(D) Ages 10-12
Edge of Extinction Series by Laura Martin
By Betsy Farquhar |
Living on the edge of extinction: Cloned dinosaurs plus dystopian autocratic society plus a renegade band of treetop dwellers equals a fast-paced middle grades sci-fi ...
Read More 
2018 Newbery Buzz #3: Refugee
By Janie Cheaney |
Janie and Pamela continue our Newbery discussions with Refugee, a novel that carries political significance as well as literary value. Ages 12-15. Janie: Alan Gratz ...
Read More 
Here Be Dragons: Mega Fantasy and Sci-Fi Booklist! (All ages)
By Betsy Farquhar |
A mega fantasy and sci-fi booklist with books for all ages and all types of fantasy lovers (even those who don't think they ARE fantasy ...
Read More 
Podkin One-Ear by Kieran Larwood
By Janie Cheaney |
Podkin One Ear is the first volume in an exciting fantasy series that celebrates individual courage and determination. Ages 8-12 Podkin One Ear (Longburrow #1) ...
Read More 
Bronze and Sunflower by Cao Wenxuan
By Betsy Farquhar |
Bronze and Sunflower is a gentle, thought-provoking peek into the cultural revolution in China, its effects on two children, and the importance of sacrificing for your family. ...
Read More 
2018 Newbery Buzz #2: Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder
By Betsy Farquhar |
We're back for our second Newbery Buzz discussion of 2019. Last week, Hayley and Janie discussed Tumble and Blue. This week, Hayley and I (Betsy) discuss Orphan ...
Read More 
*Irenaeus by Simonetta Carr
By Janie Cheaney |
Simonetta Carr continues her outstanding series of Christian-History biographies with Irenaeus of Lyon, a hero of the early church. Ages 8-12 Irenaeus (Christian Biographies for ...
Read More 
2018 Newbery Buzz #1: Tumble & Blue by Cassie Beasley
By Janie Cheaney |
It’s that time of year again! The American Library Association Youth Media Awards will be announced on Monday, Feb. 12, including the coveted Newbery Medal. ...
Read More 
Bound by Ice by Sandra Neil Wallace
By Janie Cheaney |
This gripping true tale of first North Pole exploration takes middle-graders into the frozen wastes for a saga of endurance. Ages 10-15 Bound by Ice: ...
Read More 
Exploring Space by Martin Jenkins
By Janie Cheaney |
Future astronauts will find many of their questions answered in this comprehensive, informative picture book, with fascinating cutaway illustrations. Ages 8-12 Exploring Space: from Galileo ...
Read More 
The River Doubt and the Amazing Amazon: 4 True Stories for All Ages
By Betsy Farquhar |
Teddy Roosevelt travels the River Doubt, Percy Fawcett hunts for the City "Z," and a tiny fish is making headlines in conservation efforts for the ...
Read More 
The Real McCoys by Matthew Swanson and Bobbi Behr
By Janie Cheaney |
A fun middle-grade series mixes classic mystery elements with wacky situations and wordplay. The Real McCoys by Matthew Swanson and Bobbi Behr. MacMillan Imprint, 2017, ...
Read More 
2018 Reading Challenge for Kids and Teens (with printable!)
By Betsy Farquhar |
The 2018 Reading Challenge for Kids and Teens Our 2018 Reading Challenge for Kids and Teens is back and better than ever! We’ve changed it ...
Read More 
Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever. Edited by Betsy Bird
By Betsy Farquhar |
Quirky, funny stories written with middle school girls in mind. Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever. Edited by Betsy Bird. Viking, 2017. 224 pages. Reading Level: Middle ...
Read More 
Roll by Darcy Miller
By Hayley Morell |
In rural Minnesota, friendship and rolling pigeons combine in an enjoyable middle grade debut novel. Roll by Darcy Miller. HarperCollins, 2017, 224 pages Reading ...
Read More 
*The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
By Janie Cheaney |
The Vanderbeekers, a loving family with normal unloving moments, face a Christmas-eve challenge with humor and heart. *The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan ...
Read More 
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson: the Kids Discuss….
By Betsy Farquhar |
Four middle grades kids discuss The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: what stands out in this funny, modern Christmas classic? The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara ...
Read More 
*Comforting, Training, and Teaching Minds: Catechism Devotionals by Starr Meade
By Betsy Farquhar |
Family devotionals centered around the Heidelberg and Shorter catechism are based on Scripture and are designed to help families memorize the catechisms. *Comforting Hearts, Teaching Minds: ...
Read More 
The Whydah by Martin W. Sandler
By Betsy Farquhar |
Fascinating middle grades nonfiction about the Whydah: a slave ship turned pirate ship turned treasure hunter glory. The Whydah: A Pirate Ship Feared, Wrecked and Found ...
Read More 
Sinking the Sultana by Sally M. Walker
By Betsy Farquhar |
Middle grades nonfiction takes a sobering look at the sinking of the Sultana--a worse maritime tragedy even than the Titanic. Sinking the Sultana: A Civil ...
Read More 
Caleb and Kit by Beth Vrabel
By Janie Cheaney |
Caleb and Kit brings together a boy struggling with Cystic Fibrosis and a girl over-compensating for a neglectful parent. Caleb and Kit by Beth Vrabel. ...
Read More 
The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill
By Megan Saben |
Bottom line: When the big trucks take over the streets of New York, the pushcarts push back. Support your local vendor. The Pushcart War by ...
Read More 
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
By Janie Cheaney |
The gentle story of a sympathetic red oak makes a fun read-aloud for ages 4-12. Wishtree by Katherine Applegate. Feiwel and Friends, 2017, 211 pages ...
Read More 
The Wonder of the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Wonder of the Greatest Gift offers a complete Jesse Tree experience with devotional and ornaments for the whole family to enjoy. The Wonder of ...
Read More 
*Voices of Christmas by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Eric Velasquez
By Betsy Farquhar |
Voices of Christmas is a beautiful and poetic exploration of the different characters in the Christmas story--perfect for middle grades kids! *Voices of Christmas by ...
Read More 
5 New Nonfiction Picture Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
Nonfiction picture books are one of the best ways to introduce a subject/person, enrich your study of a topic, or just learn something new! Hot ...
Read More 
Giant Christmas and Advent Book List for All Ages
By Betsy Farquhar |
We love Christmas and Advent at Redeemed Reader, and we've reviewed lots of related resources over the years. Advent begins on December 1, and the ...
Read More 
Bianca: The Brave, Frail, and Delicate Princess by Meg Welch Dendler
By Alysha |
Bianca - The Brave, Frail, and Delicate Princess is a story about a young woman who defies expectation in order to save her kingdom. *Bianca – ...
Read More 
Retro Read: Mr. Revere and I by Robert Lawson
By Megan Saben |
Mr. Revere and I: History as told by a horse in this humorous middle grades historical fiction. Mr. Revere and I: An account of a ...
Read More 
Poetry for Young People Series
By Betsy Farquhar |
Poetry is for Children Children love poetry. They really do. And it doesn't need to be "children's poetry," either. Sure, they love the silly rhymes ...
Read More 
One Last Word by Nikki Grimes
By Betsy Farquhar |
One Last Word showcases poems from the Harlem Renaissance alongside contemporary poems by Grimes that build on and reflect those earlier poets. One Last Word: ...
Read More 
2017 Winter Book Fair List: Books for Everyone!
By Betsy Farquhar |
2017 Winter Book Fair Books for Everyone on Your Christmas List! It's that time of the year again: Christmas is coming, and all the special ...
Read More 
Retro Reads: *The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Witch of Blackbird Pond is a modern classic with good reason: young Kit Tyler faces the questions all adolescents face as she tries to ...
Read More 
Beneath by Roland Smith
By Janie Cheaney |
A unique YA series-opener, Beneath takes us below the streets of New York City where trouble is brewing. Reading level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended ...
Read More 
Mystery Book List for Elementary, Tweens, and Teens!
By Betsy Farquhar |
Calling all mystery lovers! Mystery book list for all ages! Whether or not you're planning to see Murder on the Orient Express this month, you likely have ...
Read More 
The Trail by Meika Hashimoto
By Janie Cheaney |
A boy takes to the Appalachian Trail to ease a guilty conscience, in this adventure novel for middle grades The Trail by Meika Hashimoto. Scholastic, ...
Read More 
Retro Reads: *The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
By Betsy Farquhar |
A middle grades mystery that has become a modern classic: The Westing Game is just as engaging as ever! *The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. ...
Read More 
Patina by Jason Reynolds
By Betsy Farquhar |
Patina gets passed the baton in more ways than one in this middle grades novel revolving around an elite track team. Patina (Track) by Jason ...
Read More 
Frogkisser! by Garth Nix
By Janie Cheaney |
Popular children’s author Garth Nix raids a storehouse of fairy-tale elements to roll out this fresh and funny quest tale. Frogkisser! by Garth Nix. Scholastic, ...
Read More 
Brave Red, Smart Frog by Emily Jenkins
By Janie Cheaney |
Seven classic fairy tales are retold in a concise but winning style that highlights both their humor and sympathy. Brave Red, Smart Frog: a New ...
Read More 
Slider by Pete Hautman
By Janie Cheaney |
Slider uses the world of competitive eating as a context for exploring the agony and ecstasy of family relationships. Slider, by Pete Hautman. Candlewick, 2017, ...
Read More 
Reformation Day!
By Janie Cheaney |
I know, we’re not there yet. It was on All Hallow’s Eve (nicknamed Halloween) that the fiery preacher of Wittenberg marched down the cobbled streets ...
Read More 
The Sweet Taste of Providence by Christine Farenhorst
By Janie Cheaney |
This unique devotional book uses Christian history as a springboard for relevant perspectives on the Christian life. The Sweet Taste of Providence: 74 Devotional Episodes ...
Read More 
Reading Diana Wynne Jones: an Author Portrait
By Hayley Morell |
You just finished a good book. Now what? Many book lovers can relate to this sad, unsatisfied feeling. But what if you banished that feeling, ...
Read More 
Selznick’s Invention
By Janie Cheaney |
(Note: This post is reprinted from 2011, in connection with the movie version of Wonderstruck, due to open tomorrow. It's a larger musing on Brian ...
Read More 
Word Shapers: 4 Men Who Influenced the English Language
By Betsy Farquhar |
Word Shaper: Someone who shapes, and changes, words. We associate envy with the color green. Why? William Shakespeare. In America, we write "color" instead of ...
Read More 
All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson
By Janie Cheaney |
An unusual setting makes this graphic novel a worthwhile perspective on navigating the treacherous waters of those middle years. All’s Faire in Middle School by ...
Read More 
Restart by Gordon Korman
By Janie Cheaney |
A middle-school bully gets a chance to start from scratch—if only he can escape who he was before. Restart by Gordon Korman. Scholastic, 2017, 256 ...
Read More 
Growing Friendships: a Kid’s Guide to Making and Keeping Friends
By Janie Cheaney |
This friendly guide to friendship may help fill in some gaps parents inadvertently miss. Growing Friendships: a Kid’s Guide to Making and Keeping Friends by ...
Read More 
Reformation Church History Book List
By Betsy Farquhar |
Happy 500th birthday to the Protestant Reformation! 500 years ago this month, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door in Wittenburg. Of course, the ...
Read More 
Reformers, Puritans, and Covenanters: Biography Anthologies by Hannula
By Betsy Farquhar |
*For Christ's Crown: Sketches of Puritans and Covenanters By Richard Hannula. Canon Press, 2014. 223 pages. Just as the title implies, this volume is all ...
Read More 
Garvey’s Choice by Nikki Grimes
By Janie Cheaney |
Garvey's Choice, a gentle verse novel, charts the course of an overweight African American preteen toward self-respect. Garvey's Choice by Nikki Grimes. Wordsong, 2016, 105 ...
Read More 
Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce
By Janie Cheaney |
In this far-out fantasy, an alien named Sputnik has to prove earth is worth saving. Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce. ...
Read More 
10 New Picture Books for All Ages, All Interests, Fact and Fiction!
By Betsy Farquhar |
New picture books! Brand, spanking, new! Beautiful, silly, thoughtful, informative, and downright fun. Take a look! (Several of these made it onto our Back-to-School ...
Read More 
Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 4 (and an exciting giveaway!)
By Janie Cheaney |
Okay readers, this is it: yesterday I sent out the three final chapters and those of you who have been clamoring for "one more chapter, ...
Read More 
The School Ship Tobermory series by Alexander McCall Smith
By Janie Cheaney |
The School Ship Tobermory series takes a crew of likable middle-graders to exotic ports in pursuit of adventure. School Ship Tobermory and The Sands of ...
Read More
Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 3 (and our third giveaway!)
By Janie Cheaney |
Chapters 14-19 This section sees Roy Ray delivered to an entirely new setting, with new characters that, as we learn, are not entirely new. We’re ...
Read More
Refugee by Alan Gratz
By Janie Cheaney |
Refugee weaves the stories of three children fleeing intolerable situations in their home countries, from 1939 to the present. Refugee by Alan Gratz. Scholastic, 2017, ...
Read More 
Panda-monium by Stuart Gibbs
By Betsy Farquhar |
Panda-monium offers plenty of hi-jinks, animal facts, and quirky characters as Teddy solves the mystery of the theft of a prized giant panda. Panda-monium by ...
Read More
Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 2 (and another great giveaway!)
By Janie Cheaney |
By chapters 8-13, we’re well into the development part of the novel, which (you may recall) I mentioned is the often the most difficult part ...
Read More 
Ben’s Revolution by Nathaniel Philbrick
By Janie Cheaney |
This young-reader history of the early days of the American Revolution views events through the experience of 12-year-old Ben Russell. Ben’s Revolution: Benjamin Russell and ...
Read More 
*Almost Paradise by Corabel Shofner
By Janie Cheaney |
This funny but thoughtful novel takes Christian faith seriously as a factor in the lives of real people. *Almost Paradise by Corabel Shofner. Farrar Strauss ...
Read More
The Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 1 (and book giveaway!)
By Janie Cheaney |
At last count, thirty families and individuals (and a few classes) have signed up to receive daily chapters of my latest in-progress novel. (If you ...
Read More 
Leo: Dog of the Sea by Alison Hart
By Janie Cheaney |
A “sea dog” adventure chronicles a key event during the age of explorers: Magellan's epic voyage around the world. Leo: Dog of the Sea (Dog ...
Read More 
The Emperor’s Ostrich by Julie Berry
By Janie Cheaney |
A light-hearted adventure for middle-graders combines humor and redemption. The Emperor’s Ostrich by Julie Berry. Roaring Brook, 2017, 274 pages Reading Level: Middle grades, ages ...
Read More 
In the Shadow of the Sun by Anne Sibley O’Brien
By Janie Cheaney |
This excellent character-driven adventure saga sheds light on the darkness of North Korea while exploring family and cultural relationships. In the Shadow of the Sun ...
Read More 
Dragon Seed by Marty Machowski
By Janie Cheaney |
Dragon Seed by Marty Machowsky. New Grorwth Press, 2017, 179 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-14 Nick is furious. He’s ...
Read More 
Howard Wallace, P.I. by Casey Lyell
By Janie Cheaney |
A 7th-grade detective and his feisty sidekick sets up shop in this new mystery series with a distinctive, humorous voice. Howard Wallace, P.I. by ...
Read More 
Back-to-School Booklist, 2017 edition (+ Giveaway!)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Have your kids already started school? Or perhaps that's still to come in the next couple of weeks. No matter what stage of back-to-school season you're ...
Read More
Announcing: The Bird Boy Project!
By Janie Cheaney |
If you’ve been following Redeemed Reader for the last few years, you may remember some of the read-alongs we’ve done, such as The Hobbit, Pilgrim’s ...
Read More 
Last Day on Mars by Kevin Emerson
By Janie Cheaney |
Last Day on Mars by Kevin Emerson. Walden Pond Press, 2017. 336 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-15 A guest post ...
Read More 
Get Ready for the Eclipse! Space and Sci-Fi Booklist
By Betsy Farquhar |
Ready for the Eclipse? Have you tested out your eclipse glasses? Do you know where you're going to be on August 21 when the eclipse ...
Read More 
Superstar by Mandy Davis
By Janie Cheaney |
This sympathetic portrait of an autistic youngster explores relationships, coping strategies, and the scientific method. Superstar by Mandy Davis. HarperCollins, 2017, 320 pages Reading Level: ...
Read More 
The Many Worlds of Albie Bright by Christopher Edge
By Janie Cheaney |
This middle-grade science fiction novel includes enough human interest to make it engaging, enough real science to make it educational. The Many Worlds of Albie ...
Read More 
Exploring Space by Jenkins and Biesty
By Betsy Farquhar |
Explore space--and humans' attempts to explore space--in this information-packed and expertly illustrated coffee table sized book. Exploring Space: From Galileo to the Mars Rover and ...
Read More 
York: The Shadow Cipher by Laura Ruby
By Janie Cheaney |
A promising upper-middle grade series gets underway with alternative history, fascinating puzzles, and one big mystery. The Shadow Cipher (York #1) by Laura Ruby. HarperCollins, ...
Read More 
Shipwreck Island by S. A. Bodeen
By Janie Cheaney |
Shipwreck Island (Shipwreck Island #1) by S. A. Bodeen. Feiwel & Friends, 2014, 184 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 10-14 ...
Read More 
*Cody and the Fountain of Happiness by Tricia Springstubb
By Janie Cheaney |
Eight-year-old Cody's enthusiasm for life is contagious in this sunny chapter-book series. Cody and the Fountain of Happiness (Cody series #1) by Tricia Springstubb, illustrated ...
Read More 
The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming by J. Anderson Coats
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming by J. Anderson Coats. Atheneum, 2017. 288 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12Recommended For: Historical Fiction lovers, ...
Read More 
The Unexpected Life of Oliver Cromwell Pitts by Avi
By Janie Cheaney |
This rollicking adventure tale for middle grades by prolific author Avi takes us back to England of the 18th century. The Unexpected Life of Oliver ...
Read More 
Wisdom & Wonder Week 6 Booklist
By Betsy Farquhar |
Our last Wisdom & Wonder Booklist to help you wrap up your summer! You'll see a couple of repeats from earlier in the summer as ...
Read More 
Week 6 : God So Loved, He Gave
By Hayley Morell |
Introduction This summer reading challenge has flown by! Can you believe it’s Week 6 already? (Granted, we did take a week off for the Fourth ...
Read More 
Let’s Talk It over: Honesty and Diligence in Literature
By Janie Cheaney |
Janie: This week we’re taking up two major themes in Proverbs: honest work and honest words. At first glance they may not seem to be that closely ...
Read More 
Wisdom & Wonder Week 5 Booklist
By Janie Cheaney |
Our Proverbs emphasis for week 5 is "Work and Words," (or honesty and diligence, which means basically the same thing without the alliteration). Our booklist ...
Read More 
Wisdom & Wonder, Week 5: Work and Words
By Janie Cheaney |
Introduction: Our two Wise Up chapters for this week are “Looking to the Ants” (Week 8, p. 87) and “Honesty is the Best Policy” (Week ...
Read More 
Wisdom & Wonder Week 4 Booklist
By Hayley Morell |
Week 4 Theme: Which Path and With Whom Additional Proverbs to Read and Think About 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a ...
Read More 
Wisdom & Wonder Week 4: Which Path and With Whom?
By Hayley Morell |
Welcome to Week 4 of Wisdom and Wonder! We hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July. Now, back to the reading challenge! For a ...
Read More 
The Quest for Truth by Brock Eastman
By Janie Cheaney |
For sci-fi fans, The Quest for Truth series offers adventure with a biblical base. The Quest for Truth by Brock Eastman: Taken (2011), Risk (2012), ...
Read More 
The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine
By Janie Cheaney |
The author of Ella Enchanted creates another plucky heroine, whose destiny is to lead her people to freedom (and get the guy). The Lost Kingdom ...
Read More 
Henry and the Chalk Dragon by Jennifer Trafton
By Janie Cheaney |
Henry is too shy to share his artistic talent, until one of his creations comes to life and threatens to wreck the whole school. Henry ...
Read More 
Building a Shakespeare Home Library Collection
By Megan Saben |
When you want to enjoy Shakespeare with your children, you can either focus on one play at a time or spread a Shakespeare feast so ...
Read More 
Wisdom & Wonder Week 3 Booklist
By Megan Saben |
Wisdom & Wonder Week 3 Booklist Weekly Theme: Responding to Correction (Wise-Up #6, 7) Additional Proverbs to Read and Think About 14:12 There is a ...
Read More 
Wisdom & Wonder Week 3: Responding to Correction
By Megan Saben |
Welcome to week 3 of our Wisdom & Wonder Summer Reading Challenge! In Week 1, we learned about turning to God and away from sin. ...
Read More 
Wisdom & Wonder Week 2 Booklist
By Betsy Farquhar |
Wisdom & Wonder Week 2 Booklist Weekly Theme: God’s Word is a Treasure Additional Proverbs to Read and Think About 4:23 Keep your heart with ...
Read More 
Wisdom & Wonder Week 2: God’s Word is a Treasure
By Betsy Farquhar |
Welcome to week 2 of our Wisdom & Wonder Summer Reading Challenge! Last week, we learned about turning to God and away from sin. Jesus ...
Read More 
Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham
By Janie Cheaney |
Newbery-honor author Shannon Hale’s graphic memoir charts the ups and downs of elementary- age friendship. Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham. First Second, ...
Read More 
Way of the Warrior Kid by Jocko Willink
By Janie Cheaney |
Underachieving Marc learns how to shape up and think straight in this fictionalized self-help book by a former Navy SEAL. Way of the Warrior Kid: ...
Read More 
Wisdom and Wonder: Week 1 – Turning Towards God and Away from Sin
By Alysha |
Welcome to week 1 of our Wisdom & Wonder Summer Reading Challenge! Wisdom and Wonder Week 1: Turning to God and Away from Sin! This ...
Read More 
Wisdom and Wonder Booklist – Week 1
By Alysha |
Wisdom & Wonder Week [1] Booklist: Weekly Theme: Turning towards God and Away from Sin Wise-Up #1 (Real Wise Man) and #2 (Heart of the ...
Read More
Wisdom & Wonder Activities and Giveaway!
By Betsy Farquhar |
Wisdom & Wonder is Just Around the Corner! Are you excited about joining us for our Wisdom & Wonder summer reading challenge? Don't forget to get ...
Read More