Book Reviews
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 
The Bird Boy Project: Liftoff! (and spectacular giveaways)
By Janie Cheaney |
One week from today, we’re starting a unique opportunity for young readers (ages 8-12) and their parents, teachers, and/or older siblings. A fuller explanation can ...
Read More 
No Good Deed by Goldy Moldavsky
By Janie Cheaney |
In spite of language and sexuality issues, this satiric YA novel skewers Political Correctness and provides some welcome perspective on “Social Justice Warriors.” No Good ...
Read More 
Posted by John David Anderson
By Janie Cheaney |
A class of seventh graders deal with verbal bullying in this thought-provoking novel (with cautions). Posted by John David Anderson. Walden Pond (HarperCollins), 2017, 365 ...
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 
Howard Wallace, P.I. by Casey Lyell
By Janie Cheaney |
A 7th-grade detective and his feisty sidekick sets up shop in this new mystery series with a distinctive, humorous voice. Howard Wallace, P.I. by ...
Read More 
Are Your Kids Reading-Ready for College?
By Janie Cheaney |
Do you have a high school senior who plans on heading out to college But wait! Do you or your kids know what it takes ...
Read More 
Announcing: The Bird Boy Project!
By Janie Cheaney |
If you’ve been following Redeemed Reader for the last few years, you may remember some of the read-alongs we’ve done, such as The Hobbit, Pilgrim’s ...
Read More 
Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray
By Hayley Morell |
Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray. Little, Brown and Company, 2017. 512 pages. Noemi Vidal will die for her country, but an abandoned spaceship and a ...
Read More 
Last Day on Mars by Kevin Emerson
By Janie Cheaney |
Last Day on Mars by Kevin Emerson. Walden Pond Press, 2017. 336 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-15 A guest post ...
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 
Superstar by Mandy Davis
By Janie Cheaney |
This sympathetic portrait of an autistic youngster explores relationships, coping strategies, and the scientific method. Superstar by Mandy Davis. HarperCollins, 2017, 320 pages Reading Level: ...
Read More 
The Many Worlds of Albie Bright by Christopher Edge
By Janie Cheaney |
This middle-grade science fiction novel includes enough human interest to make it engaging, enough real science to make it educational. The Many Worlds of Albie ...
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 
Lois Lane: Triple Threat by Gwenda Bond
By Janie Cheaney |
The third volume of this series about teenage reporter Lois Lane maintains the action level and ups the emotional ante. Triple Threat (Lois Lane #3) ...
Read More 
York: The Shadow Cipher by Laura Ruby
By Janie Cheaney |
A promising upper-middle grade series gets underway with alternative history, fascinating puzzles, and one big mystery. The Shadow Cipher (York #1) by Laura Ruby. HarperCollins, ...
Read More 
How to Read Aloud Hard Books: 5 Steps
By Betsy Farquhar |
Love to read aloud, but stumble over the hard books? You're not alone. Hard books are hard to read aloud. They just are. Even for ...
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 
Shipwreck Island by S. A. Bodeen
By Janie Cheaney |
Shipwreck Island (Shipwreck Island #1) by S. A. Bodeen. Feiwel & Friends, 2014, 184 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 10-14 ...
Read More 
*Cody and the Fountain of Happiness by Tricia Springstubb
By Janie Cheaney |
Eight-year-old Cody's enthusiasm for life is contagious in this sunny chapter-book series. Cody and the Fountain of Happiness (Cody series #1) by Tricia Springstubb, illustrated ...
Read More 
The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming by J. Anderson Coats
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming by J. Anderson Coats. Atheneum, 2017. 288 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12Recommended For: Historical Fiction lovers, ...
Read More 
The Unexpected Life of Oliver Cromwell Pitts by Avi
By Janie Cheaney |
This rollicking adventure tale for middle grades by prolific author Avi takes us back to England of the 18th century. The Unexpected Life of Oliver ...
Read More 
Wisdom & Wonder Week 6: Generosity and Love in Literature
By Betsy Farquhar |
Betsy: It’s hard to believe we’re at the end of our Wisdom & Wonder Summer Reading Challenge! On a personal level, this has been a ...
Read More 
Week 6 : God So Loved, He Gave
By Hayley Morell |
Introduction This summer reading challenge has flown by! Can you believe it’s Week 6 already? (Granted, we did take a week off for the Fourth ...
Read More 
Mighty, Mighty Construction Site by Sherri Dusky Rinker
By Megan Saben |
The hardworking construction team needs help! Working cheerfully, they get a big job done. Mighty, Mighty Construction Site by Sherri Dusky Rinker, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. Chronicle ...
Read More 
Teach Literary Elements With … Movies!
By Betsy Farquhar |
All stories share the same literary elements, be they written or acted, books or movies. Summer Blockbusters For the Win And movies are a terrific ...
Read More 
Wisdom & Wonder, Week 5: Work and Words
By Janie Cheaney |
Introduction: Our two Wise Up chapters for this week are “Looking to the Ants” (Week 8, p. 87) and “Honesty is the Best Policy” (Week ...
Read More 
Which Path & Which Friend Discussion
By Hayley Morell |
This week, the Redeemed Reader team discusses what it looks like to take the right path and our favorite friendships in literature. Pilgrim's Progress ...
Read More 
Wisdom & Wonder Week 4: Which Path and With Whom?
By Hayley Morell |
Welcome to Week 4 of Wisdom and Wonder! We hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July. Now, back to the reading challenge! For a ...
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 
The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine
By Janie Cheaney |
The author of Ella Enchanted creates another plucky heroine, whose destiny is to lead her people to freedom (and get the guy). The Lost Kingdom ...
Read More 
Henry and the Chalk Dragon by Jennifer Trafton
By Janie Cheaney |
Henry is too shy to share his artistic talent, until one of his creations comes to life and threatens to wreck the whole school. Henry ...
Read More 
Building a Shakespeare Home Library Collection
By Megan Saben |
When you want to enjoy Shakespeare with your children, you can either focus on one play at a time or spread a Shakespeare feast so ...
Read More 
Wisdom & Wonder Week 3 Booklist
By Megan Saben |
Wisdom & Wonder Week 3 Booklist Weekly Theme: Responding to Correction (Wise-Up #6, 7) Additional Proverbs to Read and Think About 14:12 There is a ...
Read More 
Wisdom & Wonder Week 2 Booklist
By Betsy Farquhar |
Wisdom & Wonder Week 2 Booklist Weekly Theme: God’s Word is a Treasure Additional Proverbs to Read and Think About 4:23 Keep your heart with ...
Read More 
Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham
By Janie Cheaney |
Newbery-honor author Shannon Hale’s graphic memoir charts the ups and downs of elementary- age friendship. Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham. First Second, ...
Read More 
Way of the Warrior Kid by Jocko Willink
By Janie Cheaney |
Underachieving Marc learns how to shape up and think straight in this fictionalized self-help book by a former Navy SEAL. Way of the Warrior Kid: ...
Read More 
* My Daddy Rules the World by Hope Anita Smith
By Janie Cheaney |
Just in time for Father's Day, this picture-book collection of poems celebrates the daily presence of a loving dad in the household. *My Daddy Rules ...
Read More
The State of our Heart – Virtual Discussion
By Alysha |
The Redeemed Reader Team is discussing books this week in light of our Wisdom & Wonder Week 1 Theme: Turning to God/Away from sin. We ...
Read More 
Wisdom and Wonder: Linked Reads – Week 1
By Alysha |
This week's theme: Turning to God and Away From Sin To further engage with the theme, here is a list of archived posts that we feel ...
Read More
Wisdom and Wonder: Week 1 – Turning Towards God and Away from Sin
By Alysha |
Welcome to week 1 of our Wisdom & Wonder Summer Reading Challenge! Wisdom and Wonder Week 1: Turning to God and Away from Sin! This ...
Read More 
Wisdom and Wonder Booklist – Week 1
By Alysha |
Wisdom & Wonder Week [1] Booklist: Weekly Theme: Turning towards God and Away from Sin Wise-Up #1 (Real Wise Man) and #2 (Heart of the ...
Read More 
Beyond the Bright Sea
By Janie Cheaney |
An isolated girl, raised by an adoptive father on a remote island, uncovers clues to her origins while learning more about the world and herself. ...
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 
The Battle of Seattle by Douglas Bond
By Betsy Farquhar |
A little known slice of American history comes to life in this Christian middle grades historical fiction novel about the Battle of Seattle. The Battle of ...
Read More 
The Sign of the Cat by Lynne Jonell
By Janie Cheaney |
In this winning historical fantasy, a bright lad (fluent in the cat language) chafes at his boring life until an unexpected adventure on the high ...
Read More 
Toward a Positive Multiculturalism in Children’s Books (and a Book List)
By Janie Cheaney |
It’s no wonder classic children’s books feature characters with racist attitudes—the authors of those books also had some racist attitudes. We looked at the problem ...
Read More 
Sad Dog Stories: They’re a Thing—and a Necessity
By Betsy Farquhar |
Does the Dog Die? (The Saddest of Sad Dog Stories!) "Miss Wanda," I stage-whispered to the children's librarian across from me, "I need to know. Does the ...
Read More 
Storm Horse by Nick Garlick
By Janie Cheaney |
Storm Horse pits a boy and a horse against a greedy land developer in the modern-day Netherlands. Storm Horse by Nick Garlick. Scholastic, 2017, 242 ...
Read More 
Historical Racism in Children’s Books–What do we do?
By Janie Cheaney |
The website Reading While White dedicates itself to issues involving the dreaded “-isms” in children’s literature: racism, anti-Semitism, ableism, classism, sexism, and more. A post ...
Read More 
Peter Spier, Reissued
By Janie Cheaney |
Yesterday we received the sad news that Peter Spier, illustrator of classic children's books, had passed away on April 27. Given his age (89) and ...
Read More 
The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies
By Betsy Farquhar |
Winner takes all in a bet between siblings Jessie and Evan Treski as they battle it out lemonade-stand style in this realistic fiction novel for ...
Read More 
The Sweetest Sound by Sherri Winston
By Janie Cheaney |
A shy ten-year-old comes to recognize that both talents and personality are gifts of God and not to be disparaged. The Sweetest Sound, by Sherri ...
Read More 
Blooming at the Texas Sunrise Motel by Kimberly Willis Holt
By Janie Cheaney |
In this likeable middle-grade novel, a grieving 13-year-old builds a new life in a new place with extended family. Blooming at the Texas Sunrise Motel ...
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 
Jasper and the Riddle of Riley’s Mine by Caroline Starr Rose
By Janie Cheaney |
An enterprising 10-year-old and his teenage brother join the Alaska gold rush “stampeders” for a good-hearted “Call of the Wild” adventure. Jasper and the Riddle ...
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 
Will Wilder series by Raymond Arroyo
By Janie Cheaney |
The Will Wilder adventure series, though not marketed as Christian, draws its inspiration from the Bible, with numerous biblical references embedded in a fast-paced narrative. ...
Read More 
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
By Janie Cheaney |
The movie version of Before I Fall has revived interest in this novel of a teen girl’s opportunity to relive her last day six times ...
Read More 
Unreal Feminism: Here We Are–But Who Are We?
By Janie Cheaney |
The suffrage movement in the early 20th century was about giving women the vote. The feminist movement of the 1970s, beginning with Betty Friedan’s The ...
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 
Bible Review: NIrV Love Letters From God
By Janie Cheaney |
Like the new Jesus Calling children's Bible, Love Letters from God is based on purported personal communications from the Almighty. NIrV Love letters from God ...
Read More 
Bible Review: ICB Jesus Calling Bible for Children
By Janie Cheaney |
Sarah Young's devotionals for children are scattered throughout this ICB (International Children's Bible) version. ICB Jesus Calling Bible for Children: with Devotions by Sarah Young. ...
Read More 
Bible Review: NLT Live Holy Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
This teen-oriented Bible combines study helps with creative elements like original photos, poems, and space for personal response. NLT Live: Holy Bible. Tyndale Publishing House, ...
Read More 
Bible Review: NKJV Airship Genesis Kids’ Study Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
David Jeremiah’s “Airship Genesis” children’s outreach provides a platform for this NKJV Bible. NKJV Airship Genesis Kids’ Study Bible. Thomas Nelson, 2016, 1504 pages Recommended ...
Read More 
Bible Review: NKJV Color Code
By Janie Cheaney |
The Color Code Bible uses different colors to highlight passages reflecting seven major Bible themes, which may help readers keep those themes in mind. NKJV ...
Read More 
Bible Review: NIV the Plans I Have for You
By Janie Cheaney |
This devotional Bible might be best appreciated by fans of Amy Parker's popular picture book. NIV The Plans I have for You Holy Bible. Zonderkidz, ...
Read More 
Bible Review: NIV Wonders of Creation
By Janie Cheaney |
NIV Wonders of Creation Bible rides on the adult coloring-book fad with double-page spreads of animals and plants to color. NIV Wonders of Creation Holy ...
Read More 
Musical Mondays and Theology Thursdays: How to Use Christian Resources with Kids
By Betsy Farquhar |
We love to track down solid biblical resources for you to use with your families, Sunday School classrooms, and Christian school classrooms. Not only do ...
Read More 
Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke
By Janie Cheaney |
This exciting graphic-novel series opener pits a fatherless boy and an adventurous home-schooling girl against aggressive garden vegetables. Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke. First Second, ...
Read More 
The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey
By Janie Cheaney |
This light, quick series-opener will keep reluctant readers reading between the laughs. The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey. Scholastic, 2015, 137 pages Reading Level: Picture ...
Read More 
The Infamous Ratsos by Kara LaReau
By Janie Cheaney |
This fun, award-winning early reader series features two tough siblings who can't help being nice. The Infamous Ratsos by Kara LaReau, illustrated by Matt Myers. ...
Read More 
Don’t Take Yourself (or Your Reading) Too Seriously!
By Betsy Farquhar |
Today, in my leisure reading, I came across some good "fifty cent" words: pandemonium, benefactors, stratosphere, maligned, facilitate, photons,... I also noticed some terrific literary ...
Read More 
Beauty and the Beast Devotional # 5 – Love
By Alysha |
This is the fifth devotional we've had on the key themes in Beauty and the Beast. To see links to previous three as well as ...
Read More 
Cruel Beauty: a Redeemed Reader Discussion
By Alysha |
Some of the staff here at Redeemed Reader decided to discuss Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge as it relates to the story of Beauty and ...
Read More 
Till We Have Faces: a Redeemed Reader Discussion
By Megan Saben |
Before you read Till We Have Faces, you must first know the myth. You can either read a picture book version or the one by ...
Read More 
Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly
By Janie Cheaney |
This novelized spin-off of the movie doesn't have the same dramatic tension, but stands up well as a story-within-a-story. Beauty and the Beast: Lost in ...
Read More 
Cupid and Pscyhe by M. Charlotte Craft
By Megan Saben |
Fans of mythology, fairy tales and lovely picture books will enjoy the Crafts’ Cupid and Psyche. Cupid and Psyche by M. Charlotte Craft and illustrated by ...
Read More 
To See or Not To See: The RR Team Reflects on the New Beauty and the Beast
By Betsy Farquhar |
This discussion is part of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure this month. The text below reflects several ongoing discussions the Redeemed Reader team has had via ...
Read More 
Beauty and the Beast – Devotional #3
By Hayley Morell |
Once upon a time there was beautiful girl who became a queen. . . . And her name was Esther. There's a definite fairytale quality ...
Read More 
The Martian: Classroom Edition by Andy Weir
By Betsy Farquhar |
A snarky, totally believable science fiction narrative for teens. The Martian: Classroom Edition by Andy Weir. Broadway Books, 2016. 400 pages. Reading Level: Teens, ages 15-18Recommended ...
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 
Every Falling Star: A Beauty and the Beast Discussion!
By Betsy Farquhar |
Like our Newbery Buzz discussions, Janie and Betsy discuss Every Falling Star "virtually" in light of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure this month. We hope these discussions help ...
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 
Beauty and the Beast by Nancy Willard and illustrated by Barry Moser
By Betsy Farquhar |
Beautiful, lengthy prose accompanied by striking woodcut illustrations make this retelling a good fit for intermediate and middle grade readers. Beauty and the Beast by Nancy Willard ...
Read More 
Beauty and the Beast – Devotional #2: the Beast
By Betsy Farquhar |
See our first Beauty and the Beast Devotional if you missed it! This is part of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure which is focusing ...
Read More 
Beauty and the Beast retold by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Meg Park
By Betsy Farquhar |
This is one of the picture book retellings of Beauty and the Beast we are featuring as part of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure. ...
Read More 
Ugly by Donna Jo Napoli
By Janie Cheaney |
This gentle retelling of the "Ugly Duckling" tale combines the satisfactory ending with a love of natural beauty. Ugly by Donna Jo Napoli, with illustrations ...
Read More 
Beauty and the Beast – Devotional #1
By Janie Cheaney |
Me and My Mirror Is there anyone reading this who has never, in their lives, spent time staring into a mirror seeking out all the ...
Read More 
Beauty and the Beast Adventure
By Betsy Farquhar |
Join us as we dive into the themes and stories behind Beauty and the Beast during the month of March! And don't worry, it's not just for girls--we ...
Read More 
*Beauty by Robin McKinley
By Hayley Morell |
This is one of the retellings of Beauty and the Beast we are featuring as part of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure. We are exploring ...
Read More 
*The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson
By Betsy Farquhar |
An epic middle grades fantasy series full of adventure, toothy cows, heroes and heroines, and dragons. *The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson. Rabbit Room Press. ...
Read More 
*Wingfeather Tales (The Wingfeather Saga) edited by Andrew Peterson
By Betsy Farquhar |
A delightfully diverse collection of "tales" written and illustrated by a group of authors and illustrators who are themselves fans of the Wingfeather Saga! *Wingfeather ...
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 
*A Little Taste of Poison by R. J. Anderson
By Hayley Morell |
The stakes are higher than ever for Isaveth Breck, plucky heroine of A Pocketful of Murder, when the future of her city is threatened. ...
Read More