(C) Ages 8-10

The Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 1 (and book giveaway!)

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 8, 2017

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 ...

Leo: Dog of the Sea by Alison Hart

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 5, 2017

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 ...

The Emperor’s Ostrich by Julie Berry

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 31, 2017

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 ...

Dragon Seed by Marty Machowski

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 23, 2017

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 ...

Howard Wallace, P.I. by Casey Lyell

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 22, 2017

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 ...

Back-to-School Booklist, 2017 edition (+ Giveaway!)

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 21, 2017

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 ...

Announcing: The Bird Boy Project!

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 18, 2017

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 ...

Get Ready for the Eclipse! Space and Sci-Fi Booklist

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 16, 2017

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 ...

Superstar by Mandy Davis

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 15, 2017

This sympathetic portrait of an autistic youngster explores relationships, coping strategies, and the scientific method. Superstar by Mandy Davis. HarperCollins, 2017, 320 pages Reading Level: ...

Exploring Space by Jenkins and Biesty

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 14, 2017

Explore space--and humans' attempts to explore space--in this information-packed and expertly illustrated coffee table sized book. Exploring Space: From Galileo to the Mars Rover and ...

*Cody and the Fountain of Happiness by Tricia Springstubb

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 1, 2017

Eight-year-old Cody's enthusiasm for life is contagious in this sunny chapter-book series. Cody and the Fountain of Happiness (Cody series #1) by Tricia Springstubb, illustrated ...

The Unexpected Life of Oliver Cromwell Pitts by Avi

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 31, 2017

This rollicking adventure tale for middle grades by prolific author Avi takes us back to England of the 18th century. The Unexpected Life of Oliver ...

Wisdom & Wonder Week 6 Booklist

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 24, 2017

Our last Wisdom & Wonder Booklist to help you wrap up your summer! You'll see a couple of repeats from earlier in the summer as ...

Week 6 : God So Loved, He Gave

By Hayley Morell | Jul 24, 2017

Introduction This summer reading challenge has flown by! Can you believe it’s Week 6 already? (Granted, we did take a week off for the Fourth ...

Let’s Talk It over: Honesty and Diligence in Literature

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 22, 2017

Janie: This week we’re taking up two major themes in Proverbs: honest work and honest words. At first glance they may not seem to be that closely ...

Wisdom & Wonder Week 5 Booklist

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 18, 2017

Our Proverbs emphasis for week 5 is "Work and Words," (or honesty and diligence, which means basically the same thing without the alliteration). Our booklist ...

Wisdom & Wonder, Week 5: Work and Words

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 17, 2017

Introduction: Our two Wise Up chapters for this week are “Looking to the Ants” (Week 8, p. 87) and “Honesty is the Best Policy” (Week ...

Wisdom & Wonder Week 4 Booklist

By Hayley Morell | Jul 11, 2017

Week 4 Theme: Which Path and With Whom Additional Proverbs to Read and Think About 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a ...

Wisdom & Wonder Week 4: Which Path and With Whom?

By Hayley Morell | Jul 10, 2017

Welcome to Week 4 of Wisdom and Wonder! We hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July. Now, back to the reading challenge! For a ...

Henry and the Chalk Dragon by Jennifer Trafton

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 29, 2017

Henry is too shy to share his artistic talent, until one of his creations comes to life and threatens to wreck the whole school. Henry ...

Building a Shakespeare Home Library Collection

By Megan Saben | Jun 27, 2017

When you want to enjoy Shakespeare with your children, you can either focus on one play at a time or spread a Shakespeare feast so ...

Wisdom & Wonder Week 3 Booklist

By Megan Saben | Jun 24, 2017

Wisdom & Wonder Week 3 Booklist Weekly Theme: Responding to Correction (Wise-Up #6, 7) Additional Proverbs to Read and Think About 14:12 There is a ...

Wisdom & Wonder Week 3: Responding to Correction

By Megan Saben | Jun 24, 2017

Welcome to week 3 of our Wisdom & Wonder Summer Reading Challenge! In Week 1, we learned about turning to God and away from sin. ...

Wisdom & Wonder Week 2 Booklist

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 19, 2017

Wisdom & Wonder Week 2 Booklist Weekly Theme: God’s Word is a Treasure Additional Proverbs to Read and Think About 4:23 Keep your heart with ...

Wisdom & Wonder Week 2: God’s Word is a Treasure

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 19, 2017

Welcome to week 2 of our Wisdom & Wonder Summer Reading Challenge! Last week, we learned about turning to God and away from sin. Jesus ...

Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 16, 2017

Newbery-honor author Shannon Hale’s graphic memoir charts the ups and downs of elementary- age friendship. Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham. First Second, ...

Way of the Warrior Kid by Jocko Willink

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 16, 2017

Underachieving Marc learns how to shape up and think straight in this fictionalized self-help book by a former Navy SEAL. Way of the Warrior Kid: ...

* My Daddy Rules the World by Hope Anita Smith

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 15, 2017

Just in time for Father's Day, this picture-book collection of poems celebrates the daily presence of a loving dad in the household. *My Daddy Rules ...

Wisdom and Wonder: Week 1 – Turning Towards God and Away from Sin

By Alysha | Jun 12, 2017

Welcome to week 1 of our Wisdom & Wonder Summer Reading Challenge! Wisdom and Wonder Week 1: Turning to God and Away from Sin! This ...

Wisdom and Wonder Booklist – Week 1

By Alysha | Jun 12, 2017

Wisdom & Wonder Week [1] Booklist: Weekly Theme: Turning towards God and Away from Sin Wise-Up #1 (Real Wise Man) and #2 (Heart of the ...

Wisdom & Wonder Activities and Giveaway!

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 5, 2017

Wisdom & Wonder is Just Around the Corner! Are you excited about joining us for our Wisdom & Wonder summer reading challenge? Don't forget to get ...

Wisdom & Wonder Summer Reading “Anchor” Books

By Betsy Farquhar | May 24, 2017

Join us for Wisdom & Wonder: our 2017 Summer Reading Challenge focused on Proverbs! Wisdom & Wonder We are going to be diving into the ...

The Sign of the Cat by Lynne Jonell

By Janie Cheaney | May 24, 2017

In this winning historical fantasy, a bright lad (fluent in the cat language) chafes at his boring life until an unexpected adventure on the high ...

2017 Summer Reading Challenge is Coming…

By Betsy Farquhar | May 17, 2017

Join us for our 2017 Summer Reading Challenge: Wisdom & Wonder Get ready to dive into the book of Proverbs, read great literature, examine it from ...

Sad Dog Stories: They’re a Thing—and a Necessity

By Betsy Farquhar | May 15, 2017

Does the Dog Die? (The Saddest of Sad Dog Stories!) "Miss Wanda," I stage-whispered to the children's librarian across from me, "I need to know. Does the ...

Storm Horse by Nick Garlick

By Janie Cheaney | May 12, 2017

Storm Horse pits a boy and a horse against a greedy land developer in the modern-day Netherlands. Storm Horse by Nick Garlick. Scholastic, 2017, 242 ...

Historical Racism in Children’s Books–What do we do?

By Janie Cheaney | May 10, 2017

The website Reading While White dedicates itself to issues involving the dreaded “-isms” in children’s literature: racism, anti-Semitism, ableism, classism, sexism, and more. A post ...

The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies

By Betsy Farquhar | May 8, 2017

Winner takes all in a bet between siblings Jessie and Evan Treski as they battle it out lemonade-stand style in this realistic fiction novel for ...

The Sweetest Sound by Sherri Winston

By Janie Cheaney | May 6, 2017

A shy ten-year-old comes to recognize that both talents and personality are gifts of God and not to be disparaged. The Sweetest Sound, by Sherri ...

Retro Reads: Mei Fuh by Edith Schaeffer

By Betsy Farquhar | May 1, 2017

This is a guest post by Candice Watters, blogger at Family Making. Her original, longer review of Mei Fuh appeared there first. Welcome, Candice! Travel ...

Jasper and the Riddle of Riley’s Mine by Caroline Starr Rose

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 28, 2017

An enterprising 10-year-old and his teenage brother join the Alaska gold rush “stampeders” for a good-hearted “Call of the Wild” adventure. Jasper and the Riddle ...

Krysia: a Polish Girl’s Stolen Childhood by Krystyna Mihulka

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 25, 2017

This memoir of a Polish girl’s experience in a forced-labor camp introduces us to a little-known theater of World War II. Krysia: a Polish Girl’s ...

Will Wilder series by Raymond Arroyo

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 21, 2017

The Will Wilder adventure series, though not marketed as Christian, draws its inspiration from the Bible, with numerous biblical references embedded in a fast-paced narrative. ...

The New City Catechism Devotional

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 15, 2017

The devotional guide to the Gospel Coalition's New City Catechism is a helpful resource for re-discovering the lost practice of oral instruction and memorization. The ...

Bible Review: NIrV Love Letters From God

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 14, 2017

Like the new Jesus Calling children's Bible, Love Letters from God is based on purported personal communications from the Almighty. NIrV Love letters from God ...

Bible Review: NLT Hidden in My Heart Scripture Memory Bible

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 13, 2017

The NLT Hidden in My Heart Bible takes a three-pronged approach to scripture memory, with alternative translations of key scriptures. NLT Hidden in My Heart ...

Bible Review: NKJV Airship Genesis Kids’ Study Bible

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 12, 2017

David Jeremiah’s “Airship Genesis” children’s outreach provides a platform for this NKJV Bible. NKJV Airship Genesis Kids’ Study Bible. Thomas Nelson, 2016, 1504 pages Recommended ...

Bible Review: NKJV Color Code

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 12, 2017

The Color Code Bible uses different colors to highlight passages reflecting seven major Bible themes, which may help readers keep those themes in mind. NKJV ...

Bible Review: NIV Investigators

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 11, 2017

This kids' study Bible uses a detective theme to introduce readers to textual facts and background, but also a touch of textual criticism. NIV Investigator's ...

Bible Review: NIV the Plans I Have for You

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 11, 2017

This devotional Bible might be best appreciated by fans of Amy Parker's popular picture book. NIV The Plans I have for You Holy Bible. Zonderkidz, ...

Bible Review: NIV Wonders of Creation

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 11, 2017

NIV Wonders of Creation Bible rides on the adult coloring-book fad with double-page spreads of animals and plants to color. NIV Wonders of Creation Holy ...

Easter List Round-Up, 2017 Edition

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 10, 2017

Need a last minute gift idea for Easter morning? Want to have some books around that remind your children of the real reason for Easter? ...

Musical Mondays and Theology Thursdays: How to Use Christian Resources with Kids

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 10, 2017

We love to track down solid biblical resources for you to use with your families, Sunday School classrooms, and Christian school classrooms. Not only do ...

Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 4, 2017

This exciting graphic-novel series opener pits a fatherless boy and an adventurous home-schooling girl against aggressive garden vegetables. Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke. First Second, ...

The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 3, 2017

This light, quick series-opener will keep reluctant readers reading between the laughs. The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey. Scholastic, 2015, 137 pages Reading Level: Picture ...

Don’t Take Yourself (or Your Reading) Too Seriously!

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 1, 2017

Today, in my leisure reading, I came across some good "fifty cent" words: pandemonium, benefactors, stratosphere, maligned, facilitate, photons,... I also noticed some terrific literary ...

Cupid and Pscyhe by M. Charlotte Craft

By Megan Saben | Mar 27, 2017

Fans of mythology, fairy tales and lovely picture books will enjoy the Crafts’ Cupid and Psyche. Cupid and Psyche by M. Charlotte Craft and illustrated by ...

To See or Not To See: The RR Team Reflects on the New Beauty and the Beast

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 22, 2017

This discussion is part of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure this month. The text below reflects several ongoing discussions the Redeemed Reader team has had via ...

Movie Night: One Night with the King

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 18, 2017

The Bible has always provided material for the big screen, with the 1950s and early 60s being the golden age, perhaps of scripture cinema. I ...

Beauty and the Beast – Devotional #3

By Hayley Morell | Mar 17, 2017

Once upon a time there was beautiful girl who became a queen. . . . And her name was Esther. There's a definite fairytale quality ...

Beauty and the Beast by Nancy Willard and illustrated by Barry Moser

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 13, 2017

Beautiful, lengthy prose accompanied by striking woodcut illustrations make this retelling a good fit for intermediate and middle grade readers. Beauty and the Beast by Nancy Willard ...

Beauty and the Beast – Devotional #2: the Beast

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 10, 2017

See our first Beauty and the Beast Devotional if you missed it! This is part of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure which is focusing ...

Exploring Ugliness

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 9, 2017

As part of our “Beauty and the Beast” focus this month, our staff got together and brainstormed books and other resources (such as movies) that ...

Movie Night: Penelope

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 8, 2017

What’s a girl to do if she’s born with a pig’s nose? If her family has money, that’s some consolation, but Penelope’s family is also ...

Ugly by Donna Jo Napoli

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 6, 2017

This gentle retelling of the "Ugly Duckling" tale combines the satisfactory ending with a love of natural beauty. Ugly by Donna Jo Napoli, with illustrations ...

Beauty and the Beast – Devotional #1

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 3, 2017

Me and My Mirror Is there anyone reading this who has never, in their lives, spent time staring into a mirror seeking out all the ...

*The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 27, 2017

An epic middle grades fantasy series full of adventure, toothy cows, heroes and heroines, and dragons. *The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson. Rabbit Room Press. ...

The Midnight War of Mateo Martinez by Robin Yardi

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 22, 2017

A new best friend, a pushy little sister and two thieving skunks cause no end of trouble for Mateo in this quirky tale. The Midnight ...

If the Magic Fits by Susan Maupin Schmid

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 22, 2017

This light-hearted fantasy mystery is perfect for girls who like spunky housemaids, personable princesses, and delightful dresses. If the Magic Fits (100 Dresses #1) by ...

By Pamela Palmer | Feb 21, 2017

A picture book biography told in first person about a remarkable slave who was a renowned cave explorer. Lift Your Light a Little Higher: the ...

Step Right Up by Donna Janell Bowman

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 21, 2017

Children will be fascinated by the heartwarming story of “Doc” Key and his amazing horse Jim, who used their talents for good. Step Right Up: ...

*The Wilderking Trilogy by Jonathan Rogers

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 20, 2017

Aidan, fifth son of a Lord of Corenwald, befriends Feechies, defeats a giant, and leads a loyal group of followers in this middle grades fantasy ...

Valentine’s Day 2017 – We’ve Been Here Before!

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 14, 2017

All of us here at RedeemedReader.com love a good romance, and over the years we've written about some of our favorites. Not all romance is ...

Rapid Fire: 10 Recent Award-Winning Picture Books

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 13, 2017

Rapid Fire: a quick, "rapid fire" list of mini-book reviews. Janie and I love to prognosticate the Newbery Award, discuss possible contenders, and dialogue during the announcement ...

*Answering the Cry for Freedom by Gretchen Woelfle

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 8, 2017

These brief biographies of 13 African Americans during the Revolutionary War demonstrate the power of self-determination as well as the power of faith. *Answering the ...

You Can Fly by Carole Boston Weatherford

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 7, 2017

You’re black. It’s 1941. Uncle Sam’s poster I WANT YOU doesn’t include you and your dream of becoming a pilot. But sometimes dreams do come ...

Teaching Discernment: Bad Words in Books

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 30, 2017

True Story: We're getting in the car after a park date with our homeschool friends, and one of my 9-year-old sons says: Mom! We learned some ...

Prognosticating the 2017 Newbery (and other ALA Awards)

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 20, 2017

Today’s the day Betsy and Janie haul out their crystal balls from under the clutter in the hall closet (Betsy moved across country this year, ...

Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 16, 2017

A blind boy and an enchanted knight set off on an epic quest in this middle grades fantasy adventure. Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes: A ...

Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard by Jonathan Auxier

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 16, 2017

A wildly imaginative middle grades fantasy about the power of stories and the lengths to which we must go to protect them. Sophie Quire and ...

Farewell to Richard Adams

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 13, 2017

The last week of the year was an unusually intense news cycle, with a presidential transition, annual wrap-ups, and two prominent celebrity deaths back to ...

2017 Newbery Buzz: Pax and Wolf Hollow

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 6, 2017

January is Newbery month—that is, when the American Library Association holds their annual winter conference, the highlight of which is the ALA Youth Media Awards. ...

*Anna Hibiscus Series by Atinuke

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 30, 2016

An illustrated chapter book series set in contemporary Africa that celebrates large families, its childlike protagonist, and traditional values. Enjoy this review from the archives! Originally published ...

By Megan Saben | Dec 30, 2016

A modest, well-read boy detective solves crimes great and small in these classic mysteries. Enjoy this post from the archives! (originally published July 8, 2015) ...

*The Imagination Station (Series) by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 30, 2016

More than simply a "Christian version" of the popular Magic Treehouse books, the Imagination Station books are a solid chapter book time travel series. Enjoy this post from ...

*Zita the Spacegirl Series by Ben Hatke

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 29, 2016

Zita the Spacegirl and her intrepid friends battle the forces of evil in extra terrestrial dimensions in this lively graphic novel series. a review from ...

*Tiger Boy by Mitali Perkins

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 29, 2016

Tiger Boy, set in the Sundarban Islands, is a satisfying tale of courage and responsibility for younger middle-graders. a review from our archives! (originally published June ...

The Mysterious Howling (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #1) by Maryrose Wood

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 29, 2016

Miss Penelope Lumley has been hired by Lord and Lady Ashton as governess to their three strange children in this delightful series opener. A review ...

40 Books for Dads to Read to Their Kids

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 26, 2016

Strong father figures, adventures, humor, and general fun await! 40 books for DADS to read to their kids: fantasy, realistic fiction, historical fiction. Humor, adventure, ...

“Just believe”–in Christmas!

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 22, 2016

Recently it struck me that in no other religion is faith so central as Christianity. Think about it: generally speaking, Buddhism stresses contemplation, Islam action, ...

Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photo by Roxanne Orgill

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 21, 2016

An iconic photograph comes to life in this well-crafted sophisticated, artistic picture book. This is a review by Pamela Palmer, a new addition to our Redeemed ...

*The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 21, 2016

A magic watch, a family secret, a mysterious city dictator, and one brave boy make for a great read in this clever, inventive mystery. One ...

A Shiloh Christmas by Phillis Reynolds Naylor

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 20, 2016

The long-running Shiloh series wraps up with appropriate Christmas cheer but not too much theological clarity. A Shiloh Christmas by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Atheneum, 2015, ...

Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 19, 2016

A delightful picture book biography about a boy who loved to tinker and grew up to work on rockets and invent America's favorite water gun! ...

Fuzzy by Tom Angleberger

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 15, 2016

Fuzzy may seem far-fetched, but it raises some interesting, real-world questions in an entertaining way. Fuzzy by Tom Angleberger and Paul Dellinger. Amulet, 2016, 253 ...

The Christmas Story by Robert Sabuda

By Megan Saben | Dec 8, 2016

The Christmas story "pops" in this beautifully crafted pop-up book. This title is one of our Winter Book Fair 2016 Picks! The Christmas Story by Robert ...

Pearl Harbor Child: an Interview with Dorinda Nicholson

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 7, 2016

Her father was from Kansas City; her mother was native Hawaiian, and Dorinda Makanaonalani Stagner grew up on Pearl City Peninsula, just around the bend ...

Paper Wishes by Lois Sepahban

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 6, 2016

This quiet story takes us into the mind of a Japanese-American girl who finds herself an alien in her own country. Paper Wishes by Lois ...

The Coloring Book of Cards and Envelopes: Christmas

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 26, 2016

A whimsical collection of 24 cards and coordinating envelopes to color and share this Christmas! The Coloring Book of Cards and Envelopes: Christmas by Nosy ...

*Sam the Man and the Chicken Plan

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 25, 2016

Likeable characters and a gently-humorous style introduces early-elementary readers to the rewards of hard work and free enterprise. *Sam the Man and the Chicken Plan ...

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