Book Reviews
*The Dragon Lord Saga by Jonny Jimison
By Megan Saben |
The Dragon Lord Saga is a graphic novel series overflowing with wild adventures, humor, and hopeful heroism. *The Dragon Lord Saga by Jonny Jimison. Rabbit ...
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*Bright Stars of Black British History by J. T. Williams
By Hayley Morell |
A beautifully illustrated, well-written guide to the Bright Stars of Black British History for middle grades. *Bright Stars of Black British History by J. T. ...
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Dragon Slayers by Joyce Denham
By Hayley Morell |
Dragon Slayers is an earnest attempt to capture Christian theology and history as a battle between dragons and dragon slayers. Dragon Slayers: The Essential Training ...
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City Spies Series by James Ponte
By Betsy Farquhar |
Fun and engaging, the middle grades-level City Spies series is like Mission Impossible with teenagers. City Spies Series by James Ponti. Aladdin. Reading Level: Middle ...
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Riding the Rails: Big Boy 4014 and Ticket to Ride
By Janie Cheaney |
Big Boy 4014 and the Steam Train charts the restoration of a legendary locomotive. Big Boy 4014 and the Steam Train by Marsha Diane Arnold, ...
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*The King’s Cadets and Little Joe by Joe Sutphin and Kevan Chandler
By Megan Saben |
The King's Cadets and Little Joe is a chapter book for fans of Little Pilgrim's Progress. The King's Cadets and Little Joe by Joe Sutphin ...
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John Bunyan: The Journey of a Pilgrim by Brian H. Cosby
By Megan Saben |
John Bunyan: The Journey of a Pilgrim is a middle grades biography of the author of the beloved Christian classic, Pilgrim's Progress. John Bunyan: The ...
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Are We There Yet? by Stacy McAnulty
By Janie Cheaney |
Are We There Yet? is an entertaining travelogue of the first cross-country road trip. Are We There Yet? The First Road Trip across the USA ...
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The Island of Stars by Carrie Brownell
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Island of Stars is an interesting story for readers who want a new spin on old-fashioned adventure tales. The Island of Stars by Carrie ...
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Three Picture Books to Make You Think: Echo, Home, and A Cup of Quiet
By Janie Cheaney |
In Echo, a spoiled little boy learns that real friendship doesn’t mean total agreement. *Echo by Adam Rex. Dial, 2025, 46 pages. Reading Level: Picture ...
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Death in the Jungle by Candace Fleming
By Janie Cheaney |
Death in the Jungle tells the harrowing story of the “Reverend” Jim Jones and the tragic fate of his followers. Death in the Jungle: Murder, ...
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Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B. B. Alston
By Betsy Farquhar |
Will finding, and wielding, the Despicable Wonders help Amari save her world? Amari and the Despicable Wonders (Supernatural Investigations #3) by B. B. Alston. Balzer ...
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Amari and the Great Game by B. B. Alston
By Betsy Farquhar |
Amari is back and playing the most dangerous game she's played in her eventful young life! Amari and the Great Game (Supernatural Investigations #2) by ...
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A Day at the Beach by Gary Schmidt and Ron Koertge
By Janie Cheaney |
A Day at the Beach delivers on its title: snapshots of a variety of 11-13 year-olds during a single day on the Jersey shore. A ...
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Granny and Bean by Karen Hesse
By Megan Saben |
It's a cold, stormy day for a walk on the beach, but that doesn't stop Granny and Bean. Granny and Bean by Karen Hesse and ...
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Dalmartian: A Mars Rover’s Story by Lucy Cummins
By Megan Saben |
A picture book about a dog, intergalactic travel, and friendship that has plenty of boy appeal. Dalrmartian: A Mars Rover's Story by Lucy Cummins. Atheneum, ...
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The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud
By Janie Cheaney |
The Cartoonists Club introduces young readers to the techniques and rationale of sequential graphic storytelling. The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud. Scholastic ...
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Echo Nova by Clint Hall
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Megan Saben |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Hayley Morell |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Megan Saben |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Megan Saben |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Megan Saben |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Megan Saben |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Megan Saben |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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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The Girl Who Lost a Leopard by Nizrana Farook
By Megan Saben |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Megan Saben |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Megan Saben |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Megan Saben |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Megan Saben |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Hayley Morell |
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
By Megan Saben |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Hayley Morell |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Megan Saben |
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!
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Hayley Morell |
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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