Teen/YA

American Eclipse by David Baron

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 5, 2017

This summer a full solar eclipse will cross the United States. This captivating history examines the last time that happened, and its effect on American ...

Vincent and Theo: the Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 4, 2017

A fascinating dual biography captures the triumph and eventual tragedy of brothers who loved and fought fiercely. Vincent and Theo: the Van Gogh Brothers by ...

The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming by J. Anderson Coats

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 31, 2017

The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming by J. Anderson Coats. Atheneum, 2017. 288 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12Recommended For: Historical Fiction lovers, ...

Wisdom and Wonder: Linked Reads – Week 1

By Alysha | Jun 13, 2017

This week's theme: Turning to God and Away From Sin To further engage with the theme, here is a list of archived posts that we feel ...

Undefeated by Steve Sheinkin

By Betsy Farquhar | May 29, 2017

Undefeated is a fascinating account of how a group of talented, creative, and brave young Indians changed the game of football forever. Undefeated: Jim Thorpe ...

The Battle of Seattle by Douglas Bond

By Betsy Farquhar | May 29, 2017

A little known slice of American history comes to life in this Christian middle grades historical fiction novel about the Battle of Seattle. The Battle of ...

This Changes Everything by Jaquelle Crowe

By Janie Cheaney | May 2, 2017

This Changes Everything, for teens by a teen, is a handy guidebook for young people setting out on their Christian journey. This Changes Everything: How ...

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 20, 2017

The movie version of Before I Fall has revived interest in this novel of a teen girl’s opportunity to relive her last day six times ...

Unreal Feminism: Here We Are–But Who Are We?

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 18, 2017

The suffrage movement in the early 20th century was about giving women the vote. The feminist movement of the 1970s, beginning with Betty Friedan’s The ...

Bible Review: NLT Live Holy Bible

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 13, 2017

This teen-oriented Bible combines study helps with creative elements like original photos, poems, and space for personal response. NLT Live: Holy Bible. Tyndale Publishing House, ...

Cruel Beauty: a Redeemed Reader Discussion

By Alysha | Mar 30, 2017

Some of the staff here at Redeemed Reader decided to discuss Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge as it relates to the story of Beauty and ...

The Martian: Classroom Edition by Andy Weir

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 16, 2017

A snarky, totally believable science fiction narrative for teens. The Martian: Classroom Edition by Andy Weir. Broadway Books, 2016. 400 pages. Reading Level: Teens, ages 15-18Recommended ...

Elon Musk and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 16, 2017

Elon Musk and the Quest for a Fantastic Future (Young Readers edition) by Ashlee Vance. HarperCollins, 2017, 273 pages Reading Level: Teens, ages 12-15 Recommended ...

Every Falling Star: A Beauty and the Beast Discussion!

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 15, 2017

Like our Newbery Buzz discussions, Janie and Betsy discuss Every Falling Star "virtually" in light of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure this month. We hope these discussions help ...

The Queen of Katwe: Book and Movie Review

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 14, 2017

This is a featured title in our Beauty and the Beast Adventure. Redeemed Reader is not affiliated with or endorsing the new Disney Beauty and the ...

*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 ...

Devotion by Adam Makos

By Hayley Morell | Feb 25, 2017

It is Korea, 1950, and Jesse Brown, first African American carrier pilot in the Navy, has just crashed over enemy territory . . . ...

*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. ...

*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 ...

March, Books One and Three by John Lewis

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 17, 2017

John Lewis recounts his role in the Civil Rights struggle in this series of graphic nonfiction histories that vividly portray the difficulty, agony, and ultimate ...

American Ace by Marilyn Nelson

By Hayley Morell | Feb 16, 2017

Engaging and short, one teenager's search for answers will leave readers wanting to learn more about the Tuskegee Airmen. American Ace by Marilyn Nelson. Dial ...

*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, ...

By Hayley Morell | Feb 2, 2017

New England mill girls, fairies, suffragettes, and a curse reaching across the years blend together in this retelling of Sleeping Beauty. Spindle by Shonna Slayton. Entangled: ...

Time Traveling with a Hamster by Ross Welford

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 25, 2017

This time-traveling novel requires a large suspension of belief, but rewards the reader with several moments of nail-biting suspense. Time Traveling with a Hamster by ...

Every Single Second by Tricia Springstubb

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 25, 2017

This thoughtful novel about growth, change, and community sensitively explores a girl’s relationship to her Italian-American family and Catholic faith. Every Single Second by Tricia ...

Prognosticating the 2017 Newbery (and other ALA Awards)

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 20, 2017

Today’s the day Betsy and Janie haul out their crystal balls from under the clutter in the hall closet (Betsy moved across country this year, ...

The Passion of Dolssa by Julie Berry

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 28, 2016

The Passion of Dolssa is a frank and honest portrait of religious devotion that is true both to religion and to history. a review from ...

Farewell to Artemis

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 27, 2016

a review from our archives (first published September 18, 2012) Artemis Fowl: the Last Guardian, by Eoin Coffer. Hyperion, 2012, 336 pages. Age/interest level: 10-up ...

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 ...

Extreme Teens: YA Thrillers

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 27, 2016

note: this post originally appeared on December 11, 2012. Enjoy this one from the archives! “. . . Courage is not simply one of the ...

Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 9, 2016

A 13-year-old saboteur in the Hitler Youth meets the challenge of his life in this page-turning World War II thriller. Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz. ...

*Visual Theology by Tim Challies

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 30, 2016

Visual Theology presents the primary disciplines of the Christian life in a highly accessible form with attractive graphics. *Visual Theology: Seeing and Understanding the Truth ...

*The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

By Megan Saben | Nov 29, 2016

The first book in a top-notch series about an extraordinary thief and the intertwining of three kingdoms is amazingly well done. *The Thief by Megan Whalen ...

Should You Read Rick Riordan’s Latest: Magnus Chase?

By Alysha | Nov 23, 2016

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Hammer of Thor Rick Riordan’s The Hammer of Thor is the second book in his Magnus Chase ...

Natalie Babbitt, 1932-2016, and The Search for Delicious

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 17, 2016

Somewhere amid the news of the last two weeks (pretty intense news cycle, I understand) came word that Natalie Babbitt had died of lung cancer ...

The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Patricia McCormick

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 7, 2016

Suspenseful prose and careful research make Bonhoeffer's brave actions come to life for teen readers. The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Unlikely ...

Every Falling Star by Sungju Lee and Susan Elizabeth McClelland

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 3, 2016

Grit, friendship, and hope come together in this bittersweet memoir for teens. Every Falling Star: The True Story of How I Survived and Escaped North ...

Snow White: a Graphic Novel by Matt Phelan

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 3, 2016

In this fairy-tale retelling, Snow White is updated to the late 1920s, with the stock-market crash and the early days of the Great Depression shaping ...

*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 ...

Pastor, Blogger, Author, Editor: More Church History Recommendations for the Whole Family!

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 31, 2016

We've spent all month reading and learning about church history. It's been such a rich study with interviews and book reviews, but we are not ...

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 Revolt by Douglas Bond

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 13, 2016

The England of John Wycliffe is vividly portrayed as a crucible of revolution in this new historical novel The Revolt: a Novel in Wycliffe’s England ...

Brother Andrew: God’s Secret Agent by Geoff and Janet Benge

By Megan Saben | Oct 10, 2016

Andrew never expected that God would fulfill his desire for adventure by using him to smuggle Bibles to believers in communist countries. Brother Andrew: ...

God’s Story: A Student’s Guide to Church History by Brian Cosby

By Hayley Morell | Oct 7, 2016

An engaging flyover of church history for young teens. God’s Story: A Student’s Guide to Church History by Brian Cosby. Christian Focus Publications, 2014. ...

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 30, 2016

The movie version of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children opens today, and since none of us regular reviewers have read the book, we're happy ...

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 26, 2016

A rich historical fiction work that offers hope in the midst of war-torn France. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. Scribner, 2014. 531 ...

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 26, 2016

A compelling--and ultimately hopeful--crossover title for teens and adults about Hitler's evacuation of Germany and the biggest maritime disaster in history. Salt to the Sea ...

Kid Owner by Tim Green

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 14, 2016

A 12-year-old inherits the Dallas Cowboys, leading to a unique set of challenges and opportunities for character growth. Kid Owner, by Tim Green. Harper, 2015, ...

Our 9/11 Book List

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 9, 2016

If you've been with us for the last few months you doubtless saw Betsy's reviews of two recent, highly-regarded middle-grade novels about the worst foreign attack ...

Steeplejack by A. J. Hartley

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 7, 2016

A classic mystery unfolds in this historical fantasy for teens, with an appealing heroine, a multi-racial cast of characters, and an exotic setting. Steeplejack by ...

We Will Not Be Silent by Russell Freedman

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 2, 2016

Russell Freedman covers the White Rose student movement, a German anti-Nazi protest during World War II, with an emphasis on the organizers’ Christian faith. We ...

*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, ...

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 ...

Quiet Power: the Secret Strengths of Introverts by Susan Cain

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 26, 2016

Susan Cain adapts her adult best-seller Quiet for a younger audience, sharing thoughts and tips on making the most of an introverted nature. Quiet Power: ...

It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel by Firoozah Dumas

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 23, 2016

An Iranian girl in a California middle school struggles to bridge cultures in this compelling, semi-autobiographical narrative. It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel by Firoozah Dumas. ...

*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 ...

Talking about Books That Talk about Race

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 23, 2016

Not a "Newbery Buzz" post because these titles were published before 2016 and are already award winners! But, for similar posts in which Janie and Betsy ...

When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 20, 2016

A black teen in the 'hood struggles to maintain his focus when his best friend takes a wrong turn with potentially serious consequences. When I ...

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 20, 2016

Rashad (a black guy) and Quinn (a white guy) take turns narrating this timely and moving young adult realistic fiction story about police brutality and ...

The Mother-Daughter Book Camp by Heather Vogel Frederick

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 13, 2016

The Mother-Daughter Book Club series wraps up with all five members of the club serving as camp counselors together before launching their adult lives. The ...

Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee

By Hayley Morell | Jun 24, 2016

In Under a Painted Sky, the events of one day change Sammy from a moody teenage girl to a fugitive striking out into the west. ...

The Trials of Apollo Book 1: The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan

By Alysha | Jun 17, 2016

This storyline of the series, which focuses on the now mortal god Apollo, is great in theory, but the first book is lackluster and inappropriate ...

Terror at Bottle Creek by Watt Key

By Janie Cheaney | May 18, 2016

In a fast, thrilling read, a 13-year-old boy must display courage, ingenuity, and persistence in extremely dangerous circumstances. Terror at Bottle Creek by Watt Key. ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 26, 2016

NIV Bible for Teen Girls: Growing in Faith, Hope and Love. Zondervan, 2015, 1728 pages. (available in hard- and soft-cover editions) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 28, 2016

The Michael J. Prinz medal is awarded every year by the ALA for excellence in YA literature. "Excellent," to the ALA, often means edgy, trendy, ...

Allegiant: It Was a Book First!

By Hayley Morell | Mar 18, 2016

The Divergent series by Veronica Roth, a self-avowed Christian, lives on as Allegiant hits theaters this week. Below, Hayley reflects Allegiant in book form. Allegiant, by Veronica Roth. Katherine ...

Good Reading for Teens–Except for One Thing . . .

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 24, 2016

Lately I read two books for teens, one fiction and one nonfiction, that conformed to time-honored, even classic, storylines. The novel, A Step toward Falling, ...

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 10, 2016

Last week I set forth some reasons why older children (ages 12-18) have not outgrown the benefits of reading aloud. If you’re convinced about the ...

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 3, 2016

The last time I talked to my daughter on the phone, she said, “Guess what Adriel is doing now.” That’s my nine-year-old granddaughter, and of ...

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 ...

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 20, 2016

In most science fiction, technological advances are not shown to advance humanity. However, it would be tough to find a more negative view of ...

The 2016 ALA Youth Media Awards–What happened??

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 13, 2016

As we were saying last Saturday . . . you just can’t predict what the Newbery committee is going to do. Trends have been toward ...

Newberry Buzz: Orbiting Jupiter by Gary Schmidt

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 6, 2016

Today wraps up our discussion of middle-grade novels being touted as possible contenders for the 2016 Newbery Award. The awards will be announced early this ...

By Alysha | Dec 4, 2015

One of the high school classes I teach is devoted to helping students become discerning readers. Modern young adult fiction can be a minefield of ...

*Emily of Deep Valley by Maud Hart Lovelace

By Hayley Morell | Nov 20, 2015

Coming-of-age, romance, and historical fiction is combined in a little-known novel, Emily of Deep Valley, by a classic American author. *Emily of Deep Valley by Maud ...

By Alysha | Nov 6, 2015

As a teacher, I’ve had various conversations with parents about how to get their children engaged in reading. The flip side of that conversation comes ...

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 29, 2015

Yesterday I made a distinction between “terror” stories and “horror” stories—the latter based squarely on our elemental fear of death, often with buckets of blood ...

By Hayley Morell | Oct 23, 2015

The Last Dragonslayer: The Chronicles of Kazam, Book 1 by Jasper Fforde. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2013. 306 pages Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-15 ...

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 18, 2015

Janie's newest novel for young folks, I Don't Know How the Story Ends, hit store shelves this month, and she's been busy signing copies and ...

By Megan Saben | Oct 12, 2015

Brick Flicks: A comprehensive guide to making your own stop-motion Lego movies by Sarah Herman. Skyhorse Publishing, 2014. 206 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, Ages ...

By Alysha | Sep 30, 2015

Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George. Bloomsbury USA Childrens, 2009. 352 pages Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-15 Recommended for: Ages 16-up ...

By Hayley Morell | Sep 18, 2015

This review is brought to us by Ann Rees Berry, who has now finished an internship with Redeemed Reader. Thank you, Ann! Red Rising by ...

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 16, 2015

Since its publication in 2006, 13 Reasons Why has become the go-to novel on the subject of teen suicide, but it’s more sensational than useful. ...

Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

By Hayley Morell | Aug 24, 2015

Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw. Puffin, 1985, 288 pages Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-14 Recommended for: Ages 12-up Bottom Line: Ancient ...

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 ...

Illusionarium by Heather Dixon

By Hayley Morell | Jul 19, 2015

Illusionarium by Heather Dixon. Greenwillow Books, 2015. 368 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Recommended for: Ages 15 and up Bottom Line: A darker steam-punk fantasy, Illusionarium ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 10, 2015

The Chosen Prince by Diane Stanley. Harper, 2015, 357 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, 12-15 Recommended for: ages 14 and up Bottom Line: A prince ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 30, 2015

The Fog Diver by Joel Ross. Harper, 2015. 323 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-16 Bottom Line: The Fog Diver ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 23, 2015

Hammer of the Huguenots by Douglas Bond. P&R, 2015. 215 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades,ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10 and up Bottom Line: Douglas ...

*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 Hayley Morell | Jun 16, 2015

Goblins by Philip Reeve. Scholastic Press, 2012. 340 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Recommended for: Ages 12 and up Bottom Line: The Hobbit meets Septimus Heap, with a ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 16, 2015

Fallout (Lois Lane) by Gwenda Bond. Capstone, 2015. 202 pages Reading Level: Young adults, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 12 and up Bottom Line: Fallout ...

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 ...

By Janie Cheaney | May 26, 2015

The Cottage in the Woods by Katherine Coville. Knopf,2015. 389 pages Reading Level: Young adult,ages 12-15 Recommended for: Ages 12 and up (especially girls) Bottom ...

By Janie Cheaney | May 19, 2015

Our favorite graduation gift is, of course, books—whether timely, practical, inspirational, or scholarly. We would never recommend sending a young person off to college (or ...

By Janie Cheaney | May 12, 2015

*Finding Truth: Five Principles for Unmasking Atheism, Secularism, and Other God Substitutes by Nancy Pearcey. David C. Cook, 2015. 383 pages Reading Level: Young Adult, ...

By Janie Cheaney | May 8, 2015

Masterminds by Gordon Korman. Balzer & Bray, 2015, 336 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 12-15 Bottom Line: Masterminds raises some ...

By Janie Cheaney | May 5, 2015

*Red Butterfly by A. L. Sonnischen. Simon & Shuster, 2015, 392 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 12-15 Bottom line: In ...

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