Book Reviews

Fuzzy by Tom Angleberger

Fuzzy may seem far-fetched, but it raises some interesting, real-world questions in an entertaining way. Fuzzy by Tom Angleberger and Paul Dellinger.  Amulet, 2016, 253 ...
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Twelfth Night: Shakespeare’s Christmas Play

Twelfth Night, or What You Will is not exactly a Christmas play, I'll admit. But "Twelfth Night" does refer to the 12th night of the ...
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Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz

A 13-year-old saboteur in the Hitler Youth meets the challenge of his life in this page-turning World War II thriller. Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz.  ...
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The Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell and Catalina Echeverri

A childlike and joyful retelling of the Christmas promise we have in Christ, perfect for the young at heart. This title is part of our ...
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The Christmas Story by Robert Sabuda

The Christmas story "pops" in this beautifully crafted pop-up book. This title is one of our Winter Book Fair 2016 Picks! The Christmas Story by Robert ...
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Pearl Harbor Child: an Interview with Dorinda Nicholson

Her father was from Kansas City; her mother was native Hawaiian, and Dorinda Makanaonalani Stagner grew up on Pearl City Peninsula, just around the bend ...
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Paper Wishes by Lois Sepahban

This quiet story takes us into the mind of a Japanese-American girl who finds herself an alien in her own country. Paper Wishes by Lois ...
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Dive! World War II Stories of Sailors and Submarines by Deborah Hopkinson

This comprehensive history of submarine warfare in the Pacific will have WWII fans cheering and other readers quietly grateful for the sacrifices vividly detailed. Dive! ...
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Fires of Invention by Scott Savage

This dystopian fantasy series (with steampunk overtones) kicks off with a fabulous mechanical flying beast and two intrepid teens. Fires of Invention (Mysteries of Cove ...
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Gears of Revolution by Scott Savage

A dystopian/fantasy series continues with our heroes’ search for the legendary Leo Babbage Gears of Revolution (Mysteries of Cove #2) by Scott Savage.  Shadow Mountain, ...
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*Visual Theology by Tim Challies

Visual Theology presents the primary disciplines of the Christian life in a highly accessible form with attractive graphics. *Visual Theology: Seeing and Understanding the Truth ...
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*The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

The first book in a top-notch series about an extraordinary thief and the intertwining of three kingdoms is amazingly well done. *The Thief by Megan Whalen ...
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The Coloring Book of Cards and Envelopes: Christmas

A whimsical collection of 24 cards and coordinating envelopes to color and share this Christmas! The Coloring Book of Cards and Envelopes: Christmas by Nosy ...
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*Sam the Man and the Chicken Plan

Likeable characters and a gently-humorous style introduces early-elementary readers to the rewards of hard work and free enterprise. *Sam the Man and the Chicken Plan ...
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Missy Piggle-Wiggle and the Whatever Cure by Ann Martin

Popular children's author Ann Martin updates a series from the 1950s for a new generation of children who could use some shaping-up. Missy Piggle-Wiggle and ...
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Should You Read Rick Riordan’s Latest: Magnus Chase?

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Hammer of Thor Rick Riordan’s The Hammer of Thor is the second book in his Magnus Chase ...
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The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay

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

A wonderfully engaging biography of E. B. White for children: full of photographs, collage-style art, and interesting details. *Some Writer! The Story of E. B. ...
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Natalie Babbitt, 1932-2016, and The Search for Delicious

Somewhere amid the news of the last two weeks (pretty intense news cycle, I understand) came word that Natalie Babbitt had died of lung cancer ...
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*Ugly: a Memoir by Robert Hoge

In this true story, a boy born with a hideous face learns to not only accept himself, but help others see him for what he ...
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*Ghost by Jason Reynolds

A kid from “the projects” learns to put speed in service of character building and achievement. *Ghost by Jason Reynold.  Atheneum, 2016, 180 pages Reading ...
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*When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin

The power of stories is front and center in this beautiful, imaginative companion to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. Starred review. A 2016 Christmas ...
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*Ember Falls by S. D. Smith

The Green Ember saga continues with desperate battles, unexpected heroism, and enough dangling plot threads to make readers eager for the next volume. *Ember Falls ...
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Grover Cleveland, Again! by Ken Burns

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

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

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

Grit, friendship, and hope come together in this bittersweet memoir for teens. Every Falling Star: The True Story of How I Survived and Escaped North ...
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Snow White: a Graphic Novel by Matt Phelan

In this fairy-tale retelling, Snow White is updated to the late 1920s, with the stock-market crash and the early days of the Great Depression shaping ...
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*The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz

This one-of-a-kind novel blends medieval history, fantasy, humor, adventure, and philosophical questions that have vexed the ages. *The Inquisitor’s Tale, or, Three Magical Children and ...
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Pastor, Blogger, Author, Editor: More Church History Recommendations for the Whole Family!

We've spent all month reading and learning about church history. It's been such a rich study with interviews and book reviews, but we are not ...
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Ghosts by Raina Telgemeir

A much-acclaimed graphic novel by Raina Telgemeir pokes below the surface creepiness of "hauntings" to explore how we feel about death. Ghosts by Raina Telegemeir.  ...
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The Haunting of Falcon House by Eugene Yelchin

A ghost story for middle-graders by Eugene Yelchin offers an atmospheric portrait of Czarist Russia. The Haunting of Falcon House by Eugene Yelchin.  Henry Holt, ...
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*The Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thornton

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

An engaging account of notable figures from the ancient church to the end of the Middle Ages. Saints and Heroes to the End of the ...
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The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

Haitian folklore comes to life in this spooky story about jumbies, a brave girl and her friends, and oranges. The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste. Algonquin ...
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The Left-Handed Fate by Kate Milford

A swashbuckling, complex middle grades fantasy set on board an unlucky pirate ship in the midst of war. The Left-Handed Fate by Kate Milford. Henry ...
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Trial and Triumph/ *Radiant by Richard M. Hannula

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

Simonetta Carr's contribution to the popular "For Kids" series presents the great artist as not only as a true "Renaissance man" but a man of ...
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*The Book of God by Ben Avery

This comprehensive, accessible guide to the history of the Bible in graphic-novel format will have young readers referring to it again and again. *The Book ...
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*Miracle Man by John Hendrix

A new “life of Jesus” picture book presents the Son of God as compelling and dynamic in word and deed. *Miracle Man: the Story of ...
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Heroes of the Faith Series by Sinclair Ferguson

Three imaginative picture book biographies of early church heroes. Heroes of the Faith Series by Sinclair Ferguson. Banner of Truth Books. Ignatius of Antioch: The ...
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The Accidental Voyage by Douglas Bond

Mr. Pipes is back with Annie and Drew on a wild adventure in Italy as they simultaneously learn about the ancient church and its music. ...
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The Revolt by Douglas Bond

The England of John Wycliffe is vividly portrayed as a crucible of revolution in this new historical novel The Revolt: a Novel in Wycliffe’s England ...
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*Lily: The Girl Who Could See by Sally Oxley and Tim Ladwig.

A beautifully illustrated picture book biography about a brave woman artist-turned-missionary to the Arab world. *Lily: The Girl Who Could See by Sally Oxley and ...
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*The One O’Clock Miracle: A True Story About Trusting the Words of Jesus by Alison Mitchell

Humorous illustrations enliven this picture book that retells the story of Jesus healing a father's son. *The One O’Clock Miracle: A True Story About Trusting the ...
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Winnie-the-Pooh: Two True Stories

Two picture books about the real Winnie-the-Pooh that both make delightful reading! *Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick and ...
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*Brother Andrew: Behind Enemy Lines by Nancy Drummond

Read the remarkable story of a man who helped smuggle millions of Bibles into restricted countries in this middle grades biography. Brother Andrew: Behind Enemy ...
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Brother Andrew: Taking Bibles to the World by Renee Taft Meloche

Brother Andrew's life comes alive for young readers through the rhyming text in this picture book. Brother Andrew: Taking Bibles to the World (Heroes for ...
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Brother Andrew: God’s Secret Agent by Geoff and Janet Benge

Andrew never expected that God would fulfill his desire for adventure by using him to smuggle Bibles to believers in communist countries.   Brother Andrew: ...
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God’s Story: A Student’s Guide to Church History by Brian Cosby

An engaging flyover of church history for young teens.    God’s Story: A Student’s Guide to Church History by Brian Cosby.  Christian Focus Publications, 2014. ...
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The Book of Languages by Mick Webb

In spite of some evolutionary speculation in the first pages, The Book of Languages is a fascinating and comprehensive introduction to a neglected subject. The ...
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Monks and Mystics by Mindy and Brandon Withrow

Book 2 of the History Lives series offers an exciting look at the Medieval Church: its movers and shakers and controversies. Part of our Church History ...
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Peril and Peace by Mindy and Brandon Withrow

Book 1 of the History Lives series is full of brave martyrs, famous figures, and early church activity. Peril and Peace: Chronicles of the Ancient ...
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*The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross by Carl Laferton and Catalina Echeverri

This picture book beautifully brings the creation-fall-redemption story to life!  *The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross: the True Story of Why Jesus Died and ...
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Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

The movie version of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children opens today, and since none of us regular reviewers have read the book, we're happy ...
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Five Children on the Western Front by Kate Saunders

Edith Nesbit's classic characters go ten years into their future in this thought-provoking sequel. Five Children on the Western Front, by Kate Saunders.  Delacorte, 2016, ...
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Hundred Percent by Karen Romano Young

This insightful novel about the awkward years between 11 and 14 could make a useful discussion starter for mothers and daughters. Hundred Percent by Karen ...
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All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

A rich historical fiction work that offers hope in the midst of war-torn France. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. Scribner, 2014. 531 ...
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Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

A compelling--and ultimately hopeful--crossover title for teens and adults about Hitler's evacuation of Germany and the biggest maritime disaster in history. Salt to the Sea ...
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Will’s Words by Jane Sutcliffe and John Shelley

A casual weaving together of Will's words with our own shows just how much we owe to the bard in this cleverly illustrated picture book. ...
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*Freedom on Congo Square by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated R. Gregory Christie

Congo Square held a unique place in the slavery experience and holds a special reminder for Christians as we all look forward to Sunday! *Freedom ...
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City Atlas: Travel the world with 30 City Maps by Georgia Cherry

Cities rather than nations are the focus of this unique, colorful, and lavishly-illustrated oversize volume for elementary grades. City Atlas: Travel the World with 30 ...
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Kid Beowulf by Alexis Fajarda

A venerable legend gets a total makeover with this new graphic-novel series that does for early Europe what the Astrix series did for Rome. Kid ...
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Kid Owner by Tim Green

A 12-year-old inherits the Dallas Cowboys, leading to a unique set of challenges and opportunities for character growth. Kid Owner, by Tim Green.  Harper, 2015, ...
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The Candymakers and the Chocolate Chase by Wendy Mass

Logan, Miles, Daisy, and Philip are off on a hunt to find the mystery chocolate in this fun follow-up to The Candymakers. The Candymakers and ...
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The Candymakers by Wendy Mass

Four children simultaneously solve a mystery and learn about teamwork in this sweet, chocolate-y mystery. The Candymakers by Wendy Mass. Little, Brown, 2010. 480 pages. ...
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Our 9/11 Book List

If you've been with us for the last few months you doubtless saw Betsy's reviews of two recent, highly-regarded middle-grade novels about the worst foreign attack ...
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The Voyage to Magical North by Claire Fayers

Friendly pirates, malicious magicians and imaginative geography make this middle-grade series starter fun and even a bit thought-provoking. The Voyage to Magical North by Claire ...
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Steeplejack by A. J. Hartley

A classic mystery unfolds in this historical fantasy for teens, with an appealing heroine, a multi-racial cast of characters, and an exotic setting. Steeplejack by ...
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Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes

A tender exploration of the aftermath of 9/11 as one girl begins to understand her father's connection to the events. Towers Falling by Jewell Parker ...
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Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin

Four seemingly unconnected middle school kids are each connected to the events of September 11 in ways that help them mature and learn compassion. Nine, ...
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*The Ology by Marty Machowski

In The Ology, children and families can access deep Biblical truths, carefully explained and gorgeously illustrated.   The Ology by Marty Machowski, illustrations by Andy ...
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*God’s Design by Sally Michael and Gary Steward

Sally Michael's newest Making Him Known family devotional delicately handles roles of men and women, sexuality, and gender issues in a manner that invites whole ...
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We Will Not Be Silent by Russell Freedman

Russell Freedman covers the White Rose student movement, a German anti-Nazi protest during World War II, with an emphasis on the organizers’ Christian faith. We ...
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Spirit Week Showdown by Crystal Allen

Mya Tibbs is the perky, enthusiastic narrator of this family- and school-based series for advanced chapter-book readers. Spirit Week Showdown (Magnificent Myra Tibbs #1) by ...
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Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan

"Don't judge a book--or a 5th grader--by its cover" is the message that comes through loud and clear in this heart-warming middle grades title. Save ...
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Steamboat School by Deborah Hopkinson

Inspired by true events, this is the story of a St. Louis reverend who moved his school off shore to neutral waters when the law made ...
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The Kids’ Book of Simple Machines by Kelly Doudna

A perfect instruction manual for young tinkerers who want to know how things work and how to leverage the six simple machines to build cool ...
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The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments by Miller, Homer, and Harrington

There's no excuse to be bored with this book lying around: chemistry, physics, the natural world, and even the human body are just a page ...
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*Calvin by Martine Leavitt

A schizophrenic teen embarks on a quest for self-discovery and truth that becomes a struggle for survival. Calvin by Martine Leavitt.  Farrar Strauss and Giroux, ...
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A Complicated Case by Ulf Nilsson

A funny, chapter book mystery for newly independent readers! A Complicated Case (Detective Gordon) by Ulf Nilsson and illustrated by Gittee Spee. Gecko Press, 2016. ...
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Katie Friedman Gives up Texting by Tommy Greenwald

Middle-graders who swear of texting for one week have to discover other means of communication, with mixed results. Katie Friedman Gives up Texting by Tommy ...
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Emma and Julia Love Ballet by Barbara McClintock

Emma, a young ballet student, and Julia, a professional dancer, simultaneously dance their way through a typical day in this sweet picture book. Emma and ...
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*The Biggest Story by Kevin DeYoung

A vibrantly illustrated retelling of the story of the Bible: Jesus's redemption of God's people. *The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the ...
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Bible Review: *HCSB Essential Teen Study Bible

The HCSB Essential Teen Study Bible presents 99 “Essential Doctrines” with extensive scriptural backup and application. *The HCSB Essential Teen Study Bible.  B&H Kids, 2016, 1312 ...
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*When Green Becomes Tomatoes by Julie Fogliano

Short, free verse poems as journal entries over the course of a year capture the feel of changing seasons in this well-illustrated book for elementary ...
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Quiet Power: the Secret Strengths of Introverts by Susan Cain

Susan Cain adapts her adult best-seller Quiet for a younger audience, sharing thoughts and tips on making the most of an introverted nature. Quiet Power: ...
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This Is My Home, This Is My School by Jonathan Bean

A boy shares an honest, somewhat chaotic day (or perhaps a week!) in the life of homeschooling. This Is My Home, This Is My School ...
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School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex

The back-to-school narrative is flipped on its head in this colorful picture book as School, himself, is the main character! School’s First Day of School ...
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Josh Baxter Levels Up by Gavin Brown

A 12-year-old video gamer learns to “level up” his academic and social skills to meet real-life challenges. Josh Baxter Levels Up by Gavin Brown.  Scholastic, ...
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Science Experiments You Can Eat by Vicki Cobb

Kids will love getting to eat their science projects in this clever, well organized book all about science. Science Experiments You Can Eat, Revised and ...
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It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel by Firoozah Dumas

An Iranian girl in a California middle school struggles to bridge cultures in this compelling, semi-autobiographical narrative. It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel by Firoozah Dumas.  ...
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*Frank and Lucky Get Schooled by Lynn Rae Perkins

Frank and Lucky’s close friendship leads them into countless adventures in learning, where “school subjects” never see the inside of a classroom. *Frank and Lucky ...
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*Spot, the Cat by Henry Cole

Can you spot the cat with the spot in this cleverly illustrated black-and-white wordless picture book? *Spot, the Cat by Henry Cole. Little Simon, 2016. ...
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*The Boy Who Became Buffalo Bill by Andrea Warren

This accessible biography reveals the extraordinary, historically significant, and surprisingly admirable life of an American legend. *The Boy Who Became Buffalo Bill: Growing Up Billy ...
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Back-to-School Backpack List (2016)

Just in time for the start of a new school year with new pencils, new protractors, new textbooks: our Back-to-School Backpack Booklist! As is our ...
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*A Night Divided by Jennifer Nielsen

The building of the Berlin Wall pits lovers of freedom against an oppressive regime in this gripping novel for middle graders. *A Night Divided by ...
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Mayday by Karen Harrington

In Mayday, 13-year-old Wayne discovers that even a plane crash can have a silver lining, and treasures may hide under life’s hard knocks. Mayday by ...
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Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

The rough, tough world of girls' roller derby is the setting for this surprisingly sweet depiction of friendship, breakup, and change. Roller Girl by Victoria ...
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Fantastic Frame #1: Danger! Tiger Crossing by Lin Oliver

The Fantastic Frame chapter-book series introduces early-elementary-age readers to great works of art. Fantastic Frame #1: Danger! Tiger Crossing by Lin Oliver, illustrated by Samantha ...
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