(D) Ages 10-12
2024 Newbery Buzz #1: A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat
By Betsy Farquhar |
A First Time For Everything has already won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Could it also win the Newbery? We're kicking off ...
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What It’s Like to Be a Bird by David Allen Sibley
By Janie Cheaney |
What It’s Like to Be a Bird is an endlessly browsable resource for budding birdwatchers by a well-known authority in the field. What It’s Like ...
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Mooses with Bazookas by S. D. Smith
By Betsy Farquhar |
Mooses with Bazookas is a light-hearted, funny romp through humorous letters and stories; they remind us not to take ourselves too seriously! Mooses With Bazookas ...
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Back to the Bright Before by Katherin Nolte
By Janie Cheaney |
Back to the Bright Before is a touching tale that mixes medieval imagery with a contemporary story of guilt and redemption. Back to the Bright ...
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Remember Us by Jacqueline Woodson
By Janie Cheaney |
Remember Us is a quiet novel that ponders the conundrum of change and permanence. Remember Us by Jacqueline Woodson. Nancy Paulsen Books (PRH), 2023, 192 ...
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Two Picture Books on Words and Storytelling: Sholem’s Treasure and The Language of Angels
By Janie Cheaney |
The Language of Angels and Sholem’s Treasure illustrate how great an influence word and history has had on Jewish culture. The Language of Angels: A ...
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Stocking Stuffers for Book Lovers
By Megan Saben |
Of course books make the best gifts for bibliophiles, but some of those oversize tomes don't fit comfortably in a stocking. Here's a list of ...
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Babble! And How Punctuation Saved It
By Megan Saben |
Babble! is a short, lively, memorable story that SHOWS writers understand the importance of those little indicators. Babble! And How Punctuation Saved It by Caroline ...
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Tomfoolery! by Michelle Markel
By Janie Cheaney |
Tomfoolery! tells the story of Randolph Caldecott, the iconoclastic illustrator who lent his name to the prestigious award. Tomfoolery! Randolph Caldecott and the Rambunctious Coming-of-Age ...
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*Saving H’Non: Chang and the Elephant by Trang Nguyen
By Janie Cheaney |
Saving H'Non beautifully employs a graphic-novel format to tell the true story of an animal rescue and faithful human stewardship. *Saving H’Non: Chang and the ...
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The Winterton Deception 1: Final Word by Janet Sumner Johnson
By Janie Cheaney |
Final Word introduces the Winterton family, dictionary magnates with lots of money and plenty of secrets to hide. The Winterton Deception 1: Final Word by ...
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Hidden: A Child’s Story of the Holocaust by Loic Dauvillier
By Janie Cheaney |
Hidden: A Child’s Story of the Holocaust is a suitable introduction for grades 2-4 to this terrible chapter in history. Hidden: A Child’s Story of ...
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*Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by Richard Adams, James Sturm, and Joe Sutphin
By Janie Cheaney |
The graphic-novel version of Watership Down combines the dramatic force of the original story with winning art. *Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by Richard Adams, ...
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*Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmith & Boulet
By Hayley Morell |
Calvin and Hobbes meets the Nickelodeon channel to retell Beowulf in a colorful, creative, graphic novel. Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmith & Boulet. First Second, ...
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The Hiding Place, A Christmas Carol, Hinds Feet on High Places, and Les Miserables: An Engaging Visual Journey
By Megan Saben |
The four books in the Engaging Visual Journey series provide beautiful, dignified forms to stories that are dearly loved spiritual classics. The Hiding Place by ...
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A Stubborn Sweetness by Katherine Paterson
By Betsy Farquhar |
"A Stubborn Sweetness" is one of 15 short stories that celebrate the truth, beauty, and goodness of the real meaning of Christmas. A Stubborn Sweetness ...
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*Memories of Survival by Esther Nisenthal Krinitz and Bernice Steinhardt
By Megan Saben |
A Jewish woman who lived through World War II in Poland and had to hide in order to survive tells her story through fabric and ...
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Wicked History Series: Henry VIII, Leopold II, and Rasputin
By Betsy Farquhar |
A Wicked History: A nonfiction book about a historical figure who was, well, wicked! Nonfiction series for the middle school age-range vary quite a bit ...
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Nothing Else but Miracles by Kate Albus
By Janie Cheaney |
Nothing Else but Miracles features a spunky and imaginative protagonist making the most of hardships on the WWII home front. Nothing Else but Miracles by ...
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A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes and Jerry Pinkney
By Janie Cheaney |
A Walk in the Woods features Jerry Pinkney’s last illustrations in a sensitive portrayal of childhood grief. A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes, ...
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Music for the End of Time by Jen Bryant
By Megan Saben |
Music for the End of time is a picture book biography, a story of hope found through creating beauty in the midst of affliction. Music ...
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The Weary World Rejoices, edited by Melissa Kruger
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Weary World Rejoices is a collection of Advent readings from the Gospel Coalition that relate to the Advent wreath. For teens and up. The ...
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Awaiting the Manger by Ocieanna Fleiss
By Betsy Farquhar |
Awaiting the Manger, an Advent devotional for teens and up, uses stories from the Old Testament to point to the coming of Jesus. Awaiting the ...
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He Came Down From Heaven by Laurel Sauder
By Betsy Farquhar |
He Came Down From Heaven offers 25 days of biblical readings and cultural enrichment for families who celebrate Advent. He Came Down From Heaven: A ...
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*Enemies in the Orchard by Dana VanderLugt
By Janie Cheaney |
In Enemies in the Orchard, an American girl and a German POW discover a shared humanity among the tragedy of war. *Enemies in the Orchard ...
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*The Miracle Seed by Martin Lemelman
By Janie Cheaney |
The Miracle Seed tells the amazing story of how a tree extinct for a millennium came back to life. *The Miracle Seed by Martin Lemelman. ...
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*Seeds of America Trilogy by Laurie Halse Anderson
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Seeds of America Trilogy powerfully examines some of the complex ideas of the American Revolution: freedom, justice, and equality for all. Seeds of America ...
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Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Fever 1793: Yellow fever sweeps through Philadelphia, challenging young Mattie to the core in this historical fiction novel for young teens. Fever 1793 by Laurie ...
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Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke
By Janie Cheaney |
Ben Hatke’s graphic novel Things in the Basement takes an intrepid protagonist through centuries of art and symbolism. Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke. ...
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*The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo
By Janie Cheaney |
The Puppets of Spelhorst is a bittersweet fairy tale with engaging characters and an enthralling conclusion. *The Puppets of Spelhorst: A Norendy Tale by Kate ...
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The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day
By Janie Cheaney |
The Mona Lisa Vanishes tells of an astonishing theft while tracing the background of the world’s most famous painting. The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary ...
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Retro Reads: The Rescuers by Margery Sharp
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Rescuers by Margery Sharp offers fun, old-fashioned storytelling that bears little resemblance to the Disney movie. The Rescuers by Margery Sharp, illustrated by Garth ...
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Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons, 20th Anniversary Edition
By Megan Saben |
Those who love dragons and long for more lore will find this field guide an excellent companion. Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons, 20th Anniversary ...
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*The Vanderbeekers Ever After by Karina Yan Glaser
By Janie Cheaney |
The Vanderbeeker family faces their greatest challenge yet in this last volume of a beloved series. The Vanderbeekers Ever After is one of our Readers' ...
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Chinese Menu by Grace Lin
By Janie Cheaney |
Chinese Menu traces the origin of everybody’s favorite Chinese dishes, from wonton soup to rice fortune cookies. Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends behind ...
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The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall by Ali Standish
By Janie Cheaney |
The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall series imagines the mysterious education of a classic mystery writer. The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall by Ali Standish. ...
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Maps, by Eleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski
By Janie Cheaney |
Maps is an oversize and endlessly browseable collection of hand-drawn maps of most of the world. Maps by Eleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski. Candlewick, 2013, ...
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The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass
By Janie Cheaney |
The Lost Library is thin on theme, but warm hearted and family-friendly. The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. Feiwel and Friends, 2023, ...
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What Came From the Stars by Gary D. Schmidt
By Betsy Farquhar |
What Came From the Stars is mysterious, offering hope for those grieving and illuminating the strange power of art. What Came From the Stars by ...
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Dust by Dusti Bowling
By Janie Cheaney |
Dust is the story of an asthma sufferer challenged to “use her breath” to fight a wrong. Dust by Dusti Bowling. Little, Brown, 2023, 328 ...
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SmART: Use Your Eyes to Boost Your Brain by Amy E. Herman
By Janie Cheaney |
SmART, a young-reader version of the best-seller Visual Intelligence, employs art as a way of teaching observation and interpretation. SmART: Use Your Eyes to Boost ...
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Beneath the Swirling Sky by Carolyn Leiloglou
By Megan Saben |
Vincent and his cousin Georgia travel through the Corridor and art masterpieces to rescue Vincent's little sister while trying to undo the villainous efforts of ...
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Stuff Kids Should Know by Clark and Bryant
By Janie Cheaney |
Stuff Kids Should Know draws from a popular podcast to detail the fascinating histories behind some everyday realities. Stuff Kids Should Know: The Mind-Blowing Histories ...
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Starboard by Nicola Skinner
By Janie Cheaney |
Starboard takes a young reality-TV star on an involuntary voyage of self-discovery. Starboard by Nicola Skinner. Harper 2023 (US edition), 398 pages. Reading Level: Middle ...
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Portraits of Faith: *Pilipinto and God’s Servant Ruth
By Janie Cheaney |
A missionary daughter in the 20th century and a pagan-born woman of ancient Israel offer two inspiring examples of faithfulness in difficult circumstances. *Pilipinto: The ...
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My Head Has a Bellyache and More Nonsense by Chris Harris
By Megan Saben |
Poems about nail clippings, sausages, and page numbers?! Yes, and many more. My Head Has a Bellyache and More Nonsense by Chris Harris, illustrated by ...
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Teaching the Faith: *The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism
By Janie Cheaney |
A new edition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism uses cartoon illustrations as an aid to understanding and discussion. *The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism in Modern ...
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How to Stay Invisible by Maggie C. Rudd
By Janie Cheaney |
In How to Stay Invisible, an abandoned boy attempts to make it on his own and discovers he needs other people. How to Stay Invisible ...
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Ginny Off the Map by Caroline Hickey
By Janie Cheaney |
In Ginny off the Map, a geography-obsessed sixth-grader learns to meet people where they are and find “true north” in her own family. Ginny Off ...
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*Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins
By Hayley Morell |
Hope in the Valley captures one girl’s momentous summer as she processes grief, grapples with change, and finds her own voice along the way. Hope ...
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The McNifficents by Amy Mckechnie
By Janie Cheaney |
The McNifficents are a family of rambunctious kids corralled by a perceptive and conscientious Schnauzer. The McNifficents by Amy Makechnie. Simon & Schuster, 2023, 310 ...
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The Windeby Puzzle: History and Story by Lois Lowry
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Windeby Puzzle is half history and half story: Lowry allows young readers to peer behind the curtain into the process of creating a work ...
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Comics: Whys, Hows, and Wherefores
By Janie Cheaney |
(Originally published at Redeemed Reader on November 27, 2013) Most kids enjoy comics or their upscale cousins, graphic novels. Of those who enjoy them, many ...
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When Clouds Touch Us by Thanhhà Lai
By Janie Cheaney |
When Clouds Touch Us follows up the award-winning Inside Out and Back Again with the further adventures of a Vietnamese refugee family in the 1970s. ...
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The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Magician's Elephant is a delicately written (and illustrated) fairy tale of one boy's longing for family, one girl's longing for home, and an elephant ...
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The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson
By Janie Cheaney |
Noting one important consideration, The Firefly Summer is an enjoyable light read with a theme of family solidarity. The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson. Simon ...
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Big Tree by Brian Selznick
By Janie Cheaney |
Big Tree, by best-selling author-illustrator Brian Selznick, attempts to capture the wonder of creation without a Creator. Big Tree by Brian Selznick. Scholastic, 2023, 525 ...
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*The Labors of Hercles Beal by Gary Schmidt
By Janie Cheaney |
The title character of The Labors of Hercules Beal works through his grief by duplicating, in contemporary terms, the 12 "labors" of his mythical namesake. ...
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Picture Books to Make You Think: Twenty Questions, Bucket of Questions, Wants vs. Needs vs. Robots, and The Tree and the River
By Janie Cheaney |
Four new picture books raised questions and stimulate discussion for readers ages 3-12. Twenty Questions by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Christian Robinson. Candlewick, 2023, 32 ...
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Abandon Ship by Michael J. Tougias
By Janie Cheaney |
Abandon Ship! tells the little-known story of a World War II sea disaster with a surprising twist. Abandon Ship! The True World War II Story ...
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The Book That No One Wanted to Read by Richard Ayoade
By Betsy Farquhar |
What if a book writes itself, but is determined that no one should actually read the final product? The Book That No One Wanted to ...
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Button Pusher by Tyler Page
By Janie Cheaney |
Button Pusher is the graphic-novel memoir of a boy who struggled with ADHD before learning to manage it. Button Pusher by Tyler Page. First Second, ...
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The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat
By Janie Cheaney |
The Legends of Lotus Island series follows a child of destiny as she seeks to pass “The Guardian Test.” The Guardian Test (Legends of Lotus ...
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The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri: A Book Discussion
By Janie Cheaney |
The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri: Betsy and Janie Discuss The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams ...
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*Bright April by Marguerite De Angeli
By Megan Saben |
Themes of loving nature, loving one's neighbor, and loving Truth are woven through Bright April, a story that gracefully handles racism and the dignity of ...
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Iceberg by Jennifer A. Nielsen
By Janie Cheaney |
In Iceberg, a 12-year-old stowaway experiences history's worst maritime disaster. Iceberg by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Scholastic, 2023, 339 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 ...
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Nonfiction Picture Books: Concrete; Luminous; The Animal Toolkit; The Universe in You; Digestion: The Musical
By Janie Cheaney |
Outstanding picture books from 2022 feature the story of a ubiquitous building material, unusual animals, basic particle physics, and a different take on the topic ...
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School Trip by Jerry Craft
By Janie Cheaney |
School Trip, a companion novel to Newbery-winning New Kid, launches the Riverdale Academy students on a tour of Paris. School Trip by Jerry Craft. Quill ...
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A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat
By Janie Cheaney |
In A First Time for Everything, Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat looks back on a life-changing tour of Europe as a 13-year-old. A First Time for ...
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Not an Easy Win by Chrystal D. Giles
By Janie Cheaney |
Not an Easy Win is the encouraging story of a displaced young man finding purpose and life lessons in the game of chess. Not an ...
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Leeva at Last by Sara Pennypacker
By Janie Cheaney |
Leeva at Last introduces us to a plucky young heroine who overcomes evil with good. Leeva at Last by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Matthew Cordell. ...
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Noticing by Kobi Yomada
By Janie Cheaney |
Noticing, a picture book for tweens and older, beautifully illustrates the point that “One of the best things you can be is interested.” Noticing by ...
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Honey and Me by Meira Drazin
By Janie Cheaney |
Honey and Me explores the fun and challenge of middle-grade friendship in the context of the Orthodox Jewish community. Honey and Me by Meira Drazin. ...
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Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead
By Betsy Farquhar |
Spare and sensitive, Liar & Spy is a warm-hearted middle-grades story about two lonely boys who form a deep, abiding friendship. Liar & Spy by ...
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Why Disney’s original animated Sleeping Beauty is the best cinematic fairy tale adaptation
By Megan Saben |
In Megan's humble opinion, the best fairy tale adaptation ever is the Disney classic animated version of Sleeping Beauty (1959). Here's why. It opens with ...
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CSK Illlustrator Roundup: Standing in the Need of Prayer, Me and the Boss, and The Talk
By Janie Cheaney |
The Coretta Scott King award, an prominent part of the annual ALA Youth Media Awards, honors African American authors and illustrators of outstanding books for ...
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Bright Island by Mabel Robinson (Retro Reads)
By Betsy Farquhar |
In this "Retro Reads" book, homeschooled Thankful Curtis must leave her beloved island to brave the mainland and boarding school. Bright Island by Mabel Robinson. ...
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Princess of the Wild Sea by Megan Frazer Blakemore
By Janie Cheaney |
A twist on Sleeping Beauty, Princess of the Wild Sea explores the concept of heroism and the danger and reward of risk-taking. Princess of the ...
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Victory, Stand! by Tommie Smith and Derrick Barnes
By Janie Cheaney |
Victory, Stand!, this year's ALA YA nonfiction award winner, tells the story of the notorious "Olympic fist" from a point of view that makes it ...
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At Jerusalem’s Gate by Nikki Grimes
By Betsy Farquhar |
At Jersualem's Gate offers poetic meditations on what people involved in the events leading to Christ's resurrection might have thought and felt. At Jerusalem's Gate: ...
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Before Music: Where Instruments Come From by Annette Bay Pimentel, illustrated by Madison Safer
By Megan Saben |
Where does music come from and how many ways can you make it? Before Music broadens the reader's horizons on the origin and creativity of ...
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*Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien
By Megan Saben |
A glorious story of heroism in which a mother's deep love for her children shines brightly. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert ...
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The Really Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thornton
By Betsy Farquhar |
A tremendous follow-up to The Radical Book for Kids, The Really Radical Book for Kids offers plenty of trivia along with plenty of thoughts to ...
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Bright Star: The Story of Esther by Holly Mackle, illustrated by Marlena Sigman
By Megan Saben |
Bright Star is a lively-written volume in Kaleidoscope's series of Bible storybooks for elementary-age children that adds helpful context to the Scriptural account. Bright Star: ...
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2023 Newbery Winner: Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson
By Janie Cheaney |
Freewater, this year's Newbery Medal winner, is as much an adventure tale as little-known history. Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson. Little, Brown (James Patterson Presents), 2022, ...
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Understanding Ukraine
By Hayley Morell |
A year after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, here is an updated booklist from Hayley's 2014 series of posts about Ukraine. In 2014, as Russia invaded ...
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When Winter Robeson Came by Brenda Woods
By Hayley Morell |
History and a summer adventure combine in an engaging, slim, novel-in-verse for middle grade readers. When Winter Robeson Came by Brenda Woods. Nancy Paulsen Books, ...
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Three books about Jesus: The Darkest Night/The Brightest Day, The Acrostic of Jesus, and Who is Jesus?
By Megan Saben |
Three books from New Growth Press are helpful for teaching children who Jesus is and what he has done for us. The Darkest Night/The Brightest ...
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The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh
By Janie Cheaney |
The Lost Year uses multiple voices to narrate a sad chapter of history: Stalin’s deliberate starving of Ukraine. The Lost Year: A Survival Story of ...
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A Place for Peter by Elizabeth Yates
By Megan Saben |
A Place for Peter is a good choice for boys who are avid readers and enjoy character-driven, literary coming-of-age stories, or families who are looking ...
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Caldecott Honor Roundup: Ain’t Burned All the Bright, Berry Song, Choosing Brave, and Knight Owl
By Janie Cheaney |
This year's Caldecott honor books explore a range of moods from wistful to whimsical. Ain’t Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Jason ...
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The British Are Coming (Young Reader Ed.) by Rick Atkinson
By Janie Cheaney |
The British Are Coming recounts the first 4 years of the American Revolution in an engaging style, capturing substance and detail. The British Are Coming ...
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Mr. Lincoln Sits for His Portrait by Leonard S. Marcus
By Janie Cheaney |
Mr. Lincoln Sits for His Portrait is an unusual and touching look at our nation's 16th president through the then-new medium of photography. Mr. Lincoln ...
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Love and Laughter Book List
By Janie Cheaney |
A Valentine's Day list of books that celebrate family love and wholesome romance. It’s the season of hearts and flowers and chocolate. Valentine’s Day is ...
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Windswept by Margi Preus
By Janie Cheaney |
Windswept is a lovely fantasy/fairy tale of children learning to take on the responsibility of stewardship through story, service, and sacrifice. Windswept by Margi Preus. ...
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2023 Newbery Buzz Roundup #2: Frizzy, How to Build a Human, and Attack of the Black Rectangles
By Janie Cheaney |
The American Library Association will announce the winners of its very influential Youth Media Awards, headed by the Newbery and Caldecott. Since we can't help ...
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*A Dragon Used to Live Here by Annette LeBlanc Cate
By Hayley Morell |
In a whimsical tale within a tale, two royal children discover that their castle (and their own mother!) have a very interesting past. A Dragon ...
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Newbery Roundup #1: Freestyle, Swim Team, and Maizy Chen’s Last Chance
By Janie Cheaney |
Three novels for middle-grades that may be under consideration for this year's top prize Freestyle by Gale Galligan. Graphix; (Scholastic), 2022, 322 pages. (Ages 10-14) ...
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The Lucky Ones by Linda Williams Jackson
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Lucky Ones, an impoverished family in the rural south takes a big step up during the Civil Rights struggles of the 1960s. The ...
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Wintry Stories: A Book List for Middle Grades and Teens
By Betsy Farquhar |
Whether you live in a place with snow or not, January is the perfect month for a cozy snow story (or three). Look for some ...
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