(D) Ages 10-12
Are Cozy Animal Stories Cozying up to Gay Ideology?
By Janie Cheaney |
One of our readers alerted us to Katherine Applegate’s latest book, as it seemed to her to feature a lesbian relationship. Odder, picturing a beyond-cute ...
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Contending for the Faith by Joel Beeke and William Boekestein
By Janie Cheaney |
Contending for the Faith takes readers back to the English Reformation and the origins of the Westminster Confession. Contending for the Faith: The Story of ...
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Wildoak by C. C. Harrington
By Janie Cheaney |
Wildoak is a gentle story about a girl finding a voice and a cause in the natural world. Wildoak by C. C. Harrigan. Scholastic, 2022, ...
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Reformation Day Holiday Traditions
By Megan Saben |
Inventing a Celebration I’ve never had much use for Halloween. We didn’t celebrate it when I was growing up, substituting other family fun that day, ...
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Truth and Story
By Megan Saben |
(Note: Betsy and I are indebted to Ethan Pettit, librarian and Children's Literature professor from Covenant College, who enlightened us so much in seeing Christ ...
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The Three Little Pigs: A Book List
By Betsy Farquhar |
Just for fun, here's a round-up of some delightful version of the classic folktale "The Three Little Pigs" along with some funny spoofs and spins. ...
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*Church History by Simonetta Carr
By Janie Cheaney |
Simonetta Carr’s Church History is a must-have for Christian families, good for years of reference and encouragement. *Church History by Simonetta Carr. Reformation Heritage, 265 ...
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Our Hymns, Our Heritage by David and Barbara Leeman
By Janie Cheaney |
The Leeman’s excellent student hymnal has been republished by Moody Press, with additional songs and supplements. *Our Hymns, Our Heritage: A Student Guide to Songs ...
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*Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key by S.D. Smith and J. C. Smith
By Betsy Farquhar |
Jack Zulu finds adventure where he least expects it in this new middle grades fantasy series opener from S. D. Smith. Jack Zulu and the ...
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The Vanderbeekers on the Road by Karina Yan Glaser
By Janie Cheaney |
The Vanderbeekrs, one of our favorite families, is on the road to discovery, opportunity, and possibly romance. The Vanderbeekers on the Road by Karina Yan ...
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Ride On by Faith Erin Hicks
By Janie Cheaney |
Ride On is an equestrian graphic novel that horse aficionados will devour. Ride On by Faith Erin Hicks. First Second, 2022, 218 pages. Reading Level: ...
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Hummingbird by Natalie Lloyd
By Janie Cheaney |
Hummingbird features a plucky protagonist with a debilitating bone disease—who doesn’t see herself as debilitated. Hummingbird by Natalie Lloyd. Scholastic, 2022, 348 pages. Reading Level: ...
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Yonder by Ali Standish
By Janie Cheaney |
Yonder is a thoughtful and moving historical novel about the nature of heroism. Yonder by Ali Standish. Harper, 2022, 348 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...
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Labor Day: Books about Work
By Betsy Farquhar |
Readers: this is an adaptation of one of the first posts on Redeemed Reader, way back in 2011 (written by Emily Whitten, the "I" in ...
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Lines of Courage by Jennifer A. Nielsen
By Janie Cheaney |
Lines of Courage follows five young protagonists through the epoch-making carnage of World War I. Lines of Courage by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Scholastic Press, 2022, ...
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Brand New Kid by David Almond
By Janie Cheaney |
Brand New Boy explores the "humanity" of manufactured humans through the eyes of curious middle-school students. Brand New Boy by David Almond, with pictures by ...
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Quick Summer Reads: Treasure Tracks, High Score, and Wretched Waterpark
By Janie Cheaney |
Three entertaining novels for the adventure-seeker, the heist-lover, and the doom-aficionado. Treasure Tracks by S. A. Rodriguez. Farrar Straus Giroux, 2022, 214 pages. Reading Level: ...
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*Tree Street Kids: Lions to the Rescue! and Mystery in Crooked Creek Woods
By Megan Saben |
The Tree Street Kids series continues as Jack, Ellison, Roger, Ruthie and Midge develop new and better friendships, and also solve a mystery. Tree Street ...
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*Marshmallow Clouds by Ted Kooser and Connie Wanek
By Janie Cheaney |
In Marshmallow Clouds, two poets look at the world, both the sublime and the mundane, through expressive wordplay. *Marshmallow Clouds: Two Poets at Play among ...
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The Islanders: Search for Treasure by Mary Alice Monroe
By Janie Cheaney |
The Islanders Series features three friends spending enlightening and adventure-filled summers on an island off the coast of South Carolina. The Islanders: Search for Treasure ...
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The Homework Squad’s ADHD Guide to School Success by Joshua Shifrin
By Janie Cheaney |
The “Homework Squad” shows attention-challenged students how to study smarter. The Homework Squad’s ADHD Guide to School Success by Joshua Shifrin, PhD, illustrated by Tracy ...
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Graphic-Novel History: History Comics and Who HQ
By Janie Cheaney |
Telling history and science through pictures is an obvious way to teach, but watch out when a series attempts to do more than communicate the ...
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Back to School Books for Middle School
By Betsy Farquhar |
Is it back to school time already? Depending on which part of the country you live in, some schools will be starting up in the ...
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Spineless by Samantha San Miguel
By Janie Cheaney |
A sickly young man finds both adventure and wisdom in Spineless, an enjoyable debut novel set in turn-of-the-century Florida. Spineless by Samantha San Miguel. Union ...
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Mr. Lemoncello’s Very First Game by Chris Grabenstein
By Janie Cheaney |
Fans of Mr. Lemoncello's world of puzzles and games will enjoy this story of how he got his start. Mr. Lemoncello’s Very First Game by ...
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Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A. F. Steadman
By Janie Cheaney |
The much-hyped fantasy series opener Skandar and the Unicorn Thief breaks new ground in unicorn lore. Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A. F. Steadman. ...
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Your Pal Fred by Michael Rex
By Janie Cheaney |
A fun graphic novel for young middle-graders, Your Pal Fred pictures a dystopian world startled by kindness. Your Pal Fred by Michael Rex. Viking, 2022, ...
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Wonderfull: Ancient Psalms Ever New by Marty Machowski
By Megan Saben |
Wonderfull is a guide to the Psalms that introduces young people to modeling their devotional life after that of the Psalmist. Wonderfull: Ancient Psalms Ever ...
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New From Here by Kelly Yang
By Janie Cheaney |
New from Here looks at the recent pandemic through the perspective of an Asian-American family hoping to escape the virus in California. New from Here ...
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Trapped in Terror Bay by Sigmund Brouwer
By Janie Cheaney |
Trapped in Terror Bay takes readers into the mystery of the ill-fated Arctic voyage of the Franklin Expedition, 1845. Trapped in Terror Bay: Solving the ...
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Cookies & Milk by Shawn Amos
By Janie Cheaney |
Cookies & Milk is an enjoyable fictionalized account of the world’s first chocolate-chip cookie store and the launch of a “famous” business. Cookies & Milk ...
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Crazy Horse and Custer: Born Enemies by S. D. Nelson
By Janie Cheaney |
Crazy Horse and Custer: Born Enemies addresses the bloody and complex history of the U.S. Indian Wars with honesty and clarity. Crazy Horse and Custer: ...
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The Shelter and the Fence by Herman H. Finkelstein
By Janie Cheaney |
The Shelter and the Fence relates the heartening history of how nearly 1000 Jewish refugees found welcome in America during World War II. The Shelter ...
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Born Behind Bars by Padma Venkatramen
By Betsy Farquhar |
When Kabir leaves jail at age nine, he enters a world unknown to him: the free world. A delicate and sensitive novel for middle grades. ...
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My Own Lightning by Lauren Wolk
By Janie Cheaney |
My Own Lightning follows the author’s previous Newbery-honored novel, Wolf Hollow, with a more hopeful conclusion. My Own Lightning by Lauren Wolk. Dutton, 2022, 307 ...
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Rip to the Rescue
By Janie Cheaney |
Rip to the Rescue is a true-to-life World War II adventure featuring heroic teens and one heroic dog. Rip to the Rescue by Miriam Halahmy. ...
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Each of Us a Universe by Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo
By Janie Cheaney |
Two girls with big problems draw resilience from each other and the "Magic" of the Universe. Each of Us a Universe by Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo ...
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The Dragon and the Stone (Dreamkeeper Saga #1) by Kathryn Butler
By Janie Cheaney |
The Dreamkeeper Saga weaves Christian themes, Arthurian legend, and reliable fantasy tropes into a promising series for middle-graders. The Dragon and the Stone (Dreamkeeper Saga ...
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*The Sower by Scott James
By Janie Cheaney |
The Sower employs biblical allegories of seeds and planting to recap the story of the Bible and its effect on human history—and on us. *The ...
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*God’s Attributes by Jill Nelson
By Janie Cheaney |
God’s Attributes is an accessible, kid-friendly way to approach the greatness of God as we learn to trust Him. *God’s Attributes by Jill Nelson. P&R, ...
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The Woman Who Split the Atom by Marissa Moss
By Janie Cheaney |
Brilliant physicist Lise Meitner, overlooked by history, receives her due in this well-written and -illustrated biography. The Woman Who Split the Atom: The Life of ...
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The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Last Mapmaker, a low-born but spirited girl, an aged craftsman, and high stakes at sea make for a satisfying adventure. The Last Mapmaker ...
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The Elk King by Jenn Discher
By Betsy Farquhar |
Can the Elk King guard and protect the animals of Glenariff in the face of treachery? This talking animal story will delight fans of The ...
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The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles by Champ Thornton
By Janie Cheaney |
The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles adapts adult theology to a middle-grade audience, wrapped in an adventure story. The Serpent Slayer and the ...
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Alice’s Farm: a Rabbit’s Tale by Maryrose Wood
By Betsy Farquhar |
Alice and her brother Thistle try to save a human's farm in this sweet animal story by the author of The Incorrigible Children of Ashton ...
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Hilde on Record by Hilde Lysiak
By Janie Cheaney |
Hilde Lysiak, whose doggedness as a 9-year-old investigative reporter made her a star of journalism, tells her own story. Hilde on the Record: Memoir of ...
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Alias Anna by Susan Hood and Greg Dawson
By Janie Cheaney |
In free verse, Alias Anna tells the story of surviving the Holocaust in Ukraine by hiding in plain sight. Alias Anna: A True Story of ...
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Glass Slippers by Leah Cypress
By Janie Cheaney |
Glass Slippers reimagines the Cinderella story through the eyes of a third stepsister who is trying to sort truth from lies. Glass Slippers by Leah ...
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Polo Cowboy by G. Neri
By Betsy Farquhar |
Cole learns to be a polo cowboy despite bullying and prejudice in this interesting follow-up to Ghetto Cowboy. Polo Cowboy by G. Neri and illustrated ...
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The School for Whatnots by Margaret Peterson Haddix
By Janie Cheaney |
In The School for Whatnots, popular children's author Margaret Peterson Haddix explores how good intentions go awry. The School for Whatnots by Margaret Peterson Haddix. ...
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The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Ogress and the Orphans, a winning fairytale, kindness and love overcome suspicion. The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill. Algonquin, 2022, 390 ...
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The Aquanaut by Dan Santat
By Janie Cheaney |
The Aquanaut packs unexpected heart into a fantastical story from the ocean depths. The Aquanaut by Dan Santat. Scholastic Graphix, 2022, 243 pages Reading Level: ...
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Cress Watercress by Gregory Maguire
By Janie Cheaney |
Cress Watercress, a young rabbit suddenly fatherless, finds strength and purpose in this beautifully written tale. Cress Watercress by Gregory Maguire, illustrated by David Litchfield. ...
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Wake Up Missing by Kate Messner
By Betsy Farquhar |
Wake Up Missing mixes science with science fiction: DNA manipulation, nefarious plots, and excitement. Wake Up Missing by Kate Messner. Walker Childrens, 2013. 272 pages. ...
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Itch: the Explosive Adventures of an Element Hunter by Simon Mayo
By Janie Cheaney |
Solid science adds heft to Itch, a present-day sci-fi novel with elements of an international spy thriller. Itch: the Explosive Adventures of an Element Hunter, ...
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*The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin DeYoung
By Janie Cheaney |
The "Biggest Story" brand continues with a family-friendly Bible Storybook that provides food for thought even to grownups. *The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin ...
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Troublemaker by John Cho
By Janie Cheaney |
Troublemaker honestly pictures generational, cultural, and racial conflict against the background of the Los Angeles riots of 1992. Troublemaker by John Cho. Little, Brown, 2022, ...
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Dog Man Series by Dav Pilkey
By Janie Cheaney |
Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man series, while reveling in underwear and potty humor, still manages to be loveable. And even funny. Dog Man: a Graphic Novel ...
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More Than a Story by Sally Michael
By Megan Saben |
More Than a Story assumes that all of Scripture is written for instruction of all ages, and that both parents and children will benefit from ...
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*A Duet for Home by Karina Yan Glaser
By Janie Cheaney |
A Duet for Home portrays the plight of the homeless as far from hopeless—or helpless. *A Duet for Home by Karina Yan Glaser. Clarion Books, ...
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The Velveteen Rabbit Turns 100: A Bunny Booklist
By Megan Saben |
The Velveteen Rabbit turns 100 There was once a velveteen rabbit . . . Once upon a time, there were three little rabbits and their ...
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A Jesus Easter by Barbara Reaoch
By Megan Saben |
Explore the story of Easter with A Jesus Easter, a family devotional for Lent with interactive questions and journaling prompts. A Jesus Easter: Explore God's ...
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The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck by Matt Phelan
By Janie Cheaney |
A swashbuckling rooster, a designing sheep and a clever duck change history in Matt Phelan’s latest flight of fancy. The Sheep, the Rooster, and the ...
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Not So Different by Shane Burcaw
By Janie Cheaney |
In Not So Different, disability activist Shane Burcaw answers questions about life as a wheelchair-bound man with a lively intellect. Not So Different: What you ...
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*Out of My Mind and Out of My Heart by Sharon Draper
By Janie Cheaney |
Out of My Mind and its sequel, Out of My Heart, welcome readers into the rich inner life of Melody Brooks, a bright pre-teen with ...
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Blue by Nan Ekua Brew-Hammon
By Janie Cheaney |
What’s special about the color blue? A lot! Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and Wide as the Sky Nana ...
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Pony by R. J. Palacio
By Janie Cheaney |
Pony mixes elements of historical fiction and fantasy to create a memorable coming-of-age tale. Pony by R. J. Palacio. Knopf, 2021, 304 pages Reading Level: ...
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Northwind by Gary Paulsen
By Janie Cheaney |
Northwind follows a boy into the northern wilderness to be reborn in the harsh cradle of nature. Northwind by Gary Paulsen. Farrar Strauss Giroux, 2022, ...
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Across the Rainbow Bridge by Kevin Crossley-Holland
By Janie Cheaney |
Across the Rainbow Bridge puts Norse mythology in its original context of tales told around peat fires on long winter nights. Across the Rainbow Bridge: ...
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Fun with Words and Stories: Otto: A Palindrama and The Ice Cream Machine
By Janie Cheaney |
Otto tells an extended story with pictures and palindromes, while The Ice Cream Machine spins six stories off one title prompt. Otto: A Palendrama by ...
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Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall
By Janie Cheaney |
Prisoners of Geography helps kids understand how natural features shape history and economics. Prisoners of Geography: Our World Explained in 12 Simple Maps by Tim ...
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Christian Easter Gifts for Kids and Teens
By Betsy Farquhar |
Do you give Easter gifts in your family? Most families I know give gifts—a lot of them—at Christmas, but give minimally (if at all) at ...
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The World of Tumbleweed Thompson books by Glenn McCarty
By Megan Saben |
Humorous and winsome, tales from the World of Tumbleweed Thompson will engage young fans of Tom Sawyer and Homer Price. Reading Level: Middle Grades, Ages ...
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Unfolding Grace for Kids
By Janie Cheaney |
Unfolding Grace for Kids leads middle-graders and younger through the Bible with selected readings and introductions. Unfolding Grace for Kids: A 40-Day Journey through the ...
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Printz Honor Books Roundup: Last Night at the Telegraph Club, Concrete Rose, Revolution in Our Time, Starfish
By Janie Cheaney |
The Michael L. Printz Award is given by the American Library Association for “Excellence in literature written for young adults.” Last year’s winner was Everything ...
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Operation Do-Over by Gordon Korman
By Janie Cheaney |
Operation Do-Over is an entertaining jaunt that asks the perennial question: What if you got a chance to correct a past mistake? Operation Do-Over by ...
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*Easter Stories: Classic Tales for the Holy Season
By Betsy Farquhar |
Easter Stories is a lovely—and literary—collection of short stories from authors both old and new. *Easter Stories: Classic Tales for the Holy Season. Plough Publishing ...
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Ambushed! by Gail Jarrow
By Janie Cheaney |
Ambushed!, winner of this year's YALSA Award for nonfiction, is the absorbing, day-by-day account of of a presidential assassination and its aftermath. Ambushed! The Assassination ...
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The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera
By Janie Cheaney |
The Last Cuentista, winner of this year’s Newbery medal is thought-provoking but leaves other thoughts unexplored. The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera. Levine ...
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2022 Newbery Honor Book Roundup: Red White and Whole, A Snake Falls to Earth, Watercress, Too Bright to See
By Janie Cheaney |
In our continuing coverage of ALA Youth Media Award winners, we're closing in on the big one: the Newbery! Red, White, and Whole by Rajanni ...
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2022 Schneider Family Middle-Grade Roundup: A Bird Will Soar, A Kind of Spark, Stuntboy in the Meantime
By Janie Cheaney |
The Schneider Family Book Award is given by the American Library Association for outstanding books "that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience. Last ...
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Murder on the Baltimore Express by Suzanne Jermain
By Janie Cheaney |
Plotted like a step-by-step thriller, Murder on the Baltimore Express tells how Abraham Lincoln almost didn't become president. Murder on the Baltimore Express: The Plot ...
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2022 Sidney Taylor Award MG Roundup: How to Find What You’re Not Looking For, The Genius Under the Table, and Linked
By Janie Cheaney |
The Sidney Taylor Award, named for the author of the classic All-of-a-Kind Family series, is presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries to "outstanding books ...
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Sibert (nonfiction) Roundup: The People’s Painter, The Great Stink, We Are Still Here, Summertime Sleepers
By Janie Cheaney |
The Robert F. Sibert Award, announced by the American Library Association every January, names one to six outstanding nonfiction titles written for upper elementary and ...
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Picturing a Nation by Martin W. Sandler
By Janie Cheaney |
Picturing a Nation collects some of the best Great Depression photographs by the Farm Security Agency. Picturing a Nation: The Great Depression’s Finest Photographers Introduce ...
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Sports Books for Kids That Pack a Punch
By Betsy Farquhar |
Are you watching the Superbowl this month? Do you cheer for other sports at home? What about baseball? soccer? basketball? track? Do your sports fans ...
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Final Season by Tim Green
By Janie Cheaney |
Final Season is a touching look at the short- and long-term effects of football on family life, personal value, and physical health. Final Season by ...
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2022 Newbery Buzz #5: Cuba in My Pocket
By Janie Cheaney |
Cuba in My Pocket (see our review) appears on many Newbery favorites lists right alongside Fallout, the book Megan and Betsy mulled over yesterday. In ...
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2022 Newbery Buzz #3: Gone to the Woods
By Janie Cheaney |
Today Betsy and Janie will take a closer look at Gone to the Woods, a memoir by prolific author Gary Paulsen. Paulsen has been a ...
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Nonfiction about Nature
By Megan Saben |
Reptiles Everywhere, Bruno the Beekeeper, A World of Plants, and Fungarium offer plenty of fascinating information about the natural world. Reptiles Everywhere by Camilla de ...
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Clues to the Universe by Christina Lee
By Janie Cheaney |
Two fatherless middle-graders find solace by joining together on a project and a quest. Clues to the Universe by Christina Lee. Quill Tree (HarperCollins), 2021, ...
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Race to the Bottom of the Earth by Rebecca F. Barone
By Janie Cheaney |
Race to the Bottom of the Earth details how four men, separated by 112 years, risk life and limb to become the first to conquer ...
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Newbery Roundup #1: DaVinci’s Cat, Playing the Cards You’re Dealt, Harry Versus the First 100 Days of School, and Black Boy Joy
By Janie Cheaney |
It’s that time of year when librarians across the nation eagerly await the announcement of the American Library Association’s Youth Media Awards, crossing fingers for ...
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Honey for a Child’s Heart, 50th Anniversary edition
By Megan Saben |
Honey for a Child's Heart is a beautiful guide full of book lists, a resource worth having in your home library. *Honey for a Child's ...
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Birdie’s Bargain by Katherine Paterson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Birdie makes a bargain with God in this middle grades book about a girl wrestling with faith, with God's love, and with relationships. Birdie's Bargain ...
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Bible Review: ESV Reformation Study Bible, Student Edition
By Betsy Farquhar |
ESV Reformation Study Bible, Student Edition. Ligonier, 2021, 2400 pages. Reading Level: Teens, 12 and up Recommended for: Ages 12 and up The ESV Reformation ...
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Treasury of Magical Tales from around the World by Donna Jo Napoli
By Janie Cheaney |
Veteran children’s author Donna Jo Napoli retells fairy- and folk tales from every continent, reflecting both local culture and common humanity. Treasury of Magical Tales ...
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Flashlight Reads: Can’t-Put-‘Em-Down Books for All Ages
By Betsy Farquhar |
Flashlight Reads: Can't-Put-'Em-Down Books for the Kids (and Grown-ups) in Your Life Christmas break is one of those perfect, read-by-flashlight-under-the-covers breaks, isn't it? Days are ...
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Mighty Inside by Sundee T. Frazier
By Janie Cheaney |
An incoming freshman faces challenges of racism and stuttering in Mighty Inside. Mighty Inside by Sundee Frazier. Levine Querido (Scholastic), 2021, 230 pages Reading Level: ...
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*The Swallow’s Flight by Hilary McKay
By Janie Cheaney |
The Swallow’s Flight gracefully unfolds the lives of two English girls and two German boys against the backdrop of World War II. *The Swallow’s ...
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