Family Read Alouds

*The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden by Karina van Glaser

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 28, 2018

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. ...

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 9, 2018

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!). ...

*Hope in the Holler by Lisa Lewis Tyre

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 6, 2018

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 ...

Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea by Lynn Rae Perkins

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 19, 2018

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 ...

Fairy Tales (and More!) for Summer: A Booklist for Family Read Alouds

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 12, 2018

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 ...

*How Sweet the Sound by Carole Boston Weatherford

By Janie Cheaney | May 29, 2018

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 ...

The Penderwicks at Last by Jeanne Birdsall

By Betsy Farquhar | May 28, 2018

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. ...

*New Shoes by Sara Varon

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 27, 2018

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 ...

Raffie on the Run by Jacqueline Resnick

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 26, 2018

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 ...

Strongheart by Candace Fleming

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 13, 2018

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 ...

Bible Review: CSB Read-to-Me Bible

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 6, 2018

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 ...

*The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 15, 2018

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 ...

Classic Reads: The Story of the Treasure Seekers by E. Nesbit

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 2, 2018

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 ...

*Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes (Retro Reads)

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 1, 2018

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 ...

*Honey for a Teen’s Heart by Gladys Hunt

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 17, 2018

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 ...

Littler Women by Laura Schaeffer

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 6, 2018

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 ...

Portrait of a Reader: The Nurturer

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 26, 2018

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 ...

*The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 7, 2017

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 ...

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson: the Kids Discuss….

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 5, 2017

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 ...

The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill

By Megan Saben | Nov 29, 2017

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 ...

The Wonder of the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 28, 2017

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 ...

*Voices of Christmas by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Eric Velasquez

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 28, 2017

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 ...

Giant Christmas and Advent Book List for All Ages

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 24, 2017

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 ...

*The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible by Jared Kennedy

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 23, 2017

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 ...

Retro Read: Mr. Revere and I by Robert Lawson

By Megan Saben | Nov 21, 2017

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 ...

Brave Red, Smart Frog by Emily Jenkins

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 2, 2017

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 ...

Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 2 (and another great giveaway!)

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 15, 2017

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 ...

The Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 1 (and book giveaway!)

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 8, 2017

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 ...

Project Bird Boy: Launch! (with one free download)

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 1, 2017

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 ...

The Emperor’s Ostrich by Julie Berry

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 31, 2017

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 ...

Announcing: The Bird Boy Project!

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 18, 2017

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 ...

How to Read Aloud Hard Books: 5 Steps

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 7, 2017

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 ...

Wisdom & Wonder Week 4: Which Path and With Whom?

By Hayley Morell | Jul 10, 2017

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 ...

Henry and the Chalk Dragon by Jennifer Trafton

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 29, 2017

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 ...

Wisdom & Wonder Week 3 Booklist

By Megan Saben | Jun 24, 2017

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 ...

Wisdom & Wonder Week 2 Booklist

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 19, 2017

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 ...

* My Daddy Rules the World by Hope Anita Smith

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 15, 2017

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 ...

The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies

By Betsy Farquhar | May 8, 2017

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 ...

Kentucky Derby Book List: A Bakers Dozen

By Betsy Farquhar | May 4, 2017

Calling all horse lovers! The Kentucky Derby runs this Saturday like it does every first Saturday of May. Will there be another Triple Crown winner ...

Retro Reads: Mei Fuh by Edith Schaeffer

By Betsy Farquhar | May 1, 2017

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 ...

Will Wilder series by Raymond Arroyo

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 21, 2017

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. ...

Musical Mondays and Theology Thursdays: How to Use Christian Resources with Kids

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 10, 2017

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 ...

Beauty and the Beast by Nancy Willard and illustrated by Barry Moser

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 13, 2017

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 ...

Ugly by Donna Jo Napoli

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 6, 2017

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 ...

*The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 27, 2017

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. ...

*Wingfeather Tales (The Wingfeather Saga) edited by Andrew Peterson

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 27, 2017

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 ...

*The Wilderking Trilogy by Jonathan Rogers

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 20, 2017

Aidan, fifth son of a Lord of Corenwald, befriends Feechies, defeats a giant, and leads a loyal group of followers in this middle grades fantasy ...

*100 Cupboards Series by N. D. Wilson

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 20, 2017

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 ...

4 Excellent New Picture Books

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 17, 2017

[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! ...

Farewell to Richard Adams

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 13, 2017

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 ...

*Anna Hibiscus Series by Atinuke

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 30, 2016

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 ...

The Mysterious Howling (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #1) by Maryrose Wood

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 29, 2016

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 ...

40 Books for Dads to Read to Their Kids

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 26, 2016

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, ...

Twelfth Night: Shakespeare’s Christmas Play

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 12, 2016

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 ...

The Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell and Catalina Echeverri

By Megan Saben | Dec 8, 2016

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 ...

The Christmas Story by Robert Sabuda

By Megan Saben | Dec 8, 2016

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 ...

Missy Piggle-Wiggle and the Whatever Cure by Ann Martin

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 25, 2016

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 ...

Natalie Babbitt, 1932-2016, and The Search for Delicious

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 17, 2016

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 ...

*Ugly: a Memoir by Robert Hoge

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 15, 2016

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 ...

*When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 14, 2016

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 ...

*Ember Falls by S. D. Smith

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 11, 2016

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 ...

Saints and Heroes to the End of the Middle Ages by George Hodges

By Hayley Morell | Oct 26, 2016

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 ...

Trial and Triumph/ *Radiant by Richard M. Hannula

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 24, 2016

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 ...

The Accidental Voyage by Douglas Bond

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 13, 2016

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. ...

*Lily: The Girl Who Could See by Sally Oxley and Tim Ladwig.

By Megan Saben | Oct 12, 2016

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 ...

Winnie-the-Pooh: Two True Stories

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 11, 2016

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 ...

*Brother Andrew: Behind Enemy Lines by Nancy Drummond

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 10, 2016

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 ...

Brother Andrew: Taking Bibles to the World by Renee Taft Meloche

By Megan Saben | Oct 10, 2016

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 ...

Monks and Mystics by Mindy and Brandon Withrow

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 5, 2016

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 ...

Peril and Peace by Mindy and Brandon Withrow

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 5, 2016

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 ...

*The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross by Carl Laferton and Catalina Echeverri

By Megan Saben | Oct 3, 2016

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 ...

The Voyage to Magical North by Claire Fayers

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 7, 2016

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 ...

*The Ology by Marty Machowski

By Hayley Morell | Sep 3, 2016

In The Ology, children and families can access deep Biblical truths, carefully explained and gorgeously illustrated. The Ology by Marty Machowski, illustrations by Andy ...

Reading Roald Dahl Redemptively: Two Thoughts

By Megan Saben | Jul 5, 2016

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, ...

The BFG by Roald Dahl

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 5, 2016

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. ...

Ask a Librarian: Peter Pan

By Megan Saben | Jun 27, 2016

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 ...

Retro Reads: Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 20, 2016

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, ...

The Unmapped Sea (Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #5) by Maryrose Wood

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 6, 2016

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. ...

The Interrupted Tale (Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #4) by Maryrose Wood

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 6, 2016

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 ...

The Unseen Guest (Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #3) by Maryrose Wood

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 6, 2016

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 ...

The Hidden Gallery (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #2) by Maryrose Wood

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 6, 2016

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 ...

By Megan Saben | May 30, 2016

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 ...

The Summer of Great Family Reads

By Betsy Farquhar | May 27, 2016

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 ...

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 10, 2016

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 ...

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 3, 2016

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 ...

Five Family Read Alouds

By Hayley Morell | Jan 29, 2016

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. ...

Septimus Heap

By Hayley Morell | Dec 18, 2015

Originally published a couple years ago, this post explores one fantasy series for middle grade readers. You know you have a good book . ...

*Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 31, 2015

*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 ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 2, 2015

*Mikis and the Donkey by Bibi Dumon Tak, illustrated by Philip Hopman. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2014. 89 pages Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages ...

By Hayley Morell | Apr 14, 2015

A Castle Full of Cats by Ruth Sanderson. Random House, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Once upon a time a king ...

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 16, 2015

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy, by Jeanne Birdsall. Knopf, 2005. 262 pages. Reading Level: Middle ...

By Megan Saben | Mar 11, 2015

*Faerie Gold: Treasures from the Lands of Enchantment edited by Kathryn Lindskoog and Ranelda Mack Hunsicker. P&R, 2005. 304 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages ...

*Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 23, 2015

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink. Aladdin, 2006 (reprint; originally published 1935). 288 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12Recommended for: ages 8-12, especially girls Bottom ...

By emily | Feb 2, 2015

The Green Ember is animal fantasy at its best, filled with gripping action and heartwarming rabbits, all deeply informed by the Christian worldview of its ...

*Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 30, 2015

Tuck Everlasting, Natalie Babbitt’s masterpiece first published 40 years ago, is as timeless as its title characters. *Tuck Everlasting (40th Anniversary Edition) by Natalie Babbitt, ...

Winter Poems by Barbara Rogasky and Trina Schart Hyman

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 26, 2015

Winter Poems selected by Barbara Rogasky and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman. Scholastic, 1994. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books (ages 4-10)Recommended for: Ages 4 and ...

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 9, 2014

*On the Wing by David Elliot, illustrated by Becca Stadtlander. Candlewick, 2014. 30 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Maturity level: 2 (ages 4-8) ...

By Hayley Morell | Dec 5, 2014

Pathfinder by Angie Sage. Katherine Tegen Books, 2014. 460 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 4 (age 10 and up) Pathfinder brings ...

Christmas Carols for a Kid’s Heart by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada

By Megan Saben | Dec 3, 2014

Christmas Carols for a Kid’s Heart by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada, illustrated by Sergio Martinez. Crossway, 2004. 96 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages ...

*A Light for my Path: An ABC Book Based on Psalm 119 by Davis Carman, illustrated by Alice Ratterree

By Megan Saben | Nov 26, 2014

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *A Light for My ...