Nonfiction

*How Sweet the Sound by Carole Boston Weatherford

How Sweet the Sound tells the story of "Amazing Grace" in rhyming couplets and dramatic illustrations.  Ages 6-10 *How Sweet the Sound: the Story of ...
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Rethinking School by Susan Wise Bauer

In Rethinking School, Susan Wise Bauer offers practical suggestions and background information for crafting the best education for your unique child.  Rethinking School: How to ...
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The Monarchs Are Missing: A Butterfly Mystery by Rebecca Hirsch

Why is the population of Monarch butterflies declining?  This book invites readers to ponder the mystery, and participate in the solution. The Monarchs Are Missing: ...
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How Does My Home Work? by Chris Butterworth

This engaging picture book explains in simple terms the complex system that makes a house “work” How Does My Home Work? by Chris Butterworth, illustrated ...
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Voices of the Second World War

A compendium of recollection from men and women who experienced World War II as children brings the past up close and personal. Voices of the ...
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Marvelous Math for Middle Grades

The Language of the Universe The language of the universe is math. Little else in the natural world reflects such a unique combination of truth, ...
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With My Hands by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater

With My Hands, a poetry collection for ages 5-10, celebrates the endless creativity of humans from the earliest ages. With My Hands: Poems about Making ...
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It’s National Poetry Month – Let’s Write a Poem! (Free Download)

In honor of National poetry month, here's a sample lesson from Wordsmith Apprentice to help reluctant writers produce original verse. "Poetry" is a scary word ...
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Mega List of Bible Reviews!

Here in one handy post are all the children's Bibles reviewed over the last six years by RedeemedReader, with links. I (Janie) started reviewing children’s ...
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Bible Review: NIV Kids’ Quiz Bible

The NIV Quiz Bible challenges readers with over 1000 questions to answer from the text. NIV Kids’ Quiz Bible.  Zonderkidz, 2018, 1795 pages Recommended for: ...
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Bible Review: NIrV Adventures in Odyssey

Though mostly for die-hard Odyssey fans, this edition of the NIrV includes some valuable kid-friendly features. NIrV Adventures in Odyssey Bible.  Focus on the Family, ...
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Chasing King’s Killer by James L. Swanson

The life-paths of Martin Luther King and James Earl Ray converge on a fatal day in Memphis, in this gripping account of a manhunt. Ages ...
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*Bible Review: ESV Big Picture Bible

The ESV Big Picture Bible for pre-through-primary ages, features over 315 age-appropriate illustrations of unusual perspective and appeal. ESV Big Picture Bible.  Crossway, 2015, 1375 ...
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*God’s Timeline by Linda Finlayson

God’s Timeline is a valuable resource that pulls together the entire sweep of church history from the Resurrection to the early twenty-first century. *God’s Timeline: ...
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Picture Book Biographies Booklist!

Picture Book Biographies = Fantastic, Diverse Resources Picture book biographies are one of the best ways to introduce a person from history. Why? They bring ...
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The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie

Sarah Mackenzie offers a welcome and updated look at making connections with your family through books in The Read-Aloud Family. The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and ...
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*Twelve Days in May by Larry Dane Brimner

For middle grades and up: a photographic, journalistic look at those famous twelve days in May when a group of whites and blacks bravely tried ...
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8 Great Smarts by Kathy Koch

8 Great Smarts shows parents how to recognize, encourage, and build on their child’s particular kinds of “smart.” 8 Great Smarts: Discover and Nurture Your ...
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The Girl Who Drew Butterflies by Joyce Sidman

A beautifully crafted middle grades biography of a girl who drew butterflies back in the 1600s, changing the study of natural history in the process. ...
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*Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson

For middle grades: A compelling look into the life of Betty before X (Malcolm X) and the influence of the black church in the racially charged 1940s. ...
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The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution by Jonathan Stokes

This jokey introduction to the American Revolution, latest in the “Thrifty Guide” series, presents accurate history along with the laughs.  Ages 10-15 The Thrifty Guide ...
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Becoming Madeleine by Charlotte Jones Voiklis and Lena Roy

This biography by Madeleine L’Engle’s granddaughters draws on the author’s scrapbooks, journals, and memories to recount her life. Ages 12-up Becoming Madeleine by Charlotte Jones ...
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Vintage Pies: Classic American Pies for Today’s Home Baker by Anne Haynie Collins

Here's a fun pie cookbook to help you recreate some of the vintage pies described in older literature and in your history books! Vintage Pies: ...
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The Vanishing American Adult by Ben Sasse

U.S. Senator Ben Sasse diagnoses a serious problem with today’s young adults and writes a prescription for restoring the American spirit. The Vanishing American Adult: ...
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Nonfiction Picture Books Round-up: Biographies, Science, and Words

A round-up of 2018 nonfiction picture books on all sorts of subjects and for all sorts of ages! The Great Dictionary Caper by Judy Sierra and ...
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*Abigail Adams: Witness to a Revolution by Natalie S. Bober

Starred review for this young adult biography that showcases a thoughtful--and thought-provoking--Abigail Adams against the backdrop of tumultuous American history. *Abigail Adams: Witness to a ...
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Grand Canyon by Jason Chin

A father-daughter hike from Phantom Ranch to the south rim of Grand Canyon reveals its geological wonders. Grand Canyon by Jason Chin.  Roaring Brook, 2017, ...
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*Honey for a Teen’s Heart by Gladys Hunt

Honey for a Teen’s Heart applies the wisdom of Gladys Hunt’s read-aloud approach to the adolescent years.  Adult *Honey for a Teen’s Heart: Using Books ...
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Facing Frederick: The Life of Frederick Douglass by Tonya Bolden

Facing Frederick is a well written, nuanced biography for middle grades that sheds light on both Frederick Douglass and the tumultuous times in which he ...
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cover of black history month nonfiction book list

Black History Month Nonfiction Book List

Black History Month Nonfiction Book List It's a month full of book lists here at Redeemed Reader! We hope you enjoyed our Love and Laughter ...
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Give Me Wings by Kathy Lowinger

The little-known story of the Fisk Jubilee Singers demonstrates black talent, initiative, faith, and determination. Give Me Wings: How a Choir of Former Slaves Took ...
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2018 Newbery Buzz #5: Real Friends and All’s Faire in Middle School

It's our final Newbery Buzz of the 2018 season. Betsy and Alysha discuss two graphic novels for this last round. Graphic Novels as Newbery Winners? ...
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Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen by Deborah Hopkinson

This sweetly illustrated biography introduces young readers to the ordinary, extraordinary Jane Austen. Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by Qin Leng. ...
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Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers

Her Right foot introduces pre-readers and early readers to the Statue of Liberty and what she stands for.  Ages 4-8 Her Right Foot by Dave ...
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Welcome to Lizard Motel by Barbara Feinberg

Barbara Feinberg's memoir offers a fresh look at realistic children's fiction and how much literary suffering children should bear. Welcome to Lizard Motel: Children, Stories, ...
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*Irenaeus by Simonetta Carr

Simonetta Carr continues her outstanding series of Christian-History biographies with Irenaeus of Lyon, a hero of the early church.  Ages 8-12 Irenaeus (Christian Biographies for ...
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Bound by Ice by Sandra Neil Wallace

This gripping true tale of first North Pole exploration takes middle-graders into the frozen wastes for a saga of endurance.  Ages 10-15 Bound by Ice: ...
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Exploring Space by Martin Jenkins

Future astronauts will find many of their questions answered in this comprehensive, informative picture book, with fascinating cutaway illustrations.  Ages 8-12 Exploring Space: from Galileo ...
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The River Doubt and the Amazing Amazon: 4 True Stories for All Ages

Teddy Roosevelt travels the River Doubt, Percy Fawcett hunts for the City "Z," and a tiny fish is making headlines in conservation efforts for the ...
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Culture Making by Andy Crouch

Andy Crouch poses questions that should get Christians thinking about their role as “culture makers.” Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling by Andy Crouch.  Intervarsity ...
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*Honey for a Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt

Honey for a Child's Heart was one of the first books advocating for building a Christian family culture around books. *Honey for a Child's Heart by ...
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*Comforting, Training, and Teaching Minds: Catechism Devotionals by Starr Meade

Family devotionals centered around the Heidelberg and Shorter catechism are based on Scripture and are designed to help families memorize the catechisms. *Comforting Hearts, Teaching Minds: ...
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*Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore

Same Kind of Different As Me is an emotional and spiritual memoir of two men who became friends despite their backgrounds, races, and preconceptions. *Same Kind ...
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The Whydah by Martin W. Sandler

Fascinating middle grades nonfiction about the Whydah: a slave ship turned pirate ship turned treasure hunter glory. The Whydah: A Pirate Ship Feared, Wrecked and Found ...
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Sinking the Sultana by Sally M. Walker

Middle grades nonfiction takes a sobering look at the sinking of the Sultana--a worse maritime tragedy even than the Titanic. Sinking the Sultana: A Civil ...
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5 New Nonfiction Picture Books

Nonfiction picture books are one of the best ways to introduce a subject/person, enrich your study of a topic, or just learn something new! Hot ...
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Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp

This new book of Advent readings takes us deep into the theological and spiritual meaning of Christ's Incarnation. Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul ...
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echoes of eden cover

*Echoes of Eden by Jerram Barrs

Starred review for Echoes of Eden, in which Barrs offers guidelines for evaluating art and literature from a Christian review. *Echoes of Eden: Reflections on ...
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Reformation ABCs

Reformation ABCs introduces readers quickly to the people, places, and things of the Reformation in engaging picture book format. Reformation ABCs: The People, Places, and ...
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*The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch

Starred review for this book about a tech-wise family that is characterized by 10 commitments reflecting the proper pace of technology in a family's life ...
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The Sweet Taste of Providence by Christine Farenhorst

This unique devotional book uses Christian history as a springboard for relevant perspectives on the Christian life. The Sweet Taste of Providence: 74 Devotional Episodes ...
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Word Shapers: 4 Men Who Influenced the English Language

Word Shaper: Someone who shapes, and changes, words. We associate envy with the color green. Why? William Shakespeare. In America, we write "color" instead of ...
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Growing Friendships: a Kid’s Guide to Making and Keeping Friends

This friendly guide to friendship may help fill in some gaps parents inadvertently miss. Growing Friendships: a Kid’s Guide to Making and Keeping Friends by ...
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Reformation Church History Book List

Happy 500th birthday to the Protestant Reformation! 500 years ago this month, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door in Wittenburg. Of course, the ...
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Reformers, Puritans, and Covenanters: Biography Anthologies by Hannula

*For Christ's Crown: Sketches of Puritans and Covenanters By Richard Hannula. Canon Press, 2014. 223 pages.  Just as the title implies, this volume is all ...
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10 New Picture Books for All Ages, All Interests, Fact and Fiction!

New picture books! Brand, spanking, new! Beautiful, silly, thoughtful, informative, and downright fun. Take a look!   (Several of these made it onto our Back-to-School ...
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God and the Transgender Debate by Andrew T. Walker

God and the Transgender Debate: What Does the Bible Actually Say about Gender Identity? by Andrew T Walker.  The Good Book Company, 2017, 171 pages. ...
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Ben’s Revolution by Nathaniel Philbrick

This young-reader history of the early days of the American Revolution views events through the experience of 12-year-old Ben Russell. Ben’s Revolution: Benjamin Russell and ...
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Magellan: over the Edge of the World by Laurence Bergreen

This young reader edition of an adult nonfiction book explores the glory and agony (mostly the latter) of Magellan's epic voyage. Magellan: Over the Edge ...
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10 True Stories for Teens

10 True Stories for Teens It's hard to beat a good, true story. Something about the it really happened aspect just makes it better, don't you ...
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Irresistible by Adam Alter

Irresistible by Adam Alter

Irresistible is a fascinating look at technology's impact on humanity, particularly in the light of behavioral addiction. Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the ...
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*12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You by Tony Reinke

Tony Reinke sounds a timely warning about our society’s growing addiction to electronic devices. *12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You by Tony Reinke.   Crossway, ...
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Dragon Seed by Marty Machowski

Dragon Seed by Marty Machowsky. New Grorwth Press, 2017, 179 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-14 Nick is furious. He’s ...
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Face Time by Kristen Hadden

Face Time (Your Identity in a Selfie World by Kristen Hadden.  New Growth Press, 2017, 127 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ...
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Get Ready for the Eclipse! Space and Sci-Fi Booklist

Ready for the Eclipse? Have you tested out your eclipse glasses? Do you know where you're going to be on August 21 when the eclipse ...
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Exploring Space by Jenkins and Biesty

Explore space--and humans' attempts to explore space--in this information-packed and expertly illustrated coffee table sized book. Exploring Space: From Galileo to the Mars Rover and ...
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American Eclipse by David Baron

This summer a full solar eclipse will cross the United States.  This captivating history examines the last time that happened, and its effect on American ...
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Vincent and Theo: the Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman

A fascinating dual biography captures the triumph and eventual tragedy of brothers who loved and fought fiercely. Vincent and Theo: the Van Gogh Brothers by ...
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The Great Good Thing by Andrew Klavan

Andrew Klavan's spiritual journey from atheism to Christ takes a particularly literary character, but ends where all good journeys do. The Great Good Thing: a ...
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Undefeated by Steve Sheinkin

Undefeated is a fascinating account of how a group of talented, creative, and brave young Indians changed the game of football forever. Undefeated: Jim Thorpe ...
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This Changes Everything by Jaquelle Crowe

This Changes Everything, for teens by a teen, is a handy guidebook for young people setting out on their Christian journey. This Changes Everything: How ...
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Retro Reads: Mei Fuh by Edith Schaeffer

This is a guest post by Candice Watters, blogger at Family Making. Her original, longer review of Mei Fuh appeared there first. Welcome, Candice! Travel ...
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Krysia: a Polish Girl’s Stolen Childhood by Krystyna Mihulka

This memoir of a Polish girl’s experience in a forced-labor camp introduces us to a little-known theater of World War II. Krysia: a Polish Girl’s ...
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Isaac the Alchemist by Mary Losure

This biography for middle graders is an engaging introduction to Isaac Newton’s singular genius and his peculiar obsessions. Isaac the Alchemist: Secrets of Isaac Newton, ...
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The New City Catechism Devotional

The devotional guide to the Gospel Coalition's New City Catechism is a helpful resource for re-discovering the lost practice of oral instruction and memorization. The ...
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Elon Musk and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance

Elon Musk and the Quest for a Fantastic Future (Young Readers edition) by Ashlee Vance.  HarperCollins, 2017, 273 pages Reading Level: Teens, ages 12-15 Recommended ...
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The Queen of Katwe: Book and Movie Review

This is a featured title in our Beauty and the Beast Adventure. Redeemed Reader is not affiliated with or endorsing the new Disney Beauty and the ...
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Devotion by Adam Makos

It is Korea, 1950, and Jesse Brown, first African American carrier pilot in the Navy, has just crashed over enemy territory . . .   ...
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Lift Your Light a Little Higher by Heather Henson and illustrated by Bryan Collier

A picture book biography told in first person about a remarkable slave who was a renowned cave explorer. Lift Your Light a Little Higher: the ...
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Step Right Up by Donna Janell Bowman

Children will be fascinated by the heartwarming story of “Doc” Key and his amazing horse Jim, who used their talents for good. Step Right Up: ...
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March, Books One and Three by John Lewis

John Lewis recounts his role in the Civil Rights struggle in this series of graphic nonfiction histories that vividly portray the difficulty, agony, and ultimate ...
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Hidden Figures (Young Reader Edition) by Margo Shetterly

The contributions of four black women to the Space Race form an inspiring story of talent overcoming prejudice and receiving its reward. Hidden Figures Young ...
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*Answering the Cry for Freedom by Gretchen Woelfle

These brief biographies of 13 African Americans during the Revolutionary War demonstrate the power of self-determination as well as the power of faith. *Answering the ...
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*Under Our Skin by Benjamin Watson

For Christians of all colors who are concerned about racial tension, Benjamin Watson shows the way to reconciliation. *Under Our Skin by Benjamin Watson.  Tyndale, ...
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Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photo by Roxanne Orgill

An iconic photograph comes to life in this well-crafted sophisticated, artistic picture book. This is a review by Pamela Palmer, a new addition to our Redeemed ...
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Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton

A delightful picture book biography about a boy who loved to tinker and grew up to work on rockets and invent America's favorite water gun! ...
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Pearl Harbor Child: an Interview with Dorinda Nicholson

Her father was from Kansas City; her mother was native Hawaiian, and Dorinda Makanaonalani Stagner grew up on Pearl City Peninsula, just around the bend ...
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*Visual Theology by Tim Challies

Visual Theology presents the primary disciplines of the Christian life in a highly accessible form with attractive graphics. *Visual Theology: Seeing and Understanding the Truth ...
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The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay

This update of Macaulay's classic reference guide to technology embraces the digital revolution with wit and (mostly) clarity. The Way Things Work Now by David ...
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*Some Writer! by Melissa Sweet

A wonderfully engaging biography of E. B. White for children: full of photographs, collage-style art, and interesting details. *Some Writer! The Story of E. B. ...
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*Ugly: a Memoir by Robert Hoge

In this true story, a boy born with a hideous face learns to not only accept himself, but help others see him for what he ...
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Grover Cleveland, Again! by Ken Burns

In this attractive, mostly balanaced picture book, documentary filmmaker Ken Burns turns his narrative skills to introducing kids to our 44 (so far) presidents. Grover ...
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Vote for . . . Whoever (A Re-post from 2012)

In a campaign season, especially a big general election like this one, parents and teachers want to give the kids a clue what’s going on.  ...
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The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Patricia McCormick

Suspenseful prose and careful research make Bonhoeffer's brave actions come to life for teen readers. The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Unlikely ...
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Every Falling Star by Sungju Lee and Susan Elizabeth McClelland

Grit, friendship, and hope come together in this bittersweet memoir for teens. Every Falling Star: The True Story of How I Survived and Escaped North ...
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Pastor, Blogger, Author, Editor: More Church History Recommendations for the Whole Family!

We've spent all month reading and learning about church history. It's been such a rich study with interviews and book reviews, but we are not ...
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*The Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thornton

This fun and friendly compendium of Bible facts, everyday knowledge, history, how-to, wise counsel, apologetics, and doctrine is a terrific resource for every Christian kid. ...
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Saints and Heroes to the End of the Middle Ages by George Hodges

An engaging account of notable figures from the ancient church to the end of the Middle Ages. Saints and Heroes to the End of the ...
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Trial and Triumph/ *Radiant by Richard M. Hannula

Church history anthologies of men and women from all over the world in story format for middle grades and up! Trial and Triumph: Stories from ...
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Michelangelo for Kids by Simonetta Carr

Simonetta Carr's contribution to the popular "For Kids" series presents the great artist as not only as a true "Renaissance man" but a man of ...
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