Nonfiction
*How Sweet the Sound by Carole Boston Weatherford
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Rethinking School by Susan Wise Bauer
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More The Monarchs Are Missing: A Butterfly Mystery by Rebecca Hirsch
By Janie Cheaney |
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: ...
Read More How Does My Home Work? by Chris Butterworth
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Voices of the Second World War
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Marvelous Math for Middle Grades
By Betsy Farquhar |
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, ...
Read More With My Hands by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More It’s National Poetry Month – Let’s Write a Poem! (Free Download)
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Mega List of Bible Reviews!
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Bible Review: NIV Kids’ Quiz Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
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: ...
Read More Bible Review: NIrV Adventures in Odyssey
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
Read More Chasing King’s Killer by James L. Swanson
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More *Bible Review: ESV Big Picture Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More *God’s Timeline by Linda Finlayson
By Janie Cheaney |
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: ...
Read More Picture Book Biographies Booklist!
By Betsy Farquhar |
Picture Book Biographies = Fantastic, Diverse Resources Picture book biographies are one of the best ways to introduce a person from history. Why? They bring ...
Read More The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
Read More *Twelve Days in May by Larry Dane Brimner
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 8 Great Smarts by Kathy Koch
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More The Girl Who Drew Butterflies by Joyce Sidman
By Betsy Farquhar |
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. ...
Read More *Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson
By Betsy Farquhar |
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. ...
Read More The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution by Jonathan Stokes
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Becoming Madeleine by Charlotte Jones Voiklis and Lena Roy
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Vintage Pies: Classic American Pies for Today’s Home Baker by Anne Haynie Collins
By Hayley Morell |
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: ...
Read More The Vanishing American Adult by Ben Sasse
By Janie Cheaney |
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: ...
Read More Nonfiction Picture Books Round-up: Biographies, Science, and Words
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More *Abigail Adams: Witness to a Revolution by Natalie S. Bober
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Grand Canyon by Jason Chin
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
Read More *Honey for a Teen’s Heart by Gladys Hunt
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Facing Frederick: The Life of Frederick Douglass by Tonya Bolden
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Black History Month Nonfiction Book List
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Give Me Wings by Kathy Lowinger
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 2018 Newbery Buzz #5: Real Friends and All’s Faire in Middle School
By Betsy Farquhar |
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? ...
Read More Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen by Deborah Hopkinson
By Betsy Farquhar |
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. ...
Read More Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Welcome to Lizard Motel by Barbara Feinberg
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
Read More *Irenaeus by Simonetta Carr
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Bound by Ice by Sandra Neil Wallace
By Janie Cheaney |
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: ...
Read More Exploring Space by Martin Jenkins
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More The River Doubt and the Amazing Amazon: 4 True Stories for All Ages
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Culture Making by Andy Crouch
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More *Honey for a Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More *Comforting, Training, and Teaching Minds: Catechism Devotionals by Starr Meade
By Betsy Farquhar |
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: ...
Read More *Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More The Whydah by Martin W. Sandler
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Sinking the Sultana by Sally M. Walker
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 5 New Nonfiction Picture Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More *Echoes of Eden by Jerram Barrs
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Reformation ABCs
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
Read More *The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More The Sweet Taste of Providence by Christine Farenhorst
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Word Shapers: 4 Men Who Influenced the English Language
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Growing Friendships: a Kid’s Guide to Making and Keeping Friends
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Reformation Church History Book List
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Reformers, Puritans, and Covenanters: Biography Anthologies by Hannula
By Betsy Farquhar |
*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 ...
Read More 10 New Picture Books for All Ages, All Interests, Fact and Fiction!
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More God and the Transgender Debate by Andrew T. Walker
By Janie Cheaney |
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. ...
Read More Ben’s Revolution by Nathaniel Philbrick
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Magellan: over the Edge of the World by Laurence Bergreen
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 10 True Stories for Teens
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Irresistible by Adam Alter
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More *12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You by Tony Reinke
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
Read More Dragon Seed by Marty Machowski
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Face Time by Kristen Hadden
By Janie Cheaney |
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: ...
Read More Get Ready for the Eclipse! Space and Sci-Fi Booklist
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Exploring Space by Jenkins and Biesty
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More American Eclipse by David Baron
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Vincent and Theo: the Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More The Great Good Thing by Andrew Klavan
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Undefeated by Steve Sheinkin
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More This Changes Everything by Jaquelle Crowe
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Retro Reads: Mei Fuh by Edith Schaeffer
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Krysia: a Polish Girl’s Stolen Childhood by Krystyna Mihulka
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Isaac the Alchemist by Mary Losure
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
Read More The New City Catechism Devotional
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Elon Musk and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More The Queen of Katwe: Book and Movie Review
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Devotion by Adam Makos
By Hayley Morell |
It is Korea, 1950, and Jesse Brown, first African American carrier pilot in the Navy, has just crashed over enemy territory . . . ...
Read More Lift Your Light a Little Higher by Heather Henson and illustrated by Bryan Collier
By Pamela Palmer |
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 ...
Read More Step Right Up by Donna Janell Bowman
By Janie Cheaney |
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: ...
Read More March, Books One and Three by John Lewis
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Hidden Figures (Young Reader Edition) by Margo Shetterly
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More *Answering the Cry for Freedom by Gretchen Woelfle
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More *Under Our Skin by Benjamin Watson
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
Read More Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photo by Roxanne Orgill
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton
By Betsy Farquhar |
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! ...
Read More Pearl Harbor Child: an Interview with Dorinda Nicholson
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More *Visual Theology by Tim Challies
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More *Some Writer! by Melissa Sweet
By Betsy Farquhar |
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. ...
Read More *Ugly: a Memoir by Robert Hoge
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Grover Cleveland, Again! by Ken Burns
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Vote for . . . Whoever (A Re-post from 2012)
By Janie Cheaney |
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. ...
Read More The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Patricia McCormick
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Every Falling Star by Sungju Lee and Susan Elizabeth McClelland
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Pastor, Blogger, Author, Editor: More Church History Recommendations for the Whole Family!
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More *The Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thornton
By Janie Cheaney |
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. ...
Read More Saints and Heroes to the End of the Middle Ages by George Hodges
By Hayley Morell |
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 ...
Read More Trial and Triumph/ *Radiant by Richard M. Hannula
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Michelangelo for Kids by Simonetta Carr
By Janie Cheaney |
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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