Nonfiction
Noticing by Kobi Yomada
By Janie Cheaney |
Noticing, a picture book for tweens and older, beautifully illustrates the point that “One of the best things you can be is interested.” Noticing by ...
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CSK Illlustrator Roundup: Standing in the Need of Prayer, Me and the Boss, and The Talk
By Janie Cheaney |
The Coretta Scott King award, an prominent part of the annual ALA Youth Media Awards, honors African American authors and illustrators of outstanding books for ...
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Victory, Stand! by Tommie Smith and Derrick Barnes
By Janie Cheaney |
Victory, Stand!, this year's ALA YA nonfiction award winner, tells the story of the notorious "Olympic fist" from a point of view that makes it ...
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Before Music: Where Instruments Come From by Annette Bay Pimentel, illustrated by Madison Safer
By Megan Saben |
Where does music come from and how many ways can you make it? Before Music broadens the reader's horizons on the origin and creativity of ...
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The Really Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thornton
By Betsy Farquhar |
A tremendous follow-up to The Radical Book for Kids, The Really Radical Book for Kids offers plenty of trivia along with plenty of thoughts to ...
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Caldecott Honor Roundup: Ain’t Burned All the Bright, Berry Song, Choosing Brave, and Knight Owl
By Janie Cheaney |
This year's Caldecott honor books explore a range of moods from wistful to whimsical. Ain’t Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Jason ...
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The British Are Coming (Young Reader Ed.) by Rick Atkinson
By Janie Cheaney |
The British Are Coming recounts the first 4 years of the American Revolution in an engaging style, capturing substance and detail. The British Are Coming ...
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Mr. Lincoln Sits for His Portrait by Leonard S. Marcus
By Janie Cheaney |
Mr. Lincoln Sits for His Portrait is an unusual and touching look at our nation's 16th president through the then-new medium of photography. Mr. Lincoln ...
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2023 Newbery Buzz Roundup #2: Frizzy, How to Build a Human, and Attack of the Black Rectangles
By Janie Cheaney |
The American Library Association will announce the winners of its very influential Youth Media Awards, headed by the Newbery and Caldecott. Since we can't help ...
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Productivity for Teens: A Round-Up
By Betsy Farquhar |
Do your teens make New Year's resolutions or goals? Perhaps you wish they would? If any of those goals relate to being more productive or ...
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Agent Most Wanted by Sonia Purnell
By Janie Cheaney |
Virginia Hall, one of history’s most effective spies, is the subject of this engrossing biography. Agent Most Wanted: The Never-before-Told Story of the Most Dangerous ...
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Unbreakable by Rebecca Barone
By Janie Cheaney |
Unbreakable makes the complicated story of unlocking the Enigma code accessible for young readers. Unbreakable: The Spies Who Cracked the Nazis' Secret Code by Rebecca ...
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Peace Is a Chain Reaction by Tanya Lee Stone
By Janie Cheaney |
Peace Is a Chain Reaction tells a little-known story of World War II and how former enemies of opposite sides of an ocean came together ...
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*This is the Feast by Diane Z. Shore
By Megan Saben |
There aren't many picture books about Thanksgiving; This is the Feast is one of the best. This is the Feast by Diane Z. Shore, illustrated ...
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The Way of Birds: Duet and Feathers Together
By Janie Cheaney |
Duet and Feathers Together present two notable bird species: the northern mockingbird and the white stork. Duet: Our Journey in Song with the Northern Mockingbird ...
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*Heaven and Nature Sing by Hannah Anderson
By Megan Saben |
Heaven and Nature Sing is a collection of advent essays on the curse that sin imposed on nature and the grace that allows us to ...
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Contending for the Faith by Joel Beeke and William Boekestein
By Janie Cheaney |
Contending for the Faith takes readers back to the English Reformation and the origins of the Westminster Confession. Contending for the Faith: The Story of ...
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*Church History by Simonetta Carr
By Janie Cheaney |
Simonetta Carr’s Church History is a must-have for Christian families, good for years of reference and encouragement. *Church History by Simonetta Carr. Reformation Heritage, 265 ...
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Our Hymns, Our Heritage by David and Barbara Leeman
By Janie Cheaney |
The Leeman’s excellent student hymnal has been republished by Moody Press, with additional songs and supplements. *Our Hymns, Our Heritage: A Student Guide to Songs ...
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Big Theology for Little Hearts
By Janie Cheaney |
Crossway's Big Theology for Little Hearts series attempts to introduce important Christian concepts through the medium of board books. The Church; Creation; The Holy Spirit ...
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American Shoes by Rosemarie Lengsfeld Turke
By Janie Cheaney |
American Shoes is the memoir of a young girl trapped in Nazi Germany with her family as the world is convulsed with war. American Shoes: ...
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The Visible Hand by Matthew Hennessey
By Janie Cheaney |
The Visible Hand introduces teens to basic free-market economics in a way that’s accessible and entertaining. The Visible Hand: A Wealth of Notions on the ...
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Science Picture Books: *The Beak Book, Nano, and Building
By Janie Cheaney |
Three outstanding picture books offer windows into nano technology, beaver life, and the beauty and variety of beak design. *The Beak Book by Robin Page. ...
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The Homework Squad’s ADHD Guide to School Success by Joshua Shifrin
By Janie Cheaney |
The “Homework Squad” shows attention-challenged students how to study smarter. The Homework Squad’s ADHD Guide to School Success by Joshua Shifrin, PhD, illustrated by Tracy ...
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Picture books for and about school: *We the People, Pterodactyl Show and Tell, and My First Day
By Megan Saben |
Three picture books are perfect for going back to school: We the People, Pterodactyl Show and Tell, and My First Day. *We the People: The ...
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Graphic-Novel History: History Comics and Who HQ
By Janie Cheaney |
Telling history and science through pictures is an obvious way to teach, but watch out when a series attempts to do more than communicate the ...
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Picture Books about Nature: Be Thankful for Trees, Yoshi and the Ocean, and The Whale Who Swam Through Time
By Janie Cheaney |
The Blessing of a Tree Be Thankful for Trees by Harriet Ziefert, illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald. Red Comet Press, 2022, 80 pages. Reading Level: Picture ...
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Trapped in Terror Bay by Sigmund Brouwer
By Janie Cheaney |
Trapped in Terror Bay takes readers into the mystery of the ill-fated Arctic voyage of the Franklin Expedition, 1845. Trapped in Terror Bay: Solving the ...
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Crazy Horse and Custer: Born Enemies by S. D. Nelson
By Janie Cheaney |
Crazy Horse and Custer: Born Enemies addresses the bloody and complex history of the U.S. Indian Wars with honesty and clarity. Crazy Horse and Custer: ...
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The Shelter and the Fence by Herman H. Finkelstein
By Janie Cheaney |
The Shelter and the Fence relates the heartening history of how nearly 1000 Jewish refugees found welcome in America during World War II. The Shelter ...
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*The Sower by Scott James
By Janie Cheaney |
The Sower employs biblical allegories of seeds and planting to recap the story of the Bible and its effect on human history—and on us. *The ...
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*Wild Things and Castles in the Sky from Square Halo Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
40 different authors write eloquently about children's literature, faith in Christ, and shepherding imaginations in Wild Things and Castles in the Sky. *Wild Things and ...
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The Woman Who Split the Atom by Marissa Moss
By Janie Cheaney |
Brilliant physicist Lise Meitner, overlooked by history, receives her due in this well-written and -illustrated biography. The Woman Who Split the Atom: The Life of ...
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Hilde on Record by Hilde Lysiak
By Janie Cheaney |
Hilde Lysiak, whose doggedness as a 9-year-old investigative reporter made her a star of journalism, tells her own story. Hilde on the Record: Memoir of ...
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Alias Anna by Susan Hood and Greg Dawson
By Janie Cheaney |
In free verse, Alias Anna tells the story of surviving the Holocaust in Ukraine by hiding in plain sight. Alias Anna: A True Story of ...
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Just a Girl by Lia Levi
By Janie Cheaney |
Italian author Lia Levi adapts her memoir, Just a Girl, for young children, resulting in a fine early introduction to WWII and the Holocaust. Just ...
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*The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin DeYoung
By Janie Cheaney |
The "Biggest Story" brand continues with a family-friendly Bible Storybook that provides food for thought even to grownups. *The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin ...
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More Than a Story by Sally Michael
By Megan Saben |
More Than a Story assumes that all of Scripture is written for instruction of all ages, and that both parents and children will benefit from ...
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Not So Different by Shane Burcaw
By Janie Cheaney |
In Not So Different, disability activist Shane Burcaw answers questions about life as a wheelchair-bound man with a lively intellect. Not So Different: What you ...
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Blue by Nan Ekua Brew-Hammon
By Janie Cheaney |
What’s special about the color blue? A lot! Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and Wide as the Sky Nana ...
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Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers by Michelle Obama
By Betsy Farquhar |
Michelle Obama's Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers is a winsome, engaging look at how one young woman went from Chicago's South Side to the White ...
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Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall
By Janie Cheaney |
Prisoners of Geography helps kids understand how natural features shape history and economics. Prisoners of Geography: Our World Explained in 12 Simple Maps by Tim ...
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Unfolding Grace for Kids
By Janie Cheaney |
Unfolding Grace for Kids leads middle-graders and younger through the Bible with selected readings and introductions. Unfolding Grace for Kids: A 40-Day Journey through the ...
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Printz Honor Books Roundup: Last Night at the Telegraph Club, Concrete Rose, Revolution in Our Time, Starfish
By Janie Cheaney |
The Michael L. Printz Award is given by the American Library Association for “Excellence in literature written for young adults.” Last year’s winner was Everything ...
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*Something Better Coming by Megan Saben
By Janie Cheaney |
Something Better Coming builds anticipation for the Easter season as it builds faith in young hearts. Something Better Coming by Megan Saben, illustrated by Ryan ...
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Revolution in Our Time by Kekla Magoon
By Janie Cheaney |
The award-winning Revolution in Our Time offers a compelling but incomplete picture of the rise and fall of the Black Panther Party. Revolution in Our ...
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Picture Books about Transportation: From Here to There, Rescuing Titanic, and Hope at Sea
By Janie Cheaney |
From Here to There: Inventions that Changed the Way the World Moves by Vivian Kirkfield, illustrated by Gilbert Ford. HM, 2021, 82 pages plus notes, ...
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Ambushed! by Gail Jarrow
By Janie Cheaney |
Ambushed!, winner of this year's YALSA Award for nonfiction, is the absorbing, day-by-day account of of a presidential assassination and its aftermath. Ambushed! The Assassination ...
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The Apostles’ Creed by Ben Myers
By Betsy Farquhar |
A vibrantly illustrated picture book that helps parents explain the historic Apostles' Creed to their children. The Apostles' Creed: For All God's Children by Ben ...
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2022 Sidney Taylor Award Picture-Book Roundup: The Passover Guest, Nicky & Vera, Dear Mr. Dickens, and The Christmas Mitzvah
By Janie Cheaney |
The Sidney Taylor Award, named for the author of the classic All-of-a-Kind Family series, is presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries to "outstanding books ...
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Murder on the Baltimore Express by Suzanne Jermain
By Janie Cheaney |
Plotted like a step-by-step thriller, Murder on the Baltimore Express tells how Abraham Lincoln almost didn't become president. Murder on the Baltimore Express: The Plot ...
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*Carved in Ebony by Jasmine Holmes
By Betsy Farquhar |
Carved in Ebony profiles 10 inspiring Black women, looking at their lives, their callings, and their faith. *Carved in Ebony: Lessons from the Black Women ...
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Sibert (nonfiction) Roundup: The People’s Painter, The Great Stink, We Are Still Here, Summertime Sleepers
By Janie Cheaney |
The Robert F. Sibert Award, announced by the American Library Association every January, names one to six outstanding nonfiction titles written for upper elementary and ...
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Picturing a Nation by Martin W. Sandler
By Janie Cheaney |
Picturing a Nation collects some of the best Great Depression photographs by the Farm Security Agency. Picturing a Nation: The Great Depression’s Finest Photographers Introduce ...
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2022 Newbery Buzz #4: Fallout
By Betsy Farquhar |
Our annual Newbery Buzz Series is a series we run each January in which we discuss books with "Newbery Buzz." That is, books we've heard ...
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2022 Newbery Buzz #3: Gone to the Woods
By Janie Cheaney |
Today Betsy and Janie will take a closer look at Gone to the Woods, a memoir by prolific author Gary Paulsen. Paulsen has been a ...
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Nonfiction about Nature
By Megan Saben |
Reptiles Everywhere, Bruno the Beekeeper, A World of Plants, and Fungarium offer plenty of fascinating information about the natural world. Reptiles Everywhere by Camilla de ...
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*The Double Dangerous Book for Boys
By Megan Saben |
The Double Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn, Arthur, and Cameron Iggulden is a clean, engaging, fascinating, and robust book for boys, just like the ...
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Race to the Bottom of the Earth by Rebecca F. Barone
By Janie Cheaney |
Race to the Bottom of the Earth details how four men, separated by 112 years, risk life and limb to become the first to conquer ...
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Bible Review: ESV Reformation Study Bible, Student Edition
By Betsy Farquhar |
ESV Reformation Study Bible, Student Edition. Ligonier, 2021, 2400 pages. Reading Level: Teens, 12 and up Recommended for: Ages 12 and up The ESV Reformation ...
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The Woman All Spies Fear by Amy Butler Greenfield
By Janie Cheaney |
The little-known story of code breaker Elizebeth Smith Friedman gets full and masterful treatment. The Woman All Spies Fear: Code Breaker Elizebeth Smith Friedman and ...
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Fallout by Steve Sheinkin
By Betsy Farquhar |
Sheinkin brings the Cuban Missile Crisis to life in this nail-biting read for young teens. Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown by ...
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Top Secret by Crispin Boyer and Suzanne Zimbler
By Betsy Farquhar |
Learn what it takes to be a spy in this trivia-packed book from National Geographic Kids. Top Secret: Spies, Codes, Capers, Gadgets, and Classified Cases ...
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The Genius under the Table by Eugene Yelchin
By Janie Cheaney |
Eugene Yelchin's memoir of his Soviet childhood is surreal, sad, and hilarious. The Genius under the Table: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain by Eugene ...
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How to Find a Fox by Kate Gardner
By Janie Cheaney |
Beautiful nature photography distinguishes How to Find a Fox. How to Find a Fox by Kate Gardner, photographed by Ossi Saarinen. Running Press, 2021, 38 ...
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The Expected One and The Risen One by Scott James
By Megan Saben |
There is much to anticipate in both Christmas and Easter, but the Story is much bigger than the significant events, as Scott James demonstrates in ...
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Wonders of His Love by Champ Thornton
By Betsy Farquhar |
Wonders of His Love brings Isaiah's prophecies about the Messiah down to a child-friendly level in this vibrant Advent family devotional. *Wonders of His Love: ...
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The Adventure of Christmas by Ed Drew
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Adventure of Christmas offers short, 10-minute family devotions based on the biblical narrative of the first Christmas. The Adventure of Christmas: A Journey Through ...
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Good News of Great Joy by John Piper
By Janie Cheaney |
John Piper examines why the new is really and eternally good, in the attractive volume of short advent readings. Good News of Great Joy: 25 ...
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*The Dawn of Redeeming Grace by Sinclair Ferguson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Winsome and pastoral, The Dawn of Redeeming Grace is a thoughtful Advent meditation on Matthew 1-2 for teens and up. *The Dawn of Redeeming Grace: ...
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*Is Christmas Unbelievable? by Rebecca McLaughlin
By Betsy Farquhar |
Rebecca McLaughlin answers four questions everyone should ask about the Christmas story, beginning with the historicity of Jesus Himself. A great resource for teens. *Is ...
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Something Better Coming: The life of a new author
By Megan Saben |
In which Megan's books arrive and she and her boys have fun with them, and why the books will not be sold through Amazon. The ...
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Church History from Kingstone
By Janie Cheaney |
Three publications by Kingstone Media inform readers about Luther, Vladimir, and Martyrs of the 1st-3rd centuries. Luther by Dr. Rich Melheim, illustrated by various artists. ...
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Friends Forever by Shannon Hale
By Janie Cheaney |
Shannon Hale wraps up her "Friends" trilogy with a heartfelt graphic memoir of eighth grade anxiety. Friends Forever by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham. First ...
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Amazing Rivers by Julie Agnone
By Janie Cheaney |
This information-packed picture book introduces young middle-graders to the wide world of waterways. Amazing Rivers: 100+ Waterways that Will Boggle Your Mind by Julie Vosburgh ...
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Picture Book Roundup: Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospel Music
By Megan Saben |
Hiding Baby Moses, Jesus and the Very Big Surprise, and Clap Your Hands bring fresh eyes to old Truths. Hiding Baby Moses by Judith L. ...
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Population Picture Books: *If the World Were 100 People and We Are a Garden
By Janie Cheaney |
Two high-concept picture books present stories of people and movements in a way even small children can grasp. *If the World Were 100 People: A ...
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9/11 for Middle Graders: Ground Zero and In the Shadow of the Fallen Towers
By Janie Cheaney |
Novelist Alan Gratz and graphic artist Don Brown offer views of 9/11 accessible to middle-grade readers. In The Shadow of the Fallen Towers: The Seconds, ...
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Picture Books about 9/11: The Survivor Tree
By Janie Cheaney |
Three new picture books about the Trade Center "Survivor Tree" help children relate to the events of 9/11. As we approach the 20th anniversary of ...
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J. R. R. Tolkien for Kids by Simonetta Carr
By Hayley Morell |
An interactive biographical introduction to Tolkien with 21 activities, J. R. R. Tolkien for Kids is perfect for middle grade Tolkien enthusiasts. J. R. R. ...
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Happy “We Love Memoirs” Day!
By Janie Cheaney |
It’s for real—two memoir writers cooked it up on Facebook almost two decades ago and their page has over 5000 followers who throw an online ...
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Stealing Home: Jackie Robinson against the odds
By Megan Saben |
Stealing Home: Jackie Robinson Against the Odds by Robert Burleigh. Simon & Schuster, 2007. 32 pages. Reading level: Picture books, ages 4-8, ages 8-10Recommended for: ...
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*Steeped in Stories by Mitali Perkins: a Discussion
By Hayley Morell |
Steeped in Stories is a winsome, thought-provoking celebration of some beloved classics: a Redeemed Reader discussion. *Steeped in Stories: Timeless Children's Novels to Refresh Our ...
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*Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies by Marilyn McEntyre
By Betsy Farquhar |
Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies makes readers think through how to be better stewards of words. *Caring for Words in a Culture ...
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Stones and Stories by Judith E. Anderson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Stones and Stories is a concise primer on literary analysis and hermeneutics, building off the intriguing extended metaphor of stones. Stones and Stories: A Primer ...
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Reading Afghanistan
By Janie Cheaney |
For a country many of us can't even point to on a map, Afghanistan has held a consequential place in world history. This mountainous district ...
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My Tech-Wise Life by Amy Crouch and Andy Crouch
By Betsy Farquhar |
A teen challenges her fellow teens to make smart decisions about technology in My Tech-Wise Life. My Tech-Wise Life: Growing up and Making Choices in ...
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The Vast Wonder of the World by Mélina Mangal
By Janie Cheaney |
The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just by Mélina Mangal. Millbrook Press, 2018, 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 4-8Recommended for: ...
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Picture-Book Roundup: Art and Artists
By Janie Cheaney |
Three picture-book biographies introduce children to the work of three very distinct artists: Ben Shahn, Judith Scott, and Winslow Homer. The People’s Painter: How Ben ...
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Boy from Buchenwald by Robbie Waisman
By Janie Cheaney |
Robbie Waisman, the "Boy from Buchenwald," tells a gripping story of suffering and a hard-won peace after World War II. Boy from Buchenwald: The True ...
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Outdoor School: Hiking and Camping by David and Blevins
By Janie Cheaney |
The Outdoor School series offers interactive guides to experiencing, understanding, and appreciating nature. Outdoor School: Hiking and Camping by Jannifer Pharr Davis and Haley Blevins, ...
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Picture Book Roundup: Ordinary Wonders
By Janie Cheaney |
The Night Walk, The Rescuer of Tiny Creatures, and The Lost Package focus on simple pleasures and everyday services we take for granted. The Night ...
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The Wisdom of Trees by Lita Judge
By Janie Cheaney |
The Wisdom of Trees shows how trees function as a community in cooperation, not competition. The Wisdom of Trees: How Trees Work Together to Form ...
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The Way of the Hive by Jay Hosler
By Janie Cheaney |
The Way of the Hive follows the life of a honeybee in clever graphic-novel style. The Way of the Hive: A Honey Bee’s Story by ...
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STEM in the World Series by Marne Ventura
By Betsy Farquhar |
STEM is vital to sports! Ventura shows young readers how physics, technology, engineering, and math work in baseball's favorite event. STEM in the World Series ...
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*Reading and Talking about Sexuality
By Hayley Morell |
*Note, this post engages with sexuality and includes conversation and books that are suitable for teens and adults. I was hiking in Europe. A French ...
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America My Love, America My Heart by Daria Riley
By Janie Cheaney |
America My Love, America My Heart expresses complex emotions about the author's home country. America My Love, America My Heart by Daria Peoples Riley. Greenwillow, ...
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*American History by Thomas Kidd
By Betsy Farquhar |
Interesting and readable, American History by Thomas Kidd is an outstanding resource for high school Christian students and teachers. *American History by Thomas Kidd. B&H ...
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Strong Voices: Fifteen American Speeches Worth Knowing, selected and introduced by Tonya Bolden
By Betsy Farquhar |
Strong Voices shares fifteen great American speeches from men and women throughout America's history. Strong Voices: Fifteen American Speeches Worth Knowing, selected and introduced by ...
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Juneteenth Roundup
By Janie Cheaney |
Juneteenth, our newest national holiday, commemorates the 19th of June, 1865, when slaves in Texas learned of their emancipation. These four books offer experiential perspectives ...
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