Book Reviews

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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2022 caldecott watercress

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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hedgehog of oz

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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Oversize Nonfiction: Math, Anatomy, and Classification

Do you see order, beauty, and relationships in the world around you? Three recent oversized picture books require special shelving, but offer a feast for ...
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*10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin

With Christianity increasingly under fire, apologist Rebecca McLaughlin answers 10 questions every young Christian will have to confront. *10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and ...
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New Picture Books: Milo Imagines the World, Outside Inside, and Off to See the Sea

Milo Imagines the World, Outside Inside, and Off to See the Sea plunge readers into a child's eye view of public places, pandemics, and bathtime. ...
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*All He Knew by Helen Frost

All He Knew pictures grace in the midst of gloom as a deaf child learns to navigate life in an  institution. *All He Knew by ...
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The Ambassador of Nowhere Texas by Kimberly Willis Holt

"Nowhere Texas" is better known as Antler, the small town that Zachary Beaver visited in an earlier novel that bears his name. The Ambassador of ...
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Native American Traditional Tales: #ownvoices

Back in the day, Gerald McDermott was one of our go to authors for Native American traditional tales. His Arrow to the Sun was a ...
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Nicky & Vera by Peter Sís

Nicky & Vera, by Caldecott illustrator Peter Sís, celebrates the quiet heroism of Nicholas Winton, who saved 669 Czech children from the Holocaust. Nicky & ...
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ALA Award-Winning Picture Books

ꜟVamos! Let’s Go Eat!, Welcoming Elijah, and Miriam at the River all won 2021 ALA awards for outstanding illustration in their categories. ꜟVamos! Let’s Go ...
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Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith

Ida Mae Jones is a true "flygirl" in this engaging historical fiction read for teens that examines issues of race, coming-of-age, and learning to fly. ...
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The Blossom and the Firefly by Sherri L. Smith

The Blossom and the Firefly, Hana and Taro, are brought together by music and war in this emotional historical fiction read for teens. The Blossom ...
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The Lion of Mars by Jennifer L. Holm

In The Lion of Mars, when the adults succumb to illness, the kids of the space colony must find a way to survive. The Lion ...
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Saucy by Cynthia Kadohata

Saucy, a smart, obstreperous, and very large pig tests the patience of the parents and the coherence of a set of quadruplets. Saucy by Cynthia ...
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Radium Girls by Kate Moore

The Radium Girls tells the harrowing tale of radium poisoning and corporate irresponsibility. The Radium Girls by Kate Moore (Young Readers’ Edition).  Greenwillow, 2020, 348 ...
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Attacked at Sea by Michael J. Tougias

Attacked at Sea tells the harrowing story of surviving a U-Boat submarine attack in the early days of World War II. Attacked at Sea: A ...
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Multicultural Chapter Books: Yasmin, Kayla, and Mindy Kim

Yasmin, King and Kayla, and Mindy Kim are great multicultural early chapter books for young readers. Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi and illustrated by Hatem ...
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amari and the night brothers

Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston

Move over Percy Jackson and Harry Potter, there's a new girl on the block in Amari and the Night Brothers! Amari and the Night Brothers ...
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Enclave Escape Round-up: YA Fantasy & Dystopia

Two series end and one begins in this round-up from Enclave Publishing, a Christian publishing house. Enclave's mission is "to get Christian speculative fiction directly ...
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Gone to the Woods by Gary Paulsen

Gone to the Woods, Gary Paulsen’s third-person memoir, is the recollection of a gritty early life leavened by common grace. Gone to the Woods: Surviving ...
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Home Is in Between by Mitali Perkins

Home Is in Between, a new picture book from Mitali Perkins, shows a new immigrant navigating two worlds with creativity and enthusiasm. Home Is in ...
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Retro Review: *Let Justice Roll Down by John Perkins

The life of John Perkins offers the only true way to justice, reconciliation, and forgiveness for our tragic racist history. *Let Justice Roll Down by ...
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New Early Readers: Squirrels, Monsters, and Hedgehogs

Donut Feed the Squirrels, Monster and Boy, and Our Friend Hedgehog offer interesting new reading for new/early readers. Please note that the first two are ...
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The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice by Lisa DeSelm

The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice explores what it means to be human in an interesting twist on the Pinocchio story. The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice by Lisa DeSelm. Page ...
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A Wolf for a Spell by Karah Sutton

In A Wolf for a Spell, wolves join forces with humans and the earth itself to defeat a foul plot against all. A Wolf for ...
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Class Act by Jerry Craft

Class Act picks up right where New Kid left off, offering insight with humor and great art. Class Act by Jerry Craft. Quill Tree Books, ...
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Medieval Africa: a Resource for Middle School

Discover the glories and weaknesses of Medieval Africa in this well researched history for middle grades. The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life ...
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Black Heroes of the Wild West by James Otis Smith

Black Heroes of the Wild West introduces young readers to three exciting and legendary figures in this graphic novel style history for middle grades. Black ...
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*Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt

Just Like That, Gary Schmidt's latest book for teens, humorously and poignantly explores love and loss. Just Like That is one of our Readers' Choice ...
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The Geisels: A Beginning-Reader Roundup

This year's Theodor S. Geisel Honor Books: The Bear in My Family, Ty's Travels, What about Worms!?, and Where's Baby? The Theodor Seuss Geisel Award ...
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*See the Cat: Three stories about a dog

A dog on a rug is quite understandably aggravated by the narrative narrator through three very short stories for beginning readers. Brilliant, clever, and hilarious. ...
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*Catherine’s War by Julia Billet

An excellent new graphic novel translated into English, Catherine's War tells the story of one Jewish girl’s life in occupied France, often through the lens ...
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Into the Clouds by Tod Olson

Into the Clouds is the grueling saga of three expeditions that failed to summit the second-highest--but most dangerous--mountain in the world. Into the Clouds: The ...
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The Finest Hours by Michael Tougias

The 1952 rescue of over twenty stranded seamen on a halved oil tanker ranks as one of the Coast Guard's' "finest hours." The Finest Hours: ...
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*Creative God Colorful Us by Trillia Newbell

Creative God Colorful Us invites students to enjoy God's diverse family by loving God and their neighbor and celebrating God's human creation. *Creative God Colorful ...
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What to Read After Mulan

Perhaps you have watched the stunning new Mulan movie (available for free streaming now on Disney+). The gorgeous cinematography would have been lovely on the ...
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Mulan: Before the Sword by Grace Lin

The "prequel" to the new Disney Mulan movie, this middle grades story weaves together Chinese legend with Mulan's own tale to great effect. Mulan: Before ...
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Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Feder

Raw, funny, and honest, Dancing at the Pity Party is a close look at grief after the loss of a mother. Dancing at the Pity ...
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The 2021 ALA Youth Media Awards–How Did We Do?

After an hour of listening and scribbling madly as announcements were read, I can now pass on what we learned from this year's ALA Youth ...
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2021 Newbery Buzz #6: Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk

We wrap up our Newbery Buzz series for this year with a discussion of Echo Mountain a historical novel set during the Great Depression. Joining ...
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Caldecott-Buzzy Picture Books

The Barnabus Project, Our Little Kitchen, and I Am Every Good Thing are all contenders for this year's Caldecott award for illustration. The Barnabus Project ...
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2021 Newbery Roundup #2: When You Trap a Tiger, Efren Divided, Magnificent Monsters of Cedar Street

Three more possible Newbery contenders we never got around to reviewing. When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller. Random House, 2020, 302 pages Lily, ...
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2021 Newbery Buzz #5: Stamped by Jason Reynolds.

Continuing our discussion of possible Newbery winners, we pick up a book that has everybody talking: Janie: Betsy, there are two books that I think ...
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2021 Newbery Buzz #4: Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri

We've been scanning the starred review lists and listening in on the chatter to tell you about the likely Newbery contenders for this year. So ...
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All Thirteen by Christina Soontornvat

All Thirteen gives the rescue of the Thai boys’ soccer team the drama and excitement it deserves. All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the ...
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The Next President by Kate Messner

The Next President takes a unique approach to the list of presidents by looking at their backgrounds--and speculating on the future. The Next President: The ...
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2021 Newbery Roundup #1: Rick, Clean Getaway, A Game of Fox and Squirrels

We’re keeping an eye on children's books that have been talked up as possible contenders for the 2021 ALA Youth Media Awards (to be announced ...
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2021 Newbery Buzz #3: Skunk and Badger

We’re continuing our annual “Newbery Buzz” series today with round #3 for 2021. (We have already discussed Chirp and King and the Dragonflies earlier this ...
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2021 Newbery Buzz #2: Chirp and The List of Things That Will Not Change

We're continuing our annual "Newbery Buzz" series today with round #2 for 2021. (We discussed King and the Dragonflies earlier this month.) As a reminder, ...
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Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander

In verse and prose, Becoming Muhammad Ali traces the early life of Cassius Clay, "The greatest" heavyweight boxer ever. Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson ...
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Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewel Parker Rhodes

Donte, the "Black Brother" of a biracial family, must decide if his identity will be based on his color or on his character. Black Brother, ...
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