot, The Last Zookeeper is reminiscent of the biblical narrative of Noah. *The Last Zookeeper by ...
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Trans Ideology: Resources for Parents

The tide against trans identification among children may be turning, and that's a welcome development. But any ideology that gets its hooks into the young ...
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*Will’s Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Will’s Race for Home is a classic coming-of-age story set during the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889. *Will’s Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes. ...
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*A Pinecone! by Helen Yoon

A Pinecone! shows the delight in collecting nature through a child's eyes, with sympathy for the parent who has to deal with the consequences. *A ...
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How to Teach Kids Theology by Sam Luce and Hunter Williams

How to Teach Kids Theology reminds parents and youth leaders of the whys and wherefores of biblical instruction. How to Teach Kids Theology by Sam ...
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The Legend of Greyhallow by Summer Rachel Short

The Legend of Greyhallow is a fun, inventive fantasy, perfect for an entertaining, recreational read. The Legend of Greyhallow by Summer Rachel Short. Simon & ...
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Thread by Thread by Alice Brière-Haquet

Thread by Thread is a gentle picture book story with a knitting theme capturing the refugee experience. Thread by Thread by Alice Brière-Haquet, illustrated by Michela ...
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2025 Schneider Family Awards: A Little Like Magic and Popcorn

In A Little Like Magic, a wheelchair-bound girl finds enchantment during the winter ice festival. A Little Like Magic by Sarah Kurpiel. Rocky Pond Books, ...
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2025 Sibert Honor Books: Call Me Roberto, The Girl Who Sang, The Enigma Girls, and Wings of an Eagle

This year's Sibert honor books for excellence in nonfiction include two minority sports heroes, a very young Holocaust survivor, and a World War II espionage ...
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2025 Sibert Medal Winner: Life After Whale by Lynn Brunelle and Jason Chin

Life after Whale, the 2025 Sibert Medal for excellence in nonfiction, pictures the phenomenon of “Whale Fall”: how the earth’s largest living creature supports thriving ...
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Dear Duck, Please Come! by Sarah Mackenzie

Duck's friend, Rabbit, has lost a tooth and the quest to find it brings together a party of loyal friends. Dear Duck, Please Come! by ...
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2025 Caldecott Honor Books: *Home in a Lunchbox, My Daddy Is a Cowboy, *Noodles on a Bicycle, and Up Up Ever Up

This year's Caldecott honor books feature warm family ties, amazing skills and ambitions fulfilled. Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo. Penguin Workshop, 2024, 32 ...
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2025 Caldecott Medal: Chooch Helped by Andrea L. Rogers

Chooch Helped is a loving depiction of a Cherokee girl's little-brother issues. Chooch Helped by Andrea L. Rogers, illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz. Levine Querido, ...
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The Prince of Yorsha Doon by Andrew Peterson

The Prince of Yorsha Doon is a fun adventurous romp in the form of a picture book for fans of The Wingfeather Saga. The Prince ...
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Strangers & Sojourners: A Redeemed Reader Booklist about the Refugee and Immigrant Experience

We've reviewed many books about refugees and the immigrant experience over the years at Redeemed Reader. In 2018 and 2019, our summer reading challenges supported ...
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*Words By Heart by Ouida Sebestyen

Words By Heart is a powerful and nuanced Story full of Truth, laid on the firm foundation that it is not enough to hide Scripture ...
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*Soul School by Amber O’Neal Johnston

Soul School is a well-researched, thoughtful, and joyful exploration of Black literature for children and teens. Highly recommended. *Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled ...
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*Working Boats: An Inside Look at Ten Watercraft by Tom Crestodina

With engaging text, cutaway art, and beautifully detailed illustrations, Tom Crestodina introduces young readers to the world of working boats in Working Boats: An Inside ...
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Mendel the Mess-Up by Terry LaBan

In Mendel the Mess-Up, an accident-prone Jewish boy turns his weaknesses into strengths against rampaging Cossacks. Mendel the Mess-Up by Terry LaBan. Holiday House, 2024, ...
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Thunder City by Philip Reeves

Thunder City supplements Philip Reeve’s Mortal Engines quartet with different characters but similar formula. Thunder City by Philip Reeve. Scholastic, 2024, 322 pages. Reading Level: ...
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*Noodles on a Bicycle by Kyo Maclear

Oh, the joy of noodle delivery when acrobatics are involved! *Noodles on a Bicycle by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Gracey Zhang. Random House, 2024. ...
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2025 ALA Newbery Award – Nailed It!

Well, not exactly. We (especially I) were off on our predictions about the winners, but pretty accurate about what the Newbery Committee would be looking ...
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*Go Forth and Tell by Breanna J. McDaniel

Lively and inspirational, Go Forth and Tell shows a woman who took her calling as a storyteller seriously. Go Forth and Tell: The Life of ...
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Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. Coretta Scott King by Coretta Scott King

Coretta herself tells the story of her life with Martin Luther King, Jr., in this beautifully illustrated picture book biography. Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. ...
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*The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

An intriguing, code-breaking adventure introduces young teens to the work at Bletchley Park. *The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin. Viking, 2024. 400 ...
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Seven Small Inventions That Changed the World by Roma Agrawal

These “Seven Small Inventions” are often overlooked, but where would we be without them? Seven Small Inventions that Changed the World by Roma Agrawal, illustrated ...
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Close Up & Far Out by Mary Auld

Close Up & Far Out demonstrates how two 17th-century scientists opened windows on the very large and the very small. Close Up & Far Out: ...
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Newbery Roundup #2: Plain Jane, Wrong Way Home, and The First State of Being

Our second roundup of Newbery-buzzing books includes a graphic-novel fairy tale, an escape narrative, and a time-travel adventure. Plain Jane and the Mermaid mixes fairy-tale ...
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My Block Looks Like by Janelle Harper

Dynamic and vibrant, My Block Looks Like is a fun ode to life in the big city. My Block Looks Like by Janelle Harper and ...
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Newbery Buzz #2: One Big Open Sky

Today Betsy, Janie, and Hayley discuss a verse novel we all loved. (See our starred review.) Janie: When we picture wagon trains moving west, we ...
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José Feeds the World by David Unger

José Feeds the World is a cheerfully-illustrated picture book biography about a servant-heart who feeds those in need. José Feeds the World: How a Famous ...
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Newbery Buzz #1: Olivetti

Here we go again: when ALA Award season approaches, we can’t help speculating about which high-profile children’s books will snatch the coveted Newbery medal. Sometimes ...
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Swimming with Spies by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger

Swimming with Spies is an animal rescue story that provides valuable background to the Russia/Ukraine conflict. Swimming with Spies by Chystyna Lucyk-Berger. Scholastic, 2024, 267 ...
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Newbery Roundup #1: Hank Hooperman, Louder Than Hunger, and The Enigma Girls

It's time to start buzzing about Newbery contenders! We'll do our share in the following weeks, but the various ALA award committees have been buzzing ...
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*Just Like Millie by Lauren Castillo

*Just Like Millie is a sweet picture book about friendship with outstanding illustrations. *Just Like Millie by Lauren Castillo. Candlewick, 2014. 40 pages. Reading Level: ...
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A Friend for Eddy by Ann Kim Ha

A Friend for Eddy is absolutely perfect for a story time read aloud to a group of young children. A Friend for Eddy by Ann ...
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Quagmire Tiarello Couldn’t Be Better by Mylisa Larsen

Quagmire Tiarello is the appropriately-named hero of this story of a young man with a difficult mother. Quagmire Tiarello Couldn’t Be Better by Mylisa Larsen. ...
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King & Kayla Series by Dori Hillestad Butler

The King & Kayla series offers up warm, winsome humor (and mysteries, too!) for newly independent readers. King & Kayla Series by Dori Hillstad Butler ...
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National Book Award Winner: Kareem Between

Kareem Between is a sympathetic portrait of a 7th-grader born to Syrian refugees, who can’t feel himself fully American or fully Syrian. Kareem Between by ...
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Under the Weather: Bookish comfort when you and your family are sick (plus a recipe)

“Then would you read a Sustaining Book, such as would help and comfort a Wedged Bear in Great Tightness?” ("In Which Pooh Goes Visiting and ...
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*Mr. Fox’s Game of “NO!” by David LaRochelle

Wit and humor are featured in this book that challenges a child's intuitive response. *Mr. Fox's Game of "NO!" by David LaRochelle and illustrated by ...
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Top Posts from 2024

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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