Book Reviews

Littler Women by Laura Schaeffer

Littler Women pictures the four March girls as 9-to-13-year-olds growing up in a tight-knit family in modern-day Massachusetts. Littler Women: a Modern Retelling by Laura ...
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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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*I’m Just No Good at Rhyming by Chris Harris and Lane Smith

If you want to read this hilarious and thoughtful poetry book, hide it from your kids or else you'll never get a turn. I'm Just ...
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no good at rhyming

2018 Newbery Buzz #4: One Last Word and I’m Just No Good at Rhyming

Betsy, Megan, and Janie continue our Newbery Buzz discussions with One Last Word and I'm Just No Good At Rhyming, poetry books that are quite different from ...
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The Road to Ever After by Moira Young

Myth and mystery haunt this road-trip story about an orphan boy, a lovable dog, and a bitter old woman.  Ages 12-15 The Road to Ever ...
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Edge of Extinction Series by Laura Martin

Living on the edge of extinction: Cloned dinosaurs plus dystopian autocratic society plus a renegade band of treetop dwellers equals a fast-paced middle grades sci-fi ...
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2018 Newbery Buzz #3: Refugee

Janie and Pamela continue our Newbery discussions with Refugee, a novel that carries political significance as well as literary value.  Ages 12-15. Janie: Alan Gratz ...
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Portrait of a Reader: The Nurturer

Portrait of a Reader is a new feature in which we try to "unpack" a particular kind of reader. The portraits will overlap; most people will ...
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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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Here Be Dragons: Mega Fantasy and Sci-Fi Booklist! (All ages)

A mega fantasy and sci-fi booklist with books for all ages and all types of fantasy lovers (even those who don't think they ARE fantasy ...
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Podkin One-Ear by Kieran Larwood

Podkin One Ear is the first volume in an exciting fantasy series that celebrates individual courage and determination. Ages 8-12 Podkin One Ear (Longburrow #1) ...
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Bronze and Sunflower by Cao Wenxuan

Bronze and Sunflower is a gentle, thought-provoking peek into the cultural revolution in China, its effects on two children, and the importance of sacrificing for your family. ...
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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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2018 Newbery Buzz #2: Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder

We're back for our second Newbery Buzz discussion of 2019. Last week, Hayley and Janie discussed Tumble and Blue. This week, Hayley and I (Betsy) discuss Orphan ...
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Newt’s Emerald by Garth Nix

Newt’s Emerald by Garth Nix. Katherine Tegan Books, 2015. 304 pages.  Ages 12-15   Reading Level: Young Adult Ages 12-15 Recommended For: Young Adult 15+ ...
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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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Interview with Keith Robinson, author of the Origins Series

Pamela interviews Keith Robinson, author of the Origins trilogy and other Christian sci-fi works. Read on for more information about Robinson, his work, and his many ...
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The Origins Trilogy by Keith Robinson

The Origins Trilogy: Christian science fiction that simultaneously delivers good adventure AND reasoned arguments for Creation and the flood? Read on! Ages 16-up The Origins ...
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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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Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

In Long Way Down, a grief-stricken and confused 15-year-old in "the projects" has a desperate choice to make after the death of his brother. Long ...
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Landscape with Invisible Hand by M. T. Anderson

The always-interesting M. T. Anderson serves up another intriguing science-fiction concept that touches on economics, art, and religion. Landscape with Invisible Hand by M.T. Anderson.  ...
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The Real McCoys by Matthew Swanson and Bobbi Behr

A fun middle-grade series mixes classic mystery elements with wacky situations and wordplay. The Real McCoys by Matthew Swanson and Bobbi Behr.  MacMillan Imprint, 2017, ...
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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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Worthy YA: the Best Teen Reads of 2017

The world of Young-Adult publishing can be dicey territory for Christian readers.  Nowhere are the latest cultural trends more vigorously promoted than in books marketed ...
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A Christmas for Bear by Bonny Becker and Kady MacDonald Denton

Bear and Mouse add to their memorable experiences by celebrating Christmas together. Christmas for Bear by Bonny Becker and illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. Candlewick, ...
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*Disappeared by Francisco X. Stork

Disappeared offers teens a complex look at making moral choices amid drug crime and kidnapping along the Mexican border. *Disappeared by Francis X. Stork.  Scholastic, ...
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Poe: Stories and Poems: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Gareth Hinds

Poe: Stories and Poems is just as gripping, psychological, and scary in this well done graphic novel format as it is in the original prose.  ...
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Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever. Edited by Betsy Bird

Quirky, funny stories written with middle school girls in mind.  Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever. Edited by Betsy Bird. Viking, 2017. 224 pages. Reading Level: Middle ...
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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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Roll by Darcy Miller

In rural Minnesota,  friendship and rolling pigeons combine in an enjoyable middle grade debut novel.   Roll by Darcy Miller.  HarperCollins, 2017, 224 pages Reading ...
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*The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser

The Vanderbeekers, a loving family with normal unloving moments, face a Christmas-eve challenge with humor and heart. *The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan ...
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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson: the Kids Discuss….

Four middle grades kids discuss The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: what stands out in this funny, modern Christmas classic? The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara ...
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The Explorer by Katherine Rundell

Nonstop action, intriguing characters, and startling observations raise this adventure tale above the pack. The Explorer by Katherine Rundell.  Simon & Schuster, 2017, 324 pages ...
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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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Auma’s Long Run by Eucabeth Odhiambo

Auma, a bright girl living in a remote Kenyan village, seeks to escape a cycle of poverty made desperate by the AIDS epidemic. Auma’s Long ...
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Caleb and Kit by Beth Vrabel

Caleb and Kit brings together a boy struggling with Cystic Fibrosis and a girl over-compensating for a neglectful parent. Caleb and Kit by Beth Vrabel.  ...
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The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill

Bottom line: When the big trucks take over the streets of New York, the pushcarts push back. Support your local vendor. The Pushcart War by ...
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The Wonder of the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp

The Wonder of the Greatest Gift offers a complete Jesse Tree experience with devotional and ornaments for the whole family to enjoy. The Wonder of ...
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*Voices of Christmas by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Eric Velasquez

Voices of Christmas is a beautiful and poetic exploration of the different characters in the Christmas story--perfect for middle grades kids! *Voices of Christmas by ...
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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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Giant Christmas and Advent Book List for All Ages

We love Christmas and Advent at Redeemed Reader, and we've reviewed lots of related resources over the years. Advent begins on December 1, and the ...
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*The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible by Jared Kennedy

The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible strikes the right balance between scriptural faithfulness and a preschooler’s comprehension. *The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible by Jared Kennedy, illustrated ...
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Bianca: The Brave, Frail, and Delicate Princess by Meg Welch Dendler

Bianca - The Brave, Frail, and Delicate Princess is a story about a young woman who defies expectation in order to save her kingdom.  *Bianca – ...
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Retro Read: Mr. Revere and I by Robert Lawson

Mr. Revere and I: History as told by a horse in this humorous middle grades historical fiction. Mr. Revere and I: An account of a ...
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Poetry for Young People Series

Poetry is for Children Children love poetry. They really do. And it doesn't need to be "children's poetry," either. Sure, they love the silly rhymes ...
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One Last Word by Nikki Grimes

One Last Word showcases poems from the Harlem Renaissance alongside contemporary poems by Grimes that build on and reflect those earlier poets.  One Last Word: ...
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2017 Winter Book Fair List: Books for Everyone!

2017 Winter Book Fair Books for Everyone on Your Christmas List! It's that time of the year again: Christmas is coming, and all the special ...
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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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The Biggest Story ABC by Kevin DeYoung

The full-Bible sweep covered by Kevin DeYoung’s The Biggest Story is back, in board book format! The Biggest Story ABC by Kevin DeYoung, illustrated by ...
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Retro Reads: *The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

The Witch of Blackbird Pond is a modern classic with good reason: young Kit Tyler faces the questions all adolescents face as she tries to ...
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*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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Beneath by Roland Smith

A unique YA series-opener, Beneath takes us below the streets of New York City where trouble is brewing. Reading level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended ...
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Mystery Book List for Elementary, Tweens, and Teens!

Calling all mystery lovers! Mystery book list for all ages! Whether or not you're planning to see Murder on the Orient Express this month, you likely have ...
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The Trail by Meika Hashimoto

A boy takes to the Appalachian Trail to ease a guilty conscience, in this adventure novel for middle grades The Trail by Meika Hashimoto.  Scholastic, ...
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Retro Reads: *The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

A middle grades mystery that has become a modern classic: The Westing Game is just as engaging as ever! *The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. ...
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Dame Agatha: Murder on the Orient Express and And Then There Were None

A Scene of Terror Sitting alone in the dark house, I gripped the book tightly, desperate to finish and petrified at the same time. Was ...
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Patina by Jason Reynolds

Patina gets passed the baton in more ways than one in this middle grades novel revolving around an elite track team. Patina (Track) by Jason ...
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Frogkisser! by Garth Nix

Popular children’s author Garth Nix raids a storehouse of fairy-tale elements to roll out this fresh and funny quest tale. Frogkisser! by Garth Nix.  Scholastic, ...
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Brave Red, Smart Frog by Emily Jenkins

Seven classic fairy tales are retold in a concise but winning style that highlights both their humor and sympathy. Brave Red, Smart Frog: a New ...
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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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Slider by Pete Hautman

Slider uses the world of competitive eating as a context for exploring the agony and ecstasy of family relationships. Slider, by Pete Hautman.  Candlewick, 2017, ...
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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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Luther in Love by Douglas Bond

Luther in Love takes us through the life of the great Reformer through imagined vignettes and actual dialogues. Luther in Love by Douglas Bond.  P&R, ...
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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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The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein

The Pearl Thief is a prequel to the award-winning Code Name Verity, but it lacks the same sophistication and character development. The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein. ...
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Reading Diana Wynne Jones: an Author Portrait

You just finished a good book.  Now what?  Many book lovers can relate to this sad, unsatisfied feeling.  But what if you banished that feeling, ...
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Selznick’s Invention

(Note: This post is reprinted from 2011, in connection with the movie version of Wonderstruck, due to open tomorrow.  It's a larger musing on Brian ...
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*You Bring the Distant Near by Mitali Perkins

In this appealing multicultural novel, three generations of a Bengali family find life and love in America. *You Bring the Distant Near  by Mitali Perkins.  ...
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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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Portrait of a Reader: The Adventurer

Portrait of a Reader is a new feature in which we try to "unpack" a particular kind of reader. The portraits will overlap; most people will ...
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All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson

An unusual setting makes this graphic novel a worthwhile perspective on navigating the treacherous waters of those middle years. All’s Faire in Middle School by ...
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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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Garvey’s Choice by Nikki Grimes

Garvey's Choice, a gentle verse novel, charts the course of an overweight African American preteen toward self-respect. Garvey's Choice by Nikki Grimes.  Wordsong, 2016, 105 ...
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Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce

In this far-out fantasy, an alien named Sputnik has to prove earth is worth saving. Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce. ...
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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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The Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library by Linda Bailey

The six-legged "Tiny Hero" of this gentle fantasy takes on a challenge far bigger than his size. The Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library by ...
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The School Ship Tobermory series by Alexander McCall Smith

The School Ship Tobermory series takes a crew of likable middle-graders to exotic ports in pursuit of adventure. School Ship Tobermory and The Sands of ...
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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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Refugee by Alan Gratz

Refugee weaves the stories of three children fleeing intolerable situations in their home countries, from 1939 to the present. Refugee by Alan Gratz.  Scholastic, 2017, ...
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The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy

A town where qualities disappear every seven years is the setting for The Disappearances, a clean, thought-provoking teen mystery. The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy. ...
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Panda-monium by Stuart Gibbs

Panda-monium offers plenty of hi-jinks, animal facts, and quirky characters as Teddy solves the mystery of the theft of a prized giant panda. Panda-monium by ...
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Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 2 (and another great giveaway!)

By chapters 8-13, we’re well into the development part of the novel, which (you may recall) I mentioned is the often the most difficult part ...
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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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*Almost Paradise by Corabel Shofner

This funny but thoughtful novel takes Christian faith seriously as a factor in the lives of real people. *Almost Paradise by Corabel Shofner.  Farrar Strauss ...
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The Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 1 (and book giveaway!)

At last count, thirty families and individuals (and a few classes) have signed up to receive daily chapters of my latest in-progress novel.  (If you ...
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Hell and High Water by Tanya Landman

A biracial lad in 18th-century England, suddenly on his own, struggles to make his way and foil the evil machinations of his “betters.” Hell 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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Leo: Dog of the Sea by Alison Hart

A “sea dog” adventure chronicles a key event during the age of explorers: Magellan's epic voyage around the world. Leo: Dog of the Sea (Dog ...
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Labor Day Repost: Heart of a Shepherd

(Originally published on Labor Day 2012) Labor Day, according to Wikipedia, was born of the Management/Labor battles of the late 19th century--particularly the Pullman strike ...
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Project Bird Boy: Launch! (with one free download)

To be fair, doubts about Roy Ray Rappaport were perfectly understandable.  Except for bats, winged mammals are so rare they're assumed to be myths.  Even ...
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The Emperor’s Ostrich by Julie Berry

A light-hearted adventure for middle-graders combines humor and redemption. The Emperor’s Ostrich by Julie Berry.  Roaring Brook, 2017, 274 pages Reading Level: Middle grades, ages ...
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In the Shadow of the Sun by Anne Sibley O’Brien

This excellent character-driven adventure saga sheds light on the darkness of North Korea while exploring family and cultural relationships. In the Shadow of the Sun ...
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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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