Fantasy
Outlaws of Time Series by N. D. Wilson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Wilson's Outlaws of Time series is intense, time travel fun with plenty of action and philosophy thrown in. Great for young teens. Outlaws of Time ...
Read More A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat
By Janie Cheaney |
A Wish in the Dark pits literal darkness against light in a unique Asian setting. A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat. Candlewick, 2020, ...
Read More The Return of the Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
By Betsy Farquhar |
Megan and I have followed Megan Whalen Turner’s Thief series for years, and we both pre-ordered the final book, The Return of the Thief, months before publication. And ...
Read More The Time of Green Magic by Hilary McKay
By Janie Cheaney |
"Green Magic" lurks in an ivy-covered house, in this delightful MG fantasy. The Time of Green Magic by Hilary McKay. Simon & Shuster (Margart McEldery ...
Read More *Beyonders Trilogy
By Megan Saben |
Jason, an ordinary American boy, is summoned into a world that needs a hero. Original, highly imaginative, full of action and characters who are ready ...
Read More *Swift by R. J. Anderson
By Hayley Morell |
A young piskey girl searches for truth as danger threatens her home and loved ones. *Swift by R. J. Anderson. Enclave Publishing, 2020. 272 pages. ...
Read More Dust by Kara Swanson
By Hayley Morell |
Neverland spills into modern day life and sets two young people on a collision course in this YA fantasy. Dust by Kara Swanson. Enclave Publishing, ...
Read More Mortal Sight by Sandra Fernandez Rhoads
By Hayley Morell |
Secrets, shadows, and Milton's Paradise Lost are woven together in a new YA fantasy. Mortal Sight by Sandra Fernandez Rhoads. Enclave Publishing, 2020. 304 pages. ...
Read More The Door on Half-Bald Hill by Helena Sorensen
By Betsy Farquhar |
Idris, Bard of Blackthorn, is on a quest for answers in this darkly brooding fantasy for teens and adults. The Door on Half-Bald Hill by ...
Read More The Magic in Changing Your Stars by Leah Henderson
By Janie Cheaney |
An aspiring dancer has a chance to "change the stars" for his grandfather when he is transported back to 1930s Harlem. The Magic in Changing ...
Read More The Winter King by Christine Cohen
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Winter King by Christine Cohen. Cannonball Books, 2019. 360 pages. Reading Level: Young adult/teen, ages 12 and up Recommend For: Ages 12 and up ...
Read More The Arrow and the Crown by Emma Fox
By Betsy Farquhar |
Adventure meets fairy tale in this delightful fantasy read for teens (and their parents!). The Arrow and the Crown by Emma Fox. Independently published, 2019. ...
Read More Rapid Fire: YA Fantasy, July 2020
By Hayley Morell |
Two series starters that fizzled and two new authors to enjoy. *Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer. Page Street Kids, 2020. 400 pages. The first ...
Read More The Brotherband Chronicles by John Flanagan
By Betsy Farquhar |
Swashbuckling adventure with mythical Medieval Vikings? Sign me up. The Brotherband Chronicles by John Flanagan. Philomel, 2011-present. Reading Level: Ages 12-15Recommended For: Ages 12 and ...
Read More The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd
By Janie Cheaney |
Growing dragons in Grandad’s garden leads to predictable hijinks in this light-hearted series opener. The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd, illustrated by Sam ...
Read More *The Bootlace Magician by Cassie Beasley
By Hayley Morell |
Welcome back to the magic that enchanted us in Circus Mirandus. The Bootlace Magician by Cassie Beasley. Dial Books, 2019, 416 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...
Read More Retro Reads: The Velveteen Rabbit and *Edward Tulane
By Janie Cheaney |
The classic story of the Velveteen Rabbit and more recent story of Edward Tulane demonstrate the nature of true love. The Velveteen Rabbit, or How ...
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 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 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 *Finding Narnia by Caroline McAlister
By Janie Cheaney |
Finding Narnia takes us into the lives of two brothers whose childhood inspired one of the world’s greatest fantasy series. *Finding Narnia: the Story of ...
Read More One Christmas Wish by Katherine Rundell
By Janie Cheaney |
A lonely boy on Christmas Eve learns the power of giving through "One Christmas Wish." One Christmas Wish by Katherine Rundell, illustrated by Emily Sutton. ...
Read More Briar and Rose and Jack by Katherine Coville
By Janie Cheaney |
Briar and Rose and Jack mixes fairy-tale motifs with clear themes of good and evil in a magical and satisfying adventure. Briar and Rose and ...
Read More The Light Princess by George MacDonald {Rabbit Room edition}
By Betsy Farquhar |
A beautiful new edition of The Light Princess complete with foreword by Jennifer Trafton, afterword by Andrew Peterson, and illustrated by Ned Bustard. The Light ...
Read More Is Dracula Worth Reading?
By Betsy Farquhar |
I am not a vampire fan. I am not a fan of weird Halloween decorations. It's downright creepy: ghouls, spider webs, zombie costumes, and, yes, ...
Read More Song of the Abyss by Makiia Lucier
By Hayley Morell |
Song of the Abyss is a sequel that does not disappoint and yet succeeds in its own right as a standalone novel. In our Redeemed ...
Read More Time Twisters Series by Steve Sheinkin
By Janie Cheaney |
In the “Time Twisters” series, Steve Sheinkin has fun with a discipline he usually takes seriously, starting with Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln, Pro Wrestler (Time ...
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 Max & the Midknights by Lincoln Pierce
By Janie Cheaney |
A goofy plot and sword-and-sorcery setting make Max and the Midknights a fun series opener. Max and the Midknights by Lincoln Pierce. Crown, 2019, 279 ...
Read More *Urchin of the Riding Stars (Mistmantle Chronicles, book 1)
By Megan Saben |
A conniving traitor who plots to overthrow the throne by dispatching one family member after another is threatened by a heroic young squirrel who drops ...
Read More So Your Kid is Reading Harry Potter…. A Christian Family’s Response
By Betsy Farquhar |
Please note: this is a personal account of one family's actual experience, NOT a Redeemed Reader staff-wide recommendation that you read Harry Potter. This post is ...
Read More The Last Last-Day-of-Summer by Lamar Giles
By Janie Cheaney |
The "last day of summer" turns into a literal race against time for two intrepid, legendary sleuths. The Last Last-Day-of-Summer by Lamar Giles. Versify (HMH), ...
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 Reading Robin McKinley
By Hayley Morell |
"I'm reading a book that's a little slow." I told a friend. "Why not stop reading it?" It was a fair question, but it hadn't ...
Read More Ronan Boyle and the Bridge of Riddles by Thomas Lennon
By Janie Cheaney |
Ronan Boyle is the hapless hero of this hilarious new fantasy series that pits special-unit Irish police against nefarious leprechauns. Ronan Boyle and the Bridge ...
Read More The Pilgrim’s Regress by C. S. Lewis
By Janie Cheaney |
The Pilgrim’s Regress by C. S. Lewis. Eerdmans, 2014, 256 pages. (Originally published 1933 UK, 1935 US) Reading Level: Teen/adult Recommended for: ages 18-up In ...
Read More The Collectors by Jacqueline West
By Janie Cheaney |
The Collectors is the first volume of a duology that explores the limits of human responsibility for the destiny of others. The Collectors by Jacqueline ...
Read More The Lost Girl by Anne Ursu
By Janie Cheaney |
Identical twins struggle to re-define themselves in The Lost Girl, a fantasy for middle-grade readers. The Lost Girl by Anne Ursu. HarperCollins (Walden Pond), 2019, ...
Read More Graphic Novel Roundup: The Giver and A Wrinkle in Time
By Janie Cheaney |
Two recent graphic-novel adaptations of classic stories have their strengths, but overall demonstrate the adage, "the book is better." A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine ...
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 Pride and Prejudice: The Original and the Others
By Hayley Morell |
It's Valentine's Day. So, of course, we're going to talk about Jane Austen! Nothing can compare to the original, but Hayley and Betsy have been ...
Read More The Susan Pevensie Problem
By Janie Cheaney |
A new teen fantasy novel draws inspiration from Susan Pevensie's rejection of Narnia to spin a similar tale. In the almost 70 years since C. ...
Read More 2019 Newbery Buzz #3: Sweep by Jonathan Auxier
By Betsy Farquhar |
Janie, Hayley, and Betsy team up to (virtually) discuss Sweep by Jonathan Auxier: does it have what it takes to win a Newbery? We discuss themes, ...
Read More 2019 Newbery Buzz #2: The Book of Boy
By Janie Cheaney |
Janie: The Book of Boy is one of the more unusual middle-grade novels to appear this year. The main character is (not surprisingly) Boy, a ...
Read More Newbery Roundup – The Books We Didn’t Love (Part Two)
By Janie Cheaney |
Continuing our series from last Friday about children's books seen as contenders for the ALA's coveted Newbery medal. The Truth As Told by Mason Buttle ...
Read More Newbery Roundup – The Books We Didn’t Love (Part One)
By Janie Cheaney |
Then end of the year is the beginning of buildup to the annual American Library Association (ALA) “Youth Media Awards,” culminating in the announcement of ...
Read More The Books Worth a Library Fine
By Hayley Morell |
This post really happened. It was written at the library with a stack of books and without coffee. It has been left close to its ...
Read More Inkling by Kenneth Oppel
By Janie Cheaney |
Imagination literally runs wild in Inkling, the latest middle-grade novel from popular novelist Kenneth Oppel. Inkling by Kenneth Oppel, with illustrations by Sydney Smith. Knopf, ...
Read More Knights vs. Dinosaurs by Matt Phelan
By Janie Cheaney |
Three boastful knights bite off more than they can chew in this legendary tale by a popular graphic novelist. Knights vs. Dinosaurs by Matt Phelan. ...
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 The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin
By Janie Cheaney |
In Brangwain Spurge, two idiosyncratic writers team up to tell a story of mutual misunderstanding from distinct perspectives. The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge by M. ...
Read More Popular Middle Grade Fantasy Series
By Betsy Farquhar |
Kids banding together to help one another, particularly if the grown-ups are somehow unavailable = the biggest common denominator in middle grade fiction. Not every ...
Read More *Sweep by Jonathan Auxier
By Janie Cheaney |
Sweep combines historical fact with mythical elements to create a compelling story filled with sharp edges and surprising graces. *Sweep: The Story of a Girl ...
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 The Lost Books: The Scroll of Kings by Sarah Prineas
By Betsy Farquhar |
An entertaining middle grades fantasy in which the books are alive, the librarian is a snarky but smart kid, and the queen isn't sure what ...
Read More The Language of Spells by Garret Weyr
By Janie Cheaney |
Pensive and quiet, The Language of Spells casts its own spell for thoughtful readers—who like dragons. Ages 10-15 The Language of Spells by Garret Weyr, ...
Read More The Legend of Greg by Chris Rylander
By Janie Cheaney |
A humorous and action-packed take on the updated-legend genre (a la Percy Jackson) also offers interesting characters and conflict dynamics. Ages 12-15. The Legend of ...
Read More The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle by Christina Uss
By Janie Cheaney |
A ‘girl called Bicycle’s” improbable adventures during a cross-country bike trip shape the narrative of this fictional exploration of luck. Ages 10-14 The Adventures of ...
Read More Fighting the Patriarchy, One Review at a Time
By Janie Cheaney |
Float is a fun summer read about boys being boys, but some of the reviewers had a problem with that. The protagonist of Float, by ...
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 Rick Riordan Presents: A Pagan State of Mind
By Janie Cheaney |
Three new series bearing the Rick Riordan name share an interest in pagan deities and a neo-pagan worldview. When Rick Riordan introduced his signature character, ...
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 Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce
By Betsy Farquhar |
Liam, a super tall 12-year-old, goes on a cosmic adventure in this light-hearted British science fiction story that includes subtle emotional weight. Cosmic by Frank ...
Read More Disenchanted by Megan Morrison
By Hayley Morell |
Readers eager for more tales from Tyme will be disappointed by a story that is for more political than its precursor. Disenchanted: The Trials of ...
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 Stuck in the Stone Age by Geoff Rodkey
By Janie Cheaney |
Stuck in the Stone Age offers a short course in story writing as well as a wacky time-travel adventure. Ages 8-12 Stuck in the Stone ...
Read More The Wishmakers by Tyler Whitesides
By Janie Cheaney |
This fantasy series opener sends one young “wishmaker” and his personal genie on a wild ride to save the world—with consequences attached. The Wishmakers by ...
Read More The 11:11 Wish by Kim Tomsic
By Janie Cheaney |
A wish-granting clock is the unique agent in this tweener story about forming one’s principles against the desire to be popular. The 11:11 Wish by ...
Read More Every Day by David Levithan
By Janie Cheaney |
The movie version of Every Day, based on David Levithan's YA novel of the same title, opens today. Here's our review from 2012 that addresses ...
Read More The Road to Ever After by Moira Young
By Janie Cheaney |
Myth and mystery haunt this road-trip story about an orphan boy, a lovable dog, and a bitter old woman. Ages 12-15 The Road to Ever ...
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 Here Be Dragons: Mega Fantasy and Sci-Fi Booklist! (All ages)
By Betsy Farquhar |
A mega fantasy and sci-fi booklist with books for all ages and all types of fantasy lovers (even those who don't think they ARE fantasy ...
Read More Podkin One-Ear by Kieran Larwood
By Janie Cheaney |
Podkin One Ear is the first volume in an exciting fantasy series that celebrates individual courage and determination. Ages 8-12 Podkin One Ear (Longburrow #1) ...
Read More 2018 Newbery Buzz #2: Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder
By Betsy Farquhar |
We're back for our second Newbery Buzz discussion of 2019. Last week, Hayley and Janie discussed Tumble and Blue. This week, Hayley and I (Betsy) discuss Orphan ...
Read More Newt’s Emerald by Garth Nix
By Alysha |
Newt’s Emerald by Garth Nix. Katherine Tegan Books, 2015. 304 pages. Ages 12-15 Reading Level: Young Adult Ages 12-15 Recommended For: Young Adult 15+ ...
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 Frogkisser! by Garth Nix
By Janie Cheaney |
Popular children’s author Garth Nix raids a storehouse of fairy-tale elements to roll out this fresh and funny quest tale. Frogkisser! by Garth Nix. 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 Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce
By Janie Cheaney |
In this far-out fantasy, an alien named Sputnik has to prove earth is worth saving. Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce. ...
Read More The Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library by Linda Bailey
By Janie Cheaney |
The six-legged "Tiny Hero" of this gentle fantasy takes on a challenge far bigger than his size. The Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library by ...
Read More The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy
By Janie Cheaney |
A town where qualities disappear every seven years is the setting for The Disappearances, a clean, thought-provoking teen mystery. The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy. ...
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 York: The Shadow Cipher by Laura Ruby
By Janie Cheaney |
A promising upper-middle grade series gets underway with alternative history, fascinating puzzles, and one big mystery. The Shadow Cipher (York #1) by Laura Ruby. HarperCollins, ...
Read More The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine
By Janie Cheaney |
The author of Ella Enchanted creates another plucky heroine, whose destiny is to lead her people to freedom (and get the guy). The Lost Kingdom ...
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 The Sign of the Cat by Lynne Jonell
By Janie Cheaney |
In this winning historical fantasy, a bright lad (fluent in the cat language) chafes at his boring life until an unexpected adventure on the high ...
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 Cruel Beauty: a Redeemed Reader Discussion
By Alysha |
Some of the staff here at Redeemed Reader decided to discuss Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge as it relates to the story of Beauty and ...
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 *Beauty by Robin McKinley
By Hayley Morell |
This is one of the retellings of Beauty and the Beast we are featuring as part of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure. We are exploring ...
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 *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 *A Pocket Full of Murder by R. J. Anderson
By Hayley Morell |
A plucky girl sets out to prove her father's innocence —aided by a street boy— in this magical murder mystery. A Pocket Full of Murder (Uncommon ...
Read More If the Magic Fits by Susan Maupin Schmid
By Janie Cheaney |
This light-hearted fantasy mystery is perfect for girls who like spunky housemaids, personable princesses, and delightful dresses. If the Magic Fits (100 Dresses #1) by ...
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