Book Reviews

Shipwreck Island by S. A. Bodeen

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 2, 2017

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 ...

*Cody and the Fountain of Happiness by Tricia Springstubb

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 1, 2017

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 ...

The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming by J. Anderson Coats

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 31, 2017

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, ...

The Unexpected Life of Oliver Cromwell Pitts by Avi

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 31, 2017

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 ...

Wisdom & Wonder Week 6: Generosity and Love in Literature

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 26, 2017

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 ...

Week 6 : God So Loved, He Gave

By Hayley Morell | Jul 24, 2017

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 ...

Mighty, Mighty Construction Site by Sherri Dusky Rinker

By Megan Saben | Jul 21, 2017

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 ...

Teach Literary Elements With … Movies!

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 21, 2017

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 ...

Wisdom & Wonder, Week 5: Work and Words

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 17, 2017

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 ...

Which Path & Which Friend Discussion

By Hayley Morell | Jul 13, 2017

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 ...

Wisdom & Wonder Week 4: Which Path and With Whom?

By Hayley Morell | Jul 10, 2017

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 ...

The Great Good Thing by Andrew Klavan

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 1, 2017

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 ...

The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 29, 2017

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 ...

Henry and the Chalk Dragon by Jennifer Trafton

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 29, 2017

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 ...

Building a Shakespeare Home Library Collection

By Megan Saben | Jun 27, 2017

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 ...

Wisdom & Wonder Week 3 Booklist

By Megan Saben | Jun 24, 2017

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 ...

Wisdom & Wonder Week 2 Booklist

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 19, 2017

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 ...

Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 16, 2017

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, ...

Way of the Warrior Kid by Jocko Willink

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 16, 2017

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: ...

* My Daddy Rules the World by Hope Anita Smith

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 15, 2017

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 ...

The State of our Heart – Virtual Discussion

By Alysha | Jun 14, 2017

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 ...

Wisdom and Wonder: Linked Reads – Week 1

By Alysha | Jun 13, 2017

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 ...

Wisdom and Wonder: Week 1 – Turning Towards God and Away from Sin

By Alysha | Jun 12, 2017

Welcome to week 1 of our Wisdom & Wonder Summer Reading Challenge! Wisdom and Wonder Week 1: Turning to God and Away from Sin! This ...

Wisdom and Wonder Booklist – Week 1

By Alysha | Jun 12, 2017

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 ...

Beyond the Bright Sea

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 1, 2017

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. ...

Undefeated by Steve Sheinkin

By Betsy Farquhar | May 29, 2017

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 ...

The Battle of Seattle by Douglas Bond

By Betsy Farquhar | May 29, 2017

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 ...

*The Sign of the Cat by Lynne Jonell

By Janie Cheaney | May 24, 2017

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 ...

Toward a Positive Multiculturalism in Children’s Books (and a Book List)

By Janie Cheaney | May 17, 2017

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 ...

Sad Dog Stories: They’re a Thing—and a Necessity

By Betsy Farquhar | May 15, 2017

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 ...

Storm Horse by Nick Garlick

By Janie Cheaney | May 12, 2017

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 ...

Historical Racism in Children’s Books–What do we do?

By Janie Cheaney | May 10, 2017

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 ...

Peter Spier, Reissued

By Janie Cheaney | May 9, 2017

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 ...

The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies

By Betsy Farquhar | May 8, 2017

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 ...

The Sweetest Sound by Sherri Winston

By Janie Cheaney | May 6, 2017

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 ...

Blooming at the Texas Sunrise Motel by Kimberly Willis Holt

By Janie Cheaney | May 6, 2017

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 ...

This Changes Everything by Jaquelle Crowe

By Janie Cheaney | May 2, 2017

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 ...

Retro Reads: Mei Fuh by Edith Schaeffer

By Betsy Farquhar | May 1, 2017

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 ...

Jasper and the Riddle of Riley’s Mine by Caroline Starr Rose

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 28, 2017

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 ...

Krysia: a Polish Girl’s Stolen Childhood by Krystyna Mihulka

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 25, 2017

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 ...

Isaac the Alchemist by Mary Losure

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 25, 2017

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, ...

Will Wilder series by Raymond Arroyo

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 21, 2017

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. ...

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 20, 2017

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 ...

Unreal Feminism: Here We Are–But Who Are We?

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 18, 2017

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 ...

The New City Catechism Devotional

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 15, 2017

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 ...

Bible Review: NIrV Love Letters From God

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 14, 2017

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 ...

Bible Review: ICB Jesus Calling Bible for Children

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 14, 2017

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. ...

Bible Review: NLT Live Holy Bible

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 13, 2017

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, ...

Bible Review: NKJV Airship Genesis Kids’ Study Bible

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 12, 2017

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 ...

Bible Review: NKJV Color Code

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 12, 2017

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 ...

Bible Review: NIV the Plans I Have for You

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 11, 2017

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, ...

Bible Review: NIV Wonders of Creation

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 11, 2017

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 ...

Musical Mondays and Theology Thursdays: How to Use Christian Resources with Kids

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 10, 2017

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 ...

Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 4, 2017

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, ...

The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 3, 2017

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 ...

The Infamous Ratsos by Kara LaReau

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 3, 2017

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. ...

Don’t Take Yourself (or Your Reading) Too Seriously!

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 1, 2017

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 ...

Beauty and the Beast Devotional # 5 – Love

By Alysha | Mar 31, 2017

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 ...

Cruel Beauty: a Redeemed Reader Discussion

By Alysha | Mar 30, 2017

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 ...

Till We Have Faces: a Redeemed Reader Discussion

By Megan Saben | Mar 29, 2017

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 ...

Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 28, 2017

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 ...

Cupid and Pscyhe by M. Charlotte Craft

By Megan Saben | Mar 27, 2017

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 ...

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 ...

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