(E) Ages 12-15

*Catherine’s War by Julia Billet

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

Into the Clouds by Tod Olson

Into the Clouds is the grueling saga of three expeditions that failed to summit the second-highest--but most dangerous--mountain in the world. Into the Clouds: The ...
Read More

The Finest Hours by Michael Tougias

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

What to Read After Mulan

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

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

Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Feder

Raw, funny, and honest, Dancing at the Pity Party is a close look at grief after the loss of a mother. Dancing at the Pity ...
Read More

The Hour Approaches–Our Newbery Predictions!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander

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

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

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

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

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
books for teen writers

Books for Teen Writers

Books for aspiring writers abound. Books for teen writers are a little harder to track down. But many teens are aspiring authors, writing reams of ...
Read More

The Epic Bible

The Epic Bible tells the entire story of the Bible in graphic format and dramatic style, with some embellishment. The Epic Bible: God’s Story from ...
Read More

Courageous World Changers by Shirley Rae Redmond

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

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 Hopeful Heart by Deborah Noyes

A Hopeful Heart engagingly presents the life of one of America's first best-selling authors: Louisa May Alcott. A Hopeful Heart: Louisa May Alcott before Little ...
Read More

Bee Fearless by Mikaila Ullmer

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

Outlaws of Time Series by N. D. Wilson

Wilson's Outlaws of Time series is intense, time travel fun with plenty of action and philosophy thrown in. Great for young teens. Outlaws of Time ...
Read More

Chance: Escape from the Holocaust by Uri Shulevitz

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

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

Fly on the Wall by Remy Lai

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

13 Books for 13 Year Old Boys (and Girls!)

13 year olds: ready to be done with middle school, but not yet in high school. Officially "teenagers," but plenty of maturing still to do. ...
Read More

Sports Beat Mysteries by John Feinstein

Feinstein's Sports Beat Mysteries are great fun for teen sports lovers. Sports Beat Mystery Series by John Feinstein. Yearling. Last Shot: Mystery at the Final ...
Read More

Ancient Romans, Alphamaniacs, and Incredible Jobs

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

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

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

A Better Than Anything Christmas by Barbara Reaoch

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

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

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

The Return of the Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

Megan and I have followed Megan Whalen Turner’s Thief series for years, and we both pre-ordered the final book, The Return of the Thief, months before publication. And ...
Read More

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games Series)

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a disappointing prequel to the thought-provoking Hunger Games series. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins ...
Read More

Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson

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

Brother’s Keeper by Julie Lee

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

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle (Book Club Edition)

Good books are even better when people discuss them. In fact, we label books "discussion starters" when they offer much food for thought. A Wrinkle ...
Read More

The Tripods Series by John Christopher (Retro Reads)

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

"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

*Beyonders Trilogy

Jason, an ordinary American boy, is summoned into a world that needs a hero. Original, highly imaginative, full of action and characters who are ready ...
Read More

*Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri

In this one-of-a-kind, richly evocative memoir, "Everything Sad" disguises an otherworldly joy. *Everything Sad Is Untrue (a true story) by Daniel Nayeri. Levine Querido, 2020, ...
Read More

Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley: a Discussion

Fighting Words takes on a difficult topic with a feisty, flawed, brave protagonist. Sometimes a novel appears that seems to require more than a simple ...
Read More

*The View from Saturday by e. l. konigsburg (Book Club Edition)

*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

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

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

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

Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang

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

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

Beast by Watt Key

Beast: Face-to-Face with the Florida Bigfoot is a chilling, gripping tale of survival in the unknown. Beast: Face-to-Face with the Florida Bigfoot by Watt Key. ...
Read More

The Winter King by Christine Cohen

The Winter King by Christine Cohen. Cannonball Books, 2019. 360 pages. Reading Level: Young adult/teen, ages 12 and up Recommend For: Ages 12 and up ...
Read More

Orphan Eleven by Gennifer Choldenko

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

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

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

*The Roar on the Other Side by Suzanne Underwood Rhodes

Is poetry writing obsolete? It doesn't have to be, especially for Christians. *The Roar on the Other Side: A Guide for Student Poets by Suzanne ...
Read More

12 Substitutions for The Kite Runner

High School Literature: Messy and Grown-Up What's a parent to do when a book like The Kite Runner gets assigned in school? High school students ...
Read More
cover of kite runner

Is The Kite Runner OK for 10th Graders?

Is The Kite Runner OK for 10th Graders? "My 10th grader has to read The Kite Runner for school. Do you know anything about it? ...
Read More

A Ceiling Made of Eggshells by Gail Carson Levine

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

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

The Arrow and the Crown by Emma Fox

Adventure meets fairy tale in this delightful fantasy read for teens (and their parents!). The Arrow and the Crown by Emma Fox. Independently published, 2019. ...
Read More

My Name Is Tani by Tanitoluwa Adewumi

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

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

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

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”

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

Everybody Counts by Kristin Roskifte

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

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

Rapid Fire: YA Fantasy, July 2020

Two series starters that fizzled and two new authors to enjoy. *Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer. Page Street Kids, 2020. 400 pages. The first ...
Read More

Stand Up, Yumi Chung! by Jessica Kim

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

Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang

Dragon Hoops turns a high-school basketball championship season into a close-up look at life's changes and choices. Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang. First Second, ...
Read More

1493 for Young People by Charles C. Mann

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

The Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman

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

The Brotherband Chronicles by John Flanagan

Swashbuckling adventure with mythical Medieval Vikings? Sign me up. The Brotherband Chronicles by John Flanagan. Philomel, 2011-present. Reading Level: Ages 12-15Recommended For: Ages 12 and ...
Read More

Gold Rush Girl by Avi

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

*This Is Our Constitution by Khizr Khan

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

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

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

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

Ghetto Cowboy by G. Neri

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

Open Mic: Riffs on Life Between Cultures in Ten Voices, edited by Mitali Perkins

In Open Mic, ten writers of color team up to offer their experiences (or stories based on their experiences) in this frank, humorous collection for ...
Read More

Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park

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

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

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

Longitude by Dava Sobel

Longitude, a recommended book for our "Hope on the Horizon" summer reading challenge, is a classic true tale of persistence rewarded. Longitude: the True Story ...
Read More

Retro Reads: The Velveteen Rabbit and *Edward Tulane

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

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

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

Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan

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

The Brendan Voyage by Tim Severin

The Brendan Voyage is the real life adventure story of a man who tried to recreate a Medieval legend: sailing across the North Atlantic from ...
Read More

Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker

"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

Village of Scoundrels by Margi Preus

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

*Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt

Turner comes to understand himself, his father, his peers, his town, and his world in this bittersweet coming-of-age story set in 1912 Maine. *Lizzie Bright ...
Read More

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell

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

*Epic by Tim Challies

Epic takes readers around the globe tracking down fascinating artifacts of Church history. *Epic: An Around-the-World Journey through Christian History by Tim Challies. Zondervan, 2020, ...
Read More

Soul-Shaping Poetry: 2 Books for Teens and Adults

Soul-Shaping Poetry Have you ever stopped to think about how much poetry has shaped the Christian soul? Poetry is an intrinsic part of our worship ...
Read More

Bible Review: NIV Artisan Collection Bible for Girls

NIV Artisan Collection Bible for Girls. Zondervan, 2019, 1600 pages (9.9 point font) Reading level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 12-up The title ...
Read More
one hundred best poems

The Guaranteed, Irresistible, Effortless Introduction to Poetry for People Who Doubt That They Like It

If you or your children aren't sure how to develop a taste for poetry, especially if you haven't decided whether you ought to feel obligated ...
Read More