(D) Ages 10-12
Class Act by Jerry Craft
By Betsy Farquhar |
Class Act picks up right where New Kid left off, offering insight with humor and great art. Class Act by Jerry Craft. Quill Tree Books, ...
Read More 
WORLD Children’s Books of the Year: A Report
By Janie Cheaney |
The ALA isn’t the only organization that rewards excellence in children’s books! Since 2014, WORLD News Group has recognized outstanding literature for kids in its ...
Read More 
Medieval Africa: a Resource for Middle School
By Betsy Farquhar |
Discover the glories and weaknesses of Medieval Africa in this well researched history for middle grades. The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life ...
Read More 
Black Heroes of the Wild West by James Otis Smith
By Betsy Farquhar |
Black Heroes of the Wild West introduces young readers to three exciting and legendary figures in this graphic novel style history for middle grades. Black ...
Read More 
*Catherine’s War by Julia Billet
By Hayley Morell |
An excellent new graphic novel translated into English, Catherine's War tells the story of one Jewish girl’s life in occupied France, often through the lens ...
Read More 
The Finest Hours by Michael Tougias
By Janie Cheaney |
The 1952 rescue of over twenty stranded seamen on a halved oil tanker ranks as one of the Coast Guard's' "finest hours." The Finest Hours: ...
Read More 
*Creative God Colorful Us by Trillia Newbell
By Betsy Farquhar |
Creative God Colorful Us invites students to enjoy God's diverse family by loving God and their neighbor and celebrating God's human creation. *Creative God Colorful ...
Read More 
What to Read After Mulan
By Betsy Farquhar |
Perhaps you have watched the stunning new Mulan movie (available for free streaming now on Disney+). The gorgeous cinematography would have been lovely on the ...
Read More 
Mulan: Before the Sword by Grace Lin
By Betsy Farquhar |
The "prequel" to the new Disney Mulan movie, this middle grades story weaves together Chinese legend with Mulan's own tale to great effect. Mulan: Before ...
Read More 
The Hour Approaches–Our Newbery Predictions!
By Janie Cheaney |
Next Monday, Jan. 25, during its annual Midwinter Conference (which is virtual like everything else this year) the American Library Association will announce the winners ...
Read More 
2021 Newbery Buzz #6: Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk
By Janie Cheaney |
We wrap up our Newbery Buzz series for this year with a discussion of Echo Mountain a historical novel set during the Great Depression. Joining ...
Read More 
2021 Newbery Roundup #2: When You Trap a Tiger, Efren Divided, Magnificent Monsters of Cedar Street
By Janie Cheaney |
Three more possible Newbery contenders we never got around to reviewing. When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller. Random House, 2020, 302 pages Lily, ...
Read More 
2021 Newbery Buzz #5: Stamped by Jason Reynolds.
By Janie Cheaney |
Continuing our discussion of possible Newbery winners, we pick up a book that has everybody talking: Janie: Betsy, there are two books that I think ...
Read More 
2021 Newbery Buzz #4: Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri
By Janie Cheaney |
We've been scanning the starred review lists and listening in on the chatter to tell you about the likely Newbery contenders for this year. So ...
Read More 
All Thirteen by Christina Soontornvat
By Janie Cheaney |
All Thirteen gives the rescue of the Thai boys’ soccer team the drama and excitement it deserves. All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the ...
Read More 
2021 Newbery Roundup #1: Rick, Clean Getaway, A Game of Fox and Squirrels
By Janie Cheaney |
We’re keeping an eye on children's books that have been talked up as possible contenders for the 2021 ALA Youth Media Awards (to be announced ...
Read More 
2021 Newbery Buzz #2: Chirp and The List of Things That Will Not Change
By Betsy Farquhar |
We're continuing our annual "Newbery Buzz" series today with round #2 for 2021. (We discussed King and the Dragonflies earlier this month.) As a reminder, ...
Read More 
Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander
By Janie Cheaney |
In verse and prose, Becoming Muhammad Ali traces the early life of Cassius Clay, "The greatest" heavyweight boxer ever. Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson ...
Read More 
Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewel Parker Rhodes
By Janie Cheaney |
Donte, the "Black Brother" of a biracial family, must decide if his identity will be based on his color or on his character. Black Brother, ...
Read More 
2021 Newbery Buzz #1: King and the Dragonflies
By Janie Cheaney |
Betsy: Readers, we’re kicking off our annual Newbery Buzz discussion series with a book that has already garnered a major award: King and the Dragonflies, ...
Read More 
The Prince Warriors Series by Priscilla Shirer with Gina Detwiler
By Betsy Farquhar |
Battles on earth mirror those in the spiritual realm, and these young Prince Warriors learn to wield their spiritual armor in both places in this ...
Read More 
Wishes and Wellingtons by Julie Berry
By Janie Cheaney |
Wishes andWellingtons is a light-hearted Victorian fantasy about being careful what you wish for. Wishes and Wellingtons by Julie Berry. Sourcebooks, 2020, 363 pages. Reading ...
Read More 
Courageous World Changers by Shirley Rae Redmond
By Janie Cheaney |
Courageous World Changers briefly covers the lives of 50 women throughout the world and history who lived for Christ. Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories ...
Read More 
What Happens Next
By Hayley Morell |
A debut MG novel tackles eating disorders from the unique perspective of a younger sibling. What Happens Next by Claire Swinarski. HarperCollins, 2020. 256 pages. ...
Read More 
*A Long Road on a Short Day by Gary Schmidt
By Janie Cheaney |
The unspoken bond of family comes through in this gentle winter's tale by Gary Schmidt and his late wife Elizabeth Stickney. *A Long Road on ...
Read More 
Bee Fearless by Mikaila Ullmer
By Janie Cheaney |
In Bee Fearless, Mikaila Ulmer tells how she grew a multimillion-dollar business out of a lemonade stand--but not by herself. Bee Fearless: Dream Like a ...
Read More 
Chance: Escape from the Holocaust by Uri Shulevitz
By Janie Cheaney |
In Chance: Escape from the Holocaust, a Caldecott-winning illustrator recalls his harrowing wartime childhood. Chance: Escape from the Holocaust by Uri Shulevitz. Farrar Strauss Giroux, ...
Read More 
Picture Books about the Middle Ages for Middle School
By Betsy Farquhar |
Picture books aren't just for little kids! Picture books are every bit as enjoyable—and beneficial—for middle school kids. Use one (or all) of the books ...
Read More 
The Best of Iggy by Annie Barrows
By Janie Cheaney |
Iggy learns not all bad deeds are created equal in this humorous tour of relative morality. The Best of Iggy by Annie Barrows, illustrated by ...
Read More 
Fly on the Wall by Remy Lai
By Janie Cheaney |
The hero of Fly on the Wall hatches a daring scheme to remake his self-image. Fly on the Wall by Remy Lai. Henry Holt, 2020, ...
Read More 
3 Picture Book Biographies: Beatrix Potter, Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay, and … a Horse
By Betsy Farquhar |
Picture book biographies are one of my favorite categories of picture books. Today, I have three new ones for you: a childlike look at Beatrix ...
Read More 
Ancient Romans, Alphamaniacs, and Incredible Jobs
By Megan Saben |
Three illustrated non-fiction books share fascinating information about ancient cultures, unusual wordsmiths, and careers you might not have considered. Ancient Romans and Their Neighbors: An ...
Read More 
The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found by Karina Yan Glaser
By Janie Cheaney |
The Vanderbeekers are back, with all the humor and good-heartedness that makes their family so loveable. The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found by Karina Yan Glasser. ...
Read More 
Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth Bunce
By Janie Cheaney |
Premeditated Myrtle introduces a precocious 12-year-old Victorian detective with a trusty governess sidekick. Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth Bunce. Algonquin Young Readers, 2020, 355 pages. Reading ...
Read More 
Finally, Something Mysterious by Doug Cornett
By Janie Cheaney |
Finally, Something Mysterious kicks off a middle-grader mystery series set in Bellwood, a small town with more than its share of eccentrics. Finally, Something Mysterious ...
Read More 
Machines in Motion by Tom Jackson and illustrated by Chris Mould
By Betsy Farquhar |
Machines in Motion is a fascinating picture book absolutely packed with interesting illustrations and trivia all about transportation. Machines in Motion: The Amazing History of ...
Read More 
A Better Than Anything Christmas by Barbara Reaoch
By Betsy Farquhar |
Dig in to the Christmas story a bit more intentionally this year with A Better Than Anything Christmas, a family Advent devotional with interactive questions ...
Read More 
How We Got to the Moon by John Rocco
By Janie Cheaney |
How We Got to the Moon details the almost overwhelming amount of expertise and problem-solving required to accomplish one human footprint. How We Got to ...
Read More 
A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat
By Janie Cheaney |
A Wish in the Dark pits literal darkness against light in a unique Asian setting. A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat. Candlewick, 2020, ...
Read More 
On the Horizon by Lois Lowry
By Janie Cheaney |
On the Horizon recalls two pivotal events of World War II through the eyes of witnesses, victims, and two children who would meet much later. ...
Read More 
*Through the Wardrobe by Lina Maslo.
By Janie Cheaney |
This C.S. Lewis biography, accessible to 5-year-olds, includes fascinating details for Narnia fans of all ages *Through the Wardrobe: How C. S. Lewis Created Narnia ...
Read More 
Little Bird by Cynthia Voigt
By Janie Cheaney |
Little Bird, a young crow, embarks on a quest that will expand her world and reward her curious mind. Little Bird by Cynthia Voigt, Illustrated ...
Read More 
Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson
By Janie Cheaney |
Jacqueline Woodson's poignant verse novel explores the cost of professional athletics to some families. Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson. Penguin Random House (Nancy ...
Read More 
The Runaways by Ulf Stark
By Janie Cheaney |
A boy and his crotchety grandfather hatch an elaborate escape plan to enjoy one last day together. The Runaways by Ulf Stark, illustrated by Kitty ...
Read More 
Brother’s Keeper by Julie Lee
By Janie Cheaney |
Tense and dramatic, this story of escape from North Korea in the early days of the Korean War is based on actual characters and true ...
Read More 
The Tripods Series by John Christopher (Retro Reads)
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Tripods: classic science fiction from the 1960s that's still enjoyable for today's young teens. The Tripods Series by John Christopher: The White Mountains, The ...
Read More 
The Time of Green Magic by Hilary McKay
By Janie Cheaney |
"Green Magic" lurks in an ivy-covered house, in this delightful MG fantasy. The Time of Green Magic by Hilary McKay. Simon & Shuster (Margart McEldery ...
Read More 
PB Roundup: Your Place in the Universe, If You Came to Earth, and I Talk Like a River
By Janie Cheaney |
Three critically-acclaimed picture books tackle big subjects like the size of the universe, the scope of humanity, and the power of words. Your Place in ...
Read More 
Fuzzy Mud by Louis Sachar
By Betsy Farquhar |
Are you brave enough to rescue a bully from a hazardous substance, at your own risk? A thought-provoking middle grades read from the author of ...
Read More 
The Mutant Mushroom Takeover by Summer Rachel Short
By Betsy Farquhar |
Bioluminescent fungi, a strange death, and zombie-like side effects threaten Maggie and Nate's small town. Can they solve the mystery in time to save the ...
Read More 
Raising Lumie by Joan Bauer
By Janie Cheaney |
In Raising Lumie, a grieving girl gets a new family and a dog-owning dream fulfilled. Raising Lumie by Joan Bauer. Viking, 2020, 267 pages Reading ...
Read More 
*The View from Saturday by e. l. konigsburg (Book Club Edition)
By Betsy Farquhar |
*The View From Saturday by e. l. konigsburg. Atheneum, 1995. 176 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Middle grades and up, ages ...
Read More 
Pippa Park Raises Her Game by Erin Yun
By Janie Cheaney |
In this middle-grade retelling of Great Expectations, Pippa Park tries to "raise her game" at an exclusive private school. Pippa Park Raises Her Game by ...
Read More 
The Magic in Changing Your Stars by Leah Henderson
By Janie Cheaney |
An aspiring dancer has a chance to "change the stars" for his grandfather when he is transported back to 1930s Harlem. The Magic in Changing ...
Read More 
Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero by Kelly J. Baptist
By Janie Cheaney |
Isaiah Dunn's life has been trending downward, but the power of words and the discipline of work may pull him back up. Isaiah Dunn Is ...
Read More 
Comics: Easy as ABC! by Ivan Brunetti
By Janie Cheaney |
Comics: Easy as ABC! is an accessible introduction to drawing for young artists, but the content includes one big misstep. Comics: Easy as ABC! An ...
Read More 
Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang
By Janie Cheaney |
This latest iteration of the Superman legend by Gene Luen Yang includes familiar faces, social commentary, and historical context--also one big misstep. Superman Smashes the ...
Read More 
The Turnover by Mike Lupica
By Janie Cheaney |
The Turnover uses basketball as the background for a boy's crisis of faith in his grandfather. The Turnover by Mike Lupica. Simon & Shuster, 2020, ...
Read More 
Orphan Eleven by Gennifer Choldenko
By Janie Cheaney |
Orphan Eleven combines historical events and a timeless theme to craft an engrossing story of orphans running away to join the circus! Orphan Eleven by ...
Read More 
5 Newbery Award Winners Better in Audio
By Betsy Farquhar |
What happens when Newbery award winners (and honors) are read aloud by skillful narrators? The books truly come alive. Audiobooks also bring diverse settings and ...
Read More 
Box by Carole Boston Weatherford
By Janie Cheaney |
Box is the remarkable true story of one man's bold plan to free himself from slavery. Box: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom by Carole ...
Read More 
Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer by Gillian Goerz
By Janie Cheaney |
Shirley & Jamila are an odd couple who learn a lot about friendship while solving neighborhood crimes. Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer by Gillian ...
Read More 
How to Be a Person by Catherine Newman
By Janie Cheaney |
How to Be a Person humorously introduces middle-graders to life skills both practical and thoughtful. How to Be a Person: 65 Hugely Useful Super-Important Skills ...
Read More 
Road Trip USA
By Megan Saben |
The sensible way to plan a vacation would be to decide months in advance where you want to go and how you want to get ...
Read More 
A Ceiling Made of Eggshells by Gail Carson Levine
By Janie Cheaney |
A Ceiling Made of Eggshells is popular author Gail Carson Levine’s tribute to her own Sephardic-Jewish heritage. A Ceiling Made of Eggshells by Gail Carson ...
Read More 
Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen by Anne Nesbet
By Janie Cheaney |
Daring Darleen, heroine of Saturday serials, stumbles into a real-life adventure in this clever saga from the early days of photoplays. Daring Darleen, Queen of ...
Read More 
My Name Is Tani by Tanitoluwa Adewumi
By Janie Cheaney |
My Name is Tani is the hopeful true story of a young boy who finds a place and a passion in America. My Name Is ...
Read More 
*When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohammed
By Janie Cheaney |
The new graphic novel When Stars Are Scattered brings the refugee experience into sharp yet sympathetic focus. *When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and ...
Read More 
The Asterix Series, American-style
By Janie Cheaney |
The now-classic Asterix comic series receives an American gloss in a new edition. Astrix Omnibus #1, 2, and 3 by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. ...
Read More 
Wink by Rob Harrell
By Janie Cheaney |
Wink, a highly-praised novel for middle-graders, offers a realistic yet engaging look at coping with cancer. Wink by Rob Harrell. Dial, 2020, 314 pages Reading ...
Read More 
Love Your Yard: Nature Study Books to Spark “Creation Appreciation”
By Betsy Farquhar |
Nature Study ... or Creation Appreciation? I'm a nature study junkie. And my kids have been along for the ride since birth. It's so much ...
Read More 
A World of Discovery by James Brown and Richard Platt
By Janie Cheaney |
A World of Discovery introduces pre-teens to the basics of technology and invention. A World of Discovery by James Brown and Richard Platt. Candlewick Studio, ...
Read More 
Everybody Counts by Kristin Roskifte
By Janie Cheaney |
Everybody Counts is more than a counting book: it includes big numbers and big thoughts. Everybody Counts: a Counting Story from 0 to 7.5 Billion ...
Read More 
The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate
By Janie Cheaney |
The One and Only Bob stars the cynical, lovable mutt from Katherine Applegate's 2012 Newbery-award-winning novel. The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate. Harper, ...
Read More 
Stand Up, Yumi Chung! by Jessica Kim
By Janie Cheaney |
Yumi Chung faces the classic teen dilemma: honor your parents or follow your dream? Stand Up, Yumi Chung! By Jessica Kim. Penguin Random House, 2020, ...
Read More 
1493 for Young People by Charles C. Mann
By Betsy Farquhar |
A fascinating historical look at globalization that covers botany, anthropology, politics, exploration, the slave trade, and more! 1493 for Young People: From Columbus's Voyage to ...
Read More 
American Lives: a Picture Book Roundup
By Janie Cheaney |
For Spacious Skies, Most Wanted, and Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word feature the promise of the American experiment. For Spacious Skies: Katharine Lee Bates ...
Read More 
The Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman
By Janie Cheaney |
The Blackbird Girls takes readers to the shadow of Chernobyl and the world's worst nuclear disaster. The Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman. Viking, 2020, 334 ...
Read More 
Gold Rush Girl by Avi
By Janie Cheaney |
An independent-minded young teen seeks adventure and finds maturity in Gold Rush Girl. Gold Rush Girl by Avi. Candlewick, 2020, 306 pages Reading Level: Middle ...
Read More 
The Littlest Voyageur by Margi Preus
By Janie Cheaney |
A Canadian red squirrel takes to the river in The Littlest Voyageur, a charming animal story by a Newbery honor author. The Littlest Voyageur by ...
Read More 
*This Is Our Constitution by Khizr Khan
By Betsy Farquhar |
An immigrant-become-US-citizen offers a powerful, personal explanation of our nation's Constitution for middle grades and up. *This Is Our Constitution: What It Is and Why ...
Read More 
Read Aloud (or Audiobook) Activities for Big Kids
By Betsy Farquhar |
Missing Read Aloud Time During COVID-19 Quarantine? I don't know about you, but our audiobook consumption has dropped this year. In the pre-COVID-19 era, we ...
Read More 
We Could Be Heroes by Margaret Finnegan
By Janie Cheaney |
We Could Be Heroes puts together two "neurodiverse" youngsters in a misguided quest that results in real friendship. We Could Be Heroes by Margaret Finnegan. ...
Read More 
Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte
By Janie Cheaney |
Show Me a Sign explores a little-known chapter of American history from the perspective of a Deaf protagonist. Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare ...
Read More 
The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd
By Janie Cheaney |
Growing dragons in Grandad’s garden leads to predictable hijinks in this light-hearted series opener. The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd, illustrated by Sam ...
Read More 
Ghetto Cowboy by G. Neri
By Betsy Farquhar |
Ghetto Cowboy tells a heartwarming story of family, hard work, and horses in the midst of urban Philly. Ghetto Cowboy by G. Neri and illustrated ...
Read More 
Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson
By Janie Cheaney |
Ryan Hart, a next-generation Ramona Quimby, makes sunshine out of challenges in this warm-hearted series opener. Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson. Bloomsbury, 2020, ...
Read More 
Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park
By Janie Cheaney |
Prairie Lotus, by Newbery author Linda Sue Park, offers a hopeful look at overcoming racism in the 19th-century American west. Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue ...
Read More 
Pirates by David Harrison and Dan Burr
By Janie Cheaney |
In Pirates, a collection of poems by David Harrison, adventure on the high seas was only a small part of life. The rest was boredom, ...
Read More 
Lost in the Pacific, 1942: Not a Drop to Drink by Tod Olson
By Betsy Farquhar |
8 men struggle to survive when they're lost at sea in this "drama in real life" story for middle grades. Lost in the Pacific, 1942: ...
Read More 
Retro Reads: The Velveteen Rabbit and *Edward Tulane
By Janie Cheaney |
The classic story of the Velveteen Rabbit and more recent story of Edward Tulane demonstrate the nature of true love. The Velveteen Rabbit, or How ...
Read More 
Muppet Treasure Island: a Film Review by a Teen
By Betsy Farquhar |
A Film Review? Film reviews are not prominent here on Redeemed Reader. However, we all enjoy a good film adaption of a favorite book or ...
Read More 
Lois Lenski Books: A Sampling
By Megan Saben |
Lois Lenski books continue to be enjoyable and insightful reading for all ages. Lois Lenski Books Yesterday I shared a long-overdue introduction to an author ...
Read More 
Lois Lenski
By Megan Saben |
Who was Lois Lenski? Lois Lenski was a prolific author who lived from the end of the 19th-century long into the 20th. She was a ...
Read More 
Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan
By Janie Cheaney |
Mañanaland presents a dreamlike Latin-American landscape and a young boy taking a giant step toward adulthood. Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan. Scholastic, 2020, 247 pages. ...
Read More 
Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker
By Janie Cheaney |
"The Real World" poses a creative challenge to a pair of enterprising middle-graders with conflicting motives. Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker. HarperCollins, ...
Read More 
Sir Cumference: Math Adventures for Everyone!
By Betsy Farquhar |
Fractions Can be Your Friends Do you enjoy math? Most "readers" I've met have an avowed distrust of math. It seems that our cultural narrative ...
Read More 
Village of Scoundrels by Margi Preus
By Janie Cheaney |
Village of Scoundrels fictionalizes a true tale of heroism from World War II. Village of Scoundrels by Margi Preus. Amulet, 2020, 299 pages Reading Level: ...
Read More 
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
By Betsy Farquhar |
In this classic survival story, Karana learns to fend for herself on an island after her tribe leaves for the mainland. Island of the Blue ...
Read More 
Bible Review: NIV Heart of Gold Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
NIV Heart of Gold Bible. Zondervan, 2019, 1088 pages (9 point font) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 8-12 Though “girls” is ...
Read More