(F) Ages 15-18
If Looks Could Kill by Julie Berry
By Janie Cheaney |
If Looks Could Kill asks important questions about violence against women, pulling no punches on the way to a hopeful conclusion. If Looks Could Kill ...
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2025 Recommended Christmas Gift Book List
By Betsy Farquhar |
We love to create these recommended gift booklists! Why? It gives us a chance to look back at some of our favorites from this past ...
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I Wish I Didn’t Have to Tell You This by Eugene Yelchin
By Janie Cheaney |
I Wish I Didn’t Have to Tell You This is Eugene Yelchin’s graphic-novel memoir of falling in love in the last decade of the Soviet ...
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*Behold, the Lamb of God Has Come by Trillia Newbell
By Betsy Farquhar |
Behold, the Lamb of God Has Come is a warmly conversational Advent family devotional that invites us to rejoice that Jesus has come! *Behold, the ...
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My Beloved (A Mitford Novel) by Jan Karon
By Betsy Farquhar |
Revisit the beloved town of Mitford in this sweet new story about Father Tim, Cynthia, and the rest of your favorite people. Note: this review ...
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16 Books for 16-Year-Old Girls: A Redeemed Reader Booklist
By Betsy Farquhar |
16-year-old girls are transitioning rapidly to womanhood, leaving girlhood behind. Eyes fixed ahead, wondering about marriage, college and/or vocation, perhaps even motherhood. And yet, most ...
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The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh by Claudia Gray
By Hayley Morell |
Mr. Jonathan Darcy and Miss Juliet Tilney once again join forces, this time facing the perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. The Perils of Lady ...
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The Rushworth Family Plot by Claudia Gray
By Hayley Morell |
In the latest Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney mystery, the characters of Mansfield Park are catapulted into the Rushworth Family Plot. The Rushworth Family Plot ...
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Books About Weather and Natural Disasters: A Redeemed Reader Booklist
By Betsy Farquhar |
Books about weather and natural disasters, and their related sub-topics like hurricanes, tornadoes, and giant floods, are hot picks for the elementary school crowd. Just ...
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Learning to Lead: Another Redeemed Reader Booklist! (Updated)
By Janie Cheaney |
In his Confessions, Augustine wrote this on the subject of "time": “I understand well enough what time is, so long as no one asks me.” ...
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*Putin vs. Zelensky: The Russo-Ukrainian War by Ben Thompson
By Janie Cheaney |
Putin vs. Zelensky focuses on biography to give readers a grasp of the fraught history between Russia and Ukraine, and how the current conflict developed. ...
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*Bright Red Fruit by Safia Elhillo
By Betsy Farquhar |
An emotionally-resonant cautionary tale about the allure of bright red fruit even when signs of danger lurk alongside. Note: this book contains sensitive topics, including ...
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An American Immigrant by Johanna Rojas Vann
By Betsy Farquhar |
In An American Immigrant, twenty-five year old Melanie makes a pilgrimage to Colombia and discovers more about both herself and her mother, who came to ...
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*Gay Girl, Good God by Jackie Hill Perry
By Hayley Morell |
In evocative, lyrical prose, Jackie Hill Perry shares her spiritual journey in Gay Girl, Good God. *Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I ...
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*The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy
By Megan Saben |
The Scarlet Pimpernel is an oft-overlooked classic full of mystery, action, and romance for teens and adults. *The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy. Signet, 2000 (originally ...
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Back Porch Book Chat with Becky Dean (YA author)
By Hayley Morell |
Back Porch Book Chat: a casual conversation about books and writing. Today we're visiting with Becky Dean, author of four YA romances including Love and ...
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Picture-Perfect Boyfriend by Becky Dean
By Hayley Morell |
A family trip to Hawaii is complicated for Kenzie Reed by the arrival of her picture-perfect boyfriend—who is supposed to be fictitious! Picture-Perfect Boyfriend by ...
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The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine by Lindsay A. Franklin
By Hayley Morell |
While a series starter, The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine is a fun, contained, YA fantasy. The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine by Lindsay A. Franklin. Enclave ...
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Love Unmasked by Becky Dean
By Hayley Morell |
A fun YA romance about a trip to Venice that will end with Love Unmasked. Love Unmasked by Becky Dean. Delacorte Romance, 2025. 384 pages. ...
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Whale Eyes by James Robinson
By Janie Cheaney |
Whale Eyes is an innovative memoir by a young filmmaker documenting his struggles with reading and physical difference. Whale Eyes: A Memoir About Seeing and ...
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*The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
By Betsy Farquhar |
In The King of Attolia, Gen must bring all his grit, cleverness, and convictions to bear as he works to earn the right to be ...
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*Thick as Thieves by Megan Whalen Turner
By Betsy Farquhar |
Kamet and Costis, two characters from earlier in the Queen's Thief series, take center stage in Thick as Thieves. *Thick as Thieves (Queen's Thief, #5) ...
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*The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Queen of Attolia is both diabolical and lovely; Eugenides loves her despite the choices she must make on behalf of her crown. *The Queen ...
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*A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner
By Betsy Farquhar |
Sophos, newly king of Sounis, takes center stage in A Conspiracy of Kings, the fourth Queen's Thief book. *A Conspiracy of Kings (Queen's Thief, #4) ...
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Sky of Seven Colors by Rachelle Nelson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Sky of Seven Colors imagines a world that finds power in color, demands everything from its heroine, and offers a bit of true love. Sky ...
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A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur
By Betsy Farquhar |
Iseul is determined to rescue her sister from the predatory ruler of 1506 Joseon (Korea) in this edgy historical fiction thriller. A Crane Among Wolves ...
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Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games Series)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Mockingjay, book 3 of The Hunger Games series, brings a dubious conclusion to Katniss's battle with the Capitol. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games book ...
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Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games Series)
By Betsy Farquhar |
In Catching Fire, book 2 of The Hunger Games series, Katniss and Peeta find themselves in another Hunger Games. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (Hunger ...
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Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games Series)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Sunrise on the Reaping is an intriguing, if violent, prequel to the thought-provoking Hunger Games series. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games ...
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The Day the World Stopped Turning by Michael Morpurgo
By Megan Saben |
The Day the World Stopped Turning is a World War II story of outsiders, trials, disappointment, kindness, and hope. The Day the World Stopped Turning ...
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*Once a Castle by Sarah Arthur
By Hayley Morell |
Readers return to Sarah Arthur's fantasy world with a whole new adventure and cast of characters in Once a Castle. *Once a Castle by Sarah ...
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*A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim
By Hayley Morell |
Beauty and the Beast, with echoes of other fairytales, is spun together with Chinese folklore in an an excellent YA fantasy: A Forgery of Fate. ...
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The Hunger Games: A Christian Response
By Janie Cheaney |
READER ADVISORY: This review contains a major spoiler about the last volume in the series—warning ahead! THE HUNGER GAMES SERIES (Note: this reflection was originally ...
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A Wizard of Earthsea: A Graphic Novel by Ursula K. Le Guin and Fred Fordham
By Janie Cheaney |
A Wizard of Earthsea recasts a classic fantasy novel in graphic-novel format. A Wizard of Earthsea: A Graphic Novel by Ursula K. Le Guin, adapted ...
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Books And Movies: A Redeemed Reader Booklist
By Betsy Farquhar |
We readers have lots of opinions about movies based off books. But let's flip the script: What about books that are about movies? The books ...
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Death in the Jungle by Candace Fleming
By Janie Cheaney |
Death in the Jungle tells the harrowing story of the “Reverend” Jim Jones and the tragic fate of his followers. Death in the Jungle: Murder, ...
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Echo Nova by Clint Hall
By Betsy Farquhar |
Echo Nova mixes time travel, illegal rooftop racing, and a greedy corporation into a fun science-fiction thriller for teens. Echo Nova by Clint Hall. Enclave ...
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*52 Weeks in the Word: Student Edition by Trillia J. Newbell
By Betsy Farquhar |
52 Weeks in the Word thoughtfully guides students through reading the New Testament in a year. *52 Weeks in the Word: Student Edition by Trillia ...
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Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham
By Betsy Farquhar |
Lunar New Year Love Story is a terrific example of a graphic novel for mature teens: artistic, layered, and storied. Lunar New Year Love Story ...
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*Embergold by Rachelle Nelson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Embergold is a thought-provoking fantasy for teens that includes true love, sacrifice, and dragons. *Embergold by Rachelle Nelson. Enclave Escape, 2025. 325 pages. Reading Level: ...
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100 Great Poems for Boys, edited by Leslie Pockell
By Betsy Farquhar |
100 Great Poems for Boys offers a solid collection of worthy poems, from the heroic to the humorous, for boys of all ages. 100 Great ...
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Max in the Land of Lies by Adam Gidwitz
By Janie Cheaney |
Max in the Land of Lies completes Adam Gidwitz’s “Operation Kinderspion” duo with a tale both thrilling and thought-provoking. Max in the Land of Lies ...
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*Glory, Too: Poems by Nikki Grimes
By Betsy Farquhar |
Glory, Too: Poems by Nikki Grimes is a beautiful anthology of poetry inspired by Scripture. *Glory, Too: Poems by Nikki Grimes. Paraclete Press, 2025, 160 ...
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*Glory in the Margins: Sunday Poems by Nikki Grimes
By Betsy Farquhar |
Glory in the Margins: Sunday Poems is a striking and deeply spiritual collection of poetry worth savoring. *Glory in the Margins: Sunday Poems by Nikki ...
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The Big Book of Balloon Art by Gerry Giovinco
By Megan Saben |
The Big Book of Balloon Art is a great introduction to an inexpensive hobby that is sure to bring delight. The Big Book of Balloon ...
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All Better Now by Neal Shusterman
By Janie Cheaney |
All Better Now, a thought-provoking read for mature teens, grapples with the consequences of a different kind of pandemic. All Better Now by Neal Shusterman. ...
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Song of a Blackbird by Maria van Lieshout
By Janie Cheaney |
Song of a Blackbird connects two generations of an Amsterdam family through the story of the Dutch Resistance during World War II. Song of a ...
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Strangers & Sojourners: A Redeemed Reader Booklist about the Refugee and Immigrant Experience
By Hayley Morell |
We've reviewed many books about refugees and the immigrant experience over the years at Redeemed Reader. In 2018 and 2019, our summer reading challenges supported ...
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Thunder City by Philip Reeves
By Janie Cheaney |
Thunder City supplements Philip Reeve’s Mortal Engines quartet with different characters but similar formula. Thunder City by Philip Reeve. Scholastic, 2024, 322 pages. Reading Level: ...
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Quagmire Tiarello Couldn’t Be Better by Mylisa Larsen
By Janie Cheaney |
Quagmire Tiarello is the appropriately-named hero of this story of a young man with a difficult mother. Quagmire Tiarello Couldn’t Be Better by Mylisa Larsen. ...
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Jolabokaflod for Megan’s family in 2024
By Megan Saben |
Choosing Jolabokaflod titles for my family every year is a pleasant challenge. What would interest each member that we don't already have in our collection? ...
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Back Porch Book Chat with Tasha Kazanjian (YA author)
By Megan Saben |
Back Porch Book Chat: a casual conversation about books and writing. Today we're visiting with Tasha Kazanjian, author of A Trick of Spades. A lover ...
Read More *The Biggest Story Family Devotional by Kevin DeYoung
By Janie Cheaney |
The Biggest Story Family Devotional expands on The Biggest Story Bible Storybook to offer a practical and flexible devotional guide. *The Biggest Story Family Devotional ...
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Fun with Math: Sir Cumference Speaks Volumes, The Pigpen Problem, and Our World: By the Numbers
By Janie Cheaney |
Sir Cumference returns, Goat and Sheep solve a math problem, and Steve Jenkins crunches the numbers. Sir Cumference Speaks Volumes follows our hero through another ...
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Beyond Infinity by Stephanie Warren Drimmer
By Janie Cheaney |
Beyond Infinity examines the technology that went into building the James Webb Space Telescope, as well as what it has discovered since its launch. Beyond ...
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Twelve Classic Christmas Stories: A Feast of Yuletide Tales
By Megan Saben |
Twelve Classic Christmas Stories is a lovely collection of short stories about Christmas that may inspire you to revisit classic authors in the coming year. ...
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Home Is Right Where You Are by Ruth Chou Simons
By Betsy Farquhar |
Ruth Chou Simons takes inspiration from Psalm 23 in this gentle, loving reminder to her reader that the Lord is with us wherever we go. ...
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*A Wondrous Mystery: Daily Advent Devotions by Charles Spurgeon
By Betsy Farquhar |
Joyful and thoughtful, A Wondrous Mystery offers 30 devotional readings drawn from Charles Spurgeon's sermons. *A Wondrous Mystery: Daily Advent Devotions by Charles Spurgeon, edited ...
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*The Mythmakers by John Hendrix
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Mythmakers, John Hendrix explores an extraordinarily fruitful friendship and its roots in myth and legend. *The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C. S. ...
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Radar and the Raft by Jeff Lantos
By Janie Cheaney |
Radar and the Raft traces the invention of Radar through the harrowing story of a missionary family torpedoed and rescued during World War II. Radar ...
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Jupiter Rising by Gary Schmidt
By Janie Cheaney |
Gary Schmidt brings a sad story (Orbiting Jupiter) to a hopeful conclusion with Jupiter Rising. Jupiter Rising, by Gary D. Schmidt. HarperCollins, 2024, 201 pages. ...
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Finding My Vocation by William Boekestein
By Janie Cheaney |
Finding My Vocation offers a concise yet comprehensive guide for Christian teens considering their first steps into adulthood. Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young ...
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3 Devotionals for Teens (or Families with Teens)
By Betsy Farquhar |
High school students are busy people! How much more important to encourage these young people during such a busy season to keep up the habit ...
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Wormwood Abbey: A Guest Post by Gina Dalfonzo
By Hayley Morell |
Today we are happy to share a guest post from Gina Dalfonzo, author and fellow book reviewer. Gina has been a guest at Redeemed Reader ...
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*Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton
By Betsy Farquhar |
A modern classic, Cry, the Beloved Country movingly illustrates how faith and culture intersect in Apartheid-era South Africa. Note: this is one of our featured ...
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What the World Eats: A Roundup of Global Food Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
Do you know what people eat around the world? What do those missionaries from your church eat when they move to Ghana or Gambia or ...
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Kentucky Derby Book List: Books for Young Horse Lovers
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Kentucky Derby runs every first Saturday of May. Will there be another Triple Crown winner this year? Will an underdog horse come from nowhere ...
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Offsides by Lori Z. Scott
By Betsy Farquhar |
Dani just wants to play soccer and have the best senior year ever, but she's suddenly alert to the signs of a sex trafficking ring ...
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*One Big Open Sky by Lesa Cline-Ransome
By Janie Cheaney |
One Big Open Sky fills a history gap with the story of black settlers heading west in wagon trains. *One Big Open Sky by Lesa ...
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Dune: Book vs. Movie
By Betsy Farquhar |
Is the movie better than the book? I've listened to Dune by Frank Herbert, and I've now seen Dune, part 1 and Dune, part 2. ...
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Arc of a Scythe Trilogy by Neal Shusterman
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Arc of a Scythe Trilogy is a thought-provoking dystopian series for mature teens; it has problematic elements but raises good questions about the essential ...
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Yours from the Tower by Sally Nichols
By Janie Cheaney |
In Yours from the Tower, three young ladies overcome obstacles and find true love in late 19th-century England. Yours from the Tower by Sally Nichols. ...
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*Once a Queen by Sarah Arthur
By Hayley Morell |
Sarah Arthur's YA fantasy novel Once a Queen imagines a world like ours where stories come to life, but individuals have to return to reality. ...
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The Sacred Sacrifice by Hannah Paris
By Betsy Farquhar |
In The Sacred Sacrifice, Paris is proposing we use Bach's St. Matthew Passion in Lent and Easter much like we enjoy Handel's Messiah during Advent ...
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YA Fantasy: Murtagh, Theft of Sunlight, & Wind Daughter
By Hayley Morell |
A rapid fire round up of three YA fantasy novels that belong to bigger worlds: Murtagh, A Darkness at the Door, and Wind Daughter. Murtagh ...
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*Daughter of Arden Trilogy by Loren Warnemuende
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Daughter of Arden Trilogy is an epic retelling of an older fairy tale; in its new version, strong echoes of Christian faith mingle with ...
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*Journey to Bethlehem by Leland Ryken
By Betsy Farquhar |
Journey to Bethlehem is a lovely anthology of historic Christmas poetry, hymns, and devotionals. Starred review! *Journey to Bethlehem: A Treasury of Classic Christmas Devotionals ...
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Niche Nonfiction for Teens (AKA “Living Books”): A Book List
By Betsy Farquhar |
Living Books Are Full of Ideas Those of us in Charlotte Mason educational philosophy circles like to talk about "living books." A living book is ...
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Stocking Stuffers for Book Lovers
By Megan Saben |
Of course books make the best gifts for bibliophiles, but some of those oversize tomes don't fit comfortably in a stocking. Here's a list of ...
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*Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by Richard Adams, James Sturm, and Joe Sutphin
By Janie Cheaney |
The graphic-novel version of Watership Down combines the dramatic force of the original story with winning art. *Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by Richard Adams, ...
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The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
By Megan Saben |
Bruno is a 9yo German boy living during World War II who isn't happy with his father's new work assignment until he makes a friend ...
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*Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmith & Boulet
By Hayley Morell |
Calvin and Hobbes meets the Nickelodeon channel to retell Beowulf in a colorful, creative, graphic novel. Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmith & Boulet. First Second, ...
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The Hiding Place, A Christmas Carol, Hinds Feet on High Places, and Les Miserables: An Engaging Visual Journey
By Megan Saben |
The four books in the Engaging Visual Journey series provide beautiful, dignified forms to stories that are dearly loved spiritual classics. The Hiding Place by ...
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A Stubborn Sweetness by Katherine Paterson
By Betsy Farquhar |
"A Stubborn Sweetness" is one of 15 short stories that celebrate the truth, beauty, and goodness of the real meaning of Christmas. A Stubborn Sweetness ...
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Which Version of The Diary of Anne Frank Is Best?
By Betsy Farquhar |
A lengthy post in which Betsy seeks to answer some of the many questions she and the RR team have received over the past several ...
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The Weary World Rejoices, edited by Melissa Kruger
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Weary World Rejoices is a collection of Advent readings from the Gospel Coalition that relate to the Advent wreath. For teens and up. The ...
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Awaiting the Manger by Ocieanna Fleiss
By Betsy Farquhar |
Awaiting the Manger, an Advent devotional for teens and up, uses stories from the Old Testament to point to the coming of Jesus. Awaiting the ...
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He Came Down From Heaven by Laurel Sauder
By Betsy Farquhar |
He Came Down From Heaven offers 25 days of biblical readings and cultural enrichment for families who celebrate Advent. He Came Down From Heaven: A ...
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*Seeds of America Trilogy by Laurie Halse Anderson
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Seeds of America Trilogy powerfully examines some of the complex ideas of the American Revolution: freedom, justice, and equality for all. Seeds of America ...
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*Charis in the World of Wonders by Marly Youmans
By Betsy Farquhar |
Charis in the World of Wonders is a richly satisfying novel of a young Puritan woman who learns much about the world and herself through ...
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Code of Silence and Back Before Dark by Tim Shoemaker
By Betsy Farquhar |
A heart-pounding mystery series, with hidden twists and turns at every corner and a powerful message. Note: this is a guest review. See below for ...
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Impossible Escape by Steve Sheinkin
By Janie Cheaney |
Impossible Escape tells the story of one determined teenager who survived Auschwitz and became one of the first to reveal details of the Holocaust. Impossible ...
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*The Carver and the Queen by Emma Fox
By Betsy Farquhar |
An adventurous fairy tale set in Imperial Russia, perfect for teens who enjoy books like The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis. *The Carver and ...
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Once There Was by Kiyash Monsef
By Hayley Morell |
In the tradition of Susan Cooper, a lyrical, dark fantasy for mature middle grade readers. Once There Was by Kiyash Monsef. Simon & Schuster Books ...
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Authority vs. Anarchy: A Book List for Teens
By Betsy Farquhar |
Authority vs. Anarchy: Opposites? Two sides of the same coin? Romans 13 reminds us to obey our governing (civic) authorities. Exodus 20 and Ephesians 6 ...
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The Switch by Roland Smith
By Janie Cheaney |
A 13-year-old boy must help his large family survive an ElectroMagnetic Pulse in The Switch. The Switch by Roland Smith. Scholastic, 2022, 303 pages. Reading ...
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Reading Ancient Literature with High School Students
By Betsy Farquhar |
Some of us love ancient literature, especially the great Homeric epics. Others shudder at the thought. I'm in the former camp, but I haven't always ...
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Quicksilver by R. J. Anderson
By Hayley Morell |
In an engaging sci-fi thriller, one girl attempts to outrun her past while discovering her true identity. Quicksilver by R. J. Anderson. Carolrhoda Lab, 2013. 320 ...
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Ultraviolet by R. J. Anderson
By Janie Cheaney |
A first-person psychological thriller inside one young woman's remarkable consciousness. Ultraviolet, by R. J. Anderson. Carolrhoda Lab, 2011, 303 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, Ages 14-upRecommended ...
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The Most of P. G. Wodehouse by P. G. Wodehouse
By Hayley Morell |
An excellent introduction to P. G. Wodehouse via his short stories and one delightful novella. The Most of P.G. Wodehouse by P. G. Wodehouse, Touchstone, 2000. ...
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