Book Reviews

Lost in the Pacific, 1942: Not a Drop to Drink by Tod Olson

By Betsy Farquhar | May 25, 2020

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: ...

Longitude by Dava Sobel

By Janie Cheaney | May 19, 2020

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 ...

Retro Reads: The Velveteen Rabbit and *Edward Tulane

By Janie Cheaney | May 15, 2020

The classic story of the Velveteen Rabbit and more recent story of Edward Tulane demonstrate the nature of true love. The Velveteen Rabbit, or How ...

Lois Lenski Books: A Sampling

By Megan Saben | May 8, 2020

Lois Lenski books continue to be enjoyable and insightful reading for all ages. Lois Lenski Books Yesterday I shared a long-overdue introduction to an author ...

Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan

By Janie Cheaney | May 6, 2020

Mañanaland presents a dreamlike Latin-American landscape and a young boy taking a giant step toward adulthood. Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan. Scholastic, 2020, 247 pages. ...

The Brendan Voyage by Tim Severin

By Betsy Farquhar | May 5, 2020

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 ...

*Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 30, 2020

"The Real World" poses a creative challenge to a pair of enterprising middle-graders with conflicting motives. *Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker. HarperCollins, ...

Sir Cumference: Math Adventures for Everyone!

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 27, 2020

Fractions Can be Your Friends Do you enjoy math? Most "readers" I've met have an avowed distrust of math. It seems that our cultural narrative ...

Village of Scoundrels by Margi Preus

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 24, 2020

Village of Scoundrels fictionalizes a true tale of heroism from World War II. Village of Scoundrels by Margi Preus. Amulet, 2020, 299 pages Reading Level: ...

*Things Seen from Above by Shelley Pearsall

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 21, 2020

For much needed perspective in middle-school, try looking at “Things seen from above.” *Things Seen from Above by ShelleyPearsall, with illustrations by Xingye Jin. Knopf ...

*Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 20, 2020

Turner comes to understand himself, his father, his peers, his town, and his world in this bittersweet coming-of-age story set in 1912 Maine. *Lizzie Bright ...

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 16, 2020

In this classic survival story, Karana learns to fend for herself on an island after her tribe leaves for the mainland. Island of the Blue ...

*Epic by Tim Challies

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 15, 2020

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, ...

Epic Poetry: Learning to Read–and Enjoy–It in 5 Steps

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 13, 2020

Epic Poetry in School Do you remember reading (or being assigned to read) one of the following in school? The IliadThe OdysseyThe AeneidBeowulf Your teacher ...

Soul-Shaping Poetry: 2 Books for Teens and Adults

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 13, 2020

Soul-Shaping Poetry Have you ever stopped to think about how much poetry has shaped the Christian soul? Poetry is an intrinsic part of our worship ...

Bible Review: NIV Heart of Gold Bible

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 11, 2020

NIV Heart of Gold Bible. Zondervan, 2019, 1088 pages (9 point font) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 8-12 Though “girls” is ...

Bible Review: NIV Ultimate Bible for Girls

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 11, 2020

NIV Ultimate Bible for Girls. Zonderban, 2019, 1504 pages (9 point font) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 8-12 The Ultimate Bible ...

Bible Review: NIV Artisan Collection Bible for Girls

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 10, 2020

NIV Artisan Collection Bible for Girls. Zondervan, 2019, 1600 pages (9.9 point font) Reading level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 12-up The title ...

Bible Review: NIrV Illustrated Holy Bible for Kids

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 10, 2020

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 ...

The Guaranteed, Irresistible, Effortless Introduction to Poetry for People Who Doubt That They Like It

By Megan Saben | Apr 9, 2020

If you or your children aren't sure how to develop a taste for poetry, especially if you haven't decided whether you ought to feel obligated ...

Bible Review: CSB Seven Arrows

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 8, 2020

CSB Seven Arrows: the How-to-Study Bible for Students. B&H Kids, 2019, 1350 pages (9.5-point font) Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 13-18 “Seven ...

CSB Heart of God Study Bible for Teens

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 8, 2020

CSB Heart of God Teen Study Bible. Baker, 2019, 1712 pages (9-point font) Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 12-18 The theme of ...

Exploring the Bible Together by David Murray

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 7, 2020

Exploring the Bible Together launches families on a year-long journey through Scripture in a way that’s both practical and effective. Exploring the Bible Together: a ...

*Get Your Story Straight by Kristen Hatton

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 6, 2020

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. ...

A Family Easter

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 3, 2020

What were you doing last February? Possibly, after Valentine’s Day passed and stores cleared their shelves for St. Patrick’s, you were seeing some Easter chicks ...

*Jesus Rose for Me by Jared Kennedy

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 1, 2020

Jesus Rose for Me expands on The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible to help young children rejoice in the Resurrection *Jesus Rose for Me (a Beginner’s ...

Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots by Michael Rex

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 27, 2020

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), ...

*Honeybee by Candace Fleming

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 27, 2020

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. ...

*The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Fleming

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 26, 2020

From hero to pariah: the life of Charles Lindbergh is a fascinating study. *The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Fleming. Schwartz + ...

Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian Heidicker

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 20, 2020

Scary Stories for Young Foxes, a 2020 Newbery Honor Book, may be more disturbing than encouraging. Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian Heidicker. Henry ...

Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen by Marthe Jocelyn

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 18, 2020

The Aggie Morton series introduces young readers to a young Agatha Christie, already solving crimes in her seaside home town. The Body under the Piano ...

The Unteachables by Gordon Korman

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 17, 2020

The Unteachables rounds up a class full of misfits and molds them into a prize-winning team. The Unteachables by Gordon Korman. Balzer + Bray (HarperColins), ...

20th Century Book List for Young Teens

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 16, 2020

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. ...

Ordinary Hazards by Nikki Grimes: a Discussion

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 14, 2020

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 ...

Sunnyside Plaza by Scott Simon

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 12, 2020

The mentally-challenged adults of Sunnyside Plaza step out of their comfort zone to solve a mystery. Sunnyside Plaza by Scott Simon. Little, Brown, 2020, 192 ...

Two Graphic Novel Memoirs: Cub and Best Friends

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 10, 2020

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, ...

The Legacy of Mildred Taylor: Roll of Thunder and the Logan Family Saga

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 9, 2020

The Legacy of Mildred Taylor Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is a "must read." Truthfully, at Redeemed Reader, we resist telling you any book ...

In the Hall With the Knife by Dana Peterfreund

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 6, 2020

In the Hall With the Knife kicks off a mystery series for teens based on the venerable board game, Clue. In the Hall with the ...

Fever Year by Don Brown

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 5, 2020

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 ...

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 4, 2020

Zoe Washington's peaceful life is disturbed by word from her incarcerated father--who may be innocent. From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks. HarperCollins ...

*Leaving Lymon by Lesa Cline-Ransome

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 4, 2020

Leaving Lymon is the heartfelt story of a child who feels abandoned by irresponsible parents. *Leaving Lymon by Lesa Cline-Ransome. Holiday House, 2020, 193 pages ...

China through Time by DK Publishing

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 3, 2020

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 ...

Picture Biographies Round-Up: Beverly Cleary, Aretha Franklin, George Washington Carver, and More!

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 2, 2020

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 ...

Everything Awesome about Dinosaurs by Mike Lowery

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 22, 2020

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 ...

Trees: a Rooted History by Socha and Grazhowski

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 22, 2020

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 ...

*By and By: Charles Albert Tindley by Carole Boston Weatherford

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 19, 2020

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 ...

The Oldest Student by Rita Lorraine Hubbard

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 19, 2020

"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 ...

*All in a Drop by Lori Alexander

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 18, 2020

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 ...

Giant Presidents' Day Book List

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 17, 2020

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 ...

Girl Under a Red Moon by Da Chen

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 12, 2020

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 ...

It Rained Warm Bread by Moishe Moskowitz

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 12, 2020

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 ...

All the Impossible Things by Lindsay Lackey

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 11, 2020

A foster child with a troubled past dares to hope for "Impossible Things" to change her course. All the Impossible Things by Lindsay Lackey. Roaring ...

5 Lent Devotionals (for Protestants)

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 10, 2020

Do you observe Lent? Did you know that there are Lent devotionals written with Protestants in mind? The early church officially began marking Lent liturgically ...

Feed by M. T. Anderson

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 10, 2020

M. T. Anderson's Feed imagines what the world would look like if we all had "feeds" (like today's smart phones) implanted in our brains. Feed ...

Allies by Alan Gratz

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 7, 2020

Allies is a fast, riveting read that communicates the urgency, complexity, and drama of D-Day, the turning point of World War II. Allies by Alan ...

Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 6, 2020

Genesis, a black girl, struggles with self-image, much of which is fostered by her own family. Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams. Caitlyn Dlough ...

Someplace to Call Home by Sandra Dallas

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 5, 2020

Three motherless siblings seek "someplace to call home" in Depression-era Kansas. Someplace to Call Home by Sandra Dallas. Sleeping Bear Press, 2019, 222 pages Reading ...

Black History Month Picture Books for Tweens and Teens

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 3, 2020

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 ...

2020 Newbery Buzz #5: Look Both Ways

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 22, 2020

Since his first novel was published in 2014, Jason Reynolds has been on an upward trajectory—deservedly so, for the most part. He was just named ...

2020 Newbery Buzz #4: My Jasper June and Pay Attention, Carter Jones

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 21, 2020

The American Library Association Youth Media awards will be announced in two weeks, and you can be sure the conversation is hot and heavy among ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 16, 2020

Continuing our roundup of possible contender for the 2020 Newbery Medal All the Greys on Greene Street by Laura Tucker. Viking, 320 pages. Olympia’s artist ...

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 14, 2020

Every January, we love to discuss the merits (or demerits) of books we’ve seen getting “Newbery buzz” in the broader children’s literature world. The actual ...

2020 Newbery Buzz #2: New Kid and Guts

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 13, 2020

Every January, we love to discuss the merits (or demerits) of books we’ve seen getting “Newbery buzz” in the broader children’s literature world. The actual ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 9, 2020

Every year at this time, children's book websites brim with speculation about what books will win or place in the American Library Association's Youth Media ...

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 8, 2020

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 ...

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 7, 2020

2019 in Review: Looking Back Do you look back over your previous year and reflect? It's a worthwhile exercise, and it's also fun. Sometimes, we ...

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

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 6, 2020

Newbery season is upon us, culminating in the American Library Association Youth Media Awards on January 27. We've been keeping an eye on books that ...

Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 2, 2020

Song for a Whale takes us into the world of a Deaf girl on a life-defining mission. Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly. Delacorte, ...

Torpedoed by Deborah Heligman

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 31, 2019

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 ...

Follow Your Stuff by Kevin Sylvester and Michael Hinka

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 31, 2019

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 ...

The Enduring Appeal of Little Women

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 21, 2019

With the eighth major film adaptation opening on Christmas Day, I thought I’d share a few thoughts on this classic. I read it at the ...

More to the Story by Hena Khan

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 20, 2019

More to the Story closely follows Little Women, but with contemporary Muslim-American girls. More to the Story by Hena Khan. Simon and Shuster (Salaam Reads), ...

Between Us and Abuela by Mitali Perkins

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 17, 2019

Mitali Pekins offers a touching tribute to generational attachment across years and borders. Between Us and Abuela: a Family Story from the Border by Mitali ...

The Fowl Twins by Eoin Colfer

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 13, 2019

While Artemis Fowl speeds toward Mars, the Fowl Twins step to starring roles in their own adventures in this page-turning series opener. The Fowl Twins ...

*John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J. R. R. Tolkien by Caroline McAlister

By Hayley Morell | Dec 11, 2019

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. ...

*Finding Narnia by Caroline McAlister

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 11, 2019

Finding Narnia takes us into the lives of two brothers whose childhood inspired one of the world’s greatest fantasy series. *Finding Narnia: the Story of ...

Migration: Incredible Animal Journeys by Mike Unwin

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 10, 2019

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, ...

Manhattan: Mapping the Story of an Island by Jennifer Thermes

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 10, 2019

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. ...

*Nya's Long Walk: A Step at a Time

By Megan Saben | Dec 4, 2019

Nya faces tough choices when her little sister falls ill near the remote water hole. Nya's Long Walk: A Step at a Time by Linda ...

*Long Ago, on a Silent Night by Julie Berry

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 3, 2019

What happened "Long Ago on a Silent Night" resonates down the ages, in this lovely, evocative picture book. *Long Ago, on a Silent Night by ...

One Christmas Wish by Katherine Rundell

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 3, 2019

A lonely boy on Christmas Eve learns the power of giving through "One Christmas Wish." One Christmas Wish by Katherine Rundell, illustrated by Emily Sutton. ...

The Night of His Birth

By Megan Saben | Nov 26, 2019

"Sing out, my soul, the wonder..." How marvelous the mystery of giving birth to the Son of God! What might have been the musings of ...

How to Raise a Reader by Pamela Paul and Maria Russo

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 26, 2019

How to Raise a Reader focuses less on the “Why” and more on the “How” of fostering a love of literature in your own children. ...

Mighty Reader and the Big Freeze by Will Hillenbrand

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 26, 2019

Mighty Reader saves the day in this loveable picture book about learning to love books. Mighty Reader and the Big Freeze by Will Hillenbrand. Holiday ...

*Love Came Down At Christmas by Sinclair Ferguson

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 19, 2019

Love Came Down at Christmas is an excellent devotional for Advent for teens and up: meditations on 1 Corinthians 13 by Sinclair Ferguson. *Love Came ...

Briar and Rose and Jack by Katherine Coville

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 19, 2019

Briar and Rose and Jack mixes fairy-tale motifs with clear themes of good and evil in a magical and satisfying adventure. Briar and Rose and ...

*Unwrapping the Names of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 18, 2019

Mediate on the names of Jesus during Advent with this helpful, inspiring family devotional. *Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional by Asheritah Ciuciu. ...

*Her Own Two Feet by Meredith Davis

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 15, 2019

Her Own Two Feet is the true story of a severely disabled Rwandan girl who finds hope and healing through a Christian aid organization. *Her ...

Wildfire by Rodman Philbrick

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 14, 2019

Wildfire is a fast read that will take even reluctant readers into the heart of a fast-moving catastrophe. Wildfire by Rodman Philbrick. Blue Sky (Scholastic), ...

Skyjacked by Paul Griffin

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 14, 2019

Five high school students and one air-traffic intern will be severely tested as their private plane is Skyjacked. Skyjacked by Paul Griffin. Scholastic, 2019, 227 ...

The Light Princess by George MacDonald {Rabbit Room edition}

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 13, 2019

A beautiful new edition of The Light Princess complete with foreword by Jennifer Trafton, afterword by Andrew Peterson, and illustrated by Ned Bustard. The Light ...

The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 12, 2019

The Downstairs Girl explores the social mores and prejudices of late-19th-century Atlanta through the eyes of a resourceful and gifted Chinese teen. The Downstairs Girl ...

Games of Deception by Andrew Maraniss

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 11, 2019

Games of Deception: The True Story of the First U. S. Olympic Basketball Team at the 1936 Olympics in Hitler's Germany by Andrew Maraniss. Philomel, ...

*Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 8, 2019

The “insignificant events” befalling a girl without arms throw the rough transitions of middle school into sharp, yet humorous, relief. *Insignificant Events in the Life ...

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 8, 2019

The “momentous event" of transitioning to high school presents Aven Green, the armless girl-wonder, with new challenges. Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus ...

Noodleheads Find Something Fishy by Tedd Arnold

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 5, 2019

The Noodleheads series, by the author of Fly Guy, draws from classic simpleton stories to give early readers a chuckle. Noodleheads Find Something Fishy (Noodleheads, ...

The Good Thieves by Katherine Rundel

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 1, 2019

The Good Thieves combines compelling action and an irresistible “heist” tale with striking prose. The Good Thieves by Katherine Rundel. Simon & Schuster, 2019, 272 ...

Is Dracula Worth Reading?

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 30, 2019

I am not a vampire fan. I am not a fan of weird Halloween decorations. It's downright creepy: ghouls, spider webs, zombie costumes, and, yes, ...

White Bird by R. J. Palacio

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 30, 2019

In White Bird, a graphic novel, the best-selling author of Wonder traces the holocaust history of a Wonder character's grandmother. White Bird (a Wonder Story) ...

Words on Fire by Jennifer A. Nielsen

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 30, 2019

Words on Fire explores a little-known chapter of European history to make a case for the necessity of words, literature, and language to a culture. ...

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