Starred Reviews

6 Noteworthy Nonfiction Picture Books

Me: "That school must be named after Lise Meitner. Didn't she do something with uranium?" {the school in question was on a TV show and ...
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*Monster Blood Tattoo Trilogy by D. M. Cornish

Foundling, Lamplighter, and Factotum by D. M. Cornish. G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2006-2010. Ages 12 & up. Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-14 Recommended for: ages 12 & ...
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*Broken Pieces and the God Who Mends Them by Simonetta Carr

*Broken Pieces and the God Who Mends Them: Schizophrenia Through a Mother's Eyes by Simonetta Carr.  Presbyterian & Reformed, 2019, 359 pages. Reading Level: Adult Recommended for: ...
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*The Young Man’s Guide to Awesomeness by Barrett Johnson

The Young Man's Guide to Awesomeness is a well-organized, humorous, straight-talking guide for young men as they mature into godly adults. *The Young Man's Guide to Awesomeness: How to Guard Your Heart, Get the Girl, and Save the World by Barrett Johnson. INFO For Families, 2017. 158 pages. Reading Level: Teen, ages 12 and up Recommended For: Upper middle grades and up (ages 10+) Growing up is never easy. There are physical changes, ...
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*What the Night Sings by Vesper Stamper

Moving and beautiful, this post-Holocaust novel offers hope after horror. *What the Night Sings by Vesper Stamper.  Knopf, 2018, 249 pages. Reading Level: Teen, ages ...
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*Into the Jungle by Katherine Rundell

In these four tales inspired by Kipling's Jungle Book, Mowgli the man-cub learns the backstories of his fellow creatures. *Into the Jungle: Stories for Mowgli ...
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*Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria Parr

Astrid, the thunderbolt of Glimmerdal, charms readers as easily as she charms those around her in this delightful middle grades novel. *Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria Parr. Candlewick, 2018 (English language version). 320 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10Recommended For: Family read aloud, ages 6 and up "Blistering badgers!" She's managed to sled —with speed and self ...
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*Tales of Wonder edited by Phillips, Bianco, and Kern

Tales of Wonder provides parents and teachers a wonderful resource to use as they enjoy fairy tales with their students and children. *Tales of Wonder, ...
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*Picturing America by Hudson Talbot

Picturing America is an appealing picture-book biography of one of the originators of distinctive American Art. *Picturing America: Thomas Cole and the Birth of American ...
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*Wild Bells: A Literary Advent by Missy Andrews

Wild Bells: A Literary Advent offers a beautiful Christian literary work, such as a poem, along with a reflection for each day of the Advent ...
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*Prepare Him Room by Marty Machowski

Celebrate the birth of Christ with stories, Scripture, and song in this Advent family devotional guide, perfect for busy families or used in a classroom ...
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*Hallelujah: A Journey Through Advent with Handel’s Messiah by Cindy Rollins

Enjoy both Handel's Messiah and the season of Advent with this succinct-yet rich-guide to both. A good Advent family devotional option for busy families! *Hallelujah: A ...
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Tangerine: Love Your Neighbor Book Club Edition

To date this school year, our Love Your Neighbor Book Club has read Save Me a Seat and A Long Walk to Water, both of ...
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*Sweep by Jonathan Auxier

Sweep combines historical fact with mythical elements to create a compelling story filled with sharp edges and surprising graces. *Sweep: The Story of a Girl ...
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New Picture Books Round-Up (Fall, 2018 edition)

November is National Picture Book Month!  Here's a collection of new picture books for the whole family. We don't think you need an "excuse" to ...
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*Spooked! by Gail Jarrow

The Mercury Theater broadcast of "War of the Worlds," a fascinating footnote from American history, has interesting implications for today.  Ages 10-15 *Spooked! How a ...
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*Tending the Heart of Virtue by Vigen Guroian

How do the classic children's stories awaken a child's moral imagination? And how does that awakening contribute to their spiritual development and training in virtue? ...
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*The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden by Karina van Glaser

The five Vanderbeeker children are back, with irrepressible high spirits, good intentions and miscalculations intact. *The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden by Karina van Glaser.  ...
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*A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

This popular middle grades story poignantly recounts the stories of a young boy and a young girl in Africa as one flees civil war and ...
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Retro Reads: *The Book of the Ancient World by Dorothy Mills

The Book of the Ancient World is just what it sounds like: an interesting book about the ancient world, including Ancient Egypt, Israel, Persia, and ...
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*Hope in the Holler by Lisa Lewis Tyre

In this lively novel, a recently-orphaned girl finds "hope and a future" in the midst of poverty and bereavement.  Ages 10-14. *Hope in the Holler ...
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*Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad by Ann Petry

A well-written, engaging middle grades biography of Harriet Tubman, conductor on the Underground Railroad, that tells young readers about her life from birth to death. ...
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*In the Land of the Blue Burqas by Kate McCord

In a beautifully written memoir full of vignettes, McCord gives readers glimpses of the people and culture of Afghanistan through her eyes as a Christian NGO. ...
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*Sunny by Jason Reynolds

Sunny takes us into the interior life of a track runner who doesn't want to run--so how can he stay on the team?  Ages 10-14 ...
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*Tangerine by Edward Bloor

A realistic sports story that is so much more than a sports story, Tangerine blends soccer, environmentalism, bullying, racism, and physical disability into a well-written, ...
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*How Sweet the Sound by Carole Boston Weatherford

How Sweet the Sound tells the story of "Amazing Grace" in rhyming couplets and dramatic illustrations.  Ages 6-10 *How Sweet the Sound: the Story of ...
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*New Shoes by Sara Varon

A delightful journey into the jungle awaits Francis the Donkey on his quest to make new shoes for his favorite Calypso singer. *New Shoes by ...
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*God’s Timeline by Linda Finlayson

God’s Timeline is a valuable resource that pulls together the entire sweep of church history from the Resurrection to the early twenty-first century. *God’s Timeline: ...
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*Exploring the Bible by David Murray

Exploring the Bible, a “DIY” guide for 8-12 year-olds, introduces a practical, workable way for kids to start studying the Bible for themselves. *Exploring the ...
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*Twelve Days in May by Larry Dane Brimner

For middle grades and up: a photographic, journalistic look at those famous twelve days in May when a group of whites and blacks bravely tried ...
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*Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson

For middle grades: A compelling look into the life of Betty before X (Malcolm X) and the influence of the black church in the racially charged 1940s. ...
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*The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

The Book of Boy breathes life into the squalor and splendor of the late middle ages, with the tale of a parentless child and a ...
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*Abigail Adams: Witness to a Revolution by Natalie S. Bober

Starred review for this young adult biography that showcases a thoughtful--and thought-provoking--Abigail Adams against the backdrop of tumultuous American history. *Abigail Adams: Witness to a ...
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*Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes (Retro Reads)

75 years later, this Newbery-Award winning story about Johnny Tremain is still a great historical fiction read about the birth of America. *Johnny Tremain by Esther ...
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*Honey for a Teen’s Heart by Gladys Hunt

Honey for a Teen’s Heart applies the wisdom of Gladys Hunt’s read-aloud approach to the adolescent years.  Adult *Honey for a Teen’s Heart: Using Books ...
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*Honey for a Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt

Honey for a Child's Heart was one of the first books advocating for building a Christian family culture around books. *Honey for a Child's Heart by ...
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*The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser

The Vanderbeekers, a loving family with normal unloving moments, face a Christmas-eve challenge with humor and heart. *The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan ...
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*Comforting, Training, and Teaching Minds: Catechism Devotionals by Starr Meade

Family devotionals centered around the Heidelberg and Shorter catechism are based on Scripture and are designed to help families memorize the catechisms. *Comforting Hearts, Teaching Minds: ...
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*Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore

Same Kind of Different As Me is an emotional and spiritual memoir of two men who became friends despite their backgrounds, races, and preconceptions. *Same Kind ...
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*Voices of Christmas by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Eric Velasquez

Voices of Christmas is a beautiful and poetic exploration of the different characters in the Christmas story--perfect for middle grades kids! *Voices of Christmas by ...
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Retro Reads: *The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

The Witch of Blackbird Pond is a modern classic with good reason: young Kit Tyler faces the questions all adolescents face as she tries to ...
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echoes of eden cover

*Echoes of Eden by Jerram Barrs

Starred review for Echoes of Eden, in which Barrs offers guidelines for evaluating art and literature from a Christian review. *Echoes of Eden: Reflections on ...
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cover of westing game

Retro Reads: *The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

A middle grades mystery that has become a modern classic: The Westing Game is just as engaging as ever! *The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. ...
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*The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch

Starred review for this book about a tech-wise family that is characterized by 10 commitments reflecting the proper pace of technology in a family's life ...
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*You Bring the Distant Near by Mitali Perkins

In this appealing multicultural novel, three generations of a Bengali family find life and love in America. *You Bring the Distant Near  by Mitali Perkins.  ...
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Reformers, Puritans, and Covenanters: Biography Anthologies by Hannula

*For Christ's Crown: Sketches of Puritans and Covenanters By Richard Hannula. Canon Press, 2014. 223 pages.  Just as the title implies, this volume is all ...
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*12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You by Tony Reinke

Tony Reinke sounds a timely warning about our society’s growing addiction to electronic devices. *12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You by Tony Reinke.   Crossway, ...
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*Cody and the Fountain of Happiness by Tricia Springstubb

Eight-year-old Cody's enthusiasm for life is contagious in this sunny chapter-book series. Cody and the Fountain of Happiness (Cody series #1) by Tricia Springstubb, illustrated ...
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* My Daddy Rules the World by Hope Anita Smith

Just in time for Father's Day, this picture-book collection of poems celebrates the daily presence of a loving dad in the household. *My Daddy Rules ...
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The Sign of the Cat by Lynne Jonell

In this winning historical fantasy, a bright lad (fluent in the cat language) chafes at his boring life until an unexpected adventure on the high ...
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*Beauty by Robin McKinley

This is one of the retellings of Beauty and the Beast we are featuring as part of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure. We are exploring ...
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*The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson

An epic middle grades fantasy series full of adventure, toothy cows, heroes and heroines, and dragons. *The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson. Rabbit Room Press. ...
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*Wingfeather Tales (The Wingfeather Saga) edited by Andrew Peterson

A delightfully diverse collection of "tales" written and illustrated by a group of authors and illustrators who are themselves fans of the Wingfeather Saga! *Wingfeather ...
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*A Little Taste of Poison by R. J. Anderson

The stakes are higher than ever for Isaveth Breck, plucky heroine of A Pocketful of Murder, when the future of her city is threatened.    ...
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*A Pocket Full of Murder by R. J. Anderson

A plucky girl sets out to prove her father's innocence —aided by a street boy— in this magical murder mystery.   A Pocket Full of Murder (Uncommon ...
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*100 Cupboards Series by N. D. Wilson

Henry discovers 100 cupboards that lead to other worlds in this complex middle grades fantasy series that mirrors the creation-fall-redemption narrative framework of Scripture. 100 ...
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*Answering the Cry for Freedom by Gretchen Woelfle

These brief biographies of 13 African Americans during the Revolutionary War demonstrate the power of self-determination as well as the power of faith. *Answering the ...
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*Under Our Skin by Benjamin Watson

For Christians of all colors who are concerned about racial tension, Benjamin Watson shows the way to reconciliation. *Under Our Skin by Benjamin Watson.  Tyndale, ...
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And the Winners Are . . . .

Last Friday, Janie and Betsy gave their best guesses as to which books the ALA would delight to honor in their annual Youth Media Awards.  ...
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4 Excellent New Picture Books

[Reviews and recommendations from Pamela!] Four excellent new picture books to enjoy with the children in your life--worth seeking out as all are starred reviews! ...
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Anna Hibiscus Series by Atinuke

*Anna Hibiscus Series by Atinuke

An illustrated chapter book series set in contemporary Africa that celebrates large families, its childlike protagonist, and traditional values. Enjoy this review from the archives! Originally published ...
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*Encyclopedia Brown series by Donald J. Sobol

A modest, well-read boy detective solves crimes great and small in these classic mysteries. Enjoy this post from the archives! (originally published July 8, 2015) ...
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*The Imagination Station (Series) by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker

More than simply a "Christian version" of the popular Magic Treehouse books, the Imagination Station books are a solid chapter book time travel series. Enjoy this post from ...
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Zita the Spacegirl Series by Ben Hatke

*Zita the Spacegirl Series by Ben Hatke

Zita the Spacegirl and her intrepid friends battle the forces of evil in extra terrestrial dimensions in this lively graphic novel series. a review from ...
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*Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larsen

Hattie Big Sky draws upon the experience of the author's own grandmother to create this enthralling story of hard-won optimism and frontier grit. a review from ...
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*The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart

A magic watch, a family secret, a mysterious city dictator, and one brave boy make for a great read in this clever, inventive mystery. One ...
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The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay

This update of Macaulay's classic reference guide to technology embraces the digital revolution with wit and (mostly) clarity. The Way Things Work Now by David ...
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*Some Writer! by Melissa Sweet

A wonderfully engaging biography of E. B. White for children: full of photographs, collage-style art, and interesting details. *Some Writer! The Story of E. B. ...
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*Ghost by Jason Reynolds

A kid from “the projects” learns to put speed in service of character building and achievement. *Ghost by Jason Reynold.  Atheneum, 2016, 180 pages Reading ...
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*When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin

The power of stories is front and center in this beautiful, imaginative companion to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. Starred review. A 2016 Christmas ...
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*Ember Falls by S. D. Smith

The Green Ember saga continues with desperate battles, unexpected heroism, and enough dangling plot threads to make readers eager for the next volume. *Ember Falls ...
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*The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz

This one-of-a-kind novel blends medieval history, fantasy, humor, adventure, and philosophical questions that have vexed the ages. *The Inquisitor’s Tale, or, Three Magical Children and ...
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*The Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thornton

This fun and friendly compendium of Bible facts, everyday knowledge, history, how-to, wise counsel, apologetics, and doctrine is a terrific resource for every Christian kid. ...
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Trial and Triumph/ *Radiant by Richard M. Hannula

Church history anthologies of men and women from all over the world in story format for middle grades and up! Trial and Triumph: Stories from ...
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*The Book of God by Ben Avery

This comprehensive, accessible guide to the history of the Bible in graphic-novel format will have young readers referring to it again and again. *The Book ...
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*Miracle Man by John Hendrix

A new “life of Jesus” picture book presents the Son of God as compelling and dynamic in word and deed. *Miracle Man: the Story of ...
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*Lily: The Girl Who Could See by Sally Oxley and Tim Ladwig.

A beautifully illustrated picture book biography about a brave woman artist-turned-missionary to the Arab world. *Lily: The Girl Who Could See by Sally Oxley and ...
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Winnie-the-Pooh: Two True Stories

Two picture books about the real Winnie-the-Pooh that both make delightful reading! *Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick and ...
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*Brother Andrew: Behind Enemy Lines by Nancy Drummond

Read the remarkable story of a man who helped smuggle millions of Bibles into restricted countries in this middle grades biography. Brother Andrew: Behind Enemy ...
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Monks and Mystics by Mindy and Brandon Withrow

Book 2 of the History Lives series offers an exciting look at the Medieval Church: its movers and shakers and controversies. Part of our Church History ...
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*The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross by Carl Laferton and Catalina Echeverri

This picture book beautifully brings the creation-fall-redemption story to life!  *The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross: the True Story of Why Jesus Died and ...
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*Freedom on Congo Square by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated R. Gregory Christie

Congo Square held a unique place in the slavery experience and holds a special reminder for Christians as we all look forward to Sunday! *Freedom ...
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*The Ology by Marty Machowski

In The Ology, children and families can access deep Biblical truths, carefully explained and gorgeously illustrated.   The Ology by Marty Machowski, illustrations by Andy ...
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*God’s Design by Sally Michael and Gary Steward

Sally Michael's newest Making Him Known family devotional delicately handles roles of men and women, sexuality, and gender issues in a manner that invites whole ...
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*Calvin by Martine Leavitt

A schizophrenic teen embarks on a quest for self-discovery and truth that becomes a struggle for survival. Calvin by Martine Leavitt.  Farrar Strauss and Giroux, ...
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*The Biggest Story by Kevin DeYoung

A vibrantly illustrated retelling of the story of the Bible: Jesus's redemption of God's people. *The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the ...
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Bible Review: *HCSB Essential Teen Study Bible

The HCSB Essential Teen Study Bible presents 99 “Essential Doctrines” with extensive scriptural backup and application. *The HCSB Essential Teen Study Bible.  B&H Kids, 2016, 1312 ...
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*A Night Divided by Jennifer Nielsen

The building of the Berlin Wall pits lovers of freedom against an oppressive regime in this gripping novel for middle graders. *A Night Divided by ...
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Ask-a-Librarian: 30 Great “New” Books

Ask-a-Librarian is an occasional feature in which we answer a reader's email query. Here at Redeemed Reader, we love children's books from all eras and all ...
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*Retro Reads: North to Freedom by Anne Holm

North to Freedom (I Am David) by Anne Holm.  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1963 (first edition), 256 pages. Reading Level: 10-12 Appropriate for: ages 12-up Bottom ...
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*Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss

*Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss. Random House, 1949. 56 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, Ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 Bartholomew and the ...
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*Water is Water by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Jason Chin

*Water is Water: A Book About the Water Cycle by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Jason Chin. Roaring Brook Press, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture ...
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Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead

Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead

Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead. Wendy Lamb Books, 2015. 304 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12Recommended For: Ages 12-15 Bottom Line: Three best friends attempt ...
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*Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley

*Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley. Dial, 2015, 304 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, age 10-12 Recommended for: all ages Bottom Line: Circus Mirandus, a magical ...
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*The Golden Plate by Bernadette Watts

The Golden Plate is a picture book about Isobel, who struggles to hide her sin, and the relief of confession in restoring her friendship with ...
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*Gingerbread for Liberty! by Mara Rockliff and illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch

*Gingerbread for Liberty! How a German Baker Helped Win the American Revolution by Mara Rockliff and illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch. HMH Books, 2015. 32 ...
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*The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

*The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney. Little, Brown, 2009. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: All Ages Stunning illustrations, a vast ...
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*The Grasshopper and the Ants by Jerry Pinkney

*The Grasshopper and the Ants by Jerry Pinkney. Little, Brown, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 Vibrant, colorful ...
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cover of Through Gates of Splendor

*Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot

*Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot. Tenderly House, 1981 (reprint, orig. 1957). 274 pages. Reading Level: Young adult (ages 12 and up)Recommended For: ages 10 and ...
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*Sidewalk Flowers by JonArno Lawson and Sydney Smith

*Sidewalk Flowers by JonArno Lawson and Sydney Smith. Groundwood Books, 2015. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture books, Ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 A little ...
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