(D) Ages 10-12
Word Shapers: 4 Men Who Influenced the English Language
By Betsy Farquhar |
Word Shaper: Someone who shapes, and changes, words. We associate envy with the color green. Why? William Shakespeare. In America, we write "color" instead of ...
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All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson
By Janie Cheaney |
An unusual setting makes this graphic novel a worthwhile perspective on navigating the treacherous waters of those middle years. All’s Faire in Middle School by ...
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*Restart by Gordon Korman
By Janie Cheaney |
A middle-school bully gets a chance to start from scratch—if only he can escape who he was before. *Restart by Gordon Korman. Scholastic, 2017, 256 ...
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Growing Friendships: a Kid’s Guide to Making and Keeping Friends
By Janie Cheaney |
This friendly guide to friendship may help fill in some gaps parents inadvertently miss. Growing Friendships: a Kid’s Guide to Making and Keeping Friends by ...
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Reformation Church History Book List
By Betsy Farquhar |
Happy 500th birthday to the Protestant Reformation! 500 years ago this month, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door in Wittenburg. Of course, the ...
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Reformers, Puritans, and Covenanters: Biography Anthologies by Hannula
By Betsy Farquhar |
*For Christ's Crown: Sketches of Puritans and Covenanters By Richard Hannula. Canon Press, 2014. 223 pages. Just as the title implies, this volume is all ...
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Garvey’s Choice by Nikki Grimes
By Janie Cheaney |
Garvey's Choice, a gentle verse novel, charts the course of an overweight African American preteen toward self-respect. Garvey's Choice by Nikki Grimes. Wordsong, 2016, 105 ...
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Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce
By Janie Cheaney |
In this far-out fantasy, an alien named Sputnik has to prove earth is worth saving. Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce. ...
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10 New Picture Books for All Ages, All Interests, Fact and Fiction!
By Betsy Farquhar |
New picture books! Brand, spanking, new! Beautiful, silly, thoughtful, informative, and downright fun. Take a look! (Several of these made it onto our Back-to-School ...
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Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 4 (and an exciting giveaway!)
By Janie Cheaney |
Okay readers, this is it: yesterday I sent out the three final chapters and those of you who have been clamoring for "one more chapter, ...
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The School Ship Tobermory series by Alexander McCall Smith
By Janie Cheaney |
The School Ship Tobermory series takes a crew of likable middle-graders to exotic ports in pursuit of adventure. School Ship Tobermory and The Sands of ...
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Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 3 (and our third giveaway!)
By Janie Cheaney |
Chapters 14-19 This section sees Roy Ray delivered to an entirely new setting, with new characters that, as we learn, are not entirely new. We’re ...
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Refugee by Alan Gratz
By Janie Cheaney |
Refugee weaves the stories of three children fleeing intolerable situations in their home countries, from 1939 to the present. Refugee by Alan Gratz. Scholastic, 2017, ...
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Panda-monium by Stuart Gibbs
By Betsy Farquhar |
Panda-monium offers plenty of hi-jinks, animal facts, and quirky characters as Teddy solves the mystery of the theft of a prized giant panda. Panda-monium by ...
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Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 2 (and another great giveaway!)
By Janie Cheaney |
By chapters 8-13, we’re well into the development part of the novel, which (you may recall) I mentioned is the often the most difficult part ...
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Ben’s Revolution by Nathaniel Philbrick
By Janie Cheaney |
This young-reader history of the early days of the American Revolution views events through the experience of 12-year-old Ben Russell. Ben’s Revolution: Benjamin Russell and ...
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*Almost Paradise by Corabel Shofner
By Janie Cheaney |
This funny but thoughtful novel takes Christian faith seriously as a factor in the lives of real people. *Almost Paradise by Corabel Shofner. Farrar Strauss ...
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The Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 1 (and book giveaway!)
By Janie Cheaney |
At last count, thirty families and individuals (and a few classes) have signed up to receive daily chapters of my latest in-progress novel. (If you ...
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Leo: Dog of the Sea by Alison Hart
By Janie Cheaney |
A “sea dog” adventure chronicles a key event during the age of explorers: Magellan's epic voyage around the world. Leo: Dog of the Sea (Dog ...
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*The Emperor’s Ostrich by Julie Berry
By Janie Cheaney |
A light-hearted adventure for middle-graders combines humor and redemption. T*he Emperor’s Ostrich by Julie Berry. Roaring Brook, 2017, 274 pages Reading Level: Middle grades, ages ...
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In the Shadow of the Sun by Anne Sibley O’Brien
By Janie Cheaney |
This excellent character-driven adventure saga sheds light on the darkness of North Korea while exploring family and cultural relationships. In the Shadow of the Sun ...
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Dragon Seed by Marty Machowski
By Janie Cheaney |
Dragon Seed by Marty Machowsky. New Grorwth Press, 2017, 179 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-14 Nick is furious. He’s ...
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Howard Wallace, P.I. by Casey Lyell
By Janie Cheaney |
A 7th-grade detective and his feisty sidekick sets up shop in this new mystery series with a distinctive, humorous voice. Howard Wallace, P.I. by ...
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Back-to-School Booklist, 2017 edition (+ Giveaway!)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Have your kids already started school? Or perhaps that's still to come in the next couple of weeks. No matter what stage of back-to-school season you're ...
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Announcing: The Bird Boy Project!
By Janie Cheaney |
If you’ve been following Redeemed Reader for the last few years, you may remember some of the read-alongs we’ve done, such as The Hobbit, Pilgrim’s ...
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Last Day on Mars by Kevin Emerson
By Janie Cheaney |
Last Day on Mars by Kevin Emerson. Walden Pond Press, 2017. 336 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-15 A guest post ...
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Get Ready for the Eclipse! Space and Sci-Fi Booklist
By Betsy Farquhar |
Ready for the Eclipse? Have you tested out your eclipse glasses? Do you know where you're going to be on August 21 when the eclipse ...
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Superstar by Mandy Davis
By Janie Cheaney |
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: ...
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The Many Worlds of Albie Bright by Christopher Edge
By Janie Cheaney |
This middle-grade science fiction novel includes enough human interest to make it engaging, enough real science to make it educational. The Many Worlds of Albie ...
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Exploring Space by Jenkins and Biesty
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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York: The Shadow Cipher by Laura Ruby
By Janie Cheaney |
A promising upper-middle grade series gets underway with alternative history, fascinating puzzles, and one big mystery. The Shadow Cipher (York #1) by Laura Ruby. HarperCollins, ...
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Shipwreck Island by S. A. Bodeen
By Janie Cheaney |
Shipwreck Island (Shipwreck Island #1) by S. A. Bodeen. Feiwel & Friends, 2014, 184 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 10-14 ...
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*Cody and the Fountain of Happiness by Tricia Springstubb
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming by J. Anderson Coats
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming by J. Anderson Coats. Atheneum, 2017. 288 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12Recommended For: Historical Fiction lovers, ...
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The Unexpected Life of Oliver Cromwell Pitts by Avi
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Wisdom & Wonder Week 6 Booklist
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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Week 6 : God So Loved, He Gave
By Hayley Morell |
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 ...
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Let’s Talk It over: Honesty and Diligence in Literature
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Wisdom & Wonder Week 5 Booklist
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Wisdom & Wonder, Week 5: Work and Words
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Wisdom & Wonder Week 4 Booklist
By Hayley Morell |
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 ...
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Wisdom & Wonder Week 4: Which Path and With Whom?
By Hayley Morell |
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 ...
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The Quest for Truth by Brock Eastman
By Janie Cheaney |
For sci-fi fans, The Quest for Truth series offers adventure with a biblical base. The Quest for Truth by Brock Eastman: Taken (2011), Risk (2012), ...
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The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine
By Janie Cheaney |
The author of Ella Enchanted creates another plucky heroine, whose destiny is to lead her people to freedom (and get the guy). The Lost Kingdom ...
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Henry and the Chalk Dragon by Jennifer Trafton
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Building a Shakespeare Home Library Collection
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
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Wisdom & Wonder Week 3 Booklist
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
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Wisdom & Wonder Week 3: Responding to Correction
By Megan Saben |
Welcome to week 3 of our Wisdom & Wonder Summer Reading Challenge! In Week 1, we learned about turning to God and away from sin. ...
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Wisdom & Wonder Week 2 Booklist
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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Wisdom & Wonder Week 2: God’s Word is a Treasure
By Betsy Farquhar |
Welcome to week 2 of our Wisdom & Wonder Summer Reading Challenge! Last week, we learned about turning to God and away from sin. Jesus ...
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Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
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Way of the Warrior Kid by Jocko Willink
By Janie Cheaney |
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: ...
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Wisdom and Wonder: Week 1 – Turning Towards God and Away from Sin
By Alysha |
Welcome to week 1 of our Wisdom & Wonder Summer Reading Challenge! Wisdom and Wonder Week 1: Turning to God and Away from Sin! This ...
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Wisdom and Wonder Booklist – Week 1
By Alysha |
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 ...
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Wisdom & Wonder Activities and Giveaway!
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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Beyond the Bright Sea
By Janie Cheaney |
An isolated girl, raised by an adoptive father on a remote island, uncovers clues to her origins while learning more about the world and herself. ...
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The Battle of Seattle by Douglas Bond
By Betsy Farquhar |
A little known slice of American history comes to life in this Christian middle grades historical fiction novel about the Battle of Seattle. The Battle of ...
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Wisdom & Wonder Summer Reading “Anchor” Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
Join us for Wisdom & Wonder: our 2017 Summer Reading Challenge focused on Proverbs! Wisdom & Wonder We are going to be diving into the ...
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*The Sign of the Cat by Lynne Jonell
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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2017 Summer Reading Challenge is Coming…
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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Sad Dog Stories: They’re a Thing—and a Necessity
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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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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Blooming at the Texas Sunrise Motel by Kimberly Willis Holt
By Janie Cheaney |
In this likeable middle-grade novel, a grieving 13-year-old builds a new life in a new place with extended family. Blooming at the Texas Sunrise Motel ...
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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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Isaac the Alchemist by Mary Losure
By Janie Cheaney |
This biography for middle graders is an engaging introduction to Isaac Newton’s singular genius and his peculiar obsessions. Isaac the Alchemist: Secrets of Isaac Newton, ...
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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: 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 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 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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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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Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly
By Janie Cheaney |
This novelized spin-off of the movie doesn't have the same dramatic tension, but stands up well as a story-within-a-story. Beauty and the Beast: Lost in ...
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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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*Wingfeather Tales (The Wingfeather Saga) edited by Andrew Peterson
By Betsy Farquhar |
A delightfully diverse collection of "tales" written and illustrated by a group of authors and illustrators who are themselves fans of the Wingfeather Saga! *Wingfeather ...
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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 ...
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*100 Cupboards Series by N. D. Wilson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Henry discovers 100 cupboards that lead to other worlds in this complex middle grades fantasy series that mirrors the creation-fall-redemption narrative framework of Scripture. 100 ...
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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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Hidden Figures (Young Reader Edition) by Margo Shetterly
By Janie Cheaney |
The contributions of four black women to the Space Race form an inspiring story of talent overcoming prejudice and receiving its reward. Hidden Figures Young ...
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Freedom over Me by Ashley Bryan
By Janie Cheaney |
An actual slave ledger from 1828 inspires this group portrait of eleven African Americans who remain free to dream. Freedom over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their ...
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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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