(D) Ages 10-12

Not So Different by Shane Burcaw

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 ...
Read More

*Out of My Mind and Out of My Heart by Sharon Draper

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 ...
Read More

Blue by Nan Ekua Brew-Hammon

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 ...
Read More

Pony by R. J. Palacio

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: ...
Read More

Northwind by Gary Paulsen

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, ...
Read More

Across the Rainbow Bridge by Kevin Crossley-Holland

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: ...
Read More

Fun with Words and Stories: Otto: A Palindrama and The Ice Cream Machine

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 ...
Read More

Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall

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 ...
Read More

Christian Easter Gifts for Kids and Teens

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 ...
Read More
cover of misadventured summer of tumbleweed thompson

The World of Tumbleweed Thompson books by Glenn McCarty

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 ...
Read More

Unfolding Grace for Kids

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 ...
Read More

Printz Honor Books Roundup: Last Night at the Telegraph Club, Concrete Rose, Revolution in Our Time, Starfish

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 ...
Read More

Operation Do-Over by Gordon Korman

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 ...
Read More

*Easter Stories: Classic Tales for the Holy Season

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 ...
Read More

Ambushed! by Gail Jarrow

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 ...
Read More

The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera

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 ...
Read More

2022 Newbery Honor Book Roundup: Red White and Whole, A Snake Falls to Earth, Watercress, Too Bright to See

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 ...
Read More

2022 Schneider Family Middle-Grade Roundup: A Bird Will Soar, A Kind of Spark, Stuntboy in the Meantime

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 ...
Read More

Murder on the Baltimore Express by Suzanne Jermain

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 ...
Read More

2022 Sidney Taylor Award MG Roundup: How to Find What You’re Not Looking For, The Genius Under the Table, and Linked

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 ...
Read More

Sibert (nonfiction) Roundup: The People’s Painter, The Great Stink, We Are Still Here, Summertime Sleepers

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 ...
Read More

Picturing a Nation by Martin W. Sandler

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 ...
Read More

Sports Books for Kids That Pack a Punch

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 ...
Read More

Final Season by Tim Green

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 ...
Read More

2022 Newbery Buzz #5: Cuba in My Pocket

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 ...
Read More

2022 Newbery Buzz #3: Gone to the Woods

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 ...
Read More

Nonfiction about Nature

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 ...
Read More

Clues to the Universe by Christina Lee

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, ...
Read More

Race to the Bottom of the Earth by Rebecca F. Barone

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 ...
Read More

Newbery Roundup #1: DaVinci’s Cat, Playing the Cards You’re Dealt, Harry Versus the First 100 Days of School, and Black Boy Joy

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 ...
Read More

Honey for a Child’s Heart, 50th Anniversary edition

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 ...
Read More

Birdie’s Bargain by Katherine Paterson

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 ...
Read More

Bible Review: ESV Reformation Study Bible, Student Edition

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 ...
Read More

Treasury of Magical Tales from around the World by Donna Jo Napoli

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 ...
Read More

Flashlight Reads: Can’t-Put-‘Em-Down Books for All Ages

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 ...
Read More

Mighty Inside by Sundee T. Frazier

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: ...
Read More

*The Swallow’s Flight by Hilary McKay

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 ...
Read More

The Woman All Spies Fear by Amy Butler Greenfield

The little-known story of code breaker Elizebeth Smith Friedman gets full and masterful treatment. The Woman All Spies Fear: Code Breaker Elizebeth Smith Friedman and ...
Read More
cover of fallout

Fallout by Steve Sheinkin

Sheinkin brings the Cuban Missile Crisis to life in this nail-biting read for young teens. Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown by ...
Read More

Top Secret by Crispin Boyer and Suzanne Zimbler

Learn what it takes to be a spy in this trivia-packed book from National Geographic Kids. Top Secret: Spies, Codes, Capers, Gadgets, and Classified Cases ...
Read More

*Big Questions Series by Chris Morphew

The Big Questions Series raises—and answers—life's big questions on a level that middle schoolers will understand and appreciate: suffering, life after death, and more. *The ...
Read More

The Barren Grounds and The Great Bear by David A. Robertson

Morgan and Eli find their way through an attic portal into a new land, Misewa, in this engaging series for middle grades. The Barren Grounds ...
Read More

Andrew and the Firedrake by Douglas Wilson

In this allegory for middle grades, Andrew journeys on a quest that includes delights, temptations, and dragons. Andrew and the Firedrake by Douglas Wilson. Canon ...
Read More
cover of Genius Under the Table

The Genius under the Table by Eugene Yelchin

Eugene Yelchin's memoir of his Soviet childhood is surreal, sad, and hilarious. The Genius under the Table: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain by Eugene ...
Read More

Cuba in My Pocket by Adrianna Cuevas

A 12-year-old refugee flees Cuba for a better life but can’t forget his home and people. Cuba in My Pocket by Adrianna Cuevas. Farrar Strauss ...
Read More

Across the Desert by Dusti Bowling

Across the Desert is a harrowing survival tale of determination and hope, as one girl attempts a dangerous rescue. Across the Desert by Dusti Bowling. ...
Read More

The Vanderbeekers Make a Wish by Karina Van Glaser

The lively Vanderbeeker kids deepen their family roots in the fifth volume of the popular series. The Vanderbeekers Make a Wish by Karina van Glaser. ...
Read More

Voyage of the Sparrowhawk by Natasha Farrant

In Voyage of the Sparrowhawk, two youngsters undertake a dangerous journey to find relatives missing after World War I. Voyage of the Sparrowhawk by Natasha ...
Read More

Dragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester

Dragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester introduces young readers to eight dragon stories along with THE dragon story. Dragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester. Canonball ...
Read More

Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker

The two central characters of Pax, a “best of” book from 2016, work their way back to each other with a more positive resolution. Pax, ...
Read More

Stowaway by John David Anderson

Stowaway offers nonstop action, interesting characters, and food for thought with classic science fiction tropes. Stowaway by John David Anderson. HarperCollins (Walden Pond), 2021, 368 ...
Read More

The Expected One and The Risen One by Scott James

There is much to anticipate in both Christmas and Easter, but the Story is much bigger than the significant events, as Scott James demonstrates in ...
Read More

Wonders of His Love by Champ Thornton

Wonders of His Love brings Isaiah's prophecies about the Messiah down to a child-friendly level in this vibrant Advent family devotional. *Wonders of His Love: ...
Read More

The Adventure of Christmas by Ed Drew

The Adventure of Christmas offers short, 10-minute family devotions based on the biblical narrative of the first Christmas. The Adventure of Christmas: A Journey Through ...
Read More
The Promise and the Light book cover

The Promise and the Light by Katy Morgan

An engaging and thought-provoking retelling of the Christmas story through the eyes of biblical characters. The Promise and the Light by Katy Morgan. The Good ...
Read More

One Kid’s Trash by Jamie Sumner

In One Kid’s Trash, an unusual talent leads to sudden popularity and unfortunate consequences. One Kid’s Trash by Jamie Sumner. Atheneum, 2021, 225 pages Reading ...
Read More

The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo

Two heavyweights of the children's book world collaborate on The Beatryce Prophecy, a quasi-medieval tale of treachery and hope. The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo, ...
Read More

Church History from Kingstone

Three publications by Kingstone Media inform readers about Luther, Vladimir, and Martyrs of the 1st-3rd centuries. Luther by Dr. Rich Melheim, illustrated by various artists. ...
Read More

The Legend of Hobart by Heather Mullaly

The Legend of Hobart pays affectionate tribute to fairy-tale tropes in a story about becoming a true hero. The Legend of Hobart by Heather Mullaly. ...
Read More

Sparrow Rising by Jessica Khoury

Sparrow Rising, the first volume of a promising new fantasy series for middle-graders, depicts a race of winged humans. Sparrow Rising (Skyborn #1) by Jessica ...
Read More

Erik Vs. Everything by Christina Uss

Erik, who fears Everything, learns to live up to his Viking heritage with the help of his Norse-struck family. Erik Vs. Everything by Christina Uss. ...
Read More

The Thing I’m Most Afraid Of by Kristin Levine

An American girl learns to overcome her fears against the background of the Bosnian Civil War. The Thing I’m Most Afraid Of by Kristin Levine. ...
Read More

Friends Forever by Shannon Hale

Shannon Hale wraps up her "Friends" trilogy with a heartfelt graphic memoir of eighth grade anxiety. Friends Forever by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham. First ...
Read More

Linked by Gordon Korman

The 7th-graders of a small western town discover that the Holocaust is "linked" to aspects of their own history. Linked by Gordon Korman. Scholastic, 2021, ...
Read More
Smaug's Kind: A List of Dragon Books

Smaug’s Kind: A List of Dragon Books

In honor of Bilbo Baggins and his birthday this week (September 22), we have a book list celebrating his defeat of Smaug, the great dragon: ...
Read More

*Little Pilgrim’s Progress

The greatest allegory of the Christian life, retold for younger children, is significantly improved with masterful illustrations. Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen Taylor, Illustrated by ...
Read More

Amazing Rivers by Julie Agnone

This information-packed picture book introduces young middle-graders to the wide world of waterways. Amazing Rivers: 100+ Waterways that Will Boggle Your Mind by Julie Vosburgh ...
Read More

The Gilded Girl by Alyssa Colman

The Gilded Girl, a magical take on A Little Princess, takes readers to an alternative turn-of-the-century New York City. The Gilded Girl by Alyssa Colman. ...
Read More

Attack of the Killer Komodos by Summer Rachel Short

Action, adventure, and chimeras await Maggie and Nate in Yellowstone in the Attack of the Killer Komodos. Attack of the Killer Komodos (A Maggie and ...
Read More

9/11 for Middle Graders: Ground Zero and In the Shadow of the Fallen Towers

Novelist Alan Gratz and graphic artist Don Brown offer views of 9/11 accessible to middle-grade readers. In The Shadow of the Fallen Towers: The Seconds, ...
Read More

The Raconteur’s Commonplace Book by Kate Milford

15 storytellers each tell a mesmerizing tale for the Raconteur's Commonplace book, a book as clever as any Milford has written. The Raconteur's Commonplace Book ...
Read More
cover image of J. R. R. Tolkien for Kids

J. R. R. Tolkien for Kids by Simonetta Carr

An interactive biographical introduction to Tolkien with 21 activities, J. R. R. Tolkien for Kids is perfect for middle grade Tolkien enthusiasts. J. R. R. ...
Read More

Happy “We Love Memoirs” Day!

It’s for real—two memoir writers cooked it up on Facebook almost two decades ago and their page has over 5000 followers who throw an online ...
Read More

Weird Kid by Greg Van Eekhout

Weird Kid blends humor with the "aliens among us" theme to make an entertaining read for middle graders, (especially boys). Weird Kid by Greg van ...
Read More

Reading Afghanistan

For a country many of us can't even point to on a map, Afghanistan has held a consequential place in world history. This mountainous district ...
Read More

The Redeemed Reader Bible Pilgrimage: How and Why

My Story and His I was raised in a denomination that took the Bible very seriously: “We speak where the Bible speaks, and are silent ...
Read More

Homer on the Case by Henry Cole

Homer, a literate homing pigeon, uses his unusual skills to solve a mystery, in this gentle story for young middle-graders. Homer on the Case by ...
Read More

Crossing the Stream by Elizabeth-Irene Baitie

Crossing the Stream takes us to Africa, where a young teen is facing spiritual and practical challenges. Crossing the Stream by Elizabeth-Irene Baitie. Norton, 2021, ...
Read More

Picture-Book Roundup: Art and Artists

Three picture-book biographies introduce children to the work of three very distinct artists: Ben Shahn, Judith Scott, and Winslow Homer. The People’s Painter: How Ben ...
Read More

The Republic of Birds by Jessica Miller

The Republic of Birds takes us to an alternate czarist Russia, where humans are at war with an avian nation. The Republic of Birds by ...
Read More

*The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe by Tricia Springstubb

A shy, timid girl learns that "the most perfect thing in the universe" is right under her nose. *The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe ...
Read More

Boy from Buchenwald by Robbie Waisman

Robbie Waisman, the "Boy from Buchenwald," tells a gripping story of suffering and a hard-won peace after World War II. Boy from Buchenwald: The True ...
Read More

Outdoor School: Hiking and Camping by David and Blevins

The Outdoor School series offers interactive guides to experiencing, understanding, and appreciating nature. Outdoor School: Hiking and Camping by Jannifer Pharr Davis and Haley Blevins, ...
Read More

The Wisdom of Trees by Lita Judge

The Wisdom of Trees shows how trees function as a community in cooperation, not competition. The Wisdom of Trees: How Trees Work Together to Form ...
Read More

The Way of the Hive by Jay Hosler

The Way of the Hive follows the life of a honeybee in clever graphic-novel style. The Way of the Hive: A Honey Bee’s Story by ...
Read More

*The Ship of Stolen Words by Fran Wilde

The Ship of Stolen Words is light, enjoyable fantasy anchored by a worthy theme. *The Ship of Stolen Words by Fran Wilde. Abrams, 2021, 386 ...
Read More

Wordsmith Curriculum Review: A Writing Curriculum by our own Janie Cheaney

NOTE: We're taking a week off our Summer Reading Challenge to think ahead about the coming school year. Welcome to Wordsmith Week! Leading off with ...
Read More

Juneteenth Roundup

Juneteenth, our newest national holiday, commemorates the 19th of June, 1865, when slaves in Texas learned of their emancipation. These four books offer experiential perspectives ...
Read More

Loot and Sting by Jude Watson

Loot and Sting are light-hearted "heist" novels for middle grades. Loot and Sting by Jude Watson. Scholastic, 2015 (Loot) and 2017 (Sting). 272 pages (both). ...
Read More

City Spies Series by James Ponti

City Spies is a fun, middle grades mystery series featuring undercover teen spies from around the world, each with a special talent. City Spies Series ...
Read More

Mad for Ads by Erica Fyvie

Mad for Ads opens the eyes of readers to the countless ways they are data-mined and targeted for advertising. Mad for Ads: How Advertising Gets ...
Read More

Atlantis: The Accidental Invasion by Gregory Mone

This series-opener promises a clash of civilizations between Earth’s terra firma and the “lost” continent of Atlantis. Atlantis #1: The Accidental Invasion by Gregory Mone. ...
Read More

The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst by Jaclyn Moriarty

The familiar “child of destiny” trope receives a fresh, funny, and magical twist in The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst. The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst by ...
Read More

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (Awesomely Austen Series)

The "Awesomely Austen" series makes Jane Austen accessible to elementary-age readers. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by Katherine Woodfine, illustrated by Eglantine Ceulemans. Hodder Children’s ...
Read More

*Tree Street Kids: Jack vs. the Tornado and The Hunt for Fang

Authentic characters and classic themes shine in a God-honoring series about Jack, his sister, friendship, and a great clubhouse. Tree Street Kids series by Amanda ...
Read More

A Shot in the Arm! by Don Brown

A Shot in the Arm traces the history of vaccination in graphic-novel format, from the 18th century to the present day. A Shot in the ...
Read More

Jonesy Flux and the Gray Legion by James Pray

Jonesy Flux is a spunky space voyager with unsuspected potential, in this action-packed science fiction debut. Jonesy Flux and the Gray Legion by James Pray. ...
Read More

Teaching Kids Church History

Today, we're happy to welcome a friend of mine and fellow writer, Christina Fox, to RR. Christina is a real life friend of mine, as ...
Read More

War and Millie McGonigle by Karen Cushman

Millie McGonigle is an appealing 12-year-old who is struggling to deal with tough things in life, like death and war. War and Millie McGonigle by ...
Read More

2021 Summer Reading: Faith & Fortitude Is Here!

2021 Summer Reading Theme We're very excited about the 2021 summer reading theme: Faith & Fortitude: the EPIC Story of God's People. Why? We're big ...
Read More