Book Reviews
Picture Books about Transportation: From Here to There, Rescuing Titanic, and Hope at Sea
By Janie Cheaney |
From Here to There: Inventions that Changed the Way the World Moves by Vivian Kirkfield, illustrated by Gilbert Ford. HM, 2021, 82 pages plus notes, ...
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2022 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Roundup: Vamos! Let’s Cross the Bridge, Bright Star, and May Your Life Be Deliciosa
By Janie Cheaney |
The Pura Belpré award honors “Latinx writers and illustrators whose books portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience.” This year the ALA named one ...
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Ambushed! by Gail Jarrow
By Janie Cheaney |
Ambushed!, winner of this year's YALSA Award for nonfiction, is the absorbing, day-by-day account of of a presidential assassination and its aftermath. Ambushed! The Assassination ...
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The Apostles’ Creed by Ben Myers
By Betsy Farquhar |
A vibrantly illustrated picture book that helps parents explain the historic Apostles' Creed to their children. The Apostles' Creed: For All God's Children by Ben ...
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The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera
By Janie Cheaney |
The Last Cuentista, winner of this year’s Newbery medal is thought-provoking but leaves other thoughts unexplored. The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera. Levine ...
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2022 Newbery Honor Book Roundup: Red White and Whole, A Snake Falls to Earth, Watercress, Too Bright to See
By Janie Cheaney |
In our continuing coverage of ALA Youth Media Award winners, we're closing in on the big one: the Newbery! Red, White, and Whole by Rajanni ...
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2022 Schneider Family Middle-Grade Roundup: A Bird Will Soar, A Kind of Spark, Stuntboy in the Meantime
By Janie Cheaney |
The Schneider Family Book Award is given by the American Library Association for outstanding books "that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience. Last ...
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2022 Sidney Taylor Award Picture-Book Roundup: The Passover Guest, Nicky & Vera, Dear Mr. Dickens, and The Christmas Mitzvah
By Janie Cheaney |
The Sidney Taylor Award, named for the author of the classic All-of-a-Kind Family series, is presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries to "outstanding books ...
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Valentine’s Day Picture Books: Valentine, Be Mine, The House of Love, and Ballad of Valentine
By Megan Saben |
Three picture books about Valentine's Day: Valentine, Be Mine is practical, The House of Love invites the reader to anticipate a party at home with ...
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Murder on the Baltimore Express by Suzanne Jermain
By Janie Cheaney |
Plotted like a step-by-step thriller, Murder on the Baltimore Express tells how Abraham Lincoln almost didn't become president. Murder on the Baltimore Express: The Plot ...
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2022 Sidney Taylor Award MG Roundup: How to Find What You’re Not Looking For, The Genius Under the Table, and Linked
By Janie Cheaney |
The Sidney Taylor Award, named for the author of the classic All-of-a-Kind Family series, is presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries to "outstanding books ...
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2022 Schneider Family Picture-Book Roundup: My City Speaks, A Walk in the Words, and A Sky-Blue Bench
By Janie Cheaney |
The Schneider Family Book Awards are given annually by the American Library Association, for "books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience." Here's ...
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2022 Coretta Scott King Picture Book Roundup: Unspeakable, Nina, Soul Food Sunday, and More!
By Betsy Farquhar |
The 2022 Coretta Scott King Award The results for the 2022 Coretta Scott King Awards are IN! We already reviewed the winner, Unspeakable and one ...
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*Carved in Ebony by Jasmine Holmes
By Betsy Farquhar |
Carved in Ebony profiles 10 inspiring Black women, looking at their lives, their callings, and their faith. *Carved in Ebony: Lessons from the Black Women ...
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Sibert (nonfiction) Roundup: The People’s Painter, The Great Stink, We Are Still Here, Summertime Sleepers
By Janie Cheaney |
The Robert F. Sibert Award, announced by the American Library Association every January, names one to six outstanding nonfiction titles written for upper elementary and ...
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Picturing a Nation by Martin W. Sandler
By Janie Cheaney |
Picturing a Nation collects some of the best Great Depression photographs by the Farm Security Agency. Picturing a Nation: The Great Depression’s Finest Photographers Introduce ...
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2022 Geisel Roundup: Fox at Night, Nothing Fits a Dinosaur, I Hop, and Beak and Ally
By Megan Saben |
The 2022 Geisel Award: One Winner and Three Honors The results for the 2022 Geisel Award are IN! The Geisel Award is given to books ...
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Sports Books for Kids That Pack a Punch
By Betsy Farquhar |
Are you watching the Superbowl this month? Do you cheer for other sports at home? What about baseball? soccer? basketball? track? Do your sports fans ...
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2022 Caldecott Roundup: Watercress, Wonder Walkers, Have You Ever Seen a Flower?, Unspeakable, and Mel Fell
By Betsy Farquhar |
The 2022 Caldecott Award: One Winner and Four Honors The results for the 2022 Caldecott Award are IN! We reviewed the winner, Watercress, several months ...
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Set Me Free by Ann Clare LeZotte
By Janie Cheaney |
Set Me Free follows the further adventures of Mary Lambert, a deaf girl growing up in Martha's Vineyard at the turn of the 19th century. ...
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Final Season by Tim Green
By Janie Cheaney |
Final Season is a touching look at the short- and long-term effects of football on family life, personal value, and physical health. Final Season by ...
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2022 Newbery Buzz #5: Cuba in My Pocket
By Janie Cheaney |
Cuba in My Pocket (see our review) appears on many Newbery favorites lists right alongside Fallout, the book Megan and Betsy mulled over yesterday. In ...
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2022 Newbery Buzz #4: Fallout
By Betsy Farquhar |
Our annual Newbery Buzz Series is a series we run each January in which we discuss books with "Newbery Buzz." That is, books we've heard ...
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2022 Newbery Buzz #3: Gone to the Woods
By Janie Cheaney |
Today Betsy and Janie will take a closer look at Gone to the Woods, a memoir by prolific author Gary Paulsen. Paulsen has been a ...
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Nonfiction about Nature
By Megan Saben |
Reptiles Everywhere, Bruno the Beekeeper, A World of Plants, and Fungarium offer plenty of fascinating information about the natural world. Reptiles Everywhere by Camilla de ...
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2022 Newbery Buzz #2: The One Thing You’d Save
By Betsy Farquhar |
We've begun our annual Newbery Buzz Series: a series we run each January in which we discuss books with "Newbery Buzz." No one knows which ...
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2022 Newbery Buzz #1: The Beatryce Prophecy
By Betsy Farquhar |
It's time for our annual Newbery Buzz Series: a series we run each January in which we discuss books with "Newbery Buzz." That is, books ...
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Clues to the Universe by Christina Lee
By Janie Cheaney |
Two fatherless middle-graders find solace by joining together on a project and a quest. Clues to the Universe by Christina Lee. Quill Tree (HarperCollins), 2021, ...
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*The Double Dangerous Book for Boys
By Megan Saben |
The Double Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn, Arthur, and Cameron Iggulden is a clean, engaging, fascinating, and robust book for boys, just like the ...
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Race to the Bottom of the Earth by Rebecca F. Barone
By Janie Cheaney |
Race to the Bottom of the Earth details how four men, separated by 112 years, risk life and limb to become the first to conquer ...
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Newbery Roundup #1: DaVinci’s Cat, Playing the Cards You’re Dealt, Harry Versus the First 100 Days of School, and Black Boy Joy
By Janie Cheaney |
It’s that time of year when librarians across the nation eagerly await the announcement of the American Library Association’s Youth Media Awards, crossing fingers for ...
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Honey for a Child’s Heart, 50th Anniversary edition
By Megan Saben |
Honey for a Child's Heart is a beautiful guide full of book lists, a resource worth having in your home library. *Honey for a Child's ...
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Picture books for boys (and girls) who love action and humor
By Megan Saben |
A reader-inspired hunt for a roundup of favorite picture books for boys and girls who love action and humor A reader asks: "What I continue ...
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3 recent picture books for Advent and Christmas
By Megan Saben |
Looking for picture books for advent or Christmas to share with your own littles or give as a gift? Here are some to consider. A ...
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‘Twas the Season of Advent
By Megan Saben |
'Twas the Season of Advent is an advent devotional for littles that hearkens back to the classic poem "Twas the Night Before Christmas" but focuses ...
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Birdie’s Bargain by Katherine Paterson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Birdie makes a bargain with God in this middle grades book about a girl wrestling with faith, with God's love, and with relationships. Birdie's Bargain ...
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Bible Review: ESV Reformation Study Bible, Student Edition
By Betsy Farquhar |
ESV Reformation Study Bible, Student Edition. Ligonier, 2021, 2400 pages. Reading Level: Teens, 12 and up Recommended for: Ages 12 and up The ESV Reformation ...
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Treasury of Magical Tales from around the World by Donna Jo Napoli
By Janie Cheaney |
Veteran children’s author Donna Jo Napoli retells fairy- and folk tales from every continent, reflecting both local culture and common humanity. Treasury of Magical Tales ...
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*Tales from Deckawoo Drive Series by Kate DiCamillo
By Betsy Farquhar |
Deckawoo Drive: Home of Mercy Watson and her Neighbors Even though my children are all teenagers now, and long past the chapter book stage, we ...
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Flashlight Reads: Can’t-Put-‘Em-Down Books for All Ages
By Betsy Farquhar |
Flashlight Reads: Can't-Put-'Em-Down Books for the Kids (and Grown-ups) in Your Life Christmas break is one of those perfect, read-by-flashlight-under-the-covers breaks, isn't it? Days are ...
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Mighty Inside by Sundee T. Frazier
By Janie Cheaney |
An incoming freshman faces challenges of racism and stuttering in Mighty Inside. Mighty Inside by Sundee Frazier. Levine Querido (Scholastic), 2021, 230 pages Reading Level: ...
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Meals From Mars by Ben Sciacca
By Betsy Farquhar |
Jim and Malik confront their own prejudices as they simultaneously experience God's providence in a dangerous, complicated situation in this modern parable for teens and ...
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*The Swallow’s Flight by Hilary McKay
By Janie Cheaney |
The Swallow’s Flight gracefully unfolds the lives of two English girls and two German boys against the backdrop of World War II. *The Swallow’s ...
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The Woman All Spies Fear by Amy Butler Greenfield
By Janie Cheaney |
The little-known story of code breaker Elizebeth Smith Friedman gets full and masterful treatment. The Woman All Spies Fear: Code Breaker Elizebeth Smith Friedman and ...
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Fallout by Steve Sheinkin
By Betsy Farquhar |
Sheinkin brings the Cuban Missile Crisis to life in this nail-biting read for young teens. Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown by ...
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Top Secret by Crispin Boyer and Suzanne Zimbler
By Betsy Farquhar |
Learn what it takes to be a spy in this trivia-packed book from National Geographic Kids. Top Secret: Spies, Codes, Capers, Gadgets, and Classified Cases ...
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*Big Questions Series by Chris Morphew
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Big Questions Series raises—and answers—life's big questions on a level that middle schoolers will understand and appreciate: suffering, life after death, and more. *The ...
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Picture Books on different times and places: Thukpa for All, How I Learned Geography, Come On, Rain!, and Kamishibai Man
By Megan Saben |
Thukpa for All, How I Learned Geography, Come On, Rain!, and Kamishibai Man, offer new perspectives on different times and places. Thukpa for All by ...
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The Barren Grounds and The Great Bear by David A. Robertson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Morgan and Eli find their way through an attic portal into a new land, Misewa, in this engaging series for middle grades. The Barren Grounds ...
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Andrew and the Firedrake by Douglas Wilson
By Betsy Farquhar |
In this allegory for middle grades, Andrew journeys on a quest that includes delights, temptations, and dragons. Andrew and the Firedrake by Douglas Wilson. Canon ...
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Here, There Be Dragons by James A. Owen
By Betsy Farquhar |
John, Charles, and Jack go to the edge of the world in this wild, fantastic romp through the lands of myth and legend. Here, There ...
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*The Genius under the Table by Eugene Yelchin
By Janie Cheaney |
Eugene Yelchin's memoir of his Soviet childhood is surreal, sad, and hilarious. *The Genius under the Table: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain by Eugene ...
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Cuba in My Pocket by Adrianna Cuevas
By Janie Cheaney |
A 12-year-old refugee flees Cuba for a better life but can’t forget his home and people. Cuba in My Pocket by Adrianna Cuevas. Farrar Strauss ...
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Across the Desert by Dusti Bowling
By Janie Cheaney |
Across the Desert is a harrowing survival tale of determination and hope, as one girl attempts a dangerous rescue. Across the Desert by Dusti Bowling. ...
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The Vanderbeekers Make a Wish by Karina Van Glaser
By Janie Cheaney |
The lively Vanderbeeker kids deepen their family roots in the fifth volume of the popular series. The Vanderbeekers Make a Wish by Karina van Glaser. ...
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*Little Hearts Prepare Him Room by Holly Mackle
By Megan Saben |
Little Hearts Prepare Him Room by Holly Mackle is a simple Advent devotional with deep theology, suitable for a variety of ages. Little Hearts Prepare ...
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Voyage of the Sparrowhawk by Natasha Farrant
By Janie Cheaney |
In Voyage of the Sparrowhawk, two youngsters undertake a dangerous journey to find relatives missing after World War I. Voyage of the Sparrowhawk by Natasha ...
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Dragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester
By Betsy Farquhar |
Dragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester introduces young readers to eight dragon stories along with THE dragon story. Dragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester. Canonball ...
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How to Find a Fox by Kate Gardner
By Janie Cheaney |
Beautiful nature photography distinguishes How to Find a Fox. How to Find a Fox by Kate Gardner, photographed by Ossi Saarinen. Running Press, 2021, 38 ...
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Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker
By Janie Cheaney |
The two central characters of Pax, a “best of” book from 2016, work their way back to each other with a more positive resolution. Pax, ...
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Stowaway by John David Anderson
By Janie Cheaney |
Stowaway offers nonstop action, interesting characters, and food for thought with classic science fiction tropes. Stowaway by John David Anderson. HarperCollins (Walden Pond), 2021, 368 ...
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The Expected One and The Risen One by Scott James
By Megan Saben |
There is much to anticipate in both Christmas and Easter, but the Story is much bigger than the significant events, as Scott James demonstrates in ...
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Wonders of His Love by Champ Thornton
By Betsy Farquhar |
Wonders of His Love brings Isaiah's prophecies about the Messiah down to a child-friendly level in this vibrant Advent family devotional. *Wonders of His Love: ...
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The Adventure of Christmas by Ed Drew
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Adventure of Christmas offers short, 10-minute family devotions based on the biblical narrative of the first Christmas. The Adventure of Christmas: A Journey Through ...
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Good News of Great Joy by John Piper
By Janie Cheaney |
John Piper examines why the new is really and eternally good, in the attractive volume of short advent readings. Good News of Great Joy: 25 ...
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*The Dawn of Redeeming Grace by Sinclair Ferguson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Winsome and pastoral, The Dawn of Redeeming Grace is a thoughtful Advent meditation on Matthew 1-2 for teens and up. *The Dawn of Redeeming Grace: ...
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*Is Christmas Unbelievable? by Rebecca McLaughlin
By Betsy Farquhar |
Rebecca McLaughlin answers four questions everyone should ask about the Christmas story, beginning with the historicity of Jesus Himself. A great resource for teens. *Is ...
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The Promise and the Light by Katy Morgan
By Betsy Farquhar |
An engaging and thought-provoking retelling of the Christmas story through the eyes of biblical characters. The Promise and the Light by Katy Morgan. The Good ...
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One Kid’s Trash by Jamie Sumner
By Janie Cheaney |
In One Kid’s Trash, an unusual talent leads to sudden popularity and unfortunate consequences. One Kid’s Trash by Jamie Sumner. Atheneum, 2021, 225 pages Reading ...
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Something Better Coming: The life of a new author
By Megan Saben |
In which Megan's books arrive and she and her boys have fun with them, and why the books will not be sold through Amazon. The ...
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What about Aru Shah?
By Hayley Morell |
This is a question we often get at Redeemed Reader. In fact, there's a whole comment thread asking if we've reviewed it. Part of the ...
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The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo
By Janie Cheaney |
Two heavyweights of the children's book world collaborate on The Beatryce Prophecy, a quasi-medieval tale of treachery and hope. The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo, ...
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What about the Tuttle Twins?
By Janie Cheaney |
Are the much-hyped Tuttle Twins books (and curriculum) profitable for Christian families? An education in economic freedom They’re talked up by talk-show hosts and Facebook ...
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Church History from Kingstone
By Janie Cheaney |
Three publications by Kingstone Media inform readers about Luther, Vladimir, and Martyrs of the 1st-3rd centuries. Luther by Dr. Rich Melheim, illustrated by various artists. ...
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The Legend of Hobart by Heather Mullaly
By Janie Cheaney |
The Legend of Hobart pays affectionate tribute to fairy-tale tropes in a story about becoming a true hero. The Legend of Hobart by Heather Mullaly. ...
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Sparrow Rising by Jessica Khoury
By Janie Cheaney |
Sparrow Rising, the first volume of a promising new fantasy series for middle-graders, depicts a race of winged humans. Sparrow Rising (Skyborn #1) by Jessica ...
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Erik Vs. Everything by Christina Uss
By Janie Cheaney |
Erik, who fears Everything, learns to live up to his Viking heritage with the help of his Norse-struck family. Erik Vs. Everything by Christina Uss. ...
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A Mad Hatter Book List: Picture Books About Hats
By Betsy Farquhar |
Hat books? Are they a thing? Yes they are, and not all are created equal. Most children love trying on and wearing hats, the bigger ...
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The Thing I’m Most Afraid Of by Kristin Levine
By Janie Cheaney |
An American girl learns to overcome her fears against the background of the Bosnian Civil War. The Thing I’m Most Afraid Of by Kristin Levine. ...
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Friends Forever by Shannon Hale
By Janie Cheaney |
Shannon Hale wraps up her "Friends" trilogy with a heartfelt graphic memoir of eighth grade anxiety. Friends Forever by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham. First ...
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Walls by L. M. Elliot
By Janie Cheaney |
An American "army brat" lives the history that led up to the building of the Berlin Wall. Walls by L. M. Elliot, with photo essay ...
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Reading Less … In Different Seasons of Life
By Betsy Farquhar |
Is someone at Redeemed Reader telling you to read LESS? Well, perhaps. In our small niche of websites-that-promote-reading, we love to celebrate all things reading, ...
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*Linked by Gordon Korman
By Janie Cheaney |
The 7th-graders of a small western town discover that the Holocaust is "linked" to aspects of their own history. *Linked by Gordon Korman. Scholastic, 2021, ...
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Smaug’s Kind: A List of Dragon Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
In honor of Bilbo Baggins and his birthday this week (September 22), we have a book list celebrating his defeat of Smaug, the great dragon: ...
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*Little Pilgrim’s Progress
By Megan Saben |
The greatest allegory of the Christian life, retold for younger children, is significantly improved with masterful illustrations. Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen Taylor, Illustrated by ...
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Amazing Rivers by Julie Agnone
By Janie Cheaney |
This information-packed picture book introduces young middle-graders to the wide world of waterways. Amazing Rivers: 100+ Waterways that Will Boggle Your Mind by Julie Vosburgh ...
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Picture Book Roundup: Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospel Music
By Megan Saben |
Hiding Baby Moses, Jesus and the Very Big Surprise, and Clap Your Hands bring fresh eyes to old Truths. Hiding Baby Moses by Judith L. ...
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The Gilded Girl by Alyssa Colman
By Janie Cheaney |
The Gilded Girl, a magical take on A Little Princess, takes readers to an alternative turn-of-the-century New York City. The Gilded Girl by Alyssa Colman. ...
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Attack of the Killer Komodos by Summer Rachel Short
By Betsy Farquhar |
Action, adventure, and chimeras await Maggie and Nate in Yellowstone in the Attack of the Killer Komodos. Attack of the Killer Komodos (A Maggie and ...
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Dead Wednesday by Jerry Spinelli
By Janie Cheaney |
"Dead Wednesday" is supposed to be the day middle-schoolers contemplate their own mortality, but for one 8th-grader it's a turning point in life. Dead Wednesday ...
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Population Picture Books: *If the World Were 100 People and We Are a Garden
By Janie Cheaney |
Two high-concept picture books present stories of people and movements in a way even small children can grasp. *If the World Were 100 People: A ...
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9/11 for Middle Graders: Ground Zero and In the Shadow of the Fallen Towers
By Janie Cheaney |
Novelist Alan Gratz and graphic artist Don Brown offer views of 9/11 accessible to middle-grade readers. In The Shadow of the Fallen Towers: The Seconds, ...
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The Raconteur’s Commonplace Book by Kate Milford
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Hayley Morell |
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!
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Megan Saben |
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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