Cultural Diversity
*Anna Hibiscus Series by Atinuke
By Betsy Farquhar |
An illustrated chapter book series set in contemporary Africa that celebrates large families, its childlike protagonist, and traditional values. Enjoy this review from the archives! Originally published ...
Read More 
Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photo by Roxanne Orgill
By Betsy Farquhar |
An iconic photograph comes to life in this well-crafted sophisticated, artistic picture book. This is a review by Pamela Palmer, a new addition to our Redeemed ...
Read More 
Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton
By Betsy Farquhar |
A delightful picture book biography about a boy who loved to tinker and grew up to work on rockets and invent America's favorite water gun! ...
Read More 
*Ghost by Jason Reynolds
By Janie Cheaney |
A kid from “the projects” learns to put speed in service of character building and achievement. *Ghost by Jason Reynold. Atheneum, 2016, 180 pages Reading ...
Read More 
*When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin
By Betsy Farquhar |
The power of stories is front and center in this beautiful, imaginative companion to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. Starred review. A 2016 Christmas ...
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 
Ghosts by Raina Telgemeir
By Janie Cheaney |
A much-acclaimed graphic novel by Raina Telgemeir pokes below the surface creepiness of "hauntings" to explore how we feel about death. Ghosts by Raina Telegemeir. ...
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 
*The Book of God by Ben Avery
By Janie Cheaney |
This comprehensive, accessible guide to the history of the Bible in graphic-novel format will have young readers referring to it again and again. *The Book ...
Read More 
*Freedom on Congo Square by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated R. Gregory Christie
By Betsy Farquhar |
Congo Square held a unique place in the slavery experience and holds a special reminder for Christians as we all look forward to Sunday! *Freedom ...
Read More 
Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes
By Betsy Farquhar |
A tender exploration of the aftermath of 9/11 as one girl begins to understand her father's connection to the events. Towers Falling by Jewell Parker ...
Read More 
Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin
By Betsy Farquhar |
Four seemingly unconnected middle school kids are each connected to the events of September 11 in ways that help them mature and learn compassion. Nine, ...
Read More 
Spirit Week Showdown by Crystal Allen
By Janie Cheaney |
Mya Tibbs is the perky, enthusiastic narrator of this family- and school-based series for advanced chapter-book readers. Spirit Week Showdown (Magnificent Myra Tibbs #1) by ...
Read More 
Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan
By Betsy Farquhar |
"Don't judge a book--or a 5th grader--by its cover" is the message that comes through loud and clear in this heart-warming middle grades title. Save ...
Read More 
Steamboat School by Deborah Hopkinson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Inspired by true events, this is the story of a St. Louis reverend who moved his school off shore to neutral waters when the law made ...
Read More 
Emma and Julia Love Ballet by Barbara McClintock
By Betsy Farquhar |
Emma, a young ballet student, and Julia, a professional dancer, simultaneously dance their way through a typical day in this sweet picture book. Emma and ...
Read More 
It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel by Firoozah Dumas
By Janie Cheaney |
An Iranian girl in a California middle school struggles to bridge cultures in this compelling, semi-autobiographical narrative. It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel by Firoozah Dumas. ...
Read More 
Back-to-School Backpack List (2016)
By The Redeemed Shall Read |
Just in time for the start of a new school year with new pencils, new protractors, new textbooks: our Back-to-School Backpack Booklist! As is our ...
Read More 
What Elephants Know by Erick Dinerstein
By Janie Cheaney |
Lowland Tibet is the exotic setting for this coming-of-age story featuring an 11-year-old boy and the elephants he loves. What Elephants Know by Erick Dinerstein. ...
Read More 
When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds
By Janie Cheaney |
A black teen in the 'hood struggles to maintain his focus when his best friend takes a wrong turn with potentially serious consequences. When I ...
Read More 
All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely
By Betsy Farquhar |
Rashad (a black guy) and Quinn (a white guy) take turns narrating this timely and moving young adult realistic fiction story about police brutality and ...
Read More 
*Water is Water by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Jason Chin
By Betsy Farquhar |
*Water is Water: A Book About the Water Cycle by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Jason Chin. Roaring Brook Press, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture ...
Read More 
A+ Attitude (Morgan Love Series) by Stephanie Perry Moore
By Betsy Farquhar |
A+ Attitude (Morgan Love Series #1) by Stephanie Perry Moore. Lift Every Voice Books (a Moody Imprint), 2011. 144 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages ...
Read More 
Just Jump! (Double Dutch Series #1) by Mabel Elizabeth Singletary
By Betsy Farquhar |
Just Jump! (Double Dutch Series #1) by Mabel Elizabeth Singletary. Lift Every Voice Books (a Moody Imprint), 2007. 160 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages ...
Read More 
Making the Team by Stephanie Perry Moore and Derrick Moore
By Betsy Farquhar |
Making the Team by Stephanie Perry Moore and Derrick Moore. Alec London Series. Lift Every Voice Books (a Moody Imprint), 2011. 160 pages. Reading Level: Middle ...
Read More 
*The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
By Betsy Farquhar |
*The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney. Little, Brown, 2009. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: All Ages Stunning illustrations, a vast ...
Read More 
*The Grasshopper and the Ants by Jerry Pinkney
By Betsy Farquhar |
*The Grasshopper and the Ants by Jerry Pinkney. Little, Brown, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 Vibrant, colorful ...
Read More 
The Tortoise and the Hare by Jerry Pinkney
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Tortoise and the Hare by Jerry Pinkney. Little, Brown, 2013. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: All Ages Slow and ...
Read More 
Ling and Ting books by Grace Lin
By Betsy Farquhar |
A delightful early reader series about Asian American twins, Ling and Ting. Ling and Ting books by Grace Lin. LB Kids, 2011 (and to the ...
Read More *Red Butterfly by A. L. Sonnischen
By Janie Cheaney |
*Red Butterfly by A. L. Sonnischen. Simon & Shuster, 2015, 392 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 12-15 Bottom line: In ...
Read More 
New Shoes by Susan Lynn Meyer, illustrated by Eric Velasquez
By Betsy Farquhar |
New Shoes by Susan Lynn Meyer, illustrated by Eric Velasquez. Holiday House, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 ...
Read More 
Swing Sisters by Karen Deans, illustrated by Joe Cepeda
By Betsy Farquhar |
Swing Sisters: The Story of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm by Karen Deans, illustrated by Joe Cepeda. Holiday House, 2015. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages ...
Read More 
*Lulu and the Rabbit Next Door by Hilary McKay
By Betsy Farquhar |
*Lulu and the Rabbit Next Door by Hilary McKay, illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Co., 2014. 91 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 4-8 ...
Read More 
Blue Birds by Caroline Starr Rose
By Betsy Farquhar |
Blue Birds by Caroline Starr Rose. Putnam, 2015. 400 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: Ages 10-12 Bottom Line: This historical novel-in-verse ...
Read More 
*Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi
By Betsy Farquhar |
This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim ...
Read More 
The Beatitudes by Carole Boston Weatherford
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Beatitudes: From Slavery to Civil Rights by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Tim Ladwig. Eerdmans, 2009. 36 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8Recommended ...
Read More 
Beautiful Moon: A Child’s Prayer by Tonya Bolden
By Betsy Farquhar |
Beautiful Moon: A Child's Prayer by Tonya Bolden and illustrated by Eric Velasquez. Abrams, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books (ages 0-8)Recommended for: All ages ...
Read More The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney
By Janie Cheaney |
The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Shane Evans. Little, Brown, 2014. 319 pages, including notes and glossary. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages ...
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 
Lulu and the Hedgehog in the Rain by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont
By Betsy Farquhar |
Lulu and the Hedgehog in the Rain by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Company, 2014. 112 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ...
Read More 
Lulu and the Cat in the Bag by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont
By Betsy Farquhar |
Lulu and the Cat in the Bag by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Company, 2013. 112 pages. Reading Level: Chapter ...
Read More 
Lulu and the Dog from the Sea by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont
By Betsy Farquhar |
Lulu and the Dog from the Sea by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Company, 2014. 112 pages. (originally published in ...
Read More 
Lulu and the Duck in the Park by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont
By Betsy Farquhar |
This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Lulu and the Duck in the ...
Read More Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
By Janie Cheaney |
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson. Penguin, 2014. 320 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 5 (ages 12-14) Bottom line: Award-winning author ...
Read More 
My Friend the Enemy by (our very own) J. B. Cheaney
By Betsy Farquhar |
My Friend the Enemy by J. B. Cheaney. Yearling, 2007 (reprint edition). 272 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades 8-12) Recommended for: Ages 8-12 If another ...
Read More 
Dash by Kirby Larson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Dash by Kirby Larson. Scholastic, 2014. 256 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12Recommended for: Ages 8-12 Eleven-year-old Mitsi's best friend is her little dog, Dash. ...
Read More 
*Somebody on This Bus is Going to Be Famous by (our very own) J. B. Cheaney
By Betsy Farquhar |
*Somebody on This Bus Is Going to Be Famous by J. B. Cheaney. Sourcebooks, 2014. 304 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades (8-12)Recommended For: Ages 10-12 Bottom ...
Read More 
Greenglass House by Kate Milford
By Betsy Farquhar |
Greenglass House by Kate Milford. Clarion, 2014, 384 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades (ages 10-12) Recommended for: Ages 10 and up The Greenglass House is ...
Read More 
SRC, Week 1: Chitty Chitty And The Race Against Time
By Betsy Farquhar |
Other Summer Reading Challenge posts: Introduction, Week One: 1) Kids, 2) Teens, 3) Devotional. Week Two: 1) Kids, 2) Teens, 3) Devotional. Week Three: off Week ...
Read More 
The Year of the … Books by Andrea Cheng
By Betsy Farquhar |
One of the most common questions I get when people learn of my profession is a variation of the following, My child is a precocious ...
Read More 
Boys of Blur and Beowulf: Like Father, Like Son
By Betsy Farquhar |
It's not often that we are privileged to read literary gems from both father AND son. But that is indeed the case here; to make ...
Read More 
Meet Lulu and Freddie: 2 Terrific Chapter Book Characters (+ a Giveaway)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Ready to move on from Frog and Toad? Henry and Mudge getting too easy for your newly independent reader? Rest assured: Junie B. Jones, Judy ...
Read More 
The Thing About Luck: National Book Award Winner
By Betsy Farquhar |
The National Book Award Finalists were announced earlier this fall, and this past week, the winners were announced. This year's winner for Young People's Literature ...
Read More 
Take Me Out to the Yakyu by Aaron Meshon
By Betsy Farquhar |
Take Me Out to the Yakyu by Aaron Meshon. Atheneum, 2013. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Take Me Out to the Yakyu is a colorful, ...
Read More 
Character in the Midst of Diversity: 8 Titles to Note
By Betsy Farquhar |
2013 has given us lots of excellent diverse picture book titles: books about minority cultures, folktale retellings, and books by (or illustrated by) people of ...
Read More 
History in Graphic Format
By Betsy Farquhar |
As we conclude our History Month here at RedeemedReader, I hope you've enjoyed learning about historical fiction, church history, picture book biographies, general history, and ...
Read More 
Sugar and P.S. Be Eleven: Middle Grade Historical Fiction
By Betsy Farquhar |
It's another dual review by Janie and Betsy today! We're teaming up to bring you reviews of two middle grade historical fiction novels during our ...
Read More 
*A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet
By Betsy Farquhar |
*A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Knopf, 2013. 32 pages. Reading Level: ...
Read More 
Summer Reading Challenge, Week 7: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
By Betsy Farquhar |
Don't forget to fill out the Redeemed Reader 2013 Survey if you haven't done so! (There's a giveaway involved!) Still hangin' in there with us? ...
Read More 
We Are the Ship by Kadir Nelson
By Betsy Farquhar |
We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball by Kadir Nelson. Jump at the Sun, 2008. 96 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages ...
Read More Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
By Janie Cheaney |
Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George. Harper Collins, 1972 (paperback reissue 2003). 208 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, 10-12 Recommended for: Young adult, ...
Read More 
Interview with Author Jane Kurtz on African Stories
By emily |
More African stories! Today, we hear from Jane Kurtz, who was raised by missionary parents in Ethiopia. Since then, she's come to live in the ...
Read More - « Previous
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4