Starred Reviews

*What the Night Sings by Vesper Stamper

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 8, 2019

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 ...

*Into the Jungle by Katherine Rundell

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 7, 2019

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 ...

*Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria Parr

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 4, 2019

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 ...

*Tales of Wonder edited by Phillips, Bianco, and Kern

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 3, 2018

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, ...

*Picturing America by Hudson Talbot

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 23, 2018

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 ...

*Wild Bells: A Literary Advent by Missy Andrews

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 12, 2018

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 ...

*Prepare Him Room by Marty Machowski

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 12, 2018

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 ...

*Hallelujah: A Journey Through Advent with Handel’s Messiah by Cindy Rollins

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 12, 2018

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 ...

Tangerine: Love Your Neighbor Book Club Edition

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 10, 2018

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 ...

*Sweep by Jonathan Auxier

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 7, 2018

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 ...

New Picture Books Round-Up (Fall, 2018 edition)

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 6, 2018

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 ...

*Spooked! by Gail Jarrow

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 18, 2018

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 ...

*Tending the Heart of Virtue by Vigen Guroian

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 15, 2018

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? ...

*The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden by Karina van Glaser

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 28, 2018

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. ...

*A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 20, 2018

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 ...

Retro Reads: *The Book of the Ancient World by Dorothy Mills

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 23, 2018

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 ...

*Hope in the Holler by Lisa Lewis Tyre

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 6, 2018

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 ...

*Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad by Ann Petry

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 14, 2018

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. ...

*In the Land of the Blue Burqas by Kate McCord

By Hayley Morell | Jun 12, 2018

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. ...

*Sunny by Jason Reynolds

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 5, 2018

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 ...

*Tangerine by Edward Bloor

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 4, 2018

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, ...

*How Sweet the Sound by Carole Boston Weatherford

By Janie Cheaney | May 29, 2018

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 ...

*New Shoes by Sara Varon

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 27, 2018

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 ...

*God’s Timeline by Linda Finlayson

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 30, 2018

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: ...

*Exploring the Bible by David Murray

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 29, 2018

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 ...

*Twelve Days in May by Larry Dane Brimner

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 26, 2018

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 ...

*Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 19, 2018

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. ...

*The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 15, 2018

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 ...

*Abigail Adams: Witness to a Revolution by Natalie S. Bober

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 1, 2018

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 ...

*Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes (Retro Reads)

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 1, 2018

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 ...

*Honey for a Teen’s Heart by Gladys Hunt

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 17, 2018

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 ...

*Honey for a Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 8, 2017

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 ...

*The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 7, 2017

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 ...

*Comforting, Training, and Teaching Minds: Catechism Devotionals by Starr Meade

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 4, 2017

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: ...

*Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 2, 2017

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 ...

*Voices of Christmas by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Eric Velasquez

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 28, 2017

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 ...

Retro Reads: *The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 13, 2017

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 ...

*Echoes of Eden by Jerram Barrs

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 11, 2017

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 ...

Retro Reads: *The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 6, 2017

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. ...

*The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 28, 2017

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 ...

*You Bring the Distant Near by Mitali Perkins

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 17, 2017

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. ...

Reformers, Puritans, and Covenanters: Biography Anthologies by Hannula

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 9, 2017

*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 ...

*12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You by Tony Reinke

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 26, 2017

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, ...

*Cody and the Fountain of Happiness by Tricia Springstubb

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 1, 2017

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 ...

* My Daddy Rules the World by Hope Anita Smith

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 15, 2017

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 ...

The Sign of the Cat by Lynne Jonell

By Janie Cheaney | May 24, 2017

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 ...

*Beauty by Robin McKinley

By Hayley Morell | Mar 1, 2017

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 ...

*The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 27, 2017

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. ...

*Wingfeather Tales (The Wingfeather Saga) edited by Andrew Peterson

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 27, 2017

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 ...

*A Little Taste of Poison by R. J. Anderson

By Hayley Morell | Feb 23, 2017

The stakes are higher than ever for Isaveth Breck, plucky heroine of A Pocketful of Murder, when the future of her city is threatened. ...

*A Pocket Full of Murder by R. J. Anderson

By Hayley Morell | Feb 23, 2017

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 ...

*100 Cupboards Series by N. D. Wilson

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 20, 2017

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 ...

*Answering the Cry for Freedom by Gretchen Woelfle

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 8, 2017

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 ...

*Under Our Skin by Benjamin Watson

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 3, 2017

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, ...

And the Winners Are . . . .

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 23, 2017

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. ...

4 Excellent New Picture Books

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 17, 2017

[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! ...

*Anna Hibiscus Series by Atinuke

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 30, 2016

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 ...

By Megan Saben | Dec 30, 2016

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) ...

*The Imagination Station (Series) by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 30, 2016

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 ...

*Zita the Spacegirl Series by Ben Hatke

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 29, 2016

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 ...

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 27, 2016

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 ...

*The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 21, 2016

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 ...

The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 22, 2016

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 ...

*Some Writer! by Melissa Sweet

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 21, 2016

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. ...

*Ghost by Jason Reynolds

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 15, 2016

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 ...

*When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 14, 2016

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 ...

*Ember Falls by S. D. Smith

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 11, 2016

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 ...

*The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 1, 2016

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 ...

*The Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thornton

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 27, 2016

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. ...

Trial and Triumph/ *Radiant by Richard M. Hannula

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 24, 2016

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 ...

*The Book of God by Ben Avery

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 19, 2016

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 ...

*Miracle Man by John Hendrix

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 18, 2016

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 ...

*Lily: The Girl Who Could See by Sally Oxley and Tim Ladwig.

By Megan Saben | Oct 12, 2016

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 ...

Winnie-the-Pooh: Two True Stories

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 11, 2016

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 ...

*Brother Andrew: Behind Enemy Lines by Nancy Drummond

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 10, 2016

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 ...

Monks and Mystics by Mindy and Brandon Withrow

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 5, 2016

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 ...

*The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross by Carl Laferton and Catalina Echeverri

By Megan Saben | Oct 3, 2016

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 ...

*Freedom on Congo Square by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated R. Gregory Christie

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 22, 2016

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 ...

*The Ology by Marty Machowski

By Hayley Morell | Sep 3, 2016

In The Ology, children and families can access deep Biblical truths, carefully explained and gorgeously illustrated. The Ology by Marty Machowski, illustrations by Andy ...

*God’s Design by Sally Michael and Gary Steward

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 3, 2016

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 ...

*Calvin by Martine Leavitt

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 30, 2016

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, ...

*The Biggest Story by Kevin DeYoung

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 27, 2016

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 ...

Bible Review: *HCSB Essential Teen Study Bible

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 27, 2016

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 ...

*A Night Divided by Jennifer Nielsen

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 12, 2016

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 ...

Ask-a-Librarian: 30 Great “New” Books

By Betsy Farquhar | May 9, 2016

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 ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 27, 2016

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 ...

By Megan Saben | Dec 6, 2015

*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 ...

*Water is Water by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Jason Chin

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 6, 2015

*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 ...

Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 4, 2015

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 ...

*Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 31, 2015

*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 ...

By Megan Saben | Jul 15, 2015

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 ...

*Gingerbread for Liberty! by Mara Rockliff and illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 2, 2015

*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 ...

*The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 29, 2015

*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 ...

*The Grasshopper and the Ants by Jerry Pinkney

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 29, 2015

*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 ...

*Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 19, 2015

*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 ...

By Megan Saben | Jun 17, 2015

*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 ...

*If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 11, 2015

*If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson. Blazer + Bray, 2015. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-4 Recommended For: Ages 0-8 If you plant a ...

*Mr. Squirrel and the Moon by Sebastian Meschenmoser

By Megan Saben | Jun 10, 2015

Mr. Squirrel and the Moon is a delight for the ears and the eyes. This picture book is highly recommended! *Mr. Squirrel and the Moon ...

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 8, 2015

*Unfortunately, it looks like this program is no longer available. Consider this review a source of inspiration! If you create something like this, be sure ...

By Hayley Morell | Jun 2, 2015

Hostage Run (The MindWar Trilogy, Book 2) by Andrew Klavan. Thomas Nelson, 2015. 352 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Recommended for: Ages 12 and up Bottom Line: In ...