Book Reviews
YA Fantasy: Murtagh, Theft of Sunlight, & Wind Daughter
By Hayley Morell |
A rapid fire round up of three YA fantasy novels that belong to bigger worlds: Murtagh, A Darkness at the Door, and Wind Daughter. Murtagh ...
Read More Mooses with Bazookas by S. D. Smith
By Betsy Farquhar |
Mooses with Bazookas is a light-hearted, funny romp through humorous letters and stories; they remind us not to take ourselves too seriously! Mooses With Bazookas ...
Read More Back to the Bright Before by Katherin Nolte
By Janie Cheaney |
Back to the Bright Before is a touching tale that mixes medieval imagery with a contemporary story of guilt and redemption. Back to the Bright ...
Read More Remember Us by Jacqueline Woodson
By Janie Cheaney |
Remember Us is a quiet novel that ponders the conundrum of change and permanence. Remember Us by Jacqueline Woodson. Nancy Paulsen Books (PRH), 2023, 192 ...
Read More Two Picture Books on Words and Storytelling: Sholem’s Treasure and The Language of Angels
By Janie Cheaney |
The Language of Angels and Sholem’s Treasure illustrate how great an influence word and history has had on Jewish culture. The Language of Angels: A ...
Read More *Daughter of Arden Trilogy by Loren Warnemuende
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Daughter of Arden Trilogy is an epic retelling of an older fairy tale; in its new version, strong echoes of Christian faith mingle with ...
Read More *Journey to Bethlehem by Leland Ryken
By Betsy Farquhar |
Journey to Bethlehem is a lovely anthology of historic Christmas poetry, hymns, and devotionals. Starred review! *Journey to Bethlehem: A Treasury of Classic Christmas Devotionals ...
Read More Niche Nonfiction for Teens (AKA “Living Books”): A Book List
By Betsy Farquhar |
Living Books Are Full of Ideas Those of us in Charlotte Mason educational philosophy circles like to talk about "living books." A living book is ...
Read More Babble! And How Punctuation Saved It
By Megan Saben |
Babble! is a short, lively, memorable story that SHOWS writers understand the importance of those little indicators. Babble! And How Punctuation Saved It by Caroline ...
Read More Tomfoolery! by Michelle Markel
By Janie Cheaney |
Tomfoolery! tells the story of Randolph Caldecott, the iconoclastic illustrator who lent his name to the prestigious award. Tomfoolery! Randolph Caldecott and the Rambunctious Coming-of-Age ...
Read More *Saving H’Non: Chang and the Elephant by Trang Nguyen
By Janie Cheaney |
Saving H'Non beautifully employs a graphic-novel format to tell the true story of an animal rescue and faithful human stewardship. *Saving H’Non: Chang and the ...
Read More Janie’s Favorite Books, Old and New
By Janie Cheaney |
We are excited to be partnering with Story Glory Kids for our Winter Book Fair this year! In the past, we linked to amazon for ...
Read More Hayley’s Favorite Books, Old and New
By Hayley Morell |
We are excited to be partnering with Story Glory Kids for our Winter Book Fair this year! In the past, we linked to amazon for ...
Read More All of a Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins and Paul O. Zelinsky
By Janie Cheaney |
All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah is a fun way to introduce this Jewish holiday to young children. All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins, illustrated by Paul O. ...
Read More The Winterton Deception 1: Final Word by Janet Sumner Johnson
By Janie Cheaney |
Final Word introduces the Winterton family, dictionary magnates with lots of money and plenty of secrets to hide. The Winterton Deception 1: Final Word by ...
Read More Megan’s Favorite Books, Old and New
By Megan Saben |
We are excited to be partnering with Story Glory Kids for our Winter Book Fair this year! In the past, we linked to amazon for ...
Read More Hidden: A Child’s Story of the Holocaust by Loic Dauvillier
By Janie Cheaney |
Hidden: A Child’s Story of the Holocaust is a suitable introduction for grades 2-4 to this terrible chapter in history. Hidden: A Child’s Story of ...
Read More Betsy’s Favorite Books, Old and New
By Betsy Farquhar |
We are excited to be partnering with Storyglory Kids for our Winter Book Fair this year! In the past, we linked to amazon for all ...
Read More *Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by Richard Adams, James Sturm, and Joe Sutphin
By Janie Cheaney |
The graphic-novel version of Watership Down combines the dramatic force of the original story with winning art. *Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by Richard Adams, ...
Read More The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
By Megan Saben |
Bruno is a 9yo German boy living during World War II who isn't happy with his father's new work assignment until he makes a friend ...
Read More *Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmith & Boulet
By Hayley Morell |
Calvin and Hobbes meets the Nickelodeon channel to retell Beowulf in a colorful, creative, graphic novel. Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmith & Boulet. First Second, ...
Read More Christian Christmas Picture Books Round-Up
By Betsy Farquhar |
Christian Christmas Picture Books Round-Up: Holy Night and Little Star, 'Twas the Night, The Nativity, and The Animals Speak Today we're highlighting Christian Christmas picture ...
Read More Traditional Christmas Picture Books: A Roundup
By Janie Cheaney |
The Chimney Problem, the decorating dilemma, a pesky pigeon, and a reformed Grinch take center stage in four new Christmas picture books. Those of us ...
Read More Tomie DePaola Christmas Picture Books Round-Up
By Betsy Farquhar |
Tomie DePaola Christmas Picture Books Round-Up Tomie DePaola was a truly prolific (and much beloved) picture book creator. His illustrations are recognizable anywhere. We're only ...
Read More The Hiding Place, A Christmas Carol, Hinds Feet on High Places, and Les Miserables: An Engaging Visual Journey
By Megan Saben |
The four books in the Engaging Visual Journey series provide beautiful, dignified forms to stories that are dearly loved spiritual classics. The Hiding Place by ...
Read More A Stubborn Sweetness by Katherine Paterson
By Betsy Farquhar |
"A Stubborn Sweetness" is one of 15 short stories that celebrate the truth, beauty, and goodness of the real meaning of Christmas. A Stubborn Sweetness ...
Read More Children of Israel: Our Book List of Jewish Life, History, and Culture
By Janie Cheaney |
The terrifying attack on Israel on October 7 has brought new awareness to the ancient phenomenon of antisemitism. Though small in number (and reduced by ...
Read More *Memories of Survival by Esther Nisenthal Krinitz and Bernice Steinhardt
By Megan Saben |
A Jewish woman who lived through World War II in Poland and had to hide in order to survive tells her story through fabric and ...
Read More Wicked History Series: Henry VIII, Leopold II, and Rasputin
By Betsy Farquhar |
A Wicked History: A nonfiction book about a historical figure who was, well, wicked! Nonfiction series for the middle school age-range vary quite a bit ...
Read More Nothing Else but Miracles by Kate Albus
By Janie Cheaney |
Nothing Else but Miracles features a spunky and imaginative protagonist making the most of hardships on the WWII home front. Nothing Else but Miracles by ...
Read More A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes and Jerry Pinkney
By Janie Cheaney |
A Walk in the Woods features Jerry Pinkney’s last illustrations in a sensitive portrayal of childhood grief. A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes, ...
Read More Music for the End of Time by Jen Bryant
By Megan Saben |
Music for the End of time is a picture book biography, a story of hope found through creating beauty in the midst of affliction. Music ...
Read More Which Version of The Diary of Anne Frank Is Best?
By Betsy Farquhar |
A lengthy post in which Betsy seeks to answer some of the many questions she and the RR team have received over the past several ...
Read More The Weary World Rejoices, edited by Melissa Kruger
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Weary World Rejoices is a collection of Advent readings from the Gospel Coalition that relate to the Advent wreath. For teens and up. The ...
Read More Awaiting the Manger by Ocieanna Fleiss
By Betsy Farquhar |
Awaiting the Manger, an Advent devotional for teens and up, uses stories from the Old Testament to point to the coming of Jesus. Awaiting the ...
Read More He Came Down From Heaven by Laurel Sauder
By Betsy Farquhar |
He Came Down From Heaven offers 25 days of biblical readings and cultural enrichment for families who celebrate Advent. He Came Down From Heaven: A ...
Read More *Enemies in the Orchard by Dana VanderLugt
By Janie Cheaney |
In Enemies in the Orchard, an American girl and a German POW discover a shared humanity among the tragedy of war. *Enemies in the Orchard ...
Read More *The Miracle Seed by Martin Lemelman
By Janie Cheaney |
The Miracle Seed tells the amazing story of how a tree extinct for a millennium came back to life. *The Miracle Seed by Martin Lemelman. ...
Read More *Seeds of America Trilogy by Laurie Halse Anderson
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Seeds of America Trilogy powerfully examines some of the complex ideas of the American Revolution: freedom, justice, and equality for all. Seeds of America ...
Read More Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Fever 1793: Yellow fever sweeps through Philadelphia, challenging young Mattie to the core in this historical fiction novel for young teens. Fever 1793 by Laurie ...
Read More Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke
By Janie Cheaney |
Ben Hatke’s graphic novel Things in the Basement takes an intrepid protagonist through centuries of art and symbolism. Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke. ...
Read More *The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo
By Janie Cheaney |
The Puppets of Spelhorst is a bittersweet fairy tale with engaging characters and an enthralling conclusion. *The Puppets of Spelhorst: A Norendy Tale by Kate ...
Read More The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day
By Janie Cheaney |
The Mona Lisa Vanishes tells of an astonishing theft while tracing the background of the world’s most famous painting. The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary ...
Read More Retro Reads: The Rescuers by Margery Sharp
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Rescuers by Margery Sharp offers fun, old-fashioned storytelling that bears little resemblance to the Disney movie. The Rescuers by Margery Sharp, illustrated by Garth ...
Read More Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons, 20th Anniversary Edition
By Megan Saben |
Those who love dragons and long for more lore will find this field guide an excellent companion. Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons, 20th Anniversary ...
Read More *Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider by Jessica Lanan
By Megan Saben |
A girl and a spider share adventures. Don't overlook this masterpiece of creation that probably lives in your own backyard. *Jumper: A Day in the ...
Read More *The Vanderbeekers Ever After by Karina Yan Glaser
By Janie Cheaney |
The Vanderbeeker family faces their greatest challenge yet in this last volume of a beloved series. The Vanderbeekers Ever After is one of our Readers' ...
Read More While Everyone Is Sleeping by Sarah Mackenzie
By Betsy Farquhar |
While Everyone Is Sleeping is a sweet bedtime book, perfect for cozy nights. While Everyone Is Sleeping by Sarah Mackenzie and illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard. ...
Read More *Charis in the World of Wonders by Marly Youmans
By Betsy Farquhar |
Charis in the World of Wonders is a richly satisfying novel of a young Puritan woman who learns much about the world and herself through ...
Read More 100 Things to Know About Inventions by Clive Gifford
By Megan Saben |
A fun, visual book about the history of inventions and some relationships between them, ideal for those who are mechanically minded. 100 Things to Know ...
Read More Chinese Menu by Grace Lin
By Janie Cheaney |
Chinese Menu traces the origin of everybody’s favorite Chinese dishes, from wonton soup to rice fortune cookies. Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends behind ...
Read More The Brilliant Calculator: How Mathematician Edith Clarke Helped Electrify America by Jan Lower
By Megan Saben |
The Brilliant Calculator is a good introduction to a woman engineer whose work allows us to communicate better. For that, I am grateful. The Brilliant ...
Read More *William’s House by Ginger Howard
By Megan Saben |
Wouldn't it make sense that a house built in the style of a home in England would work just as well in America? *William's House ...
Read More Code of Silence and Back Before Dark by Tim Shoemaker
By Betsy Farquhar |
A heart-pounding mystery series, with hidden twists and turns at every corner and a powerful message. Note: this is a guest review. See below for ...
Read More Impossible Christianity by Kevin DeYoung
By Betsy Farquhar |
Impossible Christianity is a breath of fresh air for those Christians feeling weighed down by false guilt over unbiblical expectations. Impossible Christianity by Kevin DeYoung. ...
Read More Gertie: The Darling Duck of WWII by Shari Swanson
By Megan Saben |
A sweet story about a mother duck whose unusual nesting spot provided a welcome diversion from from the war, both in local news and beyond. ...
Read More Impossible Escape by Steve Sheinkin
By Janie Cheaney |
Impossible Escape tells the story of one determined teenager who survived Auschwitz and became one of the first to reveal details of the Holocaust. Impossible ...
Read More The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall by Ali Standish
By Janie Cheaney |
The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall series imagines the mysterious education of a classic mystery writer. The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall by Ali Standish. ...
Read More Maps, by Eleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski
By Janie Cheaney |
Maps is an oversize and endlessly browseable collection of hand-drawn maps of most of the world. Maps by Eleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski. Candlewick, 2013, ...
Read More God, You Are by William R. Osborne
By Janie Cheaney |
God, You Are introduces young children to God’s character and attributes in a warm devotional setting. God, You Are: 20 Promises from the Psalms for ...
Read More *The Carver and the Queen by Emma Fox
By Betsy Farquhar |
An adventurous fairy tale set in Imperial Russia, perfect for teens who enjoy books like The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis. *The Carver and ...
Read More 5 Ways to Encourage Art Appreciation with Picture Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
When are children old enough to begin appreciating quality art? As soon as they start looking at picture books. Note: even though this post references ...
Read More The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass
By Janie Cheaney |
The Lost Library is thin on theme, but warm hearted and family-friendly. The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. Feiwel and Friends, 2023, ...
Read More What Came From the Stars by Gary D. Schmidt
By Betsy Farquhar |
What Came From the Stars is mysterious, offering hope for those grieving and illuminating the strange power of art. What Came From the Stars by ...
Read More Dust by Dusti Bowling
By Janie Cheaney |
Dust is the story of an asthma sufferer challenged to “use her breath” to fight a wrong. Dust by Dusti Bowling. Little, Brown, 2023, 328 ...
Read More YA Graphic Novels: Graceling, Cheshire Crossing & Lore Olympus
By Hayley Morell |
A rapid fire round up of three YA graphic novels for mature teen readers. Graceling by Kristin Cashore, adapted and illustrated by Gareth Hinds. Clarion ...
Read More Once There Was by Kiyash Monsef
By Hayley Morell |
In the tradition of Susan Cooper, a lyrical, dark fantasy for mature middle grade readers. Once There Was by Kiyash Monsef. Simon & Schuster Books ...
Read More SmART: Use Your Eyes to Boost Your Brain by Amy E. Herman
By Janie Cheaney |
SmART, a young-reader version of the best-seller Visual Intelligence, employs art as a way of teaching observation and interpretation. SmART: Use Your Eyes to Boost ...
Read More Authority vs. Anarchy: A Book List for Teens
By Betsy Farquhar |
Authority vs. Anarchy: Opposites? Two sides of the same coin? Romans 13 reminds us to obey our governing (civic) authorities. Exodus 20 and Ephesians 6 ...
Read More The Switch by Roland Smith
By Janie Cheaney |
A 13-year-old boy must help his large family survive an ElectroMagnetic Pulse in The Switch. The Switch by Roland Smith. Scholastic, 2022, 303 pages. Reading ...
Read More Sparrow Being Sparrow by Gail Donovan
By Janie Cheaney |
Sparrow Being Sparrow introduces a likeable heroine with some impulsive ways that are open to correction. Sparrow Being Sparrow by Gail Donovan, illustrated by Elysia ...
Read More Beneath the Swirling Sky by Carolyn Leiloglou
By Megan Saben |
Vincent and his cousin Georgia travel through the Corridor and art masterpieces to rescue Vincent's little sister while trying to undo the villainous efforts of ...
Read More Reading Ancient Literature with High School Students
By Betsy Farquhar |
Some of us love ancient literature, especially the great Homeric epics. Others shudder at the thought. I'm in the former camp, but I haven't always ...
Read More Stuff Kids Should Know by Clark and Bryant
By Janie Cheaney |
Stuff Kids Should Know draws from a popular podcast to detail the fascinating histories behind some everyday realities. Stuff Kids Should Know: The Mind-Blowing Histories ...
Read More The Story of Gumluck the Wizard by Adam Rex
By Janie Cheaney |
Gumluck the Wizard is a charming chapter-book character with some humorous misapprehensions. The Story of Gumluck the Wizard (Book One) by Adam Rex. Chronicle Books, ...
Read More Nonfiction Picture Books: We Are Starlings, Great Carrier Reef, The Book of Turtles
By Janie Cheaney |
We Are Starlings: Inside the Mesmerizing Magic of a Murmuration by Robert Furrow & Donna Jo Napoli, illustrated by Marc Martin. Random House Studio, 2023, ...
Read More Quicksilver by R. J. Anderson
By Hayley Morell |
In an engaging sci-fi thriller, one girl attempts to outrun her past while discovering her true identity. Quicksilver by R. J. Anderson. Carolrhoda Lab, 2013. 320 ...
Read More Ultraviolet by R. J. Anderson
By Janie Cheaney |
A first-person psychological thriller inside one young woman's remarkable consciousness. Ultraviolet, by R. J. Anderson. Carolrhoda Lab, 2011, 303 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, Ages 14-upRecommended ...
Read More Starboard by Nicola Skinner
By Janie Cheaney |
Starboard takes a young reality-TV star on an involuntary voyage of self-discovery. Starboard by Nicola Skinner. Harper 2023 (US edition), 398 pages. Reading Level: Middle ...
Read More Portraits of Faith: *Pilipinto and God’s Servant Ruth
By Janie Cheaney |
A missionary daughter in the 20th century and a pagan-born woman of ancient Israel offer two inspiring examples of faithfulness in difficult circumstances. *Pilipinto: The ...
Read More My Head Has a Bellyache and More Nonsense by Chris Harris
By Megan Saben |
Poems about nail clippings, sausages, and page numbers?! Yes, and many more. My Head Has a Bellyache and More Nonsense by Chris Harris, illustrated by ...
Read More The Most of P. G. Wodehouse by P. G. Wodehouse
By Hayley Morell |
An excellent introduction to P. G. Wodehouse via his short stories and one delightful novella. The Most of P.G. Wodehouse by P. G. Wodehouse, Touchstone, 2000. ...
Read More Teaching the Faith: *The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism
By Janie Cheaney |
A new edition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism uses cartoon illustrations as an aid to understanding and discussion. *The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism in Modern ...
Read More A Kid’s Guide to Backyard Bugs by Eliza Berkowitz
By Megan Saben |
Fascinating, familiar specimens of insects AND arachnids are found in this lovely guide for young naturalists. A Kid's Guide to Backyard Bugs by Eliza Berkowitz, ...
Read More How to Stay Invisible by Maggie C. Rudd
By Janie Cheaney |
In How to Stay Invisible, an abandoned boy attempts to make it on his own and discovers he needs other people. How to Stay Invisible ...
Read More Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney Mysteries (Books 1 & 2) by Claudia Gray
By Hayley Morell |
Mysteries involving Jane Austen characters? That is the premise of Claudia Gray's recent mystery series suitable for mature teen readers as well as adults. As ...
Read More Ginny Off the Map by Caroline Hickey
By Janie Cheaney |
In Ginny off the Map, a geography-obsessed sixth-grader learns to meet people where they are and find “true north” in her own family. Ginny Off ...
Read More *Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins
By Hayley Morell |
Hope in the Valley captures one girl’s momentous summer as she processes grief, grapples with change, and finds her own voice along the way. Hope ...
Read More The McNifficents by Amy Mckechnie
By Janie Cheaney |
The McNifficents are a family of rambunctious kids corralled by a perceptive and conscientious Schnauzer. The McNifficents by Amy Makechnie. Simon & Schuster, 2023, 310 ...
Read More The Windeby Puzzle: History and Story by Lois Lowry
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Windeby Puzzle is half history and half story: Lowry allows young readers to peer behind the curtain into the process of creating a work ...
Read More In the Tunnel by Julie Lee
By Janie Cheaney |
In the Tunnel takes readers into the savagery and family upheaval of the Korean War . In the Tunnel by Julie Lee. Holiday House, 2023, ...
Read More Race against Death by Deborah Hopkinson
By Janie Cheaney |
Race against Death surveys the fall of the Philippines during WWII, the fate of American prisoners left there, and the bold plan to rescue them ...
Read More Comics: Whys, Hows, and Wherefores
By Janie Cheaney |
(Originally published at Redeemed Reader on November 27, 2013) Most kids enjoy comics or their upscale cousins, graphic novels. Of those who enjoy them, many ...
Read More Gladys Hunt on Re-issues: Good, Bad, and Ugly
By Janie Cheaney |
A story betrayed Originally published on the Tumblon website January 29, 2010 It’s sometimes like wandering into unknown territory if you’ve had favorite books in ...
Read More Summer Fun Ahead: a Picture Book Tour
By Janie Cheaney |
(Originally published at Redeemed Reader on May 21, 2013) The Not-for-Parents Travel Book, Lonely Planet Publications, 2011, 207 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 ...
Read More Alternative Physics: Larklight
By Janie Cheaney |
(Originally posted at Redeemed Reader on July 27, 2013) The Larklight Trilogy, by Philip Reeve, decorated throughout by David Wyatt: Larklight (2006), Starcross (2007), Mothstorm ...
Read More Batter Up! Books About Baseball (a Librarian’s List)
By Betsy Farquhar |
(Originally published at Redeemed Reader on May 27, 2013; updated July, 2023) Aside from the beach, nothing says "summertime" and "American" more than a game ...
Read More Talking About Money
By Janie Cheaney |
(Originally published at Redeemed Reader on June 1, 2012) We think of summertime as beach days, catch-up-on-our-reading days, vacation days, camp days (more on that ...
Read More Beach Books! (Librarians’ List)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Originally published at Redeemed Reader on June 6, 2014. Of course a professional book reviewer and librarian takes books with her to the beach—for herself ...
Read More *Land of Hope by Wilfred McClay
By Janie Cheaney |
Land of Hope offers a balanced, positive, and often inspiring view of American history--now available in student workbook, teacher's guide, and young-reader editions! *Land of ...
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