Fantasy

The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 15, 2020

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 ...

*The Bootlace Magician by Cassie Beasley

By Hayley Morell | Jun 9, 2020

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, ...

Retro Reads: The Velveteen Rabbit and *Edward Tulane

By Janie Cheaney | May 15, 2020

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 ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 16, 2020

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 ...

Newbery Roundup #1: The Line Tender, Tristan Strong, and 1919

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 6, 2020

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 ...

The Fowl Twins by Eoin Colfer

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 13, 2019

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 ...

*Finding Narnia by Caroline McAlister

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 11, 2019

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 ...

One Christmas Wish by Katherine Rundell

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 3, 2019

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. ...

Briar and Rose and Jack by Katherine Coville

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 19, 2019

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 ...

The Light Princess by George MacDonald {Rabbit Room edition}

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 13, 2019

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 ...

Is Dracula Worth Reading?

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 30, 2019

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, ...

Song of the Abyss by Makiia Lucier

By Hayley Morell | Oct 15, 2019

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 ...

Time Twisters Series by Steve Sheinkin

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 17, 2019

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 ...

The Ranger’s Apprentice Series by John Flanagan

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 15, 2019

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 ...

Max & the Midknights by Lincoln Pierce

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 14, 2019

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 ...

*Urchin of the Riding Stars (Mistmantle Chronicles, book 1)

By Megan Saben | Jul 24, 2019

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 ...

So Your Kid is Reading Harry Potter…. A Christian Family’s Response

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 15, 2019

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 ...

The Last Last-Day-of-Summer by Lamar Giles

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 7, 2019

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), ...

*Time Sight by Lynne Jonell

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 4, 2019

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 ...

Reading Robin McKinley

By Hayley Morell | Jun 1, 2019

"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 ...

Ronan Boyle and the Bridge of Riddles by Thomas Lennon

By Janie Cheaney | May 31, 2019

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 ...

The Pilgrim’s Regress by C. S. Lewis

By Janie Cheaney | May 17, 2019

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 ...

The Collectors by Jacqueline West

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 30, 2019

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 ...

The Lost Girl by Anne Ursu

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 12, 2019

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, ...

Graphic Novel Roundup: The Giver and A Wrinkle in Time

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 12, 2019

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 ...

*Monster Blood Tattoo Trilogy by D. M. Cornish

By Hayley Morell | Feb 19, 2019

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 & ...

Pride and Prejudice: The Original and the Others

By Hayley Morell | Feb 14, 2019

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 ...

The Susan Pevensie Problem

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 31, 2019

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. ...

2019 Newbery Buzz #3: Sweep by Jonathan Auxier

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 11, 2019

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, ...

2019 Newbery Buzz #2: The Book of Boy

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 10, 2019

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 ...

Newbery Roundup – The Books We Didn’t Love (Part Two)

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 8, 2019

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 ...

Newbery Roundup – The Books We Didn’t Love (Part One)

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 4, 2019

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 ...

The Books Worth a Library Fine

By Hayley Morell | Dec 20, 2018

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 ...

Inkling by Kenneth Oppel

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 18, 2018

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, ...

Knights vs. Dinosaurs by Matt Phelan

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 4, 2018

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. ...

*Wicked Nix by Lena Coakley

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 4, 2018

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 ...

The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 16, 2018

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. ...

Popular Middle Grade Fantasy Series

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 12, 2018

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 ...

*Sweep by Jonathan Auxier

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 7, 2018

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 ...

Bob by Wendy Maas and Rebecca Stead

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 16, 2018

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 & ...

The Lost Books: The Scroll of Kings by Sarah Prineas

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 30, 2018

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 ...

The Language of Spells by Garret Weyr

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 10, 2018

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, ...

The Legend of Greg by Chris Rylander

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 10, 2018

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 ...

The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle by Christina Uss

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 20, 2018

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 ...

Fighting the Patriarchy, One Review at a Time

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 10, 2018

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 ...

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!). ...

Rick Riordan Presents: A Pagan State of Mind

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 26, 2018

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, ...

Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier

By Hayley Morell | Jun 22, 2018

Mysterious maps, sea creatures, and an island kingdom where dark secrets threaten to emerge . . . All the makings for an excellent story. Isle ...

Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 4, 2018

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 ...

Disenchanted by Megan Morrison

By Hayley Morell | May 31, 2018

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 ...

Rapid Fire: Five Recent YA

By Hayley Morell | May 30, 2018

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 ...

The Traitor’s Game by Jennifer Nielsen

By Janie Cheaney | May 22, 2018

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 ...

Stuck in the Stone Age by Geoff Rodkey

By Janie Cheaney | May 1, 2018

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 ...

The Wishmakers by Tyler Whitesides

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 17, 2018

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 ...

The 11:11 Wish by Kim Tomsic

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 17, 2018

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 ...

Every Day by David Levithan

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 23, 2018

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 ...

The Road to Ever After by Moira Young

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 30, 2018

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 ...

Edge of Extinction Series by Laura Martin

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 29, 2018

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 ...

Here Be Dragons: Mega Fantasy and Sci-Fi Booklist! (All ages)

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 24, 2018

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 ...

Podkin One-Ear by Kieran Larwood

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 23, 2018

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) ...

2018 Newbery Buzz #2: Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 18, 2018

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 ...

Newt’s Emerald by Garth Nix

By Alysha | Jan 18, 2018

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+ ...

Poe: Stories and Poems: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Gareth Hinds

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 11, 2017

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. ...

Frogkisser! by Garth Nix

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 2, 2017

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, ...

Reading Diana Wynne Jones: an Author Portrait

By Hayley Morell | Oct 19, 2017

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, ...

Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 3, 2017

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. ...

The Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library by Linda Bailey

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 28, 2017

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 ...

The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 19, 2017

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. ...

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 ...

York: The Shadow Cipher by Laura Ruby

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 8, 2017

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, ...

The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 29, 2017

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 ...

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 ...

The Sign of the Cat by Lynne Jonell

By Janie Cheaney | May 24, 2017

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 ...

Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 4, 2017

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, ...

Cruel Beauty: a Redeemed Reader Discussion

By Alysha | Mar 30, 2017

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 ...

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 ...

*Beauty by Robin McKinley

By Hayley Morell | Mar 1, 2017

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 ...

*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 ...

*A Little Taste of Poison by R. J. Anderson

By Hayley Morell | Feb 23, 2017

The stakes are higher than ever for Isaveth Breck, plucky heroine of A Pocketful of Murder, when the future of her city is threatened. ...

*A Pocket Full of Murder by R. J. Anderson

By Hayley Morell | Feb 23, 2017

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 ...

If the Magic Fits by Susan Maupin Schmid

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 22, 2017

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 ...

*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 ...

By Hayley Morell | Feb 2, 2017

New England mill girls, fairies, suffragettes, and a curse reaching across the years blend together in this retelling of Sleeping Beauty. Spindle by Shonna Slayton. Entangled: ...

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 18, 2017

The Girl Who Drank the Moon is thoughtful fantasy with imaginative twists that mature readers will enjoy parsing out. The Girl Who Drank the Moon ...

Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 16, 2017

A blind boy and an enchanted knight set off on an epic quest in this middle grades fantasy adventure. Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes: A ...

Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard by Jonathan Auxier

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 16, 2017

A wildly imaginative middle grades fantasy about the power of stories and the lengths to which we must go to protect them. Sophie Quire and ...

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 ...

*Zita the Spacegirl Series by Ben Hatke

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 29, 2016

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 ...

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 ...

“Just believe”–in Christmas!

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 22, 2016

Recently it struck me that in no other religion is faith so central as Christianity. Think about it: generally speaking, Buddhism stresses contemplation, Islam action, ...

*The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 21, 2016

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 ...

Gears of Revolution by Scott Savage

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 1, 2016

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, ...

*The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

By Megan Saben | Nov 29, 2016

The first book in a top-notch series about an extraordinary thief and the intertwining of three kingdoms is amazingly well done. *The Thief by Megan Whalen ...

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 ...