(C) Ages 8-10
Storm Horse by Nick Garlick
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Historical Racism in Children’s Books–What do we do?
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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The Sweetest Sound by Sherri Winston
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Retro Reads: Mei Fuh by Edith Schaeffer
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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Jasper and the Riddle of Riley’s Mine by Caroline Starr Rose
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Krysia: a Polish Girl’s Stolen Childhood by Krystyna Mihulka
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Will Wilder series by Raymond Arroyo
By Janie Cheaney |
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. ...
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The New City Catechism Devotional
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Bible Review: NIrV Love Letters From God
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Bible Review: NLT Hidden in My Heart Scripture Memory Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Bible Review: NKJV Airship Genesis Kids’ Study Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Bible Review: NKJV Color Code
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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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 ...
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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, ...
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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 ...
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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? ...
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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 ...
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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, ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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*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. ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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: ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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*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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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, ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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. ...
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*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) ...
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*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 ...
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*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 ...
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*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 ...
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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 ...
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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, ...
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“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, ...
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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 ...
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*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 ...
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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, ...
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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! ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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*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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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*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. ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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*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 ...
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*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 ...
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*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 ...
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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 ...
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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. ...
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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 ...
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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, ...
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*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. ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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*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 ...
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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 ...
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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. ...
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*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 ...
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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 ...
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*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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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, ...
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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. ...
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*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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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. ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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, ...
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