Adventure/Thriller
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
By Betsy Farquhar |
In this classic survival story, Karana learns to fend for herself on an island after her tribe leaves for the mainland. Island of the Blue ...
Read More Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian Heidicker
By Janie Cheaney |
Scary Stories for Young Foxes, a 2020 Newbery Honor Book, may be more disturbing than encouraging. Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian Heidicker. Henry ...
Read More Allies by Alan Gratz
By Janie Cheaney |
Allies is a fast, riveting read that communicates the urgency, complexity, and drama of D-Day, the turning point of World War II. Allies by Alan ...
Read More Newbery Roundup #2: All the Greys, This Was Our Pact, A Good Kind of Trouble, To Night Owl from Dogfish
By Janie Cheaney |
Continuing our roundup of possible contender for the 2020 Newbery Medal All the Greys on Greene Street by Laura Tucker. Viking, 320 pages. Olympia’s artist ...
Read More Major Impossible by Nathan Hale
By Betsy Farquhar |
The true story of John Wesley Powell, "Major Impossible" who mapped the Grand Canyon, told in graphic novel format. Major Impossible (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales ...
Read More Newbery Roundup #1: The Line Tender, Tristan Strong, and 1919
By Janie Cheaney |
Newbery season is upon us, culminating in the American Library Association Youth Media Awards on January 27. We've been keeping an eye on books that ...
Read More Torpedoed by Deborah Heligman
By Janie Cheaney |
Torpedoed is a gripping saga of disaster, heartbreak, and heroism on the open sea. Torpedoed: the True Story of the World War II Sinking of ...
Read More The Fowl Twins by Eoin Colfer
By Janie Cheaney |
While Artemis Fowl speeds toward Mars, the Fowl Twins step to starring roles in their own adventures in this page-turning series opener. The Fowl Twins ...
Read More Wildfire by Rodman Philbrick
By Janie Cheaney |
Wildfire is a fast read that will take even reluctant readers into the heart of a fast-moving catastrophe. Wildfire by Rodman Philbrick. Blue Sky (Scholastic), ...
Read More Skyjacked by Paul Griffin
By Janie Cheaney |
Five high school students and one air-traffic intern will be severely tested as their private plane is Skyjacked. Skyjacked by Paul Griffin. Scholastic, 2019, 227 ...
Read More The Good Thieves by Katherine Rundel
By Janie Cheaney |
The Good Thieves combines compelling action and an irresistible “heist” tale with striking prose. The Good Thieves by Katherine Rundel. Simon & Schuster, 2019, 272 ...
Read More Words on Fire by Jennifer A. Nielsen
By Janie Cheaney |
Words on Fire explores a little-known chapter of European history to make a case for the necessity of words, literature, and language to a culture. ...
Read More A Wolf Called Wander by Roseanne Parry
By Janie Cheaney |
A Wolf Called Wander sensitively traces the journey of a young wolf in his quest for a new home and pack. A Wolf Called Wander ...
Read More Robin Hood: Twice Told
By Hayley Morell |
There’s something appealing about Robin Hood. —Maybe even more-so to American sensibilities. Granted, we didn’t rob from the rich for the sake of the poor. ...
Read More Titan and the Wild Boars by Susan Hood and Pathana Sorhiran
By Janie Cheaney |
The true story of the daring rescue of the Thai Soccer team will bring its tension and drama home to young readers. Titan and the ...
Read More The Lady Is a Spy by Don Mitchell
By Janie Cheaney |
This biography of Virginia Hall for young people tells the little-known story of a daring World War II spy. The Lady is a Spy: Virginia ...
Read More When We Were Lost by Kevin Wignall
By Janie Cheaney |
This tense survival tale illustrates contrasting forms of leadership as teens struggle to find their way out of the Brazilian jungle. When We Were Lost ...
Read More The Ranger’s Apprentice Series by John Flanagan
By Betsy Farquhar |
A best-selling series for young teens set in a Medieval-esque, pseudo European world that combines adventure, heroism, villains, danger, and a touch of love. The ...
Read More Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez
By Janie Cheaney |
Fast-paced and far-out, this series opener mixes theoretical science with human joys and sorrows. Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez. Disney (Rick ...
Read More The Strangers by Margaret Peterson Haddix
By Janie Cheaney |
Popular children's author Margaret Peterson Haddix begins another sci-fi/adventure series for middle-graders. The Strangers (Greystone Secrets #1) by Margaret Peterson Haddix. HarperCollins, 2019, 416 pages ...
Read More *The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw (Retro Reads)
By Betsy Farquhar |
A middle grades novel packed with life in ancient Egypt and an orphan's adventure among the tombs of the dead. *The Golden Goblet by Eloise ...
Read More *Time Sight by Lynne Jonell
By Janie Cheaney |
A disgruntled boy gifted with "time sight" discovers a way back into his own family's history. *Time Sight by Lynne Jonell. Henry Holt, 2019, 389 ...
Read More The Odyssey: a Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds
By Janie Cheaney |
This graphic-novel adaptation of The Odyssey has some beautiful panels and a few problems. The Odyssey: a Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds. Candlewick, 2010, 248 ...
Read More The Iliad: a Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds
By Janie Cheaney |
Gareth Hinds' adaptation of The Iliad is an excellent introduction to Homer's classic for middle graders and teens. *The Iliad: a Graphic Novel Adaptation by ...
Read More *By the Great Horn Spoon by Sid Fleischman (Retro Read)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Jack and Praiseworthy must use their wits and resourcefulness if they are to strike it rich in California's goldfields in this funny middle grades novel. ...
Read More Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret by Trudi Truett
By Janie Cheaney |
With Explorer Academy, National Geographic launches an action sci-fi series taking readers to the world's natural wonders. The Nebula Secret (Explorer Academy #1) by Trudi ...
Read More Spy Runner by Eugene Yelchin
By Janie Cheaney |
A dauntless 11-year-old boy confronts a possible Russian spy in this Cold-War-era thriller. Spy Runner by Eugene Yelchin. Henry Holt (Godwin Books), 2019, 343 pages ...
Read More *Bamboo People by Mitali Perkins
By Betsy Farquhar |
Chiko and Tu Reh learn to face challenges and love their enemies in modern day, war-torn Burma in this realistic fiction novel for teens. Starred ...
Read More Literaritea: Classics and new favorites
By Megan Saben |
Literaritea is a fresh series in which Megan offers a taste of her experiences reading picture books and poetry aloud to her five boys, ages 2-12. Ideally we have teatime with our literature, but not always. These are the books that resonate with all of us and if I don't own these titles yet, I ...
Read More *Monster Blood Tattoo Trilogy by D. M. Cornish
By Hayley Morell |
Foundling, Lamplighter, and Factotum by D. M. Cornish. G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2006-2010. Ages 12 & up. Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-14 Recommended for: ages 12 & ...
Read More Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen
By Janie Cheaney |
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: ...
Read More Black Rock Brothers by S. J. Dahlstrom
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Five Favorites: Old and New
By Hayley Morell |
With leaves changing and school beginning, our Redeemed Reader intern, Zoe Watters, shares five books that can be enjoyed any time of year. As she ...
Read More The Princess Bride by William Goldman
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Princess Bride is just as delightful in book form as it is in movie form (or vice versa, depending on which you've already experienced!). ...
Read More Retro Reads: The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
By Betsy Farquhar |
Read Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's adventure classic, The Lost World, a book that has clear links to Jurassic Park! The Lost World by Sir Arthur ...
Read More Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier
By Hayley Morell |
Mysterious maps, sea creatures, and an island kingdom where dark secrets threaten to emerge . . . All the makings for an excellent story. Isle ...
Read More Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
By Betsy Farquhar |
The story that inspired the movie chain: Jurassic Park is more complex than the movie in every way--and not for kids. Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. ...
Read More Rapid Fire: Five Recent YA
By Hayley Morell |
Reading YA takes time. Books often stretch to 400 plus pages, and sometimes at the end of the day, those 400 pages aren't worth an ...
Read More The Traitor’s Game by Jennifer Nielsen
By Janie Cheaney |
This YA fantasy adventure places a spunky nobleman’s daughter in the middle of a “traitor’s game” between her corrupt father and a compromised opposition. Ages ...
Read More The Mad Wolf’s Daughter by Diane Magras
By Janie Cheaney |
A teenage "Mad Wolf's Daughter" in late medieval Scotland stakes her claim to legendary status. Ages 10-14 The Mad Wolf’s Daughter by Diane Magras. Penguin ...
Read More Raffie on the Run by Jacqueline Resnick
By Janie Cheaney |
Raffie, an intrepid subway rat, embarks on a fearsome quest to rescue his little brother in this lively animal adventure with memorable characters. Ages 8-12 ...
Read More Survivor Diaries by Terry Lynn Johnson
By Janie Cheaney |
The Survivor Diaries series present 10-and-11 year olds in life-threatening situations, who find the courage to persevere and . . . survive! Ages 7-11 Survivor Diaries: ...
Read More Invictus by Ryan Graudin
By Janie Cheaney |
Invictus takes science-fiction to the max with a wild ride that involves time travel, doppelgangers, and parallel universes. Ages 15-up Invictus by Ryan Graudin. Little, ...
Read More Edge of Extinction Series by Laura Martin
By Betsy Farquhar |
Living on the edge of extinction: Cloned dinosaurs plus dystopian autocratic society plus a renegade band of treetop dwellers equals a fast-paced middle grades sci-fi ...
Read More 2018 Newbery Buzz #3: Refugee
By Janie Cheaney |
Janie and Pamela continue our Newbery discussions with Refugee, a novel that carries political significance as well as literary value. Ages 12-15. Janie: Alan Gratz ...
Read More The Origins Trilogy by Keith Robinson
By Pamela Palmer |
The Origins Trilogy: Christian science fiction that simultaneously delivers good adventure AND reasoned arguments for Creation and the flood? Read on! Ages 16-up The Origins ...
Read More The River Doubt and the Amazing Amazon: 4 True Stories for All Ages
By Betsy Farquhar |
Teddy Roosevelt travels the River Doubt, Percy Fawcett hunts for the City "Z," and a tiny fish is making headlines in conservation efforts for the ...
Read More *Disappeared by Francisco X. Stork
By Janie Cheaney |
Disappeared offers teens a complex look at making moral choices amid drug crime and kidnapping along the Mexican border. *Disappeared by Francis X. Stork. Scholastic, ...
Read More Poe: Stories and Poems: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Gareth Hinds
By Betsy Farquhar |
Poe: Stories and Poems is just as gripping, psychological, and scary in this well done graphic novel format as it is in the original prose. ...
Read More The Explorer by Katherine Rundell
By Janie Cheaney |
Nonstop action, intriguing characters, and startling observations raise this adventure tale above the pack. The Explorer by Katherine Rundell. Simon & Schuster, 2017, 324 pages ...
Read More Beneath by Roland Smith
By Janie Cheaney |
A unique YA series-opener, Beneath takes us below the streets of New York City where trouble is brewing. Reading level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended ...
Read More The Trail by Meika Hashimoto
By Janie Cheaney |
A boy takes to the Appalachian Trail to ease a guilty conscience, in this adventure novel for middle grades The Trail by Meika Hashimoto. Scholastic, ...
Read More Reading Diana Wynne Jones: an Author Portrait
By Hayley Morell |
You just finished a good book. Now what? Many book lovers can relate to this sad, unsatisfied feeling. But what if you banished that feeling, ...
Read More Portrait of a Reader: The Adventurer
By Betsy Farquhar |
Portrait of a Reader is a new feature in which we try to "unpack" a particular kind of reader. The portraits will overlap; most people will ...
Read More The School Ship Tobermory series by Alexander McCall Smith
By Janie Cheaney |
The School Ship Tobermory series takes a crew of likable middle-graders to exotic ports in pursuit of adventure. School Ship Tobermory and The Sands of ...
Read More Refugee by Alan Gratz
By Janie Cheaney |
Refugee weaves the stories of three children fleeing intolerable situations in their home countries, from 1939 to the present. Refugee by Alan Gratz. Scholastic, 2017, ...
Read More In the Shadow of the Sun by Anne Sibley O’Brien
By Janie Cheaney |
This excellent character-driven adventure saga sheds light on the darkness of North Korea while exploring family and cultural relationships. In the Shadow of the Sun ...
Read More Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray
By Hayley Morell |
Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray. Little, Brown and Company, 2017. 512 pages. Noemi Vidal will die for her country, but an abandoned spaceship and a ...
Read More Shipwreck Island by S. A. Bodeen
By Janie Cheaney |
Shipwreck Island (Shipwreck Island #1) by S. A. Bodeen. Feiwel & Friends, 2014, 184 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 10-14 ...
Read More The Battle of Seattle by Douglas Bond
By Betsy Farquhar |
A little known slice of American history comes to life in this Christian middle grades historical fiction novel about the Battle of Seattle. The Battle of ...
Read More Will Wilder series by Raymond Arroyo
By Janie Cheaney |
The Will Wilder adventure series, though not marketed as Christian, draws its inspiration from the Bible, with numerous biblical references embedded in a fast-paced narrative. ...
Read More Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke
By Janie Cheaney |
This exciting graphic-novel series opener pits a fatherless boy and an adventurous home-schooling girl against aggressive garden vegetables. Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke. First Second, ...
Read More The Martian: Classroom Edition by Andy Weir
By Betsy Farquhar |
A snarky, totally believable science fiction narrative for teens. The Martian: Classroom Edition by Andy Weir. Broadway Books, 2016. 400 pages. Reading Level: Teens, ages 15-18Recommended ...
Read More *A Little Taste of Poison by R. J. Anderson
By Hayley Morell |
The stakes are higher than ever for Isaveth Breck, plucky heroine of A Pocketful of Murder, when the future of her city is threatened. ...
Read More *Zita the Spacegirl Series by Ben Hatke
By Betsy Farquhar |
Zita the Spacegirl and her intrepid friends battle the forces of evil in extra terrestrial dimensions in this lively graphic novel series. a review from ...
Read More *The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart
By Betsy Farquhar |
A magic watch, a family secret, a mysterious city dictator, and one brave boy make for a great read in this clever, inventive mystery. One ...
Read More Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz
By Janie Cheaney |
A 13-year-old saboteur in the Hitler Youth meets the challenge of his life in this page-turning World War II thriller. Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz. ...
Read More Fires of Invention by Scott Savage
By Janie Cheaney |
This dystopian fantasy series (with steampunk overtones) kicks off with a fabulous mechanical flying beast and two intrepid teens. Fires of Invention (Mysteries of Cove ...
Read More Gears of Revolution by Scott Savage
By Janie Cheaney |
A dystopian/fantasy series continues with our heroes’ search for the legendary Leo Babbage Gears of Revolution (Mysteries of Cove #2) by Scott Savage. Shadow Mountain, ...
Read More *Ember Falls by S. D. Smith
By Janie Cheaney |
The Green Ember saga continues with desperate battles, unexpected heroism, and enough dangling plot threads to make readers eager for the next volume. *Ember Falls ...
Read More Every Falling Star by Sungju Lee and Susan Elizabeth McClelland
By Betsy Farquhar |
Grit, friendship, and hope come together in this bittersweet memoir for teens. Every Falling Star: The True Story of How I Survived and Escaped North ...
Read More The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste
By Betsy Farquhar |
Haitian folklore comes to life in this spooky story about jumbies, a brave girl and her friends, and oranges. The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste. Algonquin ...
Read More The Left-Handed Fate by Kate Milford
By Betsy Farquhar |
A swashbuckling, complex middle grades fantasy set on board an unlucky pirate ship in the midst of war. The Left-Handed Fate by Kate Milford. Henry ...
Read More Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
By Janie Cheaney |
The movie version of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children opens today, and since none of us regular reviewers have read the book, we're happy ...
Read More Hilo: Saving the Whole Wide World by Judd Winick
By Janie Cheaney |
The exuberant boy-robot Hilo is back from “the void,” pursuing his mission to destroy his arch-enemy Razorwark and discover his own origin and purpose. Hilo ...
Read More The Double Cross by Jackson Pearce
By Janie Cheaney |
A 12-year-old spy trainee proves his calling in spite of obvious physical drawbacks, in this entertaining middle-grade adventure. The Double Cross, and Other Skills I ...
Read More Retro Reads: Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome
By Betsy Farquhar |
In this British children's classic, the brave Swallows (four siblings) are at war with the piratical Amazons (two sisters) in one glorious summer of sailing, ...
Read More The Trials of Apollo Book 1: The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan
By Alysha |
This storyline of the series, which focuses on the now mortal god Apollo, is great in theory, but the first book is lackluster and inappropriate ...
Read More The Eye of Midnight by Andrew Brumbach
By Janie Cheaney |
A thrilling tale set in 1920s New York pits three children against a foe that bears an uncanny resemblance to modern-day Islamism. The Eye of ...
Read More Terror at Bottle Creek by Watt Key
By Janie Cheaney |
In a fast, thrilling read, a 13-year-old boy must display courage, ingenuity, and persistence in extremely dangerous circumstances. Terror at Bottle Creek by Watt Key. ...
Read More Indiana Jones has Nothing on Vesper Holly!
By Hayley Morell |
This post is brought to you from Redeemed Reader's archives; please enjoy! Ginger-haired, green-eyed, and very determined, 16-year-old Vesper Holly is ready for anything, especially an adventure. Possessing ...
Read More The Uses of Terror
By Janie Cheaney |
Yesterday I made a distinction between “terror” stories and “horror” stories—the latter based squarely on our elemental fear of death, often with buckets of blood ...
Read More Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve
By Hayley Morell |
Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve. Random House, Reading Level: Middle Grades, Ages 8-10 Recommended For: Ages 8-10 Bottom Line: A rollicking chapter book adventure with ...
Read More Illusionarium by Heather Dixon
By Hayley Morell |
Illusionarium by Heather Dixon. Greenwillow Books, 2015. 368 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Recommended for: Ages 15 and up Bottom Line: A darker steam-punk fantasy, Illusionarium ...
Read More Fallout (Lois Lane) by Gwenda Bond
By Janie Cheaney |
Fallout (Lois Lane) by Gwenda Bond. Capstone, 2015. 202 pages Reading Level: Young adults, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 12 and up Bottom Line: Fallout ...
Read More Wilder Boys by Brandon Wallace
By Janie Cheaney |
Wilder Boys by Brandon Wallace. Aladdin, 2015. 220 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-14 (especially boys) Bottom Line: Questionable premises ...
Read More The Whisperer by Fiona McIntosh
By Janie Cheaney |
The Whisperer by Fiona McIntosh. Knopf, 2014. 390 pages Reading level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-14 Bottom line: The Whisperer spins a ...
Read More Masterminds by Gordon Korman
By Janie Cheaney |
Masterminds by Gordon Korman. Balzer & Bray, 2015, 336 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 12-15 Bottom Line: Masterminds raises some ...
Read More The Distance Between Lost and Found by Kathryn Holmes
By Janie Cheaney |
The Distance Between Lost and Found by Kathryn Holmes. HarperTeen, 2015. 306 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 15-18 Bottom Line: ...
Read More Avalon by Mindee Arnett
By Hayley Morell |
Avalon by Mindee Arnett, Balzer + Bray, 2014. 415 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, (ages 12-14) and up Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15-18) and up Readers meet ...
Read More Egg and Spoon by Gregory Maguire
By Janie Cheaney |
Egg and Spoon by Gregory Maguire. Candlewick, 2014. 496 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-14 Maturity Level: 5 (ages 12-15) and up Bottom Line: ...
Read More The Accidental Highwayman by Ben Tripp
By Janie Cheaney |
The Accidental Highwayman by Ben Tripp. Tor, 2014. 295 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Maturity Level: 5 (ages 12-14) and up Bottom Line: ...
Read More Sky Run by Alex Shearer
By Janie Cheaney |
Sky Run by Alex Shearer. Sky Pony Press, 2014. 228 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 4 (ages 10-12) and up One-line ...
Read More Threatened by Eliot Schrefer
By Janie Cheaney |
Threatened by Eliot Schrefer. Scholastic, 2014. 278 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 15-18 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15-18) One-line Summary: Threatened, one of this year’s ...
Read More The Young Carthaginian by G.A. Henty, read by Jim Weiss
By Megan Saben |
The Young Carthaginian by G.A. Henty. Audiobook read by Jim Weiss. Greathall Productions, 2004. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8 and upMaturity Level: 4 (ages 11-12) ...
Read More One Realm Beyond by Donita K. Paul
By Hayley Morell |
This review was written by a Redeemedreader intern and high school student. Thanks, Grace! One Realm Beyond by Donita K. Paul. Zondervan, 2014. 416 pgs. ...
Read More We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
By Janie Cheaney |
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. Delacorte, 2014. 242 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, Ages 12-14 Maturity Level: 7 (Ages 16-up) Then he pulled out ...
Read More The Night Gardener
By Janie Cheaney |
The Night Gardener, by Jonathan Auxier. Amulet, 2014, 350 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 4 (age 10 and up) Teenage Mollie ...
Read More The Finisher by David Baldacci
By Hayley Morell |
The Finisher by David Baldacci. Scholastic, 2014, 497 pages. Reading level: Young Adults, 15-18 Maturity level: 6 What do you get when you blend a ...
Read More Almost Super by Marion Jensen
By Janie Cheaney |
Almost Super, by Marion Jensen. Harper, 2014, 251 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, Ages 8-12 Maturity Level: 3 (ages 8-10) Every four years, on February ...
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