(C) Ages 8-10
2022 Sidney Taylor Award MG Roundup: How to Find What You’re Not Looking For, The Genius Under the Table, and Linked
By Janie Cheaney |
The Sidney Taylor Award, named for the author of the classic All-of-a-Kind Family series, is presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries to "outstanding books ...
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2022 Coretta Scott King Picture Book Roundup: Unspeakable, Nina, Soul Food Sunday, and More!
By Betsy Farquhar |
The 2022 Coretta Scott King Award The results for the 2022 Coretta Scott King Awards are IN! We already reviewed the winner, Unspeakable and one ...
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Sibert (nonfiction) Roundup: The People’s Painter, The Great Stink, We Are Still Here, Summertime Sleepers
By Janie Cheaney |
The Robert F. Sibert Award, announced by the American Library Association every January, names one to six outstanding nonfiction titles written for upper elementary and ...
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Picturing a Nation by Martin W. Sandler
By Janie Cheaney |
Picturing a Nation collects some of the best Great Depression photographs by the Farm Security Agency. Picturing a Nation: The Great Depression’s Finest Photographers Introduce ...
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2022 Geisel Roundup: Fox at Night, Nothing Fits a Dinosaur, I Hop, and Beak and Ally
By Megan Saben |
The 2022 Geisel Award: One Winner and Three Honors The results for the 2022 Geisel Award are IN! The Geisel Award is given to books ...
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2022 Caldecott Roundup: Watercress, Wonder Walkers, Have You Ever Seen a Flower?, Unspeakable, and Mel Fell
By Betsy Farquhar |
The 2022 Caldecott Award: One Winner and Four Honors The results for the 2022 Caldecott Award are IN! We reviewed the winner, Watercress, several months ...
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2022 Newbery Buzz #5: Cuba in My Pocket
By Janie Cheaney |
Cuba in My Pocket (see our review) appears on many Newbery favorites lists right alongside Fallout, the book Megan and Betsy mulled over yesterday. In ...
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Clues to the Universe by Christina Lee
By Janie Cheaney |
Two fatherless middle-graders find solace by joining together on a project and a quest. Clues to the Universe by Christina Lee. Quill Tree (HarperCollins), 2021, ...
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Newbery Roundup #1: DaVinci’s Cat, Playing the Cards You’re Dealt, Harry Versus the First 100 Days of School, and Black Boy Joy
By Janie Cheaney |
It’s that time of year when librarians across the nation eagerly await the announcement of the American Library Association’s Youth Media Awards, crossing fingers for ...
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Picture books for boys (and girls) who love action and humor
By Megan Saben |
A reader-inspired hunt for a roundup of favorite picture books for boys and girls who love action and humor A reader asks: "What I continue ...
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Treasury of Magical Tales from around the World by Donna Jo Napoli
By Janie Cheaney |
Veteran children’s author Donna Jo Napoli retells fairy- and folk tales from every continent, reflecting both local culture and common humanity. Treasury of Magical Tales ...
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*Tales from Deckawoo Drive Series by Kate DiCamillo
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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Flashlight Reads: Can’t-Put-‘Em-Down Books for All Ages
By Betsy Farquhar |
Flashlight Reads: Can't-Put-'Em-Down Books for the Kids (and Grown-ups) in Your Life Christmas break is one of those perfect, read-by-flashlight-under-the-covers breaks, isn't it? Days are ...
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Top Secret by Crispin Boyer and Suzanne Zimbler
By Betsy Farquhar |
Learn what it takes to be a spy in this trivia-packed book from National Geographic Kids. Top Secret: Spies, Codes, Capers, Gadgets, and Classified Cases ...
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Andrew and the Firedrake by Douglas Wilson
By Betsy Farquhar |
In this allegory for middle grades, Andrew journeys on a quest that includes delights, temptations, and dragons. Andrew and the Firedrake by Douglas Wilson. Canon ...
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*The Genius under the Table by Eugene Yelchin
By Janie Cheaney |
Eugene Yelchin's memoir of his Soviet childhood is surreal, sad, and hilarious. *The Genius under the Table: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain by Eugene ...
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The Vanderbeekers Make a Wish by Karina Van Glaser
By Janie Cheaney |
The lively Vanderbeeker kids deepen their family roots in the fifth volume of the popular series. The Vanderbeekers Make a Wish by Karina van Glaser. ...
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*Little Hearts Prepare Him Room by Holly Mackle
By Megan Saben |
Little Hearts Prepare Him Room by Holly Mackle is a simple Advent devotional with deep theology, suitable for a variety of ages. Little Hearts Prepare ...
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Voyage of the Sparrowhawk by Natasha Farrant
By Janie Cheaney |
In Voyage of the Sparrowhawk, two youngsters undertake a dangerous journey to find relatives missing after World War I. Voyage of the Sparrowhawk by Natasha ...
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Dragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester
By Betsy Farquhar |
Dragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester introduces young readers to eight dragon stories along with THE dragon story. Dragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester. Canonball ...
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Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker
By Janie Cheaney |
The two central characters of Pax, a “best of” book from 2016, work their way back to each other with a more positive resolution. Pax, ...
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The Expected One and The Risen One by Scott James
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
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Wonders of His Love by Champ Thornton
By Betsy Farquhar |
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: ...
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The Adventure of Christmas by Ed Drew
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Adventure of Christmas offers short, 10-minute family devotions based on the biblical narrative of the first Christmas. The Adventure of Christmas: A Journey Through ...
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One Kid’s Trash by Jamie Sumner
By Janie Cheaney |
In One Kid’s Trash, an unusual talent leads to sudden popularity and unfortunate consequences. One Kid’s Trash by Jamie Sumner. Atheneum, 2021, 225 pages Reading ...
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Something Better Coming: The life of a new author
By Megan Saben |
In which Megan's books arrive and she and her boys have fun with them, and why the books will not be sold through Amazon. The ...
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The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo
By Janie Cheaney |
Two heavyweights of the children's book world collaborate on The Beatryce Prophecy, a quasi-medieval tale of treachery and hope. The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo, ...
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The Legend of Hobart by Heather Mullaly
By Janie Cheaney |
The Legend of Hobart pays affectionate tribute to fairy-tale tropes in a story about becoming a true hero. The Legend of Hobart by Heather Mullaly. ...
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Erik Vs. Everything by Christina Uss
By Janie Cheaney |
Erik, who fears Everything, learns to live up to his Viking heritage with the help of his Norse-struck family. Erik Vs. Everything by Christina Uss. ...
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Smaug’s Kind: A List of Dragon Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
In honor of Bilbo Baggins and his birthday this week (September 22), we have a book list celebrating his defeat of Smaug, the great dragon: ...
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*Little Pilgrim’s Progress
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
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Amazing Rivers by Julie Agnone
By Janie Cheaney |
This information-packed picture book introduces young middle-graders to the wide world of waterways. Amazing Rivers: 100+ Waterways that Will Boggle Your Mind by Julie Vosburgh ...
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The Gilded Girl by Alyssa Colman
By Janie Cheaney |
The Gilded Girl, a magical take on A Little Princess, takes readers to an alternative turn-of-the-century New York City. The Gilded Girl by Alyssa Colman. ...
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Attack of the Killer Komodos by Summer Rachel Short
By Betsy Farquhar |
Action, adventure, and chimeras await Maggie and Nate in Yellowstone in the Attack of the Killer Komodos. Attack of the Killer Komodos (A Maggie and ...
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Population Picture Books: *If the World Were 100 People and We Are a Garden
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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9/11 for Middle Graders: Ground Zero and In the Shadow of the Fallen Towers
By Janie Cheaney |
Novelist Alan Gratz and graphic artist Don Brown offer views of 9/11 accessible to middle-grade readers. In The Shadow of the Fallen Towers: The Seconds, ...
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The Raconteur’s Commonplace Book by Kate Milford
By Betsy Farquhar |
15 storytellers each tell a mesmerizing tale for the Raconteur's Commonplace book, a book as clever as any Milford has written. The Raconteur's Commonplace Book ...
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Weird Kid by Greg Van Eekhout
By Janie Cheaney |
Weird Kid blends humor with the "aliens among us" theme to make an entertaining read for middle graders, (especially boys). Weird Kid by Greg van ...
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Fun Read-Alouds: Dakota Crumb, How to Make a Friend, and I Can Make a Train Noise
By Janie Cheaney |
Three new picture books offer sure-fire hooks for preschoolers and primary-graders alike. I Can Make a Train Noise by Michael Emberley and Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick. Holiday ...
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Stealing Home: Jackie Robinson against the odds
By Megan Saben |
Stealing Home: Jackie Robinson Against the Odds by Robert Burleigh. Simon & Schuster, 2007. 32 pages. Reading level: Picture books, ages 4-8, ages 8-10Recommended for: ...
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Franklin Endicott and the Third Key by Kate DiCamillo
By Betsy Farquhar |
Franklin Endicott learns to appreciate mystery and story instead of worrying in this delightful chapter book from Kate DiCamillo. Franklin Endicott and the Third Key ...
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Reading Afghanistan
By Janie Cheaney |
For a country many of us can't even point to on a map, Afghanistan has held a consequential place in world history. This mountainous district ...
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The Redeemed Reader Bible Pilgrimage: How and Why
By Janie Cheaney |
My Story and His I was raised in a denomination that took the Bible very seriously: “We speak where the Bible speaks, and are silent ...
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Homer on the Case by Henry Cole
By Janie Cheaney |
Homer, a literate homing pigeon, uses his unusual skills to solve a mystery, in this gentle story for young middle-graders. Homer on the Case by ...
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Aven Green, Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling
By Janie Cheaney |
Chapter-book readers will enjoy meeting Aven Green, the no-armed protagonist of the "Life of a Cactus" books. Aven Green, Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling, with ...
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The Vast Wonder of the World by Mélina Mangal
By Janie Cheaney |
The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just by Mélina Mangal. Millbrook Press, 2018, 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 4-8Recommended for: ...
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Picture-Book Roundup: Art and Artists
By Janie Cheaney |
Three picture-book biographies introduce children to the work of three very distinct artists: Ben Shahn, Judith Scott, and Winslow Homer. The People’s Painter: How Ben ...
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Wombat Walkabout by Carol Diggory Shields
By Janie Cheaney |
Wombat Walkabout features six furry siblings outwitting a hungry dingo. Wombat Walkabout by Carol Diggory Shields. Illustrated by Sophie Blackall. Dutton Children's Books, 2009, 32 ...
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John Klassen and Proverbs: A Guest Post from Sarah Hartman*
By Janie Cheaney |
John Klassen's Hat trilogy beautifully illustrates timeless truths from the book of Proverbs. I Want My Hat Back (2011), This is Not My Hat (2012), ...
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The Wisdom of Trees by Lita Judge
By Janie Cheaney |
The Wisdom of Trees shows how trees function as a community in cooperation, not competition. The Wisdom of Trees: How Trees Work Together to Form ...
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The Way of the Hive by Jay Hosler
By Janie Cheaney |
The Way of the Hive follows the life of a honeybee in clever graphic-novel style. The Way of the Hive: A Honey Bee’s Story by ...
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*The Ship of Stolen Words by Fran Wilde
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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STEM in the World Series by Marne Ventura
By Betsy Farquhar |
STEM is vital to sports! Ventura shows young readers how physics, technology, engineering, and math work in baseball's favorite event. STEM in the World Series ...
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America My Love, America My Heart by Daria Riley
By Janie Cheaney |
America My Love, America My Heart expresses complex emotions about the author's home country. America My Love, America My Heart by Daria Peoples Riley. Greenwillow, ...
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Critter Jitters by Jory John
By Janie Cheaney |
The “Critter Jitters” series tackles the anxieties of young children in a humorous, reassuring way. Summer Camp Critter Jitters and First Day Critter Jitters by ...
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Strong Voices: Fifteen American Speeches Worth Knowing, selected and introduced by Tonya Bolden
By Betsy Farquhar |
Strong Voices shares fifteen great American speeches from men and women throughout America's history. Strong Voices: Fifteen American Speeches Worth Knowing, selected and introduced by ...
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Juneteenth Roundup
By Janie Cheaney |
Juneteenth, our newest national holiday, commemorates the 19th of June, 1865, when slaves in Texas learned of their emancipation. These four books offer experiential perspectives ...
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Mad for Ads by Erica Fyvie
By Janie Cheaney |
Mad for Ads opens the eyes of readers to the countless ways they are data-mined and targeted for advertising. Mad for Ads: How Advertising Gets ...
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Teaflet & Roog Make a Mess by Jeanne Birdsall
By Janie Cheaney |
Tousle-haired siblings Teaflet & Roog narrowly avert a domestic disaster in this chapter book by Penderwicks author Jeanne Birdsall. Teaflet & Roog Make a Mess ...
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God Made Me for Worship by Jared Kennedy
By Janie Cheaney |
Author Jared Kennedy uses Isaiah 6 as a model for explaining the liturgy, in God Made Me for Worship God Made Me for Worship: Helping ...
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Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (Awesomely Austen Series)
By Janie Cheaney |
The "Awesomely Austen" series makes Jane Austen accessible to elementary-age readers. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by Katherine Woodfine, illustrated by Eglantine Ceulemans. Hodder Children’s ...
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*Tree Street Kids: Jack vs. the Tornado and The Hunt for Fang
By Megan Saben |
Authentic characters and classic themes shine in a God-honoring series about Jack, his sister, friendship, and a great clubhouse. Tree Street Kids series by Amanda ...
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Picture Books about Refugees: Watercress, Yang Warriors, and The Suitcase
By Janie Cheaney |
Two memoirs and one parable show children how to have sympathy for refugees, even within their own family. Watercress by Andrea Yang, illustrated by Jason ...
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A Shot in the Arm! by Don Brown
By Janie Cheaney |
A Shot in the Arm traces the history of vaccination in graphic-novel format, from the 18th century to the present day. A Shot in the ...
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Unspeakable by Carole Boston Weatherford
By Janie Cheaney |
Unspeakable exposes a terrible chapter in American history but ends in hope for reconciliation. Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by ...
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Teaching Kids Church History
By Betsy Farquhar |
Today, we're happy to welcome a friend of mine and fellow writer, Christina Fox, to RR. Christina is a real life friend of mine, as ...
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Picture-book Roundup: The Floating Field, *Hugo and the Impossible Thing, Yes & No
By Janie Cheaney |
Three outstanding new picture books demonstrate how life is better when we work together. The Floating Field: How a Group of Thai Boys Built Their ...
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War and Millie McGonigle by Karen Cushman
By Janie Cheaney |
Millie McGonigle is an appealing 12-year-old who is struggling to deal with tough things in life, like death and war. War and Millie McGonigle by ...
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2021 Summer Reading: Faith & Fortitude Is Here!
By Betsy Farquhar |
2021 Summer Reading Theme We're very excited about the 2021 summer reading theme: Faith & Fortitude: the EPIC Story of God's People. Why? We're big ...
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Thornwood by Leah Cypess
By Janie Cheaney |
Thornwood recasts the tale of Sleeping Beauty as a castle-bound mystery, with twists and turns at every corner. Thornwood by Leah Cypress. Delacorte Press, 2021, ...
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The House that Wasn’t There by Elana K. Arnold
By Janie Cheaney |
In The House That Wasn't There, neighbors start off on the wrong foot, but soon discover a mysterious connection. The House That Wasn’t There by ...
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Character picture books: Twenty-One Steps, Bartali’s Bicycle, and Nelson Mandela’s Plan
By Janie Cheaney |
Three nonfiction picture books offer examples of faithful service, reconciliation, and self-sacrifice. Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Jeff Gottesfeld, illustrated ...
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*Kiyoshi’s Walk by Mark Karlins
By Janie Cheaney |
In a simple, direct way, Kiyoshi’s Walk answers the question, “Where do poems come from?” *Kiyoshi’s Walk by Mark Karlins, illustrated by Nicole Wong. Lee ...
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The Hedgehog of Oz by Cory Leonardo
By Hayley Morell |
The Hedgehog of Oz is a tribute to Oz from the perspective of a very small but determined hedgehog. The Hedgehog of Oz by Cory ...
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*Tell God How You Feel by Christina Fox
By Betsy Farquhar |
Tell God How You Feel equips parents and teachers to help kids with hard emotions from a biblical framework. *Tell God How You Feel: Helping ...
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Beatrix Potter, Scientist by Lindsay H. Metcalf
By Janie Cheaney |
Her scientific ambitions were dashed, but Beatrix Potter turned the natural world into beloved art. Beatrix Potter, Scientist by Lindsay H. Metcalf, illustrated by Junyi ...
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*Go and Do Likewise! by John Hendrix
By Janie Cheaney |
In Go and Do Likewise, as in Miracle Man, John Hendrix offers a fresh take on the life and teachings of Christ. *Go and Do ...
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The One Thing You’d Save by Linda Sue Park
By Janie Cheaney |
The One Thing You’d Save asks middle-graders in a fictional classroom to consider the value they give material objects. The One Thing You’d Save by ...
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*The Promise by Jason Helopoulos
By Janie Cheaney |
The Promise takes readers from the beginning of God’s story through the fulfillment of his redemptive purpose, with striking illustrations and compelling prose. *The Promise: ...
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Bible Infographics for Kids
By Janie Cheaney |
Bible Infographics for Kids presents Bible facts and concepts in an entertaining, memorable way. Bible Infographics for Kids by Harvest House Publishers, illustrated by Brian ...
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Bible Review: NLV Brave Boys and Courageous Girls
By Janie Cheaney |
The Bible for Brave Boys and The Bible for Courageous Girls: New Life Version. Barbour, 2020, 944 pages (text size unavailable) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...
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Bible Review: NLT Girls Life Application Study Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
NLT Girls Life Application Study Bible. Tyndale House, 2016, 1568 pages (8 point font). Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: Ages 9-13 Girls ...
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Too Small Tola by Atinuke
By Janie Cheaney |
Too Small Tola, by the creator of Anna Hibiscus, introduces a winsome little girl growing up in Lagos, Nigeria Too Small Tola by Atinuke, illustrated ...
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Oversize Nonfiction: Math, Anatomy, and Classification
By Megan Saben |
Do you see order, beauty, and relationships in the world around you? Three recent oversized picture books require special shelving, but offer a feast for ...
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*All He Knew by Helen Frost
By Janie Cheaney |
All He Knew pictures grace in the midst of gloom as a deaf child learns to navigate life in an institution. *All He Knew by ...
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Native American Traditional Tales: #ownvoices
By Betsy Farquhar |
Back in the day, Gerald McDermott was one of our go to authors for Native American traditional tales. His Arrow to the Sun was a ...
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Nicky & Vera by Peter Sís
By Janie Cheaney |
Nicky & Vera, by Caldecott illustrator Peter Sís, celebrates the quiet heroism of Nicholas Winton, who saved 669 Czech children from the Holocaust. Nicky & ...
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The Lion of Mars by Jennifer L. Holm
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Lion of Mars, when the adults succumb to illness, the kids of the space colony must find a way to survive. The Lion ...
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Saucy by Cynthia Kadohata
By Janie Cheaney |
Saucy, a smart, obstreperous, and very large pig tests the patience of the parents and the coherence of a set of quadruplets. Saucy by Cynthia ...
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Multicultural Chapter Books: Yasmin, Kayla, and Mindy Kim
By Betsy Farquhar |
Yasmin, King and Kayla, and Mindy Kim are great multicultural early chapter books for young readers. Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi and illustrated by Hatem ...
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Home Is in Between by Mitali Perkins
By Betsy Farquhar |
Home Is in Between, a new picture book from Mitali Perkins, shows a new immigrant navigating two worlds with creativity and enthusiasm. Home Is in ...
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New Early Readers: Squirrels, Monsters, and Hedgehogs
By Betsy Farquhar |
Donut Feed the Squirrels, Monster and Boy, and Our Friend Hedgehog offer interesting new reading for new/early readers. Please note that the first two are ...
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WORLD Children’s Books of the Year: A Report
By Janie Cheaney |
The ALA isn’t the only organization that rewards excellence in children’s books! Since 2014, WORLD News Group has recognized outstanding literature for kids in its ...
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Black Heroes of the Wild West by James Otis Smith
By Betsy Farquhar |
Black Heroes of the Wild West introduces young readers to three exciting and legendary figures in this graphic novel style history for middle grades. Black ...
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*Catherine’s War by Julia Billet
By Hayley Morell |
An excellent new graphic novel translated into English, Catherine's War tells the story of one Jewish girl’s life in occupied France, often through the lens ...
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*Creative God Colorful Us by Trillia Newbell
By Betsy Farquhar |
Creative God Colorful Us invites students to enjoy God's diverse family by loving God and their neighbor and celebrating God's human creation. *Creative God Colorful ...
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What to Read After Mulan
By Betsy Farquhar |
Perhaps you have watched the stunning new Mulan movie (available for free streaming now on Disney+). The gorgeous cinematography would have been lovely on the ...
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Mulan: Before the Sword by Grace Lin
By Betsy Farquhar |
The "prequel" to the new Disney Mulan movie, this middle grades story weaves together Chinese legend with Mulan's own tale to great effect. Mulan: Before ...
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The Hour Approaches–Our Newbery Predictions!
By Janie Cheaney |
Next Monday, Jan. 25, during its annual Midwinter Conference (which is virtual like everything else this year) the American Library Association will announce the winners ...
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2021 Newbery Roundup #2: When You Trap a Tiger, Efren Divided, Magnificent Monsters of Cedar Street
By Janie Cheaney |
Three more possible Newbery contenders we never got around to reviewing. When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller. Random House, 2020, 302 pages Lily, ...
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