(C) Ages 8-10

Natalie Babbitt, 1932-2016, and The Search for Delicious

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

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

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

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

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)

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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*The Ology by Marty Machowski

In The Ology, children and families can access deep Biblical truths, carefully explained and gorgeously illustrated.   The Ology by Marty Machowski, illustrations by Andy ...
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*God’s Design by Sally Michael and Gary Steward

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 ...
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Spirit Week Showdown by Crystal Allen

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 ...
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Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan

"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 ...
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Steamboat School by Deborah Hopkinson

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 ...
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The Kids’ Book of Simple Machines by Kelly Doudna

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 ...
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The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments by Miller, Homer, and Harrington

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 ...
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A Complicated Case by Ulf Nilsson

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. ...
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Emma and Julia Love Ballet by Barbara McClintock

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 ...
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*The Biggest Story by Kevin DeYoung

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 ...
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Science Experiments You Can Eat by Vicki Cobb

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 ...
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*Frank and Lucky Get Schooled by Lynn Rae Perkins

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 ...
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*The Boy Who Became Buffalo Bill by Andrea Warren

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 ...
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Back-to-School Backpack List (2016)

Just in time for the start of a new school year with new pencils, new protractors, new textbooks: our Back-to-School Backpack Booklist! As is our ...
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Hilo: Saving the Whole Wide World by Judd Winick

The exuberant boy-robot Hilo is back from “the void,” pursuing his mission to destroy his arch-enemy Razorwark and discover his own origin and purpose. Hilo ...
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Cooking Up Fun: ‘Roald Dahl’s Revolting Recipes’

  Roald Dahl's Revolting Recipes by Roald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake. Puffin, 1997. 32 pages. Reading Level: Ages 8-10 Recommended For: all ages ...
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The BFG by Roald Dahl

After the BFG snatches Sophie from her orphanage, she learns a lot about giants and the BFG makes a new friend in this quirky, British romp. ...
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Retro Reads: Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome

In this British children's classic, the brave Swallows (four siblings) are at war with the piratical Amazons (two sisters) in one glorious summer of sailing, ...
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The Interrupted Tale (Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #4) by Maryrose Wood

Volume 4 of this funny middle grades series has Penelope, Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia back in London attempting to save the Swanburne School for Poor ...
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The Unseen Guest (Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #3) by Maryrose Wood

Volume 3 of this funny middle grades series has Penelope, Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia back in London attempting to save the Swanburne School for Poor ...
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The Hidden Gallery (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #2) by Maryrose Wood

Miss Penelope Lumley and her three young charges are off to London in this humorous, satisfying follow-up to the first in the series. The Hidden ...
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McBroom series by Sid Fleischman

This post is part of our "Summer of Great Family Reads" series. Don't miss the initial post full of more excellent recommendations! McBroom’s Wonderful One-Acre ...
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My Life in Pictures by Deborah Zemke

Bea Garcia learns to deal with disappointment and make the most of her artistic gifts in this first cartoon-illustrated installment of a series. My Life ...
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Bible Review: NIV Big Dreams, Big Prayers Bible

NIV Big Dreams, Big Prayers Bible.  Zonderkidz, 2016, 1344 pages.  (Soft- and hardcover editions available) Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Hardcover edition Recommended for: ...
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Bible Review: NKJV Courage Bible/NKJV Faith Bible

NKJV Courage Bible/NKJV Faith Bible.  Holman Bible Publishers, 2014, 1568 pages Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 10-15 Bottom Line: An accurate, ...
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*Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss

*Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss. Random House, 1949. 56 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, Ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 Bartholomew and the ...
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Happy 100th Birthday, Jean Fritz!

Prolific author Jean Fritz turns 100 today! During her long life, she has written numerous books--mostly biographies--for children. Before picture book biographies were so prevalent, ...
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Phoebe the Spy by Judith Griffin, illustrated by Margot Tomes

Phoebe the Spy by Judith Griffin, illustrated by Margot Tomes. Puffin Books, 2002. 48 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, Ages 8-10 Recommended For: Ages 8-10, ...
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The Doll People by Ann Martin and Laura Godwin

The Doll People Series, by Ann Martin and Laura Godwin. Disney/Hyperion Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 7-12 (mostly girls) Bottom Line: ...
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Matthew Muddles Through by Glenda Mathes

Matthew Muddles Through (Matthew in the Middle #1) by Glenda Mathes. CreateSpace, 2014, 220 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-12 ...
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Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve

Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve. Random House, Reading Level: Middle Grades, Ages 8-10 Recommended For: Ages 8-10 Bottom Line: A rollicking chapter book adventure with ...
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Lilliput by Sam Gayton

Lilliput by Sam Gayton, Illustrated by Alice Ratterree. Peachtree, 2015. 252 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 10-12 Bottom Line: Lilliput ...
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*Water is Water by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Jason Chin

*Water is Water: A Book About the Water Cycle by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Jason Chin. Roaring Brook Press, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture ...
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20 Ways to Draw a…: A Sketchbook for Artists, Designers and Doodlers [series] by various authors

20 Ways to Draw a…: A Sketchbook for Artists, Designers and Doodlers by various authors. Quarry Books. 95 pages. Reading Level: Ages 4-8 and up Recommended ...
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Fort by Cynthia DeFelice

Fort by Cynthia DeFelice. Farrar Strauss Giroux, 2015. 200 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 10-12 (especially boys and reluctant readers) ...
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A+ Attitude (Morgan Love Series) by Stephanie Perry Moore

A+ Attitude (Morgan Love Series) by Stephanie Perry Moore

A+ Attitude (Morgan Love Series #1) by Stephanie Perry Moore. Lift Every Voice Books (a Moody Imprint), 2011. 144 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages ...
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Just Jump! (Double Dutch Series #1) by Mabel Elizabeth Singletary

Just Jump! (Double Dutch Series #1) by Mabel Elizabeth Singletary

Just Jump! (Double Dutch Series #1) by Mabel Elizabeth Singletary. Lift Every Voice Books (a Moody Imprint), 2007. 160 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages ...
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Making the Team by Stephanie Perry Moore and Derrick Moore

Making the Team by Stephanie Perry Moore and Derrick Moore

Making the Team by Stephanie Perry Moore and Derrick Moore. Alec London Series. Lift Every Voice Books (a Moody Imprint), 2011. 160 pages. Reading Level: Middle ...
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The Founding Fathers! by Jonah Winter

The Founding Fathers! Those Horse-Ridin',Fiddle-Playin', Book-Readin', Gun Totin' Gentlemen Who Started America, by Jonah Winter, Illustration by Barry Blitt. Atheneum, 2015. 40 pages Reading Level: ...
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*The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

*The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney. Little, Brown, 2009. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: All Ages Stunning illustrations, a vast ...
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tortoise and hare by jerry pinkney

The Tortoise and the Hare by Jerry Pinkney

The Tortoise and the Hare by Jerry Pinkney. Little, Brown, 2013. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: All Ages Slow and ...
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Squelch Not the Series!

If you recognize names such as Jack and Annie or Patrick and Beth, know that mysteries can be ordered A to Z, or believe in ...
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Pilipinto’s Happiness by Valerie Elliot Shepard

*This post is revisited from the archives in honor of Elisabeth Elliot's passing into glory. Pilipinto's Happiness: The Jungle Childhood of Valerie Elliot, by Valerie ...
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Ellie’s Story by W. Bruce Cameron

Ellie’s Story: a Dog’s Purpose Novel by W. Bruce Cameron. Tom Doherty Associates, 2014. 205 pages, including notes and classroom discussion guide Reading Level: Middle ...
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*Mikis and the Donkey by Bibi Dumon Tak

*Mikis and the Donkey by Bibi Dumon Tak, illustrated by Philip Hopman. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2014. 89 pages Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages ...
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cover of The Dragon and the Garden

The Dragon and the Garden by N. D. Wilson and illustrated by Peter Bentley

The Dragon and the Garden (The Old Stories) by N. D. Wilson and illustrated by Peter Bentley. Canon Press, 2007. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture book, ...
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Avengers: Age of Ultron Resources! (+ Printable)

  Emily reviewed Avengers: Age of Ultron at Worldmag.com.  If you'll click "Listen" at the bottom of that post, you can also hear hints from ...
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cover of Silent Star

Silent Star by Bill Wise, illustrated by Adam Gustavson

Silent Star: The Story of Deaf Major Leaguer William Hoy by Bill Wise, illustrated by Adam Gustavson. Lee and Low, 2012. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture ...
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cover of New Shoes

New Shoes by Susan Lynn Meyer, illustrated by Eric Velasquez

New Shoes by Susan Lynn Meyer, illustrated by Eric Velasquez. Holiday House, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 ...
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cover of Swing Sisters

Swing Sisters by Karen Deans, illustrated by Joe Cepeda

Swing Sisters: The Story of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm by Karen Deans, illustrated by Joe Cepeda. Holiday House, 2015. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages ...
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cover of *The Father Brown Reader

*The Father Brown Reader: Stories from Chesterton adapted by Nancy Carpentier Brown

*The Father Brown Reader: Stories from Chesterton adapted by Nancy Carpentier Brown, illustrated by Ted Schluenderfritz. Hillside Education, 2007. 147 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12 ...
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The Only Game by Mike Lupica

The Only Game by Mike Lupica (Home Team series, #1). Simon & Shuster, 2015. 321 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages ...
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cover of The Spider

The Spider (Disgusting Creatures) by Elise Gravel

The Spider (Disgusting Creatures) by Elise Gravel. Tundra Books, 2015. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 Children are fascinated by ...
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cover of Bink and Gollie: Best Friends Forever

Bink and Gollie: Best Friends Forever by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee

Bink and Gollie: Best Friends Forever by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, illustrated by Tony Fucile. Candlewick, 2013. 80 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 4-10 ...
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Bible Review: Guys Life Application Study Bible

Guys Life Application Study Bible NLT. Tyndale House, 2013 (second edition). 1562 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-14 Bottom Line: ...
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Bible Review: God’s Word for Boys (and Girls)

God’s Word for Boys and God’s Word for Girls. Larry Richards, general editor. Baker, 2014 (latest edition), 1713 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 ...
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Bible Review: God’s Little Princess Bible

God’s Little Princess Holy Bible, NKJV. Sheila Walsh, ed. Thomas Nelson, 2014. 1216 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, 8-10 (study material), Middle Grades, 10-12 (text) ...
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Bible Review: NKJV Explorer’s Study Bible

The Explorer's Study Bible (NKJV). Thomas Nelson, 2009. 1440 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 8-10 and up Bottom Line: Reliable ...
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Bible Review: Children’s Easy-to-Read Bible

Children's Easy-to-Read Bible. Leafwood Publishers, 2012. 1820 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 7-10 Bottom Line: The Children's Easy-to-Read Bible is ...
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cover of Jasper John Dooley

Jasper John Dooley: You’re in Trouble! by Caroline Adderson

Jasper John Dooley: You're in Trouble! by Caroline Adderson and illustrated by Ben Clanton. Kids Can Press, 2015. 124 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages ...
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The Charm of the Penderwicks (Janie and Betsy discuss)

Periodically, Janie and Betsy discuss great middle grades literature, trying to figure out what makes it so great. Today, the charming Penderwicks clan are held ...
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cover of The Penderwicks in Spring

The Penderwicks in Spring by Jeanne Birdsall

The Penderwicks in Spring by Jeanne Birdsall. Knopf, 2015. 352 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12 Recommended for: Ages 8-12 Bottom Line: The best ...
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cover of The Penderwicks at Point Mouette

The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall

The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall. Yearling, 2012 (originally 2011). 320 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12 Recommended for: Ages 8-12 Bottom ...
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The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy, by Jeanne Birdsall. Knopf, 2005. 262 pages. Reading Level: Middle ...
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The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall. Knopf, 2008. 302 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12 Recommended For: ages 8-10 and up Bottom ...
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Seeing the Gospel in Cinderella (Discussion Starters!)

Why Cinderella? —a joint post from Betsy, Hayley, and Megan We at Redeemed Reader love a good fairy tale. Cinderella is perhaps the quintessential fairy tale ...
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The Glass Slipper by Eleanor Farjeon

The Glass Slipper by Eleanor Farjeon. Viking, 1956. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: Ages 8-10 Bottom Line: Farjeon’s classic retelling of Cinderella ...
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Cinderella Read-Alikes for Boys and Girls of All Ages

Cinderella Read-Alikes for Boys and Girls of All Ages A few of our favorite picture books, chapter books, middle grade titles, young adult reads, and ...
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