(C) Ages 8-10
Eventown by Corey Ann Haydn
By Janie Cheaney |
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)
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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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New Kid by Jerry Craft
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Megan Saben |
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
By wpengine |
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!
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Betsy Farquhar |
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
By Hayley Morell |
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
By Janie Cheaney |
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)
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 ...
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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. ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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: ...
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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, ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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. ...
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*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 ...
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*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, ...
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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 ...
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*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, ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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*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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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*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 ...
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*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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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, ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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“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 ...
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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 ...
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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 & ...
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*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 ...
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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: ...
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*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 ...
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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 ...
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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. ...
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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 ...
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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) ...
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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 ...
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*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. ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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, ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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*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. ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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*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 ...
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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. ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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: ...
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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, ...
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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 ...
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*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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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*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, ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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, ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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