Book Reviews

The Raconteur’s Commonplace Book by Kate Milford

15 storytellers each tell a mesmerizing tale for the Raconteur's Commonplace book, a book as clever as any Milford has written. The Raconteur's Commonplace Book ...
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Picture Books about 9/11: The Survivor Tree

Three new picture books about the Trade Center "Survivor Tree" help children relate to the events of 9/11. As we approach the 20th anniversary of ...
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J. R. R. Tolkien for Kids by Simonetta Carr

An interactive biographical introduction to Tolkien with 21 activities, J. R. R. Tolkien for Kids is perfect for middle grade Tolkien enthusiasts. J. R. R. ...
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Happy “We Love Memoirs” Day!

It’s for real—two memoir writers cooked it up on Facebook almost two decades ago and their page has over 5000 followers who throw an online ...
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Right Cross by Andrew Huff

John and Christine face the most nefarious villain yet in Right Cross, the conclusion to the Shepherd Suspense Trilogy. Right Cross (Shepherd Suspense #3) by ...
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Weird Kid by Greg Van Eekhout

Weird Kid blends humor with the "aliens among us" theme to make an entertaining read for middle graders, (especially boys). Weird Kid by Greg van ...
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Fun Read-Alouds: Dakota Crumb, How to Make a Friend, and I Can Make a Train Noise

Three new picture books offer sure-fire hooks for preschoolers and primary-graders alike. I Can Make a Train Noise by Michael Emberley and Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick. Holiday ...
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Stealing Home: Jackie Robinson against the odds

Stealing Home: Jackie Robinson Against the Odds by Robert Burleigh. Simon & Schuster, 2007. 32 pages. Reading level: Picture books, ages 4-8, ages 8-10Recommended for: ...
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*Steeped in Stories by Mitali Perkins: a Discussion

Steeped in Stories is a winsome, thought-provoking celebration of some beloved classics: a Redeemed Reader discussion. *Steeped in Stories: Timeless Children's Novels to Refresh Our ...
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Franklin Endicott and the Third Key by Kate DiCamillo

Franklin Endicott learns to appreciate mystery and story instead of worrying in this delightful chapter book from Kate DiCamillo. Franklin Endicott and the Third Key: ...
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*Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies by Marilyn McEntyre

Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies makes readers think through how to be better stewards of words. *Caring for Words in a Culture ...
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Stones and Stories by Judith E. Anderson

Stones and Stories is a concise primer on literary analysis and hermeneutics, building off the intriguing extended metaphor of stones. Stones and Stories: A Primer ...
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Reading Afghanistan

For a country many of us can't even point to on a map, Afghanistan has held a consequential place in world history. This mountainous district ...
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A Cookie Story Tea

A cookie story tea is a great place to share my personally developed recipe for chocolate chip cookies. May these books enhance your pleasure in ...
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On the Hook by Francisco X. Stork

The protagonist of Francisco Stork’s latest novel finds himself “on the hook” when his lust for revenge can’t be satisfied. On the Hook by Francisco ...
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My Tech-Wise Life by Amy Crouch and Andy Crouch

A teen challenges her fellow teens to make smart decisions about technology in My Tech-Wise Life. My Tech-Wise Life: Growing up and Making Choices in ...
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Homer on the Case by Henry Cole

Homer, a literate homing pigeon, uses his unusual skills to solve a mystery, in this gentle story for young middle-graders. Homer on the Case by ...
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Aven Green, Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling

Chapter-book readers will enjoy meeting Aven Green, the no-armed protagonist of the "Life of a Cactus" books. Aven Green, Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling, with ...
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The Vast Wonder of the World by Mélina Mangal

The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just by Mélina Mangal. Millbrook Press, 2018, 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 4-8Recommended for: ...
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Enduring Freedom by Jawad Arash and Trent Reedy

An American soldier and Afghan interpreter become life-long friends during Operation Enduring Freedom. Enduring Freedom by Jawad Arash and Trent Reedy. Algonquin, 2021, 354 pages. ...
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Crossing the Stream by Elizabeth-Irene Baitie

Crossing the Stream takes us to Africa, where a young teen is facing spiritual and practical challenges. Crossing the Stream by Elizabeth-Irene Baitie. Norton, 2021, ...
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Picture-Book Roundup: Art and Artists

Three picture-book biographies introduce children to the work of three very distinct artists: Ben Shahn, Judith Scott, and Winslow Homer. The People’s Painter: How Ben ...
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Wombat Walkabout by Carol Diggory Shields

Wombat Walkabout features six furry siblings outwitting a hungry dingo. Wombat Walkabout by Carol Diggory Shields. Illustrated by Sophie Blackall. Dutton Children's Books, 2009, 32 ...
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High School American Literature: A Better Approach

High School American Literature: Often Dark and Depressing When I arrived at college, I was absolutely, 100% convinced that British lit was my jam. American ...
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The Republic of Birds by Jessica Miller

The Republic of Birds takes us to an alternate czarist Russia, where humans are at war with an avian nation. The Republic of Birds by ...
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John Klassen and Proverbs: A Guest Post from Sarah Hartman*

John Klassen's Hat trilogy beautifully illustrates timeless truths from the book of Proverbs. I Want My Hat Back (2011), This is Not My Hat (2012), ...
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*The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe by Tricia Springstubb

A shy, timid girl learns that "the most perfect thing in the universe" is right under her nose. *The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe ...
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Favorite High School Video Curricula for Homeschool or Enrichment

We are fans of BOOKS here at Redeemed Reader, to be sure. But we are also interested in raising up the next generation of writers ...
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Boy from Buchenwald by Robbie Waisman

Robbie Waisman, the "Boy from Buchenwald," tells a gripping story of suffering and a hard-won peace after World War II. Boy from Buchenwald: The True ...
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Outdoor School: Hiking and Camping by David and Blevins

The Outdoor School series offers interactive guides to experiencing, understanding, and appreciating nature. Outdoor School: Hiking and Camping by Jannifer Pharr Davis and Haley Blevins, ...
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Picture Book Roundup: Ordinary Wonders

The Night Walk, The Rescuer of Tiny Creatures, and The Lost Package focus on simple pleasures and everyday services we take for granted. The Night ...
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The Wisdom of Trees by Lita Judge

The Wisdom of Trees shows how trees function as a community in cooperation, not competition. The Wisdom of Trees: How Trees Work Together to Form ...
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The Way of the Hive by Jay Hosler

The Way of the Hive follows the life of a honeybee in clever graphic-novel style. The Way of the Hive: A Honey Bee’s Story by ...
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*The Ship of Stolen Words by Fran Wilde

The Ship of Stolen Words is light, enjoyable fantasy anchored by a worthy theme. *The Ship of Stolen Words by Fran Wilde. Abrams, 2021, 386 ...
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STEM in the World Series by Marne Ventura

STEM is vital to sports! Ventura shows young readers how physics, technology, engineering, and math work in baseball's favorite event. STEM in the World Series ...
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Wordsmith Curriculum Review: A Writing Curriculum by our own Janie Cheaney

NOTE: We're taking a week off our Summer Reading Challenge to think ahead about the coming school year. Welcome to Wordsmith Week! Leading off with ...
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*Reading and Talking about Sexuality

*Note, this post engages with sexuality and includes conversation and books that are suitable for teens and adults. I was hiking in Europe. A French ...
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America My Love, America My Heart by Daria Riley

America My Love, America My Heart expresses complex emotions about the author's home country. America My Love, America My Heart by Daria Peoples Riley. Greenwillow, ...
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Critter Jitters by Jory John

The “Critter Jitters” series tackles the anxieties of young children in a humorous, reassuring way. Summer Camp Critter Jitters and First Day Critter Jitters by ...
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*American History by Thomas Kidd

Interesting and readable, American History by Thomas Kidd is an outstanding resource for high school Christian students and teachers. *American History by Thomas Kidd. B&H ...
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Strong Voices: Fifteen American Speeches Worth Knowing, selected and introduced by Tonya Bolden

Strong Voices shares fifteen great American speeches from men and women throughout America's history. Strong Voices: Fifteen American Speeches Worth Knowing, selected and introduced by ...
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Juneteenth Roundup

Juneteenth, our newest national holiday, commemorates the 19th of June, 1865, when slaves in Texas learned of their emancipation. These four books offer experiential perspectives ...
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Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee

The biracial heroine of Luck of the Titanic sees dreams fulfilled just before disaster strikes, in this romantic thriller. Luck of the Titanic by Stacey ...
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Loot and Sting by Jude Watson

Loot and Sting are light-hearted "heist" novels for middle grades. Loot and Sting by Jude Watson. Scholastic, 2015 (Loot) and 2017 (Sting). 272 pages (both). ...
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City Spies Series by James Ponti

City Spies is a fun, middle grades mystery series featuring undercover teen spies from around the world, each with a special talent. City Spies Series ...
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Mad for Ads by Erica Fyvie

Mad for Ads opens the eyes of readers to the countless ways they are data-mined and targeted for advertising. Mad for Ads: How Advertising Gets ...
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*Recovering the Lost Art of Reading by Leland Ryken and Glenda Faye Mathes

Recovering the Lost Art of Reading invites readers to reconsider how and why they read; it offers ideas and suggestions for Christians who want to ...
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Teaflet & Roog Make a Mess by Jeanne Birdsall

Tousle-haired siblings Teaflet & Roog narrowly avert a domestic disaster in this chapter book by Penderwicks author Jeanne Birdsall. Teaflet & Roog Make a Mess ...
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Atlantis: The Accidental Invasion by Gregory Mone

This series-opener promises a clash of civilizations between Earth’s terra firma and the “lost” continent of Atlantis. Atlantis #1: The Accidental Invasion by Gregory Mone. ...
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God Made Me for Worship by Jared Kennedy

Author Jared Kennedy uses Isaiah 6 as a model for explaining the liturgy, in God Made Me for Worship God Made Me for Worship: Helping ...
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The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst by Jaclyn Moriarty

The familiar “child of destiny” trope receives a fresh, funny, and magical twist in The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst. The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst by ...
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The Overthrow Series by Kenneth Oppel: Bloom, Hatch, and Thrive

The fast-paced Overthrow sci-fi series by Kenneth Oppel raises interesting questions for young teens. The Overthrow Series by Kenneth Oppel. Knopf Books for Young Readers. ...
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Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (Awesomely Austen Series)

The "Awesomely Austen" series makes Jane Austen accessible to elementary-age readers. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by Katherine Woodfine, illustrated by Eglantine Ceulemans. Hodder Children’s ...
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Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price

Add Pride and Premeditation, a “Jane Austen Murder Mystery” to your YA shelf for a light, amusing summertime diversion. Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price. ...
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*Tree Street Kids: Jack vs. the Tornado and The Hunt for Fang

Authentic characters and classic themes shine in a God-honoring series about Jack, his sister, friendship, and a great clubhouse. Tree Street Kids series by Amanda ...
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Picture Books about Refugees: Watercress, Yang Warriors, and The Suitcase

Two memoirs and one parable show children how to have sympathy for refugees, even within their own family. Watercress by Andrea Yang, illustrated by Jason ...
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A Shot in the Arm! by Don Brown

A Shot in the Arm traces the history of vaccination in graphic-novel format, from the 18th century to the present day. A Shot in the ...
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We Wait for the Sun by Katie McCabe

We Wait for the Sun is a sweet recollection demonstrating how love shines through all difficult life circumstances. We Wait for the Sun by Dovey ...
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Unspeakable by Carole Boston Weatherford

Unspeakable exposes a terrible chapter in American history but ends in hope for reconciliation. Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by ...
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The Great Gatsby in Graphic Novel Form

Hayley and Betsy discuss the excellent, new graphic novel adaptation of The Great Gatsby adapted by K. Woodman-Maynard (Candlewick, 2021). First Impressions of The Great ...
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Jonesy Flux and the Gray Legion by James Pray

Jonesy Flux is a spunky space voyager with unsuspected potential, in this action-packed science fiction debut. Jonesy Flux and the Gray Legion by James Pray. ...
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Teaching Kids Church History

Today, we're happy to welcome a friend of mine and fellow writer, Christina Fox, to RR. Christina is a real life friend of mine, as ...
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Picture-book Roundup: The Floating Field, *Hugo and the Impossible Thing, Yes & No

Three outstanding new picture books demonstrate how life is better when we work together. The Floating Field: How a Group of Thai Boys Built Their ...
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War and Millie McGonigle by Karen Cushman

Millie McGonigle is an appealing 12-year-old who is struggling to deal with tough things in life, like death and war. War and Millie McGonigle by ...
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2021 Summer Reading: Faith & Fortitude Is Here!

2021 Summer Reading Theme We're very excited about the 2021 summer reading theme: Faith & Fortitude: the EPIC Story of God's People. Why? We're big ...
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The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody

The Accidental Apprentice kicks off this middle-grade fantasy series with a rush of wind and a menagerie of fantastic Beasts. The Accidental Apprentice (Wilderlore vol. ...
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Thornwood by Leah Cypess

Thornwood recasts the tale of Sleeping Beauty as a castle-bound mystery, with twists and turns at every corner. Thornwood by Leah Cypress. Delacorte Press, 2021, ...
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The House that Wasn’t There by Elana K. Arnold

In The House That Wasn't There, neighbors start off on the wrong foot, but soon discover a mysterious connection. The House That Wasn’t There by ...
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Adulting 101, Book 2: #liveyourbestlife

Adulting 101, Book 2 is an excellent graduation gift idea or resource for teens heading to college or into the workforce. Adulting 101, Book 2: ...
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5 Minutes in Church History and In the Year of Our Lord

5 Minutes in Church History and In the Year of Our Lord each view church history through an engaging and refreshing lens. ***Giveaway Is Now ...
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Another Kingdom series by Andrew Klavan

Andrew Klavan's recently concluded gritty fantasy trilogy is a series for adults, not teens. Another Kingdom series by Andrew Klavan. Turner Publishing. Reading Level: Adult ...
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Graduation Gift List

Need a graduation gift idea for a new or recent graduate? We've got you covered! 'Tis the season when many young men and women doff ...
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The Best Pet of All and Bertha Takes a Drive

The Best Pet of All and Bertha Takes a Drive are picture books about boys and moms. In the first, a boy asks his mom ...
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Sidney & Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World by Jacqueline Davis

The Sidney & Taylor series introduces a pair of wild-animal friends whose personalities lead them into humorous misadventures Sidney & Taylor Explore the Whole Wide ...
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Doggo and Pupper by Katherine Applegate

Doggo and Pupper, a new chapter-book series, features an old dog learning new tricks and a new dog learning responsibility. Doggo and Pupper by Katherine ...
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*Truths We Confess by R. C. Sproul

Truths We Confess is a concise, accessible, and systematic exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith, perfect for seniors, new graduates, and Sunday school groups. ...
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Character picture books: Twenty-One Steps, Bartali’s Bicycle, and Nelson Mandela’s Plan

Three nonfiction picture books offer examples of faithful service, reconciliation, and self-sacrifice. Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Jeff Gottesfeld, illustrated ...
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The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family by Sarah Kepit

The Finkels, a close-knit but complicated Jewish family, pose mysteries for the two middle sisters. The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family by Sarah Kepit. ...
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*Surviving Religion 101 by Michael Kruger

With Surviving Religion 101, a Christian father and scholar arms his daughter against attacks on Christianity from skeptical professors and students. *Surviving Religion 101: Letters ...
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*Kiyoshi’s Walk by Mark Karlins

In a simple, direct way, Kiyoshi’s Walk answers the question, “Where  do poems come from?” *Kiyoshi’s Walk by Mark Karlins, illustrated by Nicole Wong. Lee ...
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*Proverbs For You and Solomon Says: 2 Books for Graduates

Two recent, excellent books on Proverbs offer biblical wisdom and counsel, perfect for new graduates. Note: both of these books target new adults (and up). ...
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Thought-Provoking YA Fantasy

Between the two, The Theft of Sunlight and Into the Heartless Wood take on fairytales, humanity, and the complex web of sex trafficking. Into the ...
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Meltdown by Dierdre Langeland

Meltdown traces the events that might have led to nuclear Armageddon in Fukishima, Japan, 2011. Meltdown: Earthquake, Tsunami, and Nuclear Disaster in Fukushima by Dierdre ...
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The Hedgehog of Oz by Cory Leonardo

The Hedgehog of Oz is a tribute to Oz from the perspective of a very small but determined hedgehog. The Hedgehog of Oz by Cory ...
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*Tell God How You Feel by Christina Fox

Tell God How You Feel equips parents and teachers to help kids with hard emotions from a biblical framework. *Tell God How You Feel: Helping ...
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*A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus

Young readers will find kindred spirits in A Place to Hang the Moon, a story of three displaced children in wartime Britain. *A Place to ...
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Across the Pond by Joy McCullough

A young teen who's lost her footing at home must reestablish herself in a castle "Across the Pond." Across the Pond by Joy McCullough. Atheneum, ...
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Beatrix Potter, Scientist by Lindsay H. Metcalf

Her scientific ambitions were dashed, but Beatrix Potter turned the natural world into beloved art. Beatrix Potter, Scientist by Lindsay H. Metcalf, illustrated by Junyi ...
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*Amber & Clay by Laura Amy Schlitz

Amber & Clay is a fascinating immersion into classic Greek civilization, seen through the eyes of two children, Socrates the sage, and a host of ...
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The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd

An intriguing mystery for middle grades: what happens when someone gets on the London Eye, a closed system, and doesn't get off? The London Eye ...
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*Go and Do Likewise! by John Hendrix

In Go and Do Likewise, as in Miracle Man, John Hendrix offers a fresh take on the life and teachings of Christ. *Go and Do ...
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The Golden Age Detective Stories

This is an abridged version of the article Reading the Golden Age that originally appeared in our Fall 2020 Quarterly. Who murdered ____?  Is it ...
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Rescue by Jennifer A. Nielsen

In Rescue, a 12-year-old girl joins the French Resistance to free her father from the Nazis. Rescue by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Scholastic, 2021, 379 pages. ...
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Recent Picture Books About Families

One Little Bag, A Piece of Home, and Me & Mama are lovely books about families, relationships, and ordinary traditions. One Little Bag: An Amazing ...
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The One Thing You’d Save by Linda Sue Park

The One Thing You’d Save asks middle-graders in a fictional classroom to consider the value they give material objects. The One Thing You’d Save by ...
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*The Promise by Jason Helopoulos

The Promise takes readers from the beginning of God’s story through the fulfillment of his redemptive purpose, with striking illustrations and compelling prose. *The Promise: ...
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Bible Infographics for Kids

Bible Infographics for Kids presents Bible facts and concepts in an entertaining, memorable way. Bible Infographics for Kids by Harvest House Publishers, illustrated by Brian ...
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Bible Review: NLV Brave Boys and Courageous Girls

The Bible for Brave Boys and The Bible for Courageous Girls: New Life Version. Barbour, 2020, 944 pages (text size unavailable) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...
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Bible Review: NLT Girls Life Application Study Bible

NLT Girls Life Application Study Bible. Tyndale House, 2016, 1568 pages (8 point font). Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: Ages 9-13 Girls ...
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Too Small Tola by Atinuke

Too Small Tola, by the creator of Anna Hibiscus, introduces a winsome little girl growing up in Lagos, Nigeria Too Small Tola by Atinuke, illustrated ...
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