(C) Ages 8-10
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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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 ...
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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 ...
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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, ...
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*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: ...
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*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: ...
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*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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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.” ...
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*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. ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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: ...
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Classic Reads: The Story of the Treasure Seekers by E. Nesbit
By Janie Cheaney |
This often-overlooked classic by the beloved fantasy writer introduces six children with lively imaginations and not much prudence. Ages 10-14 The Story of the Treasure ...
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*Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes (Retro Reads)
By Betsy Farquhar |
75 years later, this Newbery-Award winning story about Johnny Tremain is still a great historical fiction read about the birth of America. *Johnny Tremain by Esther ...
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Grand Canyon by Jason Chin
By Janie Cheaney |
A father-daughter hike from Phantom Ranch to the south rim of Grand Canyon reveals its geological wonders. Grand Canyon by Jason Chin. Roaring Brook, 2017, ...
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Picture Book Round-Up: 6 Multicultural Youth Media Award Winners
By Betsy Farquhar |
The 2018 ALA Youth Media Awards were announced last week, and children's lit fans around the country live-streamed the event (unless they were privileged to ...
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Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
By Betsy Farquhar |
Four sixth graders come together in a serendipitous turn of events in this year's Newbery award winner, Hello, Universe. Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly. Greenwillow, ...
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Black History Month Nonfiction Book List
By Betsy Farquhar |
Black History Month Nonfiction Book List It's a month full of book lists here at Redeemed Reader! We hope you enjoyed our Love and Laughter ...
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2018 Newbery Buzz #5: Real Friends and All’s Faire in Middle School
By Betsy Farquhar |
It's our final Newbery Buzz of the 2018 season. Betsy and Alysha discuss two graphic novels for this last round. Graphic Novels as Newbery Winners? ...
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Littler Women by Laura Schaeffer
By Janie Cheaney |
Littler Women pictures the four March girls as 9-to-13-year-olds growing up in a tight-knit family in modern-day Massachusetts. Littler Women: a Modern Retelling by Laura ...
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Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen by Deborah Hopkinson
By Betsy Farquhar |
This sweetly illustrated biography introduces young readers to the ordinary, extraordinary Jane Austen. Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by Qin Leng. ...
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*I’m Just No Good at Rhyming by Chris Harris and Lane Smith
By Megan Saben |
If you want to read this hilarious and thoughtful poetry book, hide it from your kids or else you'll never get a turn. I'm Just ...
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Edge of Extinction Series by Laura Martin
By Betsy Farquhar |
Living on the edge of extinction: Cloned dinosaurs plus dystopian autocratic society plus a renegade band of treetop dwellers equals a fast-paced middle grades sci-fi ...
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2018 Newbery Buzz #3: Refugee
By Janie Cheaney |
Janie and Pamela continue our Newbery discussions with Refugee, a novel that carries political significance as well as literary value. Ages 12-15. Janie: Alan Gratz ...
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Here Be Dragons: Mega Fantasy and Sci-Fi Booklist! (All ages)
By Betsy Farquhar |
A mega fantasy and sci-fi booklist with books for all ages and all types of fantasy lovers (even those who don't think they ARE fantasy ...
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Podkin One-Ear by Kieran Larwood
By Janie Cheaney |
Podkin One Ear is the first volume in an exciting fantasy series that celebrates individual courage and determination. Ages 8-12 Podkin One Ear (Longburrow #1) ...
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Bronze and Sunflower by Cao Wenxuan
By Betsy Farquhar |
Bronze and Sunflower is a gentle, thought-provoking peek into the cultural revolution in China, its effects on two children, and the importance of sacrificing for your family. ...
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*Irenaeus by Simonetta Carr
By Janie Cheaney |
Simonetta Carr continues her outstanding series of Christian-History biographies with Irenaeus of Lyon, a hero of the early church. Ages 8-12 Irenaeus (Christian Biographies for ...
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Exploring Space by Martin Jenkins
By Janie Cheaney |
Future astronauts will find many of their questions answered in this comprehensive, informative picture book, with fascinating cutaway illustrations. Ages 8-12 Exploring Space: from Galileo ...
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The River Doubt and the Amazing Amazon: 4 True Stories for All Ages
By Betsy Farquhar |
Teddy Roosevelt travels the River Doubt, Percy Fawcett hunts for the City "Z," and a tiny fish is making headlines in conservation efforts for the ...
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The Real McCoys by Matthew Swanson and Bobbi Behr
By Janie Cheaney |
A fun middle-grade series mixes classic mystery elements with wacky situations and wordplay. The Real McCoys by Matthew Swanson and Bobbi Behr. MacMillan Imprint, 2017, ...
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2018 Reading Challenge for Kids and Teens (with printable!)
By Betsy Farquhar |
The 2018 Reading Challenge for Kids and Teens Our 2018 Reading Challenge for Kids and Teens is back and better than ever! We’ve changed it ...
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*The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
By Janie Cheaney |
The Vanderbeekers, a loving family with normal unloving moments, face a Christmas-eve challenge with humor and heart. *The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan ...
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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson: the Kids Discuss….
By Betsy Farquhar |
Four middle grades kids discuss The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: what stands out in this funny, modern Christmas classic? The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara ...
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*Comforting, Training, and Teaching Minds: Catechism Devotionals by Starr Meade
By Betsy Farquhar |
Family devotionals centered around the Heidelberg and Shorter catechism are based on Scripture and are designed to help families memorize the catechisms. *Comforting Hearts, Teaching Minds: ...
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The Whydah by Martin W. Sandler
By Betsy Farquhar |
Fascinating middle grades nonfiction about the Whydah: a slave ship turned pirate ship turned treasure hunter glory. The Whydah: A Pirate Ship Feared, Wrecked and Found ...
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The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill
By Megan Saben |
Bottom line: When the big trucks take over the streets of New York, the pushcarts push back. Support your local vendor. The Pushcart War by ...
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Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
By Janie Cheaney |
The gentle story of a sympathetic red oak makes a fun read-aloud for ages 4-12. Wishtree by Katherine Applegate. Feiwel and Friends, 2017, 211 pages ...
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The Wonder of the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Wonder of the Greatest Gift offers a complete Jesse Tree experience with devotional and ornaments for the whole family to enjoy. The Wonder of ...
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*Voices of Christmas by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Eric Velasquez
By Betsy Farquhar |
Voices of Christmas is a beautiful and poetic exploration of the different characters in the Christmas story--perfect for middle grades kids! *Voices of Christmas by ...
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5 New Nonfiction Picture Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
Nonfiction picture books are one of the best ways to introduce a subject/person, enrich your study of a topic, or just learn something new! Hot ...
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Giant Christmas and Advent Book List for All Ages
By Betsy Farquhar |
We love Christmas and Advent at Redeemed Reader, and we've reviewed lots of related resources over the years. Advent begins on December 1, and the ...
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Bianca: The Brave, Frail, and Delicate Princess by Meg Welch Dendler
By Alysha |
Bianca - The Brave, Frail, and Delicate Princess is a story about a young woman who defies expectation in order to save her kingdom. *Bianca – ...
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Retro Read: Mr. Revere and I by Robert Lawson
By Megan Saben |
Mr. Revere and I: History as told by a horse in this humorous middle grades historical fiction. Mr. Revere and I: An account of a ...
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Poetry for Young People Series
By Betsy Farquhar |
Poetry is for Children Children love poetry. They really do. And it doesn't need to be "children's poetry," either. Sure, they love the silly rhymes ...
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2017 Winter Book Fair List: Books for Everyone!
By Betsy Farquhar |
2017 Winter Book Fair Books for Everyone on Your Christmas List! It's that time of the year again: Christmas is coming, and all the special ...
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Mystery Book List for Elementary, Tweens, and Teens!
By Betsy Farquhar |
Calling all mystery lovers! Mystery book list for all ages! Whether or not you're planning to see Murder on the Orient Express this month, you likely have ...
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Brave Red, Smart Frog by Emily Jenkins
By Janie Cheaney |
Seven classic fairy tales are retold in a concise but winning style that highlights both their humor and sympathy. Brave Red, Smart Frog: a New ...
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Reformation ABCs
By Megan Saben |
Reformation ABCs introduces readers quickly to the people, places, and things of the Reformation in engaging picture book format. Reformation ABCs: The People, Places, and ...
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Reformation Day!
By Janie Cheaney |
I know, we’re not there yet. It was on All Hallow’s Eve (nicknamed Halloween) that the fiery preacher of Wittenberg marched down the cobbled streets ...
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Selznick’s Invention
By Janie Cheaney |
(Note: This post is reprinted from 2011, in connection with the movie version of Wonderstruck, due to open tomorrow. It's a larger musing on Brian ...
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Word Shapers: 4 Men Who Influenced the English Language
By Betsy Farquhar |
Word Shaper: Someone who shapes, and changes, words. We associate envy with the color green. Why? William Shakespeare. In America, we write "color" instead of ...
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Growing Friendships: a Kid’s Guide to Making and Keeping Friends
By Janie Cheaney |
This friendly guide to friendship may help fill in some gaps parents inadvertently miss. Growing Friendships: a Kid’s Guide to Making and Keeping Friends by ...
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Reformation Church History Book List
By Betsy Farquhar |
Happy 500th birthday to the Protestant Reformation! 500 years ago this month, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door in Wittenburg. Of course, the ...
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Garvey’s Choice by Nikki Grimes
By Janie Cheaney |
Garvey's Choice, a gentle verse novel, charts the course of an overweight African American preteen toward self-respect. Garvey's Choice by Nikki Grimes. Wordsong, 2016, 105 ...
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Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce
By Janie Cheaney |
In this far-out fantasy, an alien named Sputnik has to prove earth is worth saving. Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce. ...
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10 New Picture Books for All Ages, All Interests, Fact and Fiction!
By Betsy Farquhar |
New picture books! Brand, spanking, new! Beautiful, silly, thoughtful, informative, and downright fun. Take a look! (Several of these made it onto our Back-to-School ...
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Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 4 (and an exciting giveaway!)
By Janie Cheaney |
Okay readers, this is it: yesterday I sent out the three final chapters and those of you who have been clamoring for "one more chapter, ...
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The Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library by Linda Bailey
By Janie Cheaney |
The six-legged "Tiny Hero" of this gentle fantasy takes on a challenge far bigger than his size. The Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library by ...
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The School Ship Tobermory series by Alexander McCall Smith
By Janie Cheaney |
The School Ship Tobermory series takes a crew of likable middle-graders to exotic ports in pursuit of adventure. School Ship Tobermory and The Sands of ...
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Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 3 (and our third giveaway!)
By Janie Cheaney |
Chapters 14-19 This section sees Roy Ray delivered to an entirely new setting, with new characters that, as we learn, are not entirely new. We’re ...
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Panda-monium by Stuart Gibbs
By Betsy Farquhar |
Panda-monium offers plenty of hi-jinks, animal facts, and quirky characters as Teddy solves the mystery of the theft of a prized giant panda. Panda-monium by ...
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Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 2 (and another great giveaway!)
By Janie Cheaney |
By chapters 8-13, we’re well into the development part of the novel, which (you may recall) I mentioned is the often the most difficult part ...
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Ben’s Revolution by Nathaniel Philbrick
By Janie Cheaney |
This young-reader history of the early days of the American Revolution views events through the experience of 12-year-old Ben Russell. Ben’s Revolution: Benjamin Russell and ...
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The Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 1 (and book giveaway!)
By Janie Cheaney |
At last count, thirty families and individuals (and a few classes) have signed up to receive daily chapters of my latest in-progress novel. (If you ...
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Leo: Dog of the Sea by Alison Hart
By Janie Cheaney |
A “sea dog” adventure chronicles a key event during the age of explorers: Magellan's epic voyage around the world. Leo: Dog of the Sea (Dog ...
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The Emperor’s Ostrich by Julie Berry
By Janie Cheaney |
A light-hearted adventure for middle-graders combines humor and redemption. The Emperor’s Ostrich by Julie Berry. Roaring Brook, 2017, 274 pages Reading Level: Middle grades, ages ...
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Dragon Seed by Marty Machowski
By Janie Cheaney |
Dragon Seed by Marty Machowsky. New Grorwth Press, 2017, 179 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-14 Nick is furious. He’s ...
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Howard Wallace, P.I. by Casey Lyell
By Janie Cheaney |
A 7th-grade detective and his feisty sidekick sets up shop in this new mystery series with a distinctive, humorous voice. Howard Wallace, P.I. by ...
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Back-to-School Booklist, 2017 edition (+ Giveaway!)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Have your kids already started school? Or perhaps that's still to come in the next couple of weeks. No matter what stage of back-to-school season you're ...
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Announcing: The Bird Boy Project!
By Janie Cheaney |
If you’ve been following Redeemed Reader for the last few years, you may remember some of the read-alongs we’ve done, such as The Hobbit, Pilgrim’s ...
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Get Ready for the Eclipse! Space and Sci-Fi Booklist
By Betsy Farquhar |
Ready for the Eclipse? Have you tested out your eclipse glasses? Do you know where you're going to be on August 21 when the eclipse ...
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