Book Reviews

To See or Not To See: The RR Team Reflects on the New Beauty and the Beast

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 22, 2017

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 ...

Beauty and the Beast – Devotional #3

By Hayley Morell | Mar 17, 2017

Once upon a time there was beautiful girl who became a queen. . . . And her name was Esther. There's a definite fairytale quality ...

The Martian: Classroom Edition by Andy Weir

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 16, 2017

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 ...

Elon Musk and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 16, 2017

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 ...

Every Falling Star: A Beauty and the Beast Discussion!

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 15, 2017

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 ...

The Queen of Katwe: Book and Movie Review

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 14, 2017

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 ...

Beauty and the Beast by Nancy Willard and illustrated by Barry Moser

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 13, 2017

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 ...

Beauty and the Beast – Devotional #2: the Beast

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 10, 2017

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 ...

Beauty and the Beast retold by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Meg Park

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 6, 2017

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. ...

Ugly by Donna Jo Napoli

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 6, 2017

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 ...

Beauty and the Beast – Devotional #1

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 3, 2017

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 ...

Beauty and the Beast Adventure

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 1, 2017

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 ...

*Beauty by Robin McKinley

By Hayley Morell | Mar 1, 2017

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 ...

*The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 27, 2017

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. ...

*Wingfeather Tales (The Wingfeather Saga) edited by Andrew Peterson

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 27, 2017

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 ...

Devotion by Adam Makos

By Hayley Morell | Feb 25, 2017

It is Korea, 1950, and Jesse Brown, first African American carrier pilot in the Navy, has just crashed over enemy territory . . . ...

*A Little Taste of Poison by R. J. Anderson

By Hayley Morell | Feb 23, 2017

The stakes are higher than ever for Isaveth Breck, plucky heroine of A Pocketful of Murder, when the future of her city is threatened. ...

*A Pocket Full of Murder by R. J. Anderson

By Hayley Morell | Feb 23, 2017

A plucky girl sets out to prove her father's innocence —aided by a street boy— in this magical murder mystery. A Pocket Full of Murder (Uncommon ...

The Midnight War of Mateo Martinez by Robin Yardi

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 22, 2017

A new best friend, a pushy little sister and two thieving skunks cause no end of trouble for Mateo in this quirky tale. The Midnight ...

If the Magic Fits by Susan Maupin Schmid

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 22, 2017

This light-hearted fantasy mystery is perfect for girls who like spunky housemaids, personable princesses, and delightful dresses. If the Magic Fits (100 Dresses #1) by ...

By Pamela Palmer | Feb 21, 2017

A picture book biography told in first person about a remarkable slave who was a renowned cave explorer. Lift Your Light a Little Higher: the ...

Step Right Up by Donna Janell Bowman

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 21, 2017

Children will be fascinated by the heartwarming story of “Doc” Key and his amazing horse Jim, who used their talents for good. Step Right Up: ...

*100 Cupboards Series by N. D. Wilson

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 20, 2017

Henry discovers 100 cupboards that lead to other worlds in this complex middle grades fantasy series that mirrors the creation-fall-redemption narrative framework of Scripture. 100 ...

March, Books One and Three by John Lewis

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 17, 2017

John Lewis recounts his role in the Civil Rights struggle in this series of graphic nonfiction histories that vividly portray the difficulty, agony, and ultimate ...

American Ace by Marilyn Nelson

By Hayley Morell | Feb 16, 2017

Engaging and short, one teenager's search for answers will leave readers wanting to learn more about the Tuskegee Airmen. American Ace by Marilyn Nelson. Dial ...

Valentine’s Day 2017 – We’ve Been Here Before!

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 14, 2017

All of us here at RedeemedReader.com love a good romance, and over the years we've written about some of our favorites. Not all romance is ...

Rapid Fire: 10 Recent Award-Winning Picture Books

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 13, 2017

Rapid Fire: a quick, "rapid fire" list of mini-book reviews. Janie and I love to prognosticate the Newbery Award, discuss possible contenders, and dialogue during the announcement ...

Hidden Figures (Young Reader Edition) by Margo Shetterly

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 10, 2017

The contributions of four black women to the Space Race form an inspiring story of talent overcoming prejudice and receiving its reward. Hidden Figures Young ...

Freedom over Me by Ashley Bryan

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 8, 2017

An actual slave ledger from 1828 inspires this group portrait of eleven African Americans who remain free to dream. Freedom over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their ...

*Answering the Cry for Freedom by Gretchen Woelfle

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 8, 2017

These brief biographies of 13 African Americans during the Revolutionary War demonstrate the power of self-determination as well as the power of faith. *Answering the ...

You Can Fly by Carole Boston Weatherford

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 7, 2017

You’re black. It’s 1941. Uncle Sam’s poster I WANT YOU doesn’t include you and your dream of becoming a pilot. But sometimes dreams do come ...

Straight Talk About the Birds and the Bees

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 5, 2017

This is a review specifically for parents; librarians and teachers may benefit as well, but children should ask their parents first before reading further. This is also ...

*Under Our Skin by Benjamin Watson

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 3, 2017

For Christians of all colors who are concerned about racial tension, Benjamin Watson shows the way to reconciliation. *Under Our Skin by Benjamin Watson. Tyndale, ...

By Hayley Morell | Feb 2, 2017

New England mill girls, fairies, suffragettes, and a curse reaching across the years blend together in this retelling of Sleeping Beauty. Spindle by Shonna Slayton. Entangled: ...

Why Black History Month?

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 1, 2017

If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands ...

Teaching Discernment: Bad Words in Books

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 30, 2017

True Story: We're getting in the car after a park date with our homeschool friends, and one of my 9-year-old sons says: Mom! We learned some ...

Time Traveling with a Hamster by Ross Welford

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 25, 2017

This time-traveling novel requires a large suspension of belief, but rewards the reader with several moments of nail-biting suspense. Time Traveling with a Hamster by ...

Every Single Second by Tricia Springstubb

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 25, 2017

This thoughtful novel about growth, change, and community sensitively explores a girl’s relationship to her Italian-American family and Catholic faith. Every Single Second by Tricia ...

And the Winners Are . . . .

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 23, 2017

Last Friday, Janie and Betsy gave their best guesses as to which books the ALA would delight to honor in their annual Youth Media Awards. ...

Prognosticating the 2017 Newbery (and other ALA Awards)

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 20, 2017

Today’s the day Betsy and Janie haul out their crystal balls from under the clutter in the hall closet (Betsy moved across country this year, ...

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 18, 2017

The Girl Who Drank the Moon is thoughtful fantasy with imaginative twists that mature readers will enjoy parsing out. The Girl Who Drank the Moon ...

4 Excellent New Picture Books

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 17, 2017

[Reviews and recommendations from Pamela!] Four excellent new picture books to enjoy with the children in your life--worth seeking out as all are starred reviews! ...

Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 16, 2017

A blind boy and an enchanted knight set off on an epic quest in this middle grades fantasy adventure. Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes: A ...

Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard by Jonathan Auxier

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 16, 2017

A wildly imaginative middle grades fantasy about the power of stories and the lengths to which we must go to protect them. Sophie Quire and ...

2017 Newbery Buzz: Some Writer! and Snow White

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 14, 2017

Historically—and overwhelmingly—the Newbery Award has graced the covers of fictional prose novels. And yet, even “back in the day,” there were some outliers. Nancy Willard’s A ...

Farewell to Richard Adams

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 13, 2017

The last week of the year was an unusually intense news cycle, with a presidential transition, annual wrap-ups, and two prominent celebrity deaths back to ...

2017 Newbery Buzz: Ghost and Booked

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 11, 2017

Janie: Last Friday, we discussed two middle grade novels that were filled with sadness. Today we turn to a couple of sports-related novels by authors ...

2017 Newbery Buzz: Pax and Wolf Hollow

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 6, 2017

January is Newbery month—that is, when the American Library Association holds their annual winter conference, the highlight of which is the ALA Youth Media Awards. ...

*Anna Hibiscus Series by Atinuke

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 30, 2016

An illustrated chapter book series set in contemporary Africa that celebrates large families, its childlike protagonist, and traditional values. Enjoy this review from the archives! Originally published ...

By Megan Saben | Dec 30, 2016

A modest, well-read boy detective solves crimes great and small in these classic mysteries. Enjoy this post from the archives! (originally published July 8, 2015) ...

*The Imagination Station (Series) by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 30, 2016

More than simply a "Christian version" of the popular Magic Treehouse books, the Imagination Station books are a solid chapter book time travel series. Enjoy this post from ...

Middle Grade Fiction with Fibonacci, Tesla, and More!

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 29, 2016

a post from the archives! (originally published March 26, 2014) When I was a child I read large numbers of mysteries and was always somewhat irritated ...

*Zita the Spacegirl Series by Ben Hatke

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 29, 2016

Zita the Spacegirl and her intrepid friends battle the forces of evil in extra terrestrial dimensions in this lively graphic novel series. a review from ...

*Tiger Boy by Mitali Perkins

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 29, 2016

Tiger Boy, set in the Sundarban Islands, is a satisfying tale of courage and responsibility for younger middle-graders. a review from our archives! (originally published June ...

The Mysterious Howling (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #1) by Maryrose Wood

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 29, 2016

Miss Penelope Lumley has been hired by Lord and Lady Ashton as governess to their three strange children in this delightful series opener. A review ...

The Passion of Dolssa by Julie Berry

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 28, 2016

The Passion of Dolssa is a frank and honest portrait of religious devotion that is true both to religion and to history. a review from ...

Farewell to Artemis

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 27, 2016

a review from our archives (first published September 18, 2012) Artemis Fowl: the Last Guardian, by Eoin Coffer. Hyperion, 2012, 336 pages. Age/interest level: 10-up ...

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 27, 2016

Hattie Big Sky draws upon the experience of the author's own grandmother to create this enthralling story of hard-won optimism and frontier grit. a review from ...

Extreme Teens: YA Thrillers

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 27, 2016

note: this post originally appeared on December 11, 2012. Enjoy this one from the archives! “. . . Courage is not simply one of the ...

40 Books for Dads to Read to Their Kids

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 26, 2016

Strong father figures, adventures, humor, and general fun await! 40 books for DADS to read to their kids: fantasy, realistic fiction, historical fiction. Humor, adventure, ...

“Just believe”–in Christmas!

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 22, 2016

Recently it struck me that in no other religion is faith so central as Christianity. Think about it: generally speaking, Buddhism stresses contemplation, Islam action, ...

Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photo by Roxanne Orgill

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 21, 2016

An iconic photograph comes to life in this well-crafted sophisticated, artistic picture book. This is a review by Pamela Palmer, a new addition to our Redeemed ...

*The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 21, 2016

A magic watch, a family secret, a mysterious city dictator, and one brave boy make for a great read in this clever, inventive mystery. One ...

A Shiloh Christmas by Phillis Reynolds Naylor

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 20, 2016

The long-running Shiloh series wraps up with appropriate Christmas cheer but not too much theological clarity. A Shiloh Christmas by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Atheneum, 2015, ...

Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 19, 2016

A delightful picture book biography about a boy who loved to tinker and grew up to work on rockets and invent America's favorite water gun! ...

Fuzzy by Tom Angleberger

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 15, 2016

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 ...

Twelfth Night: Shakespeare’s Christmas Play

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 12, 2016

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 ...

Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 9, 2016

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. ...

The Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell and Catalina Echeverri

By Megan Saben | Dec 8, 2016

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 ...

The Christmas Story by Robert Sabuda

By Megan Saben | Dec 8, 2016

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 ...

Pearl Harbor Child: an Interview with Dorinda Nicholson

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 7, 2016

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 ...

Paper Wishes by Lois Sepahban

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 6, 2016

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 ...

Dive! World War II Stories of Sailors and Submarines by Deborah Hopkinson

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 6, 2016

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! ...

Fires of Invention by Scott Savage

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 1, 2016

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 ...

Gears of Revolution by Scott Savage

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 1, 2016

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, ...

*Visual Theology by Tim Challies

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 30, 2016

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 ...

*The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

By Megan Saben | Nov 29, 2016

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 ...

The Coloring Book of Cards and Envelopes: Christmas

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 26, 2016

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 ...

*Sam the Man and the Chicken Plan

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 25, 2016

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 ...

Missy Piggle-Wiggle and the Whatever Cure by Ann Martin

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 25, 2016

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 ...

Should You Read Rick Riordan’s Latest: Magnus Chase?

By Alysha | Nov 23, 2016

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 ...

The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 22, 2016

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 ...

*Some Writer! by Melissa Sweet

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 21, 2016

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. ...

Natalie Babbitt, 1932-2016, and The Search for Delicious

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 17, 2016

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 ...

*Ugly: a Memoir by Robert Hoge

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 15, 2016

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 ...

*Ghost by Jason Reynolds

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 15, 2016

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 ...

*When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 14, 2016

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 ...

*Ember Falls by S. D. Smith

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 11, 2016

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 ...

Grover Cleveland, Again! by Ken Burns

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 9, 2016

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 ...

Vote for . . . Whoever (A Re-post from 2012)

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 8, 2016

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. ...

The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Patricia McCormick

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 7, 2016

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 ...

Every Falling Star by Sungju Lee and Susan Elizabeth McClelland

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 3, 2016

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 ...

Snow White: a Graphic Novel by Matt Phelan

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 3, 2016

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 ...

*The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 1, 2016

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 ...

Pastor, Blogger, Author, Editor: More Church History Recommendations for the Whole Family!

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 31, 2016

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 ...

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeir

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 29, 2016

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. ...

The Haunting of Falcon House by Eugene Yelchin

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 29, 2016

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, ...

*The Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thornton

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 27, 2016

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. ...

Saints and Heroes to the End of the Middle Ages by George Hodges

By Hayley Morell | Oct 26, 2016

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 ...

The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 25, 2016

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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