(C) Ages 8-10
Newbery Roundup – The Books We Didn’t Love (Part Two)
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
10 Favorite Christian Biographies
By Betsy Farquhar |
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. ...
Read More 
2019 Newbery Buzz #1: The Season of Styx Malone
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Reading Aloud to Tweens and Teens: A Guest Post about Kate Seredy’s books
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
Every Month is a New Year by Susan L. Roth
By Janie Cheaney |
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: ...
Read More 
Inkling by Kenneth Oppel
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
Read More 
Special God by Julie Mililli
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
One-Size-Fits-All: Read Aloud Gift Books for the Whole Family!
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
Knights vs. Dinosaurs by Matt Phelan
By Janie Cheaney |
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. ...
Read More 
*Wicked Nix by Lena Coakley
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
*Tales of Wonder edited by Phillips, Bianco, and Kern
By Betsy Farquhar |
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, ...
Read More 
Books for the Whole Year
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
Read More
*Sing a Song of Seasons: A Nature Poem for Each Day of the Year
By Megan Saben |
*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, ...
Read More 
The Jesse Tree by Geraldine McCaughrean
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
Art and the Picture Book: a Redeemed Reader Booklist!
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
*Picturing America by Hudson Talbot
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Christmas Books for All Ages: A Booklist
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
The Atlas Obscura Explorers Guide by Dylan Thuras
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Popular Middle Grade Fantasy Series
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
*Prepare Him Room by Marty Machowski
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
*Hallelujah: A Journey Through Advent with Handel’s Messiah by Cindy Rollins
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
Read More 
Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Nonfiction Picture Book Round-Up (Fall, 2018 edition)
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
New Picture Books Round-Up (Fall, 2018 edition)
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
Rabbit & Robot and Ribbit by CeCe Bell
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
We the People … A U.S. Government Booklist
By Betsy Farquhar |
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, ...
Read More 
Big Idea Picture Books
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Heroes of WWII: A Book List for Tweens and Teens
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
“Sarah, Plain and Tall Series” by Gladys Hunt
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Bob by Wendy Maas and Rebecca Stead
By Janie Cheaney |
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 & ...
Read More 
*Brother Hugo and the Bear by Katy Beebe
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
A Colorful Past by William Boekestein
By Janie Cheaney |
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: ...
Read More 
*John Newton by Simonetta Carr
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Amal Unbound by Alisha Saeed
By Janie Cheaney |
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. ...
Read More Save Me A Seat: Book Club Tips and Questions
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
The ABCs of Building Your Picture Book Collection
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
Read More 
Toaff’s Way by Cynthia Voight
By Janie Cheaney |
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. ...
Read More 
Black Rock Brothers by S. J. Dahlstrom
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
The Wright Brothers: Nose-Diving into History by Ben Thompson
By Janie Cheaney |
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) ...
Read More 
Science Ideas in 30 Seconds by Mike Goldsmith
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
*The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden by Karina van Glaser
By Janie Cheaney |
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. ...
Read More 
The Love Your Neighbor Book Club: Its Beginnings
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
Multicultural Graphic Novels: Akissi and the Dragon Slayer
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Can You Identify the Five Nonfiction Categories?
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Inside Out and Back Again by Thanha Lai
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
Back to School with Babymouse and Og the Frog
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Code Word Courage by Kirby Larson
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
Picture Book Round-Up: Back to School Picture Books!
By Betsy Farquhar |
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, ...
Read More 
Up & Down by Don Brown
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Pass Go and Collect $200 by Tanya Lee Stone
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Book Party Idea: Swallows and Amazons Forever!
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
The Tragic Tale of Narcissa Whitman by Cheryl Harness
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
Retro Reads: *The Book of the Ancient World by Dorothy Mills
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
Science Picture-Book Roundup
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
New Picture Book Biographies Round-up (2018)
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
50 Wacky Things Animals Do by Tricia Wagner
By Janie Cheaney |
“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 ...
Read More 
The Hyena Scientist by Sy Montgomery
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Diversity in Mini-Biographies: Refugees, African Americans, and More!
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
Impossible Inventions by the Mizielinskis
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Dinosaur Book List for All Ages
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea by Lynn Rae Perkins
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Power Forward by Hena Khan
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
*Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad by Ann Petry
By Betsy Farquhar |
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. ...
Read More 
Fairy Tales (and More!) for Summer: A Booklist for Family Read Alouds
By Betsy Farquhar |
Lovely, Literary, and Light-hearted: Fairy Tales are a Perfect Match for Summer Fun Looking for some fun, low commitment reading for this summer? Perhaps you ...
Read More 
Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce
By Betsy Farquhar |
Liam, a super tall 12-year-old, goes on a cosmic adventure in this light-hearted British science fiction story that includes subtle emotional weight. Cosmic by Frank ...
Read More 
Look at the Weather by Britta Techentrup
By Janie Cheaney |
This picture book for all ages encourages readers to "look at the weather" while learning the basic causes of it. Look at the Weather by ...
Read More 
*How Sweet the Sound by Carole Boston Weatherford
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
The Penderwicks at Last by Jeanne Birdsall
By Betsy Farquhar |
Longtime readers will enjoy Birdsall's Penderwicks at Last, a charming finale to this beloved middle grades series. The Penderwicks at Last by Jeanne Birdsall. Knopf, 2018. ...
Read More 
Summer Fun Booklist: Full of Activities and Things to Do!
By Betsy Farquhar |
Summer Days Ahead The glorious weeks of summer are upon us (if you live in the Southeast) or soon to be (if you live in ...
Read More 
SuperGifted by Gordon Korman
By Janie Cheaney |
A “super-gifted” boy genius bites off more than he can chew in this middle school story told from multiple perspectives. Ages 10-15 SuperGifted by Gordon ...
Read More 
The Monarchs Are Missing: A Butterfly Mystery by Rebecca Hirsch
By Janie Cheaney |
Why is the population of Monarch butterflies declining? This book invites readers to ponder the mystery, and participate in the solution. The Monarchs Are Missing: ...
Read More 
Marvelous Math for Middle Grades
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Language of the Universe The language of the universe is math. Little else in the natural world reflects such a unique combination of truth, ...
Read More 
Stuck in the Stone Age by Geoff Rodkey
By Janie Cheaney |
Stuck in the Stone Age offers a short course in story writing as well as a wacky time-travel adventure. Ages 8-12 Stuck in the Stone ...
Read More 
*New Shoes by Sara Varon
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Raffie on the Run by Jacqueline Resnick
By Janie Cheaney |
Raffie, an intrepid subway rat, embarks on a fearsome quest to rescue his little brother in this lively animal adventure with memorable characters. Ages 8-12 ...
Read More 
With My Hands by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater
By Janie Cheaney |
With My Hands, a poetry collection for ages 5-10, celebrates the endless creativity of humans from the earliest ages. With My Hands: Poems about Making ...
Read More 
It’s National Poetry Month – Let’s Write a Poem! (Free Download)
By Janie Cheaney |
In honor of National poetry month, here's a sample lesson from Wordsmith Apprentice to help reluctant writers produce original verse. "Poetry" is a scary word ...
Read More 
The Wishmakers by Tyler Whitesides
By Janie Cheaney |
This fantasy series opener sends one young “wishmaker” and his personal genie on a wild ride to save the world—with consequences attached. The Wishmakers by ...
Read More 
The 11:11 Wish by Kim Tomsic
By Janie Cheaney |
A wish-granting clock is the unique agent in this tweener story about forming one’s principles against the desire to be popular. The 11:11 Wish by ...
Read More 
*Sled Dog School by Terry Lynn Johnson
By Janie Cheaney |
An academically-challenged boy gains confidence and learns responsibility when he opens a sled dog school. *Sled Dog School by Terry Lynn Johnson. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, ...
Read More 
Strongheart by Candace Fleming
By Janie Cheaney |
Strongheart, a real movie-star dog, acts out a movie scenario in this fun tale. Ages 7-11 Strongheart: Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen by Candace ...
Read More 
Mega List of Bible Reviews!
By Janie Cheaney |
Here in one handy post are all the children's Bibles reviewed over the last six years by RedeemedReader, with links. I (Janie) started reviewing children’s ...
Read More 
Bible Review: NIrV Adventures in Odyssey
By Janie Cheaney |
Though mostly for die-hard Odyssey fans, this edition of the NIrV includes some valuable kid-friendly features. NIrV Adventures in Odyssey Bible. Focus on the Family, ...
Read More 
Martin Rising by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney
By Betsy Farquhar |
Martin Rising is a exuberant, poetic homage to Martin Luther King for middle grades. Martin Rising: Requiem for a King by Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrated ...
Read More 
Bible Review: CSB Kids’ Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
The CSB Kids' Bible, in various formats, provides ease of reading with helpful inserts. Ages 8-12 CSB Kids’ Bible. B&H Kids, 2018, 1568 pages. Recommended ...
Read More 
Bible Review: CSB Big Picture Interactive Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
The CSB Big Picture Interactive Bible presents an update of a respected translation with study helps and a story-telling app. Ages 6-10 CSB Big Picture Interactive ...
Read More 
Bible Review: NIrV Seek and Explore Holy Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
The NIrV Seek & Explore Bible takes a learning-styles approach that will be helpful for some kids but distracting for others. Ages 6-10 NIrV Seek ...
Read More 
Bible Review: NIV Kids’ Visual Study Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
The NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible presents helpful notes, illustrations, and infographics in a unique layout. Ages 8-12 NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible, Zonderkidz, 2017, ...
Read More 
*Big Picture Bible Crafts by Gail Schoonmaker
By Janie Cheaney |
A great resource for Sunday school or art class, these Bible crafts will help kids learn while they create. All ages *Big Picture Bible Crafts: ...
Read More 
*God’s Timeline by Linda Finlayson
By Janie Cheaney |
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: ...
Read More 
*Exploring the Bible by David Murray
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Picture Book Biographies Booklist!
By Betsy Farquhar |
Picture Book Biographies = Fantastic, Diverse Resources Picture book biographies are one of the best ways to introduce a person from history. Why? They bring ...
Read More 
Little Activists Raising Little Fists
By Janie Cheaney |
Yesterday’s post on Leadership asked the question: “What, exactly, is leadership?” It’s not as easy a definition as it looks, but you might not know ...
Read More 
Learning to Lead: Another RedeemedReader Booklist!
By Janie Cheaney |
In his Confessions, Augustine wrote this on the subject of "time": “I understand well enough what time is, so long as no one asks me.” ...
Read More 
*Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson
By Betsy Farquhar |
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. ...
Read More 
Pie-Themed Picture Books for Pi/Pie Day!
By Betsy Farquhar |
"Pi/Pie Day" is coming up on March 14th! Check out one of the pie-themed picture books below from your local library to enjoy with your ...
Read More 
Nonfiction Picture Books Round-up: Biographies, Science, and Words
By Betsy Farquhar |
A round-up of 2018 nonfiction picture books on all sorts of subjects and for all sorts of ages! The Great Dictionary Caper by Judy Sierra and ...
Read More 
Survivor Diaries by Terry Lynn Johnson
By Janie Cheaney |
The Survivor Diaries series present 10-and-11 year olds in life-threatening situations, who find the courage to persevere and . . . survive! Ages 7-11 Survivor Diaries: ...
Read More