(C) Ages 8-10
Bible Review: NIV Investigators
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Bible Review: NIV the Plans I Have for You
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
Read More 
Bible Review: NIV Wonders of Creation
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Easter List Round-Up, 2017 Edition
By Betsy Farquhar |
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? ...
Read More 
Musical Mondays and Theology Thursdays: How to Use Christian Resources with Kids
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
Read More 
The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Don’t Take Yourself (or Your Reading) Too Seriously!
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
Cupid and Pscyhe by M. Charlotte Craft
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
Read More 
To See or Not To See: The RR Team Reflects on the New Beauty and the Beast
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
Movie Night: One Night with the King
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Beauty and the Beast – Devotional #3
By Hayley Morell |
Once upon a time there was beautiful girl who became a queen. . . . And her name was Esther. There's a definite fairytale quality ...
Read More 
Beauty and the Beast by Nancy Willard and illustrated by Barry Moser
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
Beauty and the Beast – Devotional #2: the Beast
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
Exploring Ugliness
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Movie Night: Penelope
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Ugly by Donna Jo Napoli
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Beauty and the Beast – Devotional #1
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
*The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson
By Betsy Farquhar |
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. ...
Read More 
The Midnight War of Mateo Martinez by Robin Yardi
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
If the Magic Fits by Susan Maupin Schmid
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More Lift Your Light a Little Higher by Heather Henson and illustrated by Bryan Collier
By Pamela Palmer |
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 ...
Read More 
Step Right Up by Donna Janell Bowman
By Janie Cheaney |
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: ...
Read More 
Valentine’s Day 2017 – We’ve Been Here Before!
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Rapid Fire: 10 Recent Award-Winning Picture Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
*Answering the Cry for Freedom by Gretchen Woelfle
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
You Can Fly by Carole Boston Weatherford
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Teaching Discernment: Bad Words in Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
Prognosticating the 2017 Newbery (and other ALA Awards)
By Betsy Farquhar |
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, ...
Read More 
Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard by Jonathan Auxier
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
Farewell to Richard Adams
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
2017 Newbery Buzz: Pax and Wolf Hollow
By Betsy Farquhar |
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. ...
Read More 
*Anna Hibiscus Series by Atinuke
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More *Encyclopedia Brown series by Donald J. Sobol
By Megan Saben |
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) ...
Read More 
*The Imagination Station (Series) by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
*Zita the Spacegirl Series by Ben Hatke
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
*Tiger Boy by Mitali Perkins
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
The Mysterious Howling (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #1) by Maryrose Wood
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
40 Books for Dads to Read to Their Kids
By Betsy Farquhar |
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, ...
Read More 
“Just believe”–in Christmas!
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
Read More 
Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photo by Roxanne Orgill
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
*The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
A Shiloh Christmas by Phillis Reynolds Naylor
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
Read More 
Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton
By Betsy Farquhar |
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! ...
Read More 
Fuzzy by Tom Angleberger
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
The Christmas Story by Robert Sabuda
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
Read More 
Pearl Harbor Child: an Interview with Dorinda Nicholson
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Paper Wishes by Lois Sepahban
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
The Coloring Book of Cards and Envelopes: Christmas
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More 
*Sam the Man and the Chicken Plan
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
Read More 
Missy Piggle-Wiggle and the Whatever Cure by Ann Martin
By Janie Cheaney |
Popular children's author Ann Martin updates a series from the 1950s for a new generation of children who could use some shaping-up. Missy Piggle-Wiggle and ...
Read More 
The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay
By Janie Cheaney |
This update of Macaulay's classic reference guide to technology embraces the digital revolution with wit and (mostly) clarity. The Way Things Work Now by David ...
Read More 
*Some Writer! by Melissa Sweet
By Betsy Farquhar |
A wonderfully engaging biography of E. B. White for children: full of photographs, collage-style art, and interesting details. *Some Writer! The Story of E. B. ...
Read More 
2016 Winter Book Fair: Books For Everyone!
By Betsy Farquhar |
2016 Winter Book Fair Books for Everyone On Your Christmas List! We have chosen the best of the best, our personal favorites, and plenty of great ...
Read More 
Natalie Babbitt, 1932-2016, and The Search for Delicious
By Janie Cheaney |
Somewhere amid the news of the last two weeks (pretty intense news cycle, I understand) came word that Natalie Babbitt had died of lung cancer ...
Read More 
*Ugly: a Memoir by Robert Hoge
By Janie Cheaney |
In this true story, a boy born with a hideous face learns to not only accept himself, but help others see him for what he ...
Read More 
*When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin
By Betsy Farquhar |
The power of stories is front and center in this beautiful, imaginative companion to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. Starred review. A 2016 Christmas ...
Read More 
*Ember Falls by S. D. Smith
By Janie Cheaney |
The Green Ember saga continues with desperate battles, unexpected heroism, and enough dangling plot threads to make readers eager for the next volume. *Ember Falls ...
Read More 
Grover Cleveland, Again! by Ken Burns
By Janie Cheaney |
In this attractive, mostly balanaced picture book, documentary filmmaker Ken Burns turns his narrative skills to introducing kids to our 44 (so far) presidents. Grover ...
Read More 
Vote for . . . Whoever (A Re-post from 2012)
By Janie Cheaney |
In a campaign season, especially a big general election like this one, parents and teachers want to give the kids a clue what’s going on. ...
Read More 
Pastor, Blogger, Author, Editor: More Church History Recommendations for the Whole Family!
By Betsy Farquhar |
We've spent all month reading and learning about church history. It's been such a rich study with interviews and book reviews, but we are not ...
Read More 
The Haunting of Falcon House by Eugene Yelchin
By Janie Cheaney |
A ghost story for middle-graders by Eugene Yelchin offers an atmospheric portrait of Czarist Russia. The Haunting of Falcon House by Eugene Yelchin. Henry Holt, ...
Read More 
*The Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thornton
By Janie Cheaney |
This fun and friendly compendium of Bible facts, everyday knowledge, history, how-to, wise counsel, apologetics, and doctrine is a terrific resource for every Christian kid. ...
Read More 
The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste
By Betsy Farquhar |
Haitian folklore comes to life in this spooky story about jumbies, a brave girl and her friends, and oranges. The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste. Algonquin ...
Read More 
Trial and Triumph/ *Radiant by Richard M. Hannula
By Betsy Farquhar |
Church history anthologies of men and women from all over the world in story format for middle grades and up! Trial and Triumph: Stories from ...
Read More 
*Miracle Man by John Hendrix
By Janie Cheaney |
A new “life of Jesus” picture book presents the Son of God as compelling and dynamic in word and deed. *Miracle Man: the Story of ...
Read More 
Heroes of the Faith Series by Sinclair Ferguson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Three imaginative picture book biographies of early church heroes. Heroes of the Faith Series by Sinclair Ferguson. Banner of Truth Books. Ignatius of Antioch: The ...
Read More 
The Accidental Voyage by Douglas Bond
By Betsy Farquhar |
Mr. Pipes is back with Annie and Drew on a wild adventure in Italy as they simultaneously learn about the ancient church and its music. ...
Read More 
*Lily: The Girl Who Could See by Sally Oxley and Tim Ladwig.
By Megan Saben |
A beautifully illustrated picture book biography about a brave woman artist-turned-missionary to the Arab world. *Lily: The Girl Who Could See by Sally Oxley and ...
Read More 
Winnie-the-Pooh: Two True Stories
By Betsy Farquhar |
Two picture books about the real Winnie-the-Pooh that both make delightful reading! *Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick and ...
Read More 
*Brother Andrew: Behind Enemy Lines by Nancy Drummond
By Betsy Farquhar |
Read the remarkable story of a man who helped smuggle millions of Bibles into restricted countries in this middle grades biography. Brother Andrew: Behind Enemy ...
Read More 
Brother Andrew: Taking Bibles to the World by Renee Taft Meloche
By Megan Saben |
Brother Andrew's life comes alive for young readers through the rhyming text in this picture book. Brother Andrew: Taking Bibles to the World (Heroes for ...
Read More 
The Book of Languages by Mick Webb
By Janie Cheaney |
In spite of some evolutionary speculation in the first pages, The Book of Languages is a fascinating and comprehensive introduction to a neglected subject. The ...
Read More 
Monks and Mystics by Mindy and Brandon Withrow
By Betsy Farquhar |
Book 2 of the History Lives series offers an exciting look at the Medieval Church: its movers and shakers and controversies. Part of our Church History ...
Read More 
Peril and Peace by Mindy and Brandon Withrow
By Betsy Farquhar |
Book 1 of the History Lives series is full of brave martyrs, famous figures, and early church activity. Peril and Peace: Chronicles of the Ancient ...
Read More 
Five Children on the Western Front by Kate Saunders
By Janie Cheaney |
Edith Nesbit's classic characters go ten years into their future in this thought-provoking sequel. Five Children on the Western Front, by Kate Saunders. Delacorte, 2016, ...
Read More 
Will’s Words by Jane Sutcliffe and John Shelley
By Betsy Farquhar |
A casual weaving together of Will's words with our own shows just how much we owe to the bard in this cleverly illustrated picture book. ...
Read More
*Freedom on Congo Square by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated R. Gregory Christie
By Betsy Farquhar |
Congo Square held a unique place in the slavery experience and holds a special reminder for Christians as we all look forward to Sunday! *Freedom ...
Read More 
Dollars and $ense by Elaine Scott
By Janie Cheaney |
A survey of economic policy through the ages introduces middle-graders to such topics as fractional banking and the national debt. Dollars and $ense: a Kid’s ...
Read More 
City Atlas: Travel the world with 30 City Maps by Georgia Cherry
By Janie Cheaney |
Cities rather than nations are the focus of this unique, colorful, and lavishly-illustrated oversize volume for elementary grades. City Atlas: Travel the World with 30 ...
Read More 
Kid Beowulf by Alexis Fajarda
By Janie Cheaney |
A venerable legend gets a total makeover with this new graphic-novel series that does for early Europe what the Astrix series did for Rome. Kid ...
Read More 
The Candymakers and the Chocolate Chase by Wendy Mass
By Betsy Farquhar |
Logan, Miles, Daisy, and Philip are off on a hunt to find the mystery chocolate in this fun follow-up to The Candymakers. The Candymakers and ...
Read More 
The Candymakers by Wendy Mass
By Betsy Farquhar |
Four children simultaneously solve a mystery and learn about teamwork in this sweet, chocolate-y mystery. The Candymakers by Wendy Mass. Little, Brown, 2010. 480 pages. ...
Read More 
Our 9/11 Book List
By Janie Cheaney |
If you've been with us for the last few months you doubtless saw Betsy's reviews of two recent, highly-regarded middle-grade novels about the worst foreign attack ...
Read More 
Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes
By Betsy Farquhar |
A tender exploration of the aftermath of 9/11 as one girl begins to understand her father's connection to the events. Towers Falling by Jewell Parker ...
Read More 
Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin
By Betsy Farquhar |
Four seemingly unconnected middle school kids are each connected to the events of September 11 in ways that help them mature and learn compassion. Nine, ...
Read More
*The Ology by Marty Machowski
By Hayley Morell |
In The Ology, children and families can access deep Biblical truths, carefully explained and gorgeously illustrated. The Ology by Marty Machowski, illustrations by Andy ...
Read More 
*God’s Design by Sally Michael and Gary Steward
By Betsy Farquhar |
Sally Michael's newest Making Him Known family devotional delicately handles roles of men and women, sexuality, and gender issues in a manner that invites whole ...
Read More 
Spirit Week Showdown by Crystal Allen
By Janie Cheaney |
Mya Tibbs is the perky, enthusiastic narrator of this family- and school-based series for advanced chapter-book readers. Spirit Week Showdown (Magnificent Myra Tibbs #1) by ...
Read More 
Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan
By Betsy Farquhar |
"Don't judge a book--or a 5th grader--by its cover" is the message that comes through loud and clear in this heart-warming middle grades title. Save ...
Read More 
Steamboat School by Deborah Hopkinson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Inspired by true events, this is the story of a St. Louis reverend who moved his school off shore to neutral waters when the law made ...
Read More 
The Kids’ Book of Simple Machines by Kelly Doudna
By Betsy Farquhar |
A perfect instruction manual for young tinkerers who want to know how things work and how to leverage the six simple machines to build cool ...
Read More 
The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments by Miller, Homer, and Harrington
By Betsy Farquhar |
There's no excuse to be bored with this book lying around: chemistry, physics, the natural world, and even the human body are just a page ...
Read More 
A Complicated Case by Ulf Nilsson
By Betsy Farquhar |
A funny, chapter book mystery for newly independent readers! A Complicated Case (Detective Gordon) by Ulf Nilsson and illustrated by Gittee Spee. Gecko Press, 2016. ...
Read More 
Emma and Julia Love Ballet by Barbara McClintock
By Betsy Farquhar |
Emma, a young ballet student, and Julia, a professional dancer, simultaneously dance their way through a typical day in this sweet picture book. Emma and ...
Read More 
*The Biggest Story by Kevin DeYoung
By Betsy Farquhar |
A vibrantly illustrated retelling of the story of the Bible: Jesus's redemption of God's people. *The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the ...
Read More 
Science Experiments You Can Eat by Vicki Cobb
By Betsy Farquhar |
Kids will love getting to eat their science projects in this clever, well organized book all about science. Science Experiments You Can Eat, Revised and ...
Read More 
*Frank and Lucky Get Schooled by Lynn Rae Perkins
By Janie Cheaney |
Frank and Lucky’s close friendship leads them into countless adventures in learning, where “school subjects” never see the inside of a classroom. *Frank and Lucky ...
Read More 
*The Boy Who Became Buffalo Bill by Andrea Warren
By Janie Cheaney |
This accessible biography reveals the extraordinary, historically significant, and surprisingly admirable life of an American legend. *The Boy Who Became Buffalo Bill: Growing Up Billy ...
Read More