Family Read Alouds
*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 *Into the Jungle by Katherine Rundell
By Janie Cheaney |
In these four tales inspired by Kipling's Jungle Book, Mowgli the man-cub learns the backstories of his fellow creatures. *Into the Jungle: Stories for Mowgli ...
Read More *Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria Parr
By Betsy Farquhar |
Astrid, the thunderbolt of Glimmerdal, charms readers as easily as she charms those around her in this delightful middle grades novel. *Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria Parr. Candlewick, 2018 (English language version). 320 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10Recommended For: Family read aloud, ages 6 and up "Blistering badgers!" She's managed to sled —with speed and self ...
Read More Reading Aloud to Tweens and Teens: A Guest Post about Kate Seredy’s books
By Betsy Farquhar |
Dawn Garrett joins us today to discuss reading Kate Seredy's books aloud to her tweens and teens. For more about Dawn, see her bio below ...
Read More One-Size-Fits-All: Read Aloud Gift Books for the Whole Family!
By Betsy Farquhar |
Need a book idea you can give as a “whole family” gift? Perhaps you want to take along a little “happy” to the friend and ...
Read More *Wicked Nix by Lena Coakley
By Janie Cheaney |
Wicked Nix, “foulest of the fairies,” encounters a magic that resists all the standard fairy spells: the power of human love. *Wicked Nix by Lena ...
Read More *Tales of Wonder edited by Phillips, Bianco, and Kern
By Betsy Farquhar |
Tales of Wonder provides parents and teachers a wonderful resource to use as they enjoy fairy tales with their students and children. *Tales of Wonder, ...
Read More The Jesse Tree by Geraldine McCaughrean
By Betsy Farquhar |
Fresh, colorful illustrations decorate this reprint of The Jesse Tree as told by master storyteller Geraldine McCaughrean. The Jesse Tree by Geraldine McCaughrean and illustrated by Bee ...
Read More Good News for Little Hearts: A New Christian Picture Book Series
By Betsy Farquhar |
Three new picture books in the Good News for Little Hearts series help us coach children through difficulties and point them to Christ. Zoe's Hiding ...
Read More *Prepare Him Room by Marty Machowski
By Betsy Farquhar |
Celebrate the birth of Christ with stories, Scripture, and song in this Advent family devotional guide, perfect for busy families or used in a classroom ...
Read More “Sarah, Plain and Tall Series” by Gladys Hunt
By Betsy Farquhar |
We've got another post from Gladys Hunt for you today about a series beloved to many. For the other posts in this series, please check ...
Read More Bob by Wendy Maas and Rebecca Stead
By Janie Cheaney |
Two popular authors team up to write this quirky story about a lovable creature named—of course—Bob. Bob by Wendy Maas and Rebecca Stead. Feiwel & ...
Read More Toaff’s Way by Cynthia Voight
By Janie Cheaney |
A squirrel with a mind of his own navigates the seasons of his first year in this gentle animal story. Toaff’s Way by Cynthia Voight. ...
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 *The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden by Karina van Glaser
By Janie Cheaney |
The five Vanderbeeker children are back, with irrepressible high spirits, good intentions and miscalculations intact. *The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden by Karina van Glaser. ...
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 *Hope in the Holler by Lisa Lewis Tyre
By Janie Cheaney |
In this lively novel, a recently-orphaned girl finds "hope and a future" in the midst of poverty and bereavement. Ages 10-14. *Hope in the Holler ...
Read More Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea by Lynn Rae Perkins
By Janie Cheaney |
Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea is a beach vacation between two covers, told from an artless childlike perspective. Ages 7-10 Secret Sisters of the ...
Read More Fairy Tales (and More!) for Summer: A Booklist for Family Read Alouds
By Betsy Farquhar |
Lovely, Literary, and Light-hearted: Fairy Tales are a Perfect Match for Summer Fun Looking for some fun, low commitment reading for this summer? Perhaps you ...
Read More *How Sweet the Sound by Carole Boston Weatherford
By Janie Cheaney |
How Sweet the Sound tells the story of "Amazing Grace" in rhyming couplets and dramatic illustrations. Ages 6-10 *How Sweet the Sound: the Story of ...
Read More The Penderwicks at Last by Jeanne Birdsall
By Betsy Farquhar |
Longtime readers will enjoy Birdsall's Penderwicks at Last, a charming finale to this beloved middle grades series. The Penderwicks at Last by Jeanne Birdsall. Knopf, 2018. ...
Read More *New Shoes by Sara Varon
By Janie Cheaney |
A delightful journey into the jungle awaits Francis the Donkey on his quest to make new shoes for his favorite Calypso singer. *New Shoes by ...
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 Strongheart by Candace Fleming
By Janie Cheaney |
Strongheart, a real movie-star dog, acts out a movie scenario in this fun tale. Ages 7-11 Strongheart: Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen by Candace ...
Read More Bible Review: CSB Read-to-Me Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
Designed for parents of preschoolers, the CBS Read-to-me Bible offers a straight path from familiar Bible stories to the text itself. CSB Read-to-Me Bible. B&H ...
Read More *The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
By Janie Cheaney |
The Book of Boy breathes life into the squalor and splendor of the late middle ages, with the tale of a parentless child and a ...
Read More Classic Reads: The Story of the Treasure Seekers by E. Nesbit
By Janie Cheaney |
This often-overlooked classic by the beloved fantasy writer introduces six children with lively imaginations and not much prudence. Ages 10-14 The Story of the Treasure ...
Read More *Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes (Retro Reads)
By Betsy Farquhar |
75 years later, this Newbery-Award winning story about Johnny Tremain is still a great historical fiction read about the birth of America. *Johnny Tremain by Esther ...
Read More *Honey for a Teen’s Heart by Gladys Hunt
By Janie Cheaney |
Honey for a Teen’s Heart applies the wisdom of Gladys Hunt’s read-aloud approach to the adolescent years. Adult *Honey for a Teen’s Heart: Using Books ...
Read More Littler Women by Laura Schaeffer
By Janie Cheaney |
Littler Women pictures the four March girls as 9-to-13-year-olds growing up in a tight-knit family in modern-day Massachusetts. Littler Women: a Modern Retelling by Laura ...
Read More Portrait of a Reader: The Nurturer
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 Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
By Janie Cheaney |
The Vanderbeekers, a loving family with normal unloving moments, face a Christmas-eve challenge with humor and heart. *The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan ...
Read More The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson: the Kids Discuss….
By Betsy Farquhar |
Four middle grades kids discuss The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: what stands out in this funny, modern Christmas classic? The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara ...
Read More The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill
By Megan Saben |
Bottom line: When the big trucks take over the streets of New York, the pushcarts push back. Support your local vendor. The Pushcart War by ...
Read More The Wonder of the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Wonder of the Greatest Gift offers a complete Jesse Tree experience with devotional and ornaments for the whole family to enjoy. The Wonder of ...
Read More *Voices of Christmas by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Eric Velasquez
By Betsy Farquhar |
Voices of Christmas is a beautiful and poetic exploration of the different characters in the Christmas story--perfect for middle grades kids! *Voices of Christmas by ...
Read More Giant Christmas and Advent Book List for All Ages
By Betsy Farquhar |
We love Christmas and Advent at Redeemed Reader, and we've reviewed lots of related resources over the years. Advent begins on December 1, and the ...
Read More *The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible by Jared Kennedy
By Janie Cheaney |
The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible strikes the right balance between scriptural faithfulness and a preschooler’s comprehension. *The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible by Jared Kennedy, illustrated ...
Read More Retro Read: Mr. Revere and I by Robert Lawson
By Megan Saben |
Mr. Revere and I: History as told by a horse in this humorous middle grades historical fiction. Mr. Revere and I: An account of a ...
Read More Brave Red, Smart Frog by Emily Jenkins
By Janie Cheaney |
Seven classic fairy tales are retold in a concise but winning style that highlights both their humor and sympathy. Brave Red, Smart Frog: a New ...
Read More Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 2 (and another great giveaway!)
By Janie Cheaney |
By chapters 8-13, we’re well into the development part of the novel, which (you may recall) I mentioned is the often the most difficult part ...
Read More The Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 1 (and book giveaway!)
By Janie Cheaney |
At last count, thirty families and individuals (and a few classes) have signed up to receive daily chapters of my latest in-progress novel. (If you ...
Read More Project Bird Boy: Launch! (with one free download)
By Janie Cheaney |
To be fair, doubts about Roy Ray Rappaport were perfectly understandable. Except for bats, winged mammals are so rare they're assumed to be myths. Even ...
Read More The Emperor’s Ostrich by Julie Berry
By Janie Cheaney |
A light-hearted adventure for middle-graders combines humor and redemption. The Emperor’s Ostrich by Julie Berry. Roaring Brook, 2017, 274 pages Reading Level: Middle grades, ages ...
Read More Announcing: The Bird Boy Project!
By Janie Cheaney |
If you’ve been following Redeemed Reader for the last few years, you may remember some of the read-alongs we’ve done, such as The Hobbit, Pilgrim’s ...
Read More How to Read Aloud Hard Books: 5 Steps
By Betsy Farquhar |
Love to read aloud, but stumble over the hard books? You're not alone. Hard books are hard to read aloud. They just are. Even for ...
Read More Wisdom & Wonder Week 4: Which Path and With Whom?
By Hayley Morell |
Welcome to Week 4 of Wisdom and Wonder! We hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July. Now, back to the reading challenge! For a ...
Read More Henry and the Chalk Dragon by Jennifer Trafton
By Janie Cheaney |
Henry is too shy to share his artistic talent, until one of his creations comes to life and threatens to wreck the whole school. Henry ...
Read More Wisdom & Wonder Week 3 Booklist
By Megan Saben |
Wisdom & Wonder Week 3 Booklist Weekly Theme: Responding to Correction (Wise-Up #6, 7) Additional Proverbs to Read and Think About 14:12 There is a ...
Read More Wisdom & Wonder Week 2 Booklist
By Betsy Farquhar |
Wisdom & Wonder Week 2 Booklist Weekly Theme: God’s Word is a Treasure Additional Proverbs to Read and Think About 4:23 Keep your heart with ...
Read More * My Daddy Rules the World by Hope Anita Smith
By Janie Cheaney |
Just in time for Father's Day, this picture-book collection of poems celebrates the daily presence of a loving dad in the household. *My Daddy Rules ...
Read More The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies
By Betsy Farquhar |
Winner takes all in a bet between siblings Jessie and Evan Treski as they battle it out lemonade-stand style in this realistic fiction novel for ...
Read More Retro Reads: Mei Fuh by Edith Schaeffer
By Betsy Farquhar |
This is a guest post by Candice Watters, blogger at Family Making. Her original, longer review of Mei Fuh appeared there first. Welcome, Candice! Travel ...
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 Musical Mondays and Theology Thursdays: How to Use Christian Resources with Kids
By Betsy Farquhar |
We love to track down solid biblical resources for you to use with your families, Sunday School classrooms, and Christian school classrooms. Not only do ...
Read More Beauty and the Beast by Nancy Willard and illustrated by Barry Moser
By Betsy Farquhar |
Beautiful, lengthy prose accompanied by striking woodcut illustrations make this retelling a good fit for intermediate and middle grade readers. Beauty and the Beast by Nancy Willard ...
Read More Ugly by Donna Jo Napoli
By Janie Cheaney |
This gentle retelling of the "Ugly Duckling" tale combines the satisfactory ending with a love of natural beauty. Ugly by Donna Jo Napoli, with illustrations ...
Read More *The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson
By Betsy Farquhar |
An epic middle grades fantasy series full of adventure, toothy cows, heroes and heroines, and dragons. *The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson. Rabbit Room Press. ...
Read More *Wingfeather Tales (The Wingfeather Saga) edited by Andrew Peterson
By Betsy Farquhar |
A delightfully diverse collection of "tales" written and illustrated by a group of authors and illustrators who are themselves fans of the Wingfeather Saga! *Wingfeather ...
Read More *100 Cupboards Series by N. D. Wilson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Henry discovers 100 cupboards that lead to other worlds in this complex middle grades fantasy series that mirrors the creation-fall-redemption narrative framework of Scripture. 100 ...
Read More 4 Excellent New Picture Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
[Reviews and recommendations from Pamela!] Four excellent new picture books to enjoy with the children in your life--worth seeking out as all are starred reviews! ...
Read More Farewell to Richard Adams
By Janie Cheaney |
The last week of the year was an unusually intense news cycle, with a presidential transition, annual wrap-ups, and two prominent celebrity deaths back to ...
Read More *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 The Mysterious Howling (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #1) by Maryrose Wood
By Betsy Farquhar |
Miss Penelope Lumley has been hired by Lord and Lady Ashton as governess to their three strange children in this delightful series opener. A review ...
Read More 40 Books for Dads to Read to Their Kids
By Betsy Farquhar |
Strong father figures, adventures, humor, and general fun await! 40 books for DADS to read to their kids: fantasy, realistic fiction, historical fiction. Humor, adventure, ...
Read More Twelfth Night: Shakespeare’s Christmas Play
By Betsy Farquhar |
Twelfth Night, or What You Will is not exactly a Christmas play, I'll admit. But "Twelfth Night" does refer to the 12th night of the ...
Read More The Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell and Catalina Echeverri
By Megan Saben |
A childlike and joyful retelling of the Christmas promise we have in Christ, perfect for the young at heart. This title is part of our ...
Read More The Christmas Story by Robert Sabuda
By Megan Saben |
The Christmas story "pops" in this beautifully crafted pop-up book. This title is one of our Winter Book Fair 2016 Picks! The Christmas Story by Robert ...
Read More Missy Piggle-Wiggle and the Whatever Cure by Ann Martin
By Janie Cheaney |
Popular children's author Ann Martin updates a series from the 1950s for a new generation of children who could use some shaping-up. Missy Piggle-Wiggle and ...
Read More Natalie Babbitt, 1932-2016, and The Search for Delicious
By Janie Cheaney |
Somewhere amid the news of the last two weeks (pretty intense news cycle, I understand) came word that Natalie Babbitt had died of lung cancer ...
Read More *Ugly: a Memoir by Robert Hoge
By Janie Cheaney |
In this true story, a boy born with a hideous face learns to not only accept himself, but help others see him for what he ...
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 *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 Saints and Heroes to the End of the Middle Ages by George Hodges
By Hayley Morell |
An engaging account of notable figures from the ancient church to the end of the Middle Ages. Saints and Heroes to the End of the ...
Read More Trial and Triumph/ *Radiant by Richard M. Hannula
By Betsy Farquhar |
Church history anthologies of men and women from all over the world in story format for middle grades and up! Trial and Triumph: Stories from ...
Read More The Accidental Voyage by Douglas Bond
By Betsy Farquhar |
Mr. Pipes is back with Annie and Drew on a wild adventure in Italy as they simultaneously learn about the ancient church and its music. ...
Read More *Lily: The Girl Who Could See by Sally Oxley and Tim Ladwig.
By Megan Saben |
A beautifully illustrated picture book biography about a brave woman artist-turned-missionary to the Arab world. *Lily: The Girl Who Could See by Sally Oxley and ...
Read More Winnie-the-Pooh: Two True Stories
By Betsy Farquhar |
Two picture books about the real Winnie-the-Pooh that both make delightful reading! *Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick and ...
Read More *Brother Andrew: Behind Enemy Lines by Nancy Drummond
By Betsy Farquhar |
Read the remarkable story of a man who helped smuggle millions of Bibles into restricted countries in this middle grades biography. Brother Andrew: Behind Enemy ...
Read More Brother Andrew: Taking Bibles to the World by Renee Taft Meloche
By Megan Saben |
Brother Andrew's life comes alive for young readers through the rhyming text in this picture book. Brother Andrew: Taking Bibles to the World (Heroes for ...
Read More Monks and Mystics by Mindy and Brandon Withrow
By Betsy Farquhar |
Book 2 of the History Lives series offers an exciting look at the Medieval Church: its movers and shakers and controversies. Part of our Church History ...
Read More Peril and Peace by Mindy and Brandon Withrow
By Betsy Farquhar |
Book 1 of the History Lives series is full of brave martyrs, famous figures, and early church activity. Peril and Peace: Chronicles of the Ancient ...
Read More *The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross by Carl Laferton and Catalina Echeverri
By Megan Saben |
This picture book beautifully brings the creation-fall-redemption story to life! *The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross: the True Story of Why Jesus Died and ...
Read More The Voyage to Magical North by Claire Fayers
By Janie Cheaney |
Friendly pirates, malicious magicians and imaginative geography make this middle-grade series starter fun and even a bit thought-provoking. The Voyage to Magical North by Claire ...
Read More *The Ology by Marty Machowski
By Hayley Morell |
In The Ology, children and families can access deep Biblical truths, carefully explained and gorgeously illustrated. The Ology by Marty Machowski, illustrations by Andy ...
Read More Reading Roald Dahl Redemptively: Two Thoughts
By Megan Saben |
First posted in 2013. Summer is a great time for relaxing and reading of all kinds of fun books not usually assigned in literature class, ...
Read More The BFG by Roald Dahl
By Betsy Farquhar |
After the BFG snatches Sophie from her orphanage, she learns a lot about giants and the BFG makes a new friend in this quirky, British romp. ...
Read More Ask a Librarian: Peter Pan
By Megan Saben |
We love hearing from our readers! Ask-a-Librarian is an occasional feature in which we answer a reader’s email query. There are plenty of books we ...
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 Unmapped Sea (Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #5) by Maryrose Wood
By Betsy Farquhar |
Miss Penelope Lumley starts to solve some of the Ashton Place mysteries while on holiday by the sea in this fifth volume of the series. ...
Read More The Interrupted Tale (Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #4) by Maryrose Wood
By Betsy Farquhar |
Volume 4 of this funny middle grades series has Penelope, Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia back in London attempting to save the Swanburne School for Poor ...
Read More The Unseen Guest (Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #3) by Maryrose Wood
By Betsy Farquhar |
Volume 3 of this funny middle grades series has Penelope, Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia back in London attempting to save the Swanburne School for Poor ...
Read More The Hidden Gallery (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #2) by Maryrose Wood
By Betsy Farquhar |
Miss Penelope Lumley and her three young charges are off to London in this humorous, satisfying follow-up to the first in the series. The Hidden ...
Read More McBroom series by Sid Fleischman
By Megan Saben |
This post is part of our "Summer of Great Family Reads" series. Don't miss the initial post full of more excellent recommendations! McBroom’s Wonderful One-Acre ...
Read More The Summer of Great Family Reads
By Betsy Farquhar |
For Everything, There is a Season There are patterns in Scripture of both the Lord and his people resting from their labors. Summer is such ...
Read More Reading Aloud to Teens, Part Two
By Janie Cheaney |
Last week I set forth some reasons why older children (ages 12-18) have not outgrown the benefits of reading aloud. If you’re convinced about the ...
Read More Reading Aloud to Teens, Part One
By Janie Cheaney |
The last time I talked to my daughter on the phone, she said, “Guess what Adriel is doing now.” That’s my nine-year-old granddaughter, and of ...
Read More Five Family Read Alouds
By Hayley Morell |
Long winter nights and the occasional snow day make for excellent read-aloud weather. Here are five favorites that can be enjoyed by the whole family. ...
Read More Septimus Heap
By Hayley Morell |
Originally published a couple years ago, this post explores one fantasy series for middle grade readers. You know you have a good book . ...
Read More *Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley
By Janie Cheaney |
*Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley. Dial, 2015, 304 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, age 10-12 Recommended for: all ages Bottom Line: Circus Mirandus, a magical ...
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