Starred Reviews

*Carved in Ebony by Jasmine Holmes

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 7, 2022

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 ...

*The Double Dangerous Book for Boys

By Megan Saben | Jan 4, 2022

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 ...

Bible Review: ESV Reformation Study Bible, Student Edition

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 20, 2021

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 ...

*Tales from Deckawoo Drive Series by Kate DiCamillo

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 15, 2021

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 ...

*The Swallow’s Flight by Hilary McKay

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 8, 2021

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 ...

*Big Questions Series by Chris Morphew

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 2, 2021

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 ...

The Expected One and The Risen One by Scott James

By Megan Saben | Nov 5, 2021

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 ...

Wonders of His Love by Champ Thornton

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 4, 2021

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: ...

*The Dawn of Redeeming Grace by Sinclair Ferguson

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 2, 2021

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: ...

*Is Christmas Unbelievable? by Rebecca McLaughlin

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 2, 2021

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 ...

*Little Pilgrim’s Progress

By Megan Saben | Sep 17, 2021

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 ...

Population Picture Books: *If the World Were 100 People and We Are a Garden

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 8, 2021

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 ...

*Steeped in Stories by Mitali Perkins: a Discussion

By Hayley Morell | Aug 25, 2021

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 ...

*Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies by Marilyn McEntyre

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 23, 2021

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 ...

*The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe by Tricia Springstubb

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 27, 2021

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 ...

*The Ship of Stolen Words by Fran Wilde

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 13, 2021

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 ...

Christian sexuality, broken Greek statue

*Reading and Talking about Sexuality

By Hayley Morell | Jul 2, 2021

*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 ...

*American History by Thomas Kidd

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 28, 2021

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 ...

*Recovering the Lost Art of Reading by Leland Ryken and Glenda Faye Mathes

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 16, 2021

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 ...

*Tree Street Kids: Jack vs. the Tornado and The Hunt for Fang

By Megan Saben | Jun 2, 2021

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 ...

Picture-book Roundup: The Floating Field, *Hugo and the Impossible Thing, Yes & No

By Janie Cheaney | May 21, 2021

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 ...

5 Minutes in Church History and In the Year of Our Lord

By Betsy Farquhar | May 10, 2021

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 ...

*Truths We Confess by R. C. Sproul

By Betsy Farquhar | May 3, 2021

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. ...

*Kiyoshi’s Walk by Mark Karlins

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 27, 2021

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 ...

*Proverbs For You and Solomon Says: 2 Books for Graduates

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 26, 2021

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). ...

*Tell God How You Feel by Christina Fox

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 19, 2021

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 ...

*A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus

By Hayley Morell | Apr 16, 2021

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 ...

*Amber & Clay by Laura Amy Schlitz

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 12, 2021

Amber & Clay is a fascinating immersion into classic Greek civilization, seen through the eyes of two children, Socrates the sage, and a host of ...

*Go and Do Likewise! by John Hendrix

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 8, 2021

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 ...

*The Promise by Jason Helopoulos

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 30, 2021

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: ...

*10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 23, 2021

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 ...

*All He Knew by Helen Frost

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 19, 2021

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 ...

Enclave Escape Round-up: YA Fantasy & Dystopia

By Hayley Morell | Feb 24, 2021

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 ...

Retro Review: *Let Justice Roll Down by John Perkins

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 19, 2021

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 ...

*Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 8, 2021

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 ...

*Catherine’s War by Julia Billet

By Hayley Morell | Feb 3, 2021

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 ...

*Creative God Colorful Us by Trillia Newbell

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 1, 2021

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 ...

The 2021 ALA Youth Media Awards–How Did We Do?

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 25, 2021

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 ...

2021 Newbery Buzz #4: Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 15, 2021

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 ...

Engage with Culture: Two Books for Parents

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 4, 2021

Mama Bear Apologetics and The Pop Culture Parent both aim to help parents interact with the culture surrounding their kids. Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your ...

*The Simple Art of Flying by Cory Leonardo

By Hayley Morell | Dec 16, 2020

A charming middle grade debut featuring a fractious, poetic parrot and a lonely little boy. *The Simple Art of Flying by Cory Leonardo. Aladdin, 2019. ...

A Hopeful Heart by Deborah Noyes

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 8, 2020

A Hopeful Heart engagingly presents the life of one of America's first best-selling authors: Louisa May Alcott. A Hopeful Heart: Louisa May Alcott before Little ...

*A Long Road on a Short Day by Gary Schmidt

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 4, 2020

The unspoken bond of family comes through in this gentle winter's tale by Gary Schmidt and his late wife Elizabeth Stickney. *A Long Road on ...

Two Excellent YA Fantasy Sequels

By Hayley Morell | Nov 18, 2020

The second book in a series faces a lot of pressure; here are two YA fantasy sequels that satisfy. Starsight by Brandon Sanderson, Delacorte Press, ...

Picture Books about the Middle Ages for Middle School

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 18, 2020

Picture books aren't just for little kids! Picture books are every bit as enjoyable—and beneficial—for middle school kids. Use one (or all) of the books ...

*Hosanna in Excelsis by David and Barbara Leeman

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 7, 2020

Sing a new song every day of Advent with Hosanna in Excelsis, an Advent devotional that offers a different Christmas hymn each day of Advent. ...

*Through the Wardrobe by Lina Maslo.

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 28, 2020

This C.S. Lewis biography, accessible to 5-year-olds, includes fascinating details for Narnia fans of all ages *Through the Wardrobe: How C. S. Lewis Created Narnia ...

*Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake and illustrated by Jon Klassen

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 13, 2020

Skunk and Badger are a delightful new odd couple in chapter book format, perfect for newly independent readers. *Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake and ...

*Beyonders Trilogy

By Megan Saben | Oct 12, 2020

Jason, an ordinary American boy, is summoned into a world that needs a hero. Original, highly imaginative, full of action and characters who are ready ...

*Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 2, 2020

In this one-of-a-kind, richly evocative memoir, "Everything Sad" disguises an otherworldly joy. *Everything Sad Is Untrue (a true story) by Daniel Nayeri. Levine Querido, 2020, ...

*Swift by R. J. Anderson

By Hayley Morell | Oct 1, 2020

A young piskey girl searches for truth as danger threatens her home and loved ones. *Swift by R. J. Anderson. Enclave Publishing, 2020. 272 pages. ...

*The View from Saturday by e. l. konigsburg (Book Club Edition)

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 21, 2020

*The View From Saturday by e. l. konigsburg. Atheneum, 1995. 176 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Middle grades and up, ages ...

Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson: A Discussion

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 10, 2020

Sometimes, we just have to "discuss" a book instead of merely write a review of it. Come eavesdrop as Betsy and Megan discuss Adorning the ...

*Dorothy and Jack by Gina Dalfonzo

By Hayley Morell | Sep 8, 2020

An excellent introduction to the friendship between C. S. Lewis and Dorothy Sayers. Dorothy and Jack by Gina Dalfonzo. Baker Books, 2020. 208 pages. Reading ...

5 Newbery Award Winners Better in Audio

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 24, 2020

What happens when Newbery award winners (and honors) are read aloud by skillful narrators? The books truly come alive. Audiobooks also bring diverse settings and ...

*The Roar on the Other Side by Suzanne Underwood Rhodes

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 17, 2020

Is poetry writing obsolete? It doesn't have to be, especially for Christians. *The Roar on the Other Side: A Guide for Student Poets by Suzanne ...

*When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohammed

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 28, 2020

The new graphic novel When Stars Are Scattered brings the refugee experience into sharp yet sympathetic focus. *When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and ...

*The Friend Who Forgives by Dan Dewitt

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 6, 2020

In The Friend Who Forgives, we read about impatient, impetuous Peter and his faithful, forgiving friend Jesus. *The Friend Who Forgives: A True Story About ...

*This Is Our Constitution by Khizr Khan

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 29, 2020

An immigrant-become-US-citizen offers a powerful, personal explanation of our nation's Constitution for middle grades and up. *This Is Our Constitution: What It Is and Why ...

*The Bootlace Magician by Cassie Beasley

By Hayley Morell | Jun 9, 2020

Welcome back to the magic that enchanted us in Circus Mirandus. The Bootlace Magician by Cassie Beasley. Dial Books, 2019, 416 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...

*God’s Very Good Idea by Trillia Newbell and Catalina Echeverri

By Megan Saben | Jun 6, 2020

God's design for diversity was beautiful from the beginning but marred by sin, requiring a Redeemer to rescue us from our mess. *God's Very Good ...

Retro Reads: The Velveteen Rabbit and *Edward Tulane

By Janie Cheaney | May 15, 2020

The classic story of the Velveteen Rabbit and more recent story of Edward Tulane demonstrate the nature of true love. The Velveteen Rabbit, or How ...

*Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 20, 2020

Turner comes to understand himself, his father, his peers, his town, and his world in this bittersweet coming-of-age story set in 1912 Maine. *Lizzie Bright ...

*Epic by Tim Challies

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 15, 2020

Epic takes readers around the globe tracking down fascinating artifacts of Church history. *Epic: An Around-the-World Journey through Christian History by Tim Challies. Zondervan, 2020, ...

Soul-Shaping Poetry: 2 Books for Teens and Adults

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 13, 2020

Soul-Shaping Poetry Have you ever stopped to think about how much poetry has shaped the Christian soul? Poetry is an intrinsic part of our worship ...

*Jesus Rose for Me by Jared Kennedy

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 1, 2020

Jesus Rose for Me expands on The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible to help young children rejoice in the Resurrection *Jesus Rose for Me (a Beginner’s ...

*Honeybee by Candace Fleming

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 27, 2020

The brief but complex life of a honeybee literally unfolds in these gorgeously illustrated pages. *Honeybee: the Busy Life of Apius Mellifera by Candis Fleming. ...

Ordinary Hazards by Nikki Grimes: a Discussion

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 14, 2020

Every now and then we read a book that seems to warrant more than a standard review—even a starred one. That was Janie and Betsy’s ...

The Legacy of Mildred Taylor: Roll of Thunder and the Logan Family Saga

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 9, 2020

The Legacy of Mildred Taylor Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is a "must read." Truthfully, at Redeemed Reader, we resist telling you any book ...

2020 Newbery Buzz #4: My Jasper June and Pay Attention, Carter Jones

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 21, 2020

The American Library Association Youth Media awards will be announced in two weeks, and you can be sure the conversation is hot and heavy among ...

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 7, 2020

2019 in Review: Looking Back Do you look back over your previous year and reflect? It's a worthwhile exercise, and it's also fun. Sometimes, we ...

*John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J. R. R. Tolkien by Caroline McAlister

By Hayley Morell | Dec 11, 2019

Lovely illustrations and beautiful narrative prose tell the story of Tolkien, from boyhood to The Hobbit. *John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J. R. R. ...

*Finding Narnia by Caroline McAlister

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 11, 2019

Finding Narnia takes us into the lives of two brothers whose childhood inspired one of the world’s greatest fantasy series. *Finding Narnia: the Story of ...

*Nya's Long Walk: A Step at a Time

By Megan Saben | Dec 4, 2019

Nya faces tough choices when her little sister falls ill near the remote water hole. Nya's Long Walk: A Step at a Time by Linda ...

*Long Ago, on a Silent Night by Julie Berry

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 3, 2019

What happened "Long Ago on a Silent Night" resonates down the ages, in this lovely, evocative picture book. *Long Ago, on a Silent Night by ...

*Unwrapping the Names of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 18, 2019

Mediate on the names of Jesus during Advent with this helpful, inspiring family devotional. *Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional by Asheritah Ciuciu. ...

*Her Own Two Feet by Meredith Davis

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 15, 2019

Her Own Two Feet is the true story of a severely disabled Rwandan girl who finds hope and healing through a Christian aid organization. *Her ...

The Light Princess by George MacDonald {Rabbit Room edition}

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 13, 2019

A beautiful new edition of The Light Princess complete with foreword by Jennifer Trafton, afterword by Andrew Peterson, and illustrated by Ned Bustard. The Light ...

*Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 8, 2019

The “insignificant events” befalling a girl without arms throw the rough transitions of middle school into sharp, yet humorous, relief. *Insignificant Events in the Life ...

*Bolivar by Sean Rubin

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 19, 2019

This large-format graphic novel brings to life a new, lovable dinosaur while simultaneously nudging readers to be more perceptive. *Bolivar by Sean Rubin. Archaia, 2017. ...

*The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue by Karina Yan Glaser

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 9, 2019

The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue continues the Vanderbeeker fun as the kids try to rescue their mom's cookie baking business. *The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue ...

*Super Jake and the King of Chaos by Naomi Milliner

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 9, 2019

An aspiring magician discovers the real magic in "Super Jake," his special-needs little brother. *Super Jake and the King of Chaos by Naomi Milliner. Running ...

*Confronting Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin

By Hayley Morell | Aug 1, 2019

Rebecca McLaughlin confronts some of the hardest questions faced by Christians today with thoughtful, engaging responses rooted in Scripture. *Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for ...

*Transformed by Truth by Katherine Forster

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 30, 2019

Transformed by Truth offers a lifelong approach to Bible study with practical helps for teens and adults. *Transformed by Truth: Why and How to Study ...

*Urchin of the Riding Stars (Mistmantle Chronicles, book 1)

By Megan Saben | Jul 24, 2019

A conniving traitor who plots to overthrow the throne by dispatching one family member after another is threatened by a heroic young squirrel who drops ...

*Sparky & Spike by Barbara Lowell

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 10, 2019

Sparky & Spike is about a boy and his dog and the genesis of the world's best-loved comic strip. *Sparky & Spike: Charles Schulz and ...

*O Captain, My Captain by Robert Burleigh

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 5, 2019

O Captain, My Captain encapsulates the Civil War through the eyes of its most famous poet. *O Captain, My Captain: Walt Whitman, Abraham Lincoln, and ...

*Time Sight by Lynne Jonell

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 4, 2019

A disgruntled boy gifted with "time sight" discovers a way back into his own family's history. *Time Sight by Lynne Jonell. Henry Holt, 2019, 389 ...

The Iliad: a Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds

By Janie Cheaney | May 22, 2019

Gareth Hinds' adaptation of The Iliad is an excellent introduction to Homer's classic for middle graders and teens. *The Iliad: a Graphic Novel Adaptation by ...

Nine Months by Miranda Paul

By Janie Cheaney | May 20, 2019

Nine Months shows the development of human life, from embryo to newborn, in gentle rhymes and beautiful paintings. Nine Months: before a Baby Is Born ...

Mercy Watson, the Porcine Wonder (books by Kate DiCamillo)

By Betsy Farquhar | May 13, 2019

Meet Mercy Watson, the Porcine Wonder My kids and I first met Mercy Watson, the porcine wonder, in the pages of her first book: Mercy ...

Lovely War by Julie Berry

By Janie Cheaney | May 7, 2019

Lovely War is a satisfying romance that will leave readers with much to think about. Lovely War by Julie Berry. Viking, 2019, 451 pages. Reading ...

*He is Risen: Rocks Tell the Story of Easter by Patti Rokus

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 16, 2019

A beautiful, artistic representation of the story of Easter using rocks set against a black backdrop. Starred review for He is Risen. *He is Risen: ...

*Forward Me Back to You by Mitali Perkins

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 8, 2019

Mitali Perkins' latest novel takes two conflicted teens to India to confront human trafficking and challenges to their Christian faith. *Forward Me Back to You ...

*By the Great Horn Spoon by Sid Fleischman (Retro Read)

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 1, 2019

Jack and Praiseworthy must use their wits and resourcefulness if they are to strike it rich in California's goldfields in this funny middle grades novel. ...

*The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 25, 2019

Holling Hoodhood comes to appreciate more than Shakespeare in this humorous historical fiction middle school novel. Starred review for The Wednesday Wars! *The Wednesday Wars ...

*Bamboo People by Mitali Perkins

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 18, 2019

Chiko and Tu Reh learn to face challenges and love their enemies in modern day, war-torn Burma in this realistic fiction novel for teens. Starred ...

*Pay Attention, Carter Jones by Gary Schmidt

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 16, 2019

To "pay attention" to the world around you is rule #1 of a life well lived, as this winning middle-grade novel shows. *Pay Attention, Carter ...

*Skyward by Brandon Sanderson

By Hayley Morell | Mar 7, 2019

A beleaguered planet, flight school, and one young woman's quest to prove herself and clear her family honor combine in this excellent YA. Skyward by Brandon Sanderson. Delacorte Press, ...

*The Promise of Change by JoAnn Boyce

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 28, 2019

*The Promise of Change: One Girl's Story in the Fight for School Equality by JoAnn Allen Boyce and Debbie Levy. Bloomsbury, 2019, 309 pages including ...