Nonfiction
Teaching Kids Church History
By Betsy Farquhar |
Today, we're happy to welcome a friend of mine and fellow writer, Christina Fox, to RR. Christina is a real life friend of mine, as ...
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Picture-book Roundup: The Floating Field, *Hugo and the Impossible Thing, Yes & No
By Janie Cheaney |
Three outstanding new picture books demonstrate how life is better when we work together. The Floating Field: How a Group of Thai Boys Built Their ...
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Adulting 101, Book 2: #liveyourbestlife
By Betsy Farquhar |
Adulting 101, Book 2 is an excellent graduation gift idea or resource for teens heading to college or into the workforce. Adulting 101, Book 2: ...
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5 Minutes in Church History and In the Year of Our Lord
By Betsy Farquhar |
5 Minutes in Church History and In the Year of Our Lord each view church history through an engaging and refreshing lens. ***Giveaway Is Now ...
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Graduation Gift List
By Betsy Farquhar |
Need a graduation gift idea for a new or recent graduate? We've got you covered! 'Tis the season when many young men and women doff ...
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*Truths We Confess by R. C. Sproul
By Betsy Farquhar |
Truths We Confess is a concise, accessible, and systematic exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith, perfect for seniors, new graduates, and Sunday school groups. ...
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Character picture books: Twenty-One Steps, Bartali’s Bicycle, and Nelson Mandela’s Plan
By Janie Cheaney |
Three nonfiction picture books offer examples of faithful service, reconciliation, and self-sacrifice. Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Jeff Gottesfeld, illustrated ...
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*Surviving Religion 101 by Michael Kruger
By Janie Cheaney |
With Surviving Religion 101, a Christian father and scholar arms his daughter against attacks on Christianity from skeptical professors and students. *Surviving Religion 101: Letters ...
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Meltdown by Dierdre Langeland
By Janie Cheaney |
Meltdown traces the events that might have led to nuclear Armageddon in Fukishima, Japan, 2011. Meltdown: Earthquake, Tsunami, and Nuclear Disaster in Fukushima by Dierdre ...
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Beatrix Potter, Scientist by Lindsay H. Metcalf
By Janie Cheaney |
Her scientific ambitions were dashed, but Beatrix Potter turned the natural world into beloved art. Beatrix Potter, Scientist by Lindsay H. Metcalf, illustrated by Junyi ...
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*Go and Do Likewise! by John Hendrix
By Janie Cheaney |
In Go and Do Likewise, as in Miracle Man, John Hendrix offers a fresh take on the life and teachings of Christ. *Go and Do ...
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*The Promise by Jason Helopoulos
By Janie Cheaney |
The Promise takes readers from the beginning of God’s story through the fulfillment of his redemptive purpose, with striking illustrations and compelling prose. *The Promise: ...
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Bible Infographics for Kids
By Janie Cheaney |
Bible Infographics for Kids presents Bible facts and concepts in an entertaining, memorable way. Bible Infographics for Kids by Harvest House Publishers, illustrated by Brian ...
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Bible Review: NLV Brave Boys and Courageous Girls
By Janie Cheaney |
The Bible for Brave Boys and The Bible for Courageous Girls: New Life Version. Barbour, 2020, 944 pages (text size unavailable) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...
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Bible Review: NLT Girls Life Application Study Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
NLT Girls Life Application Study Bible. Tyndale House, 2016, 1568 pages (8 point font). Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: Ages 9-13 Girls ...
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Oversize Nonfiction: Math, Anatomy, and Classification
By Megan Saben |
Do you see order, beauty, and relationships in the world around you? Three recent oversized picture books require special shelving, but offer a feast for ...
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*10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin
By Janie Cheaney |
With Christianity increasingly under fire, apologist Rebecca McLaughlin answers 10 questions every young Christian will have to confront. *10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and ...
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Nicky & Vera by Peter Sís
By Janie Cheaney |
Nicky & Vera, by Caldecott illustrator Peter Sís, celebrates the quiet heroism of Nicholas Winton, who saved 669 Czech children from the Holocaust. Nicky & ...
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Radium Girls by Kate Moore
By Janie Cheaney |
The Radium Girls tells the harrowing tale of radium poisoning and corporate irresponsibility. The Radium Girls by Kate Moore (Young Readers’ Edition). Greenwillow, 2020, 348 ...
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Attacked at Sea by Michael J. Tougias
By Janie Cheaney |
Attacked at Sea tells the harrowing story of surviving a U-Boat submarine attack in the early days of World War II. Attacked at Sea: A ...
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Gone to the Woods by Gary Paulsen
By Janie Cheaney |
Gone to the Woods, Gary Paulsen’s third-person memoir, is the recollection of a gritty early life leavened by common grace. Gone to the Woods: Surviving ...
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Retro Review: *Let Justice Roll Down by John Perkins
By Janie Cheaney |
The life of John Perkins offers the only true way to justice, reconciliation, and forgiveness for our tragic racist history. *Let Justice Roll Down by ...
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Medieval Africa: a Resource for Middle School
By Betsy Farquhar |
Discover the glories and weaknesses of Medieval Africa in this well researched history for middle grades. The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life ...
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Black Heroes of the Wild West by James Otis Smith
By Betsy Farquhar |
Black Heroes of the Wild West introduces young readers to three exciting and legendary figures in this graphic novel style history for middle grades. Black ...
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Into the Clouds by Tod Olson
By Janie Cheaney |
Into the Clouds is the grueling saga of three expeditions that failed to summit the second-highest--but most dangerous--mountain in the world. Into the Clouds: The ...
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The Finest Hours by Michael Tougias
By Janie Cheaney |
The 1952 rescue of over twenty stranded seamen on a halved oil tanker ranks as one of the Coast Guard's' "finest hours." The Finest Hours: ...
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*Creative God Colorful Us by Trillia Newbell
By Betsy Farquhar |
Creative God Colorful Us invites students to enjoy God's diverse family by loving God and their neighbor and celebrating God's human creation. *Creative God Colorful ...
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Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Feder
By Janie Cheaney |
Raw, funny, and honest, Dancing at the Pity Party is a close look at grief after the loss of a mother. Dancing at the Pity ...
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2021 Newbery Buzz #5: Stamped by Jason Reynolds.
By Janie Cheaney |
Continuing our discussion of possible Newbery winners, we pick up a book that has everybody talking: Janie: Betsy, there are two books that I think ...
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All Thirteen by Christina Soontornvat
By Janie Cheaney |
All Thirteen gives the rescue of the Thai boys’ soccer team the drama and excitement it deserves. All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the ...
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The Next President by Kate Messner
By Janie Cheaney |
The Next President takes a unique approach to the list of presidents by looking at their backgrounds--and speculating on the future. The Next President: The ...
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Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander
By Janie Cheaney |
In verse and prose, Becoming Muhammad Ali traces the early life of Cassius Clay, "The greatest" heavyweight boxer ever. Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson ...
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Books for Teen Writers
By Betsy Farquhar |
Books for aspiring writers abound. Books for teen writers are a little harder to track down. But many teens are aspiring authors, writing reams of ...
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Courageous World Changers by Shirley Rae Redmond
By Janie Cheaney |
Courageous World Changers briefly covers the lives of 50 women throughout the world and history who lived for Christ. Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories ...
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A Hopeful Heart by Deborah Noyes
By Janie Cheaney |
A Hopeful Heart engagingly presents the life of one of America's first best-selling authors: Louisa May Alcott. A Hopeful Heart: Louisa May Alcott before Little ...
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Bee Fearless by Mikaila Ullmer
By Janie Cheaney |
In Bee Fearless, Mikaila Ulmer tells how she grew a multimillion-dollar business out of a lemonade stand--but not by herself. Bee Fearless: Dream Like a ...
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Chance: Escape from the Holocaust by Uri Shulevitz
By Janie Cheaney |
In Chance: Escape from the Holocaust, a Caldecott-winning illustrator recalls his harrowing wartime childhood. Chance: Escape from the Holocaust by Uri Shulevitz. Farrar Strauss Giroux, ...
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3 Picture Book Biographies: Beatrix Potter, Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay, and … a Horse
By Betsy Farquhar |
Picture book biographies are one of my favorite categories of picture books. Today, I have three new ones for you: a childlike look at Beatrix ...
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Picture Books for Young Writers: My Pencil and Me and How to Write a Story
By Janie Cheaney |
My Pencil and Me by Sara Varon. First Second, 2020, 34 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 4-8 Recommended for: ages 5-7 Every writer knows ...
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Ancient Romans, Alphamaniacs, and Incredible Jobs
By Megan Saben |
Three illustrated non-fiction books share fascinating information about ancient cultures, unusual wordsmiths, and careers you might not have considered. Ancient Romans and Their Neighbors: An ...
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Machines in Motion by Tom Jackson and illustrated by Chris Mould
By Betsy Farquhar |
Machines in Motion is a fascinating picture book absolutely packed with interesting illustrations and trivia all about transportation. Machines in Motion: The Amazing History of ...
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How We Got to the Moon by John Rocco
By Janie Cheaney |
How We Got to the Moon details the almost overwhelming amount of expertise and problem-solving required to accomplish one human footprint. How We Got to ...
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On the Horizon by Lois Lowry
By Janie Cheaney |
On the Horizon recalls two pivotal events of World War II through the eyes of witnesses, victims, and two children who would meet much later. ...
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*Through the Wardrobe by Lina Maslo.
By Janie Cheaney |
This C.S. Lewis biography, accessible to 5-year-olds, includes fascinating details for Narnia fans of all ages *Through the Wardrobe: How C. S. Lewis Created Narnia ...
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PB Roundup: Your Place in the Universe, If You Came to Earth, and I Talk Like a River
By Janie Cheaney |
Three critically-acclaimed picture books tackle big subjects like the size of the universe, the scope of humanity, and the power of words. Your Place in ...
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Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson: A Discussion
By Betsy Farquhar |
Sometimes, we just have to "discuss" a book instead of merely write a review of it. Come eavesdrop as Betsy and Megan discuss Adorning the ...
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*Dorothy and Jack by Gina Dalfonzo
By Hayley Morell |
An excellent introduction to the friendship between C. S. Lewis and Dorothy Sayers. Dorothy and Jack by Gina Dalfonzo. Baker Books, 2020. 208 pages. Reading ...
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Comics: Easy as ABC! by Ivan Brunetti
By Janie Cheaney |
Comics: Easy as ABC! is an accessible introduction to drawing for young artists, but the content includes one big misstep. Comics: Easy as ABC! An ...
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Running Wild: Awesome Animals in Motion by Galadriel Watson
By Janie Cheaney |
Running Wild gives readers ages 6-10 new appreciation for the immense variety and careful design evidenced in animal motion. Running Wild: Awesome Animals in Motion ...
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Cubs in the Tub by Candace Fleming
By Janie Cheaney |
Cubs in the Tub is a warm-hearted true story that will be irresistible to baby animal lovers. Cubs in the Tub: the True Story of ...
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Box by Carole Boston Weatherford
By Janie Cheaney |
Box is the remarkable true story of one man's bold plan to free himself from slavery. Box: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom by Carole ...
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*The Roar on the Other Side by Suzanne Underwood Rhodes
By Betsy Farquhar |
Is poetry writing obsolete? It doesn't have to be, especially for Christians. *The Roar on the Other Side: A Guide for Student Poets by Suzanne ...
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How to Be a Person by Catherine Newman
By Janie Cheaney |
How to Be a Person humorously introduces middle-graders to life skills both practical and thoughtful. How to Be a Person: 65 Hugely Useful Super-Important Skills ...
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Road Trip USA
By Megan Saben |
The sensible way to plan a vacation would be to decide months in advance where you want to go and how you want to get ...
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My Name Is Tani by Tanitoluwa Adewumi
By Janie Cheaney |
My Name is Tani is the hopeful true story of a young boy who finds a place and a passion in America. My Name Is ...
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*When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohammed
By Janie Cheaney |
The new graphic novel When Stars Are Scattered brings the refugee experience into sharp yet sympathetic focus. *When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and ...
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A World of Discovery by James Brown and Richard Platt
By Janie Cheaney |
A World of Discovery introduces pre-teens to the basics of technology and invention. A World of Discovery by James Brown and Richard Platt. Candlewick Studio, ...
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Everybody Counts by Kristin Roskifte
By Janie Cheaney |
Everybody Counts is more than a counting book: it includes big numbers and big thoughts. Everybody Counts: a Counting Story from 0 to 7.5 Billion ...
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Gyo Fujikawa: It Began With a Page….
By Betsy Farquhar |
Gyo Fujikawa When you grow up with an author/illustrator's books, they become part of your definition of "home" or "reading" or "friend." Gyo Fujikawa is ...
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Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang
By Janie Cheaney |
Dragon Hoops turns a high-school basketball championship season into a close-up look at life's changes and choices. Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang. First Second, ...
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1493 for Young People by Charles C. Mann
By Betsy Farquhar |
A fascinating historical look at globalization that covers botany, anthropology, politics, exploration, the slave trade, and more! 1493 for Young People: From Columbus's Voyage to ...
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American Lives: a Picture Book Roundup
By Janie Cheaney |
For Spacious Skies, Most Wanted, and Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word feature the promise of the American experiment. For Spacious Skies: Katharine Lee Bates ...
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Jonah and the Very Big Fish by Tim Thornborough
By Betsy Farquhar |
Jonah and the Very Big Fish has fun with language and offers the full story of Jonah--there's more than the whale! Jonah and the Very ...
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*This Is Our Constitution by Khizr Khan
By Betsy Farquhar |
An immigrant-become-US-citizen offers a powerful, personal explanation of our nation's Constitution for middle grades and up. *This Is Our Constitution: What It Is and Why ...
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A Ben of All Trades by Michael J. Rosen
By Janie Cheaney |
A Ben of All Trades: the Most Inventive Boyhood of Benjamin Franklin by Michael J. Rosen, illustrated by Matt Tavares. Candlewick, 2020, 30 pages. Reading ...
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Stamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
By Janie Cheaney |
Stamped, a young-reader version of Kendi’s Stamped from the Beginning, is an engaging but one-sided picture of racism in America’s past. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and ...
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Hey, Water! by Antoinette Portis
By Janie Cheaney |
Hey, Water! pictures the gift of water in all its forms, providing an accessible explanation of the water cycle for preschoolers. Hey, Water! by Antoinette ...
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Two Years before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana
By Janie Cheaney |
Published 180 years ago, Two Years before the Mast remains a vivid portrait of 19th-century seafaring in early America. Two Years before the Mast by ...
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Lost in the Pacific, 1942: Not a Drop to Drink by Tod Olson
By Betsy Farquhar |
8 men struggle to survive when they're lost at sea in this "drama in real life" story for middle grades. Lost in the Pacific, 1942: ...
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Longitude by Dava Sobel
By Janie Cheaney |
Longitude, a recommended book for our "Hope on the Horizon" summer reading challenge, is a classic true tale of persistence rewarded. Longitude: the True Story ...
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The Brendan Voyage by Tim Severin
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Brendan Voyage is the real life adventure story of a man who tried to recreate a Medieval legend: sailing across the North Atlantic from ...
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*Epic by Tim Challies
By Janie Cheaney |
Epic takes readers around the globe tracking down fascinating artifacts of Church history. *Epic: An Around-the-World Journey through Christian History by Tim Challies. Zondervan, 2020, ...
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Bible Review: NIrV Illustrated Holy Bible for Kids
By Janie Cheaney |
NIrV Illustrated Holy Bible for Kids. Zondervan, 2019, 1632 pages (8 point font) Reading Level: 3rd grade Recommended for: Ages 4-8 This new edition of ...
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*Get Your Story Straight by Kristen Hatton
By Betsy Farquhar |
Get Your Story Straight is a straightforward devotional guide that invites teens to study the story of Scripture, focusing the real hero of the story. ...
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Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots by Michael Rex
By Janie Cheaney |
Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots offers an accessible introduction to a controversial subject. Fact vs. Opinions vs. Robots by Michael Rex. Nancy Paulson Books (PRH), ...
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*Honeybee by Candace Fleming
By Janie Cheaney |
The brief but complex life of a honeybee literally unfolds in these gorgeously illustrated pages. *Honeybee: the Busy Life of Apius Mellifera by Candis Fleming. ...
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*The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Fleming
By Janie Cheaney |
From hero to pariah: the life of Charles Lindbergh is a fascinating study. *The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Fleming. Schwartz + ...
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20th Century Book List for Young Teens
By Betsy Farquhar |
20th Century Book List for Young Teens 20th Century: World wars. A Great Depression. First flight. Space flight. Voting Rights. Civil Rights. Communism. Terrorism. Jazz. ...
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Ordinary Hazards by Nikki Grimes: a Discussion
By Janie Cheaney |
Every now and then we read a book that seems to warrant more than a standard review—even a starred one. That was Janie and Betsy’s ...
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Two Graphic Novel Memoirs: Cub and Best Friends
By Janie Cheaney |
Shannon Hale continues her middle-grade memoir with Best Friends; Cynthia Copeland tells how she became a writer in Cub. Cub by Cynthia Copeland. Algonquin, 2020, ...
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Fever Year by Don Brown
By Betsy Farquhar |
Don Brown tells the story of Spanish Influenza in three acts in this graphic novel format nonfiction book for young teens. Fever Year: The Killer ...
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China through Time by DK Publishing
By Janie Cheaney |
China through Time offers a unique perspective of social life over centuries. China through Time: a 2,500 year journey along the World’s Greatest Canal illustrated ...
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Picture Biographies Round-Up: Beverly Cleary, Aretha Franklin, George Washington Carver, and More!
By Betsy Farquhar |
Picture Book Biographies Round-Up, February 2020 edition This Picture Book Biographies Round-Up includes the following titles: Just Like Beverly (Beverly Cleary), Anna & Samia, A ...
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Everything Awesome about Dinosaurs by Mike Lowery
By Janie Cheaney |
A fact-packed and tongue-in-cheek resource for dinosaur fans, with a distinct evolutionary slant. Everything Awesome about Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Beasts by Mike Lowery. Orchard ...
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Trees: a Rooted History by Socha and Grazhowski
By Janie Cheaney |
Trees: a Rooted History explores the wonderful variety of tree life in a lavishly illustrated compendium. Trees: a Rooted History by Wojciech Grazkowski and Piotr ...
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By and By: Charles Albert Tindley by Carole Boston Weatherford
By Janie Cheaney |
Charles Albert Tindley rose from abject poverty to preach to thousands and write the anthem of the Civil Rights movement. *By and By: Charles Albert ...
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The Oldest Student by Rita Lorraine Hubbard
By Janie Cheaney |
"The Oldest Student" tells the inspiring story of a centenarian who finally found the time to learn. The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to ...
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All in a Drop by Lori Alexander
By Janie Cheaney |
All in a Drop communicates the wonder and excitement of the Scientific Revolution in this engaging biography of the inventor of the microscope. All in ...
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Giant Presidents' Day Book List
By Betsy Farquhar |
POTUS POTUS: President of the United States: one of the most powerful people in the world. Presidents' Day honors George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in ...
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Girl Under a Red Moon by Da Chen
By Janie Cheaney |
Girl under a Red Moon depicts life under the worst totalitarian government in modern history. Girl under a Red Moon: Growing up During China’s Cultural ...
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It Rained Warm Bread by Moishe Moskowitz
By Janie Cheaney |
The recollections of a 13-year-old Holocaust survivor find poetic expression in It Rained Warm Bread. It rained Warm Bread: Moishe Moskowitz’s Story of Hope by ...
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Black History Month Picture Books for Tweens and Teens
By Betsy Farquhar |
Black history month picture books are for big kids, too! Picture books aren't just for young children. Middle grades and teens benefit, too. Sometimes, a ...
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By Betsy Farquhar |
The true story of John Wesley Powell, "Major Impossible" who mapped the Grand Canyon, told in graphic novel format. Major Impossible (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales ...
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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 ...
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Torpedoed by Deborah Heligman
By Janie Cheaney |
Torpedoed is a gripping saga of disaster, heartbreak, and heroism on the open sea. Torpedoed: the True Story of the World War II Sinking of ...
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Follow Your Stuff by Kevin Sylvester and Michael Hinka
By Janie Cheaney |
Young consumers will find Follow Your Stuff a fascinating trek through the global production market. Follow Your Stuff: Who Makes It, Where Does It Come ...
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*John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J. R. R. Tolkien by Caroline McAlister
By Hayley Morell |
Lovely illustrations and beautiful narrative prose tell the story of Tolkien, from boyhood to The Hobbit. *John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J. R. R. ...
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*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 ...
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Migration: Incredible Animal Journeys by Mike Unwin
By Janie Cheaney |
Migration: Incredible Animal Journeys features well-known migration patterns as well as surprising facts, in a readable picture-book format. Migration: Incredible Animal Journeys by Mike Unwin, ...
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Manhattan: Mapping the Story of an Island by Jennifer Thermes
By Janie Cheaney |
This oversize, intricately-illustrated picture book relates the story of Manhattan in a series of maps. Manhattan: Mapping the Story of an Island by Jennifer Thermes. ...
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