(C) Ages 8-10

Wile E Coyote, Physical Science Genius

Find out why that poor coyote never actually catches the speedy roadrunner in these clever science books for young physicists. Wile E. Coyote, physical science ...
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Family Vacation Book List: Fun for the Whole Family

Going on vacation this summer? What about daily trips to the pool and back? Perhaps you have some summer evenings on the porch planned. Sounds ...
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*The Church Mice Series by Graham Oakley

The Church Mice series recaptures a very British way of life through a band of adventurous mice and their loyal protector cat. The Church Mice ...
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The Survival Guide to Money Smarts by Eric Braun

Practical worksheets and relevant concerns make this “Survival Guide” a useful money primer for middle graders. The Survival Guide to Money Smarts by Eric Braun ...
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The Money-Smart Family System by Steve Economides

"Money smarts" begin at home in this family-oriented guide to teaching wise management. The Money Smart Family System by Steve and Annette Economides.  Thomas Nelson, ...
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The Last Last-Day-of-Summer by Lamar Giles

The "last day of summer" turns into a literal race against time for two intrepid, legendary sleuths. The Last Last-Day-of-Summer by Lamar Giles.  Versify (HMH), ...
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*Time Sight by Lynne Jonell

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

When you are ready to introduce your family to a classic edition of Pilgrim’s Progress, two simplified versions complement each other beautifully, providing solid familiarity ...
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Bible Review: NASB Children’s Edition

This brand-new Children's Edition of the New American Standard Bible is a must-have for NASB users. NASB Holy Bible, Children’s Edition, Three Sixteen Publishing, 2019, ...
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Shakespeare Fun and Frivolity

Shakespeare fans who have room on their shelves and a box of freshly sharpened colored pencils will find good application for both with three fun ...
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Let ‘er Buck! by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Black cowboy George Fletcher, the "People's Champion," is the subject of this story from the old west. Let 'er Buck! George Fletcher, the People's Champion ...
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Crossing on Time by David Macaulay

David Macaulay again turns his drafting ability and clear prose on a massive engineering project, and this time it's personal. Crossing in Time: Steam Engines, ...
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Mercy Watson, the Porcine Wonder (books by Kate DiCamillo)

Meet Mercy Watson, the Porcine Wonder My kids and I first met Mercy Watson, the porcine wonder, in the pages of her first book: Mercy ...
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Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid by Jeff Kinney

The Wimpy Kid's long-suffering best friend takes the narrative helm in the latest from the wildly successful book franchise. Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: ...
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The Pilgrim’s Progress Movie

The movie version of Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, which included some creative liberties, was faithful to the themes of the classic allegory and fueled a delightful ...
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Caterpillar Summer by Gullian McDunn

Biracial siblings connect with their estranged grandparents in Caterpillar Summer. Caterpillar Summer by Gullian McDunn.  Bloomsbury, 2019, 291 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 ...
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Because of the Rabbit by Cynthia Lord

Home-schooled Emma learns a lot about classrooms and friendship "Because of the Rabbit." Because of the Rabbit by Cynthia Lord.  Scholastic, 2019, 183 pages. Reading ...
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Birds of a Feather: Bird Books for Kids

Do you have a young bird lover in your house? A bird nerd who, at age 10, can tell you all the migratory species that ...
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Bible Review: CSB Defend Your Faith

The Defend Your Faith Bible equips middle graders for apologetics with arguments for the reasonableness and accuracy of the scriptures. CSB Defend Your Faith Bible: ...
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Bible Review: CSB Study Bible for Girls (and Boys)

Though more of a devotional Bible than a study Bible, this edition offers thought-provoking questions and application features. CSB Study Bible for Girls.  Baker, 2018, ...
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Bible Reviews: NIV God’s Treasure, Polar Adventure, and Incredible Creatures

Three recent editions of the NIV from Zondervan target adventurous kids and fantasy lovers. NIV God’s Treasure Holy Bible.  Zonderkidz, 2018, 1216 pages (font size ...
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Bible Review: the Stampede of “Creative” Bibles

A coloring Bible may make a lovely gift for the right recipient, but is it the best choice for reading and studying? The appearance of ...
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Eventown by Corey Ann Haydn

Eventown is a place of forgetting, but how much forgetting does that take before you forget yourself? Eventown by Corey Ann Haydn.  HarperCollins, 2019, 326 ...
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*By the Great Horn Spoon by Sid Fleischman (Retro Read)

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

Naima loves to draw, but how can she use that gift to help her poor Bangladeshi family earn some much needed income? Rickshaw Girl by ...
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cover of new kid

New Kid by Jerry Craft

New Kid offers a fresh and funny graphic-novel take on the middle-school blues. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-14 From Washington ...
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Literaritea: Classics and new favorites

Literaritea is a fresh series in which Megan offers a taste of her experiences reading picture books and poetry aloud to her five boys, ages 2-12. Ideally we have teatime with our literature, but not always. These are the books that resonate with all of us and if I don't own these titles yet, I ...
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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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4 New Multicultural Picture Books: Gratitude, Island Culture, Rap, and Hannukah!

Several of these picture books recently won awards (or honors) in the ALA YMA in January. And one of them is brand new, hot-off-the-press in ...
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It’s Up to You, Abe Lincoln by Tom and Leila Hirschfeld

This unusual biography of Abraham Lincoln frames his life as a series of ten decisions, in which the reader is invited to participate. It’s Up ...
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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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Prognosticating the Newberys, 2019 Edition

updated 1/28 with actual results/how we did. It's the time of year when librarians and other kidlit nerds like ourselves get antsy. The ALA will announce this year's Youth Media Awards ...
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Sign Here: Twenty-Two Unofficially Official Pull-Out Forms

Perfect activity for your list-loving child on a cold winter’s day. Sign Here by Gabrielle Djanogly & Adele Mildred.  Prestel Junior, 2018.  48 pages.   Reading Level: Ages ...
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2019 Newbery Buzz #2: The Book of Boy

Janie: The Book of Boy is one of the more unusual middle-grade novels to appear this year.  The main character is (not surprisingly) Boy, a ...
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Newbery Roundup – The Books We Didn’t Love (Part Two)

Continuing our series from last Friday about children's books seen as contenders for the ALA's coveted Newbery medal. The Truth As Told by Mason Buttle ...
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10 Favorite Christian Biographies

Heaven: A Family Reunion? I don't know what heaven will be like, but I imagine it as one big family reunion at a feast table. ...
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2019 Newbery Buzz #1: The Season of Styx Malone

It’s that time again!  Children’s book titles are pouring into every librarians’ website as the kidlit community speculates on who will win Newbery gold this ...
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Reading Aloud to Tweens and Teens: A Guest Post about Kate Seredy’s books

Dawn Garrett joins us today to discuss reading Kate Seredy's books aloud to her tweens and teens. For more about Dawn, see her bio below ...
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Every Month is a New Year by Susan L. Roth

This picture book gives a neglected holiday its due, celebrating “New Year” around the world with brilliant collage illustrations. Every Month is a New Year: ...
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Inkling by Kenneth Oppel

Imagination literally runs wild in Inkling, the latest middle-grade novel from popular novelist Kenneth Oppel. Inkling by Kenneth Oppel, with illustrations by Sydney Smith.  Knopf, ...
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Special God by Julie Mililli

Special God sets out to explain biblical theological concepts to young children and those with special needs. Special God by Julie Mililli, design by Matt ...
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One-Size-Fits-All: Read Aloud Gift Books for the Whole Family!

Need a book idea you can give as a “whole family” gift? Perhaps you want to take along a little “happy” to the friend and ...
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Knights vs. Dinosaurs by Matt Phelan

Three boastful knights bite off more than they can chew in this legendary tale by a popular graphic novelist. Knights vs. Dinosaurs by Matt Phelan.  ...
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*Wicked Nix by Lena Coakley

Wicked Nix, “foulest of the fairies,” encounters a magic that resists all the standard fairy spells: the power of human love. *Wicked Nix by Lena ...
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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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Books for the Whole Year

The new year is a great time to begin something fresh, whether it is a new Bible-reading plan or a commitment to read a book ...
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*Sing a Song of Seasons: A Nature Poem for Each Day of the Year

*Sing a Song of Seasons: A Nature Poem for Each Day of the Year selected by Fiona Waters, illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon. Nosy Crow, 2018, ...
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The Jesse Tree by Geraldine McCaughrean

Fresh, colorful illustrations decorate this reprint of The Jesse Tree as told by master storyteller Geraldine McCaughrean. The Jesse Tree by Geraldine McCaughrean and illustrated by Bee ...
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Art and the Picture Book: a Redeemed Reader Booklist!

Redeemed Reader rounds up some picture books that not only teach about art and artists, but encourage children to observe and appreciate. Artists and picture ...
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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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Christmas Books for All Ages: A Booklist

Readers, we are thankful for YOU! And, in honor of our appreciation for you, your faithful support of Redeemed Reader and encouragement to us, we're ...
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The Atlas Obscura Explorers Guide by Dylan Thuras

The juvenile version of the Atlas Obscura travel guide may spark a taste for travel in middle graders. The Atlas Obscura Explorers Guide for the ...
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Popular Middle Grade Fantasy Series

Kids banding together to help one another, particularly if the grown-ups are somehow unavailable = the biggest common denominator in middle grade fiction. Not every ...
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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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Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille

What if God took the very instrument that caused your suffering and turned it into a tool of blessing for many? Six Dots: A Story ...
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Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo

In this sequel to an earlier book, Louisiana Elephante, all of ten years old, finds herself abandoned in a small Georgia town. Lousiana’s Way Home ...
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Nonfiction Picture Book Round-Up (Fall, 2018 edition)

It's National Picture Book Month, so we're celebrating picture books--both fiction and nonfiction! Nonfiction picture books are a truly exceptional--and often overlooked--way to introduce a ...
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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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Rabbit & Robot and Ribbit by CeCe Bell

Rabbit and Robot's friendship is tested when a new friend, Ribbit, enters the scene in this funny easy reader. Rabbit & Robot and Ribbit by ...
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We the People … A U.S. Government Booklist

Election Day is just around the corner, and our national media outlets love nothing more than a juicy political story. Gossip and slander aside, though, ...
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Big Idea Picture Books

Three well-received picture books take on expansive subjects like Love, Imagination, and the Beginning of Everything Imagine! by Raul Colon.  Simon & Shuster, 2018, 40 ...
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Heroes of WWII: A Book List for Tweens and Teens

World War II is perennially interesting and not just to history buffs! We've focused on church history the past couple of years during October, first ...
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“Sarah, Plain and Tall Series” by Gladys Hunt

We've got another post from Gladys Hunt for you today about a series beloved to many. For the other posts in this series, please check ...
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Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech

Nine-year-old Louie volunteers to save Winslow, a newborn mini-donkey, in this gentle story about loss and change. Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech.  HarperCollins, 2018, 165 ...
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Bob by Wendy Maas and Rebecca Stead

Two popular authors team up to write this quirky story about a lovable creature named—of course—Bob. Bob by Wendy Maas and Rebecca Stead.  Feiwel & ...
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*Brother Hugo and the Bear by Katy Beebe

A cryptic aside in a medieval letter is the springboard for this charming story of a monk, a manuscript, and a bear. *Brother Hugo and ...
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A Colorful Past by William Boekestein

A coloring book for elementary through middle grades offers a sweeping view of church history, from the first century to the twentieth. A Colorful Past: ...
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*John Newton by Simonetta Carr

John Newton’s colorful life is a welcome addition to the Reformation Heritage series of Christian biographies. *John Newton by Simonetta Carr.  Reformation Heritage, 2018, 63 ...
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Amal Unbound by Alisha Saeed

Amal, a Pakistani girl with dreams of an education, finds her dreams derailed in this engaging story for middle graders. Amal Unbound by Alisha Saeed.  ...
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Save Me A Seat: Book Club Tips and Questions

Readers, it's almost October! Let me pour myself some Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea. (You can have your pumpkin spice lattes!) Are you ...
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The ABCs of Building Your Picture Book Collection

What, you thought you could just walk into a bookstore and buy a book? How do you determine whether or not a picture book is ...
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Toaff’s Way by Cynthia Voight

A squirrel with a mind of his own navigates the seasons of his first year in this gentle animal story. Toaff’s Way by Cynthia Voight.  ...
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Black Rock Brothers by S. J. Dahlstrom

Wilder Good, now thirteen, continues his outdoor adventures with his biggest challenge yet. Black Rock Brothers (Wilder Good #5) by S. J. Dahlstrom.  Paul Dry ...
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The Wright Brothers: Nose-Diving into History by Ben Thompson

A new series about advances in technology begins with the indomitable spirit of the Wright Brothers. The Wright Brothers: Nose-Diving into History (Epic Fails #1) ...
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Science Ideas in 30 Seconds by Mike Goldsmith

In spite of some outdated ideas about science and faith, these 30-second explanations form an interesting tour of science history.  Ages 8-15 Science Ideas in ...
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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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The Love Your Neighbor Book Club: Its Beginnings

Love God. Love your neighbor. Those, in brief, are the two greatest commandments, the commandments that sum up all the Law and the Prophets. And one ...
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Multicultural Graphic Novels: Akissi and the Dragon Slayer

Two graphic novels give readers a glimpse of life and culture in Africa and South America.  Ages 7-12 Akissi: Tales of Mischief by Marguerite Abouet ...
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Can You Identify the Five Nonfiction Categories?

The Juvenile nonfiction designation has exploded, especially since the push for Common Core standards was supposed to increase factual reading.  Common Core seems to be ...
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Inside Out and Back Again by Thanha Lai

Inside Out and Back Again is a beautiful, timely middle grades verse novel about a young Vietnamese girl's refugee experience. Inside Out and Back Again ...
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Back to School with Babymouse and Og the Frog

Two back-to-school series for different ages tickle the funny bone, satirize social conventions, and even stimulate sympathy for others.  Ages 6-12 Life According to Og ...
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Code Word Courage by Kirby Larson

Code Word Courage highlights the important contribution of the Navajo Code Talkers during WWII as Billie and her dog Bear find comfort back home. Middle ...
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Picture Book Round-Up: Back to School Picture Books!

Back-to-School time means new pencils, new lunchboxes, new classrooms (or a new look for the dining room table!), and... new emotions. Scared and excited students, ...
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Up & Down by Don Brown

Graphic novelist Don Brown offers a fascinating picture book about early hydrogen ballooning.  Ages 5-10 Up & Down: The Adventures of John Jeffries, First American ...
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Pass Go and Collect $200 by Tanya Lee Stone

Pass Go and Collect $200 is fun, relatable social history for Monopoly fans and anyone who ever had a great idea.  Ages 6-up Pass Go ...
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Book Party Idea: Swallows and Amazons Forever!

I'm always on the alert for good book party possibilities; we throw one about once a quarter. This past Friday, we threw a lovely Swallows and ...
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The Tragic Tale of Narcissa Whitman by Cheryl Harness

The Tragic Tale of Narcissa Whitman eloquently captures the hardships the early pioneers faced, the missionary ardor that inspired the Whitmans, and the unfortunate events ...
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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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Science Picture-Book Roundup

Four new science picture books entertain while informing young readers about microbes, sparrows, hawks, and deep-sea exploration.  Ages 6-10 The Bacteria Book: the BIG World ...
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New Picture Book Biographies Round-up (2018)

We love picture book biographies here at Redeemed Reader, and, thankfully, publishers seem to love them, too! Below are several new picture book biographies, some ...
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50 Wacky Things Animals Do by Tricia Wagner

“Wacky facts” about 50 animals introduce young readers to the amazing variety of creation. Ages 6-10 50 Wacky Things Animals Do: Weird and Amazing Animal ...
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The Hyena Scientist by Sy Montgomery

The Hyena Scientist takes readers on safari to observe a misunderstood species.  Ages 8-14 The Hyena Scientist by Sy Montgomery, photography by Nic Bishop.  Houghton ...
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Diversity in Mini-Biographies: Refugees, African Americans, and More!

Diversity is a siren call these days, and, in regards to standard history book treatment of ethnic minorities and women, it's often needed. Check Your ...
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Impossible Inventions by the Mizielinskis

Impossible Inventions, by the same team who brought you Maps, is quirky, informative, and possibly inspiring.  Ages 8-12 Impossible Inventions: Ideas that Shouldn’t Work by ...
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Dinosaur Book List for All Ages

Is your child keenly aware that a new Jurassic Park movie is hitting the big screen this week? As if kids needed more motivation to be interested ...
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Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea by Lynn Rae Perkins

Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea is a beach vacation between two covers, told from an artless childlike perspective.  Ages 7-10 Secret Sisters of the ...
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Power Forward by Hena Khan

Zayd's dream of playing basketball on his school's A-team clashes with his Muslim family's goals for him.  Ages 6-10 Power Forward (Zayd Saleem, Chasing the ...
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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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