(F) Ages 15-18
Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee
By Janie Cheaney |
The biracial heroine of Luck of the Titanic sees dreams fulfilled just before disaster strikes, in this romantic thriller. Luck of the Titanic by Stacey ...
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The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst by Jaclyn Moriarty
By Janie Cheaney |
The familiar “child of destiny” trope receives a fresh, funny, and magical twist in The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst. The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst by ...
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The Overthrow Series by Kenneth Oppel: Bloom, Hatch, and Thrive
By Betsy Farquhar |
The fast-paced Overthrow sci-fi series by Kenneth Oppel raises interesting questions for young teens. The Overthrow Series by Kenneth Oppel. Knopf Books for Young Readers. ...
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Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price
By Janie Cheaney |
Add Pride and Premeditation, a “Jane Austen Murder Mystery” to your YA shelf for a light, amusing summertime diversion. Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price. ...
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The Great Gatsby in Graphic Novel Form
By Betsy Farquhar |
Hayley and Betsy discuss the excellent, new graphic novel adaptation of The Great Gatsby adapted by K. Woodman-Maynard (Candlewick, 2021). First Impressions of The Great ...
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2021 Summer Reading: Faith & Fortitude Is Here!
By Betsy Farquhar |
2021 Summer Reading Theme We're very excited about the 2021 summer reading theme: Faith & Fortitude: the EPIC Story of God's People. Why? We're big ...
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Adulting 101, Book 2: #liveyourbestlife
By Betsy Farquhar |
Adulting 101, Book 2 is an excellent graduation gift idea or resource for teens heading to college or into the workforce. Adulting 101, Book 2: ...
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5 Minutes in Church History and In the Year of Our Lord
By Betsy Farquhar |
5 Minutes in Church History and In the Year of Our Lord each view church history through an engaging and refreshing lens. ***Giveaway Is Now ...
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*Truths We Confess by R. C. Sproul
By Betsy Farquhar |
Truths We Confess is a concise, accessible, and systematic exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith, perfect for seniors, new graduates, and Sunday school groups. ...
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*Surviving Religion 101 by Michael Kruger
By Janie Cheaney |
With Surviving Religion 101, a Christian father and scholar arms his daughter against attacks on Christianity from skeptical professors and students. *Surviving Religion 101: Letters ...
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*Proverbs For You and Solomon Says: 2 Books for Graduates
By Betsy Farquhar |
Two recent, excellent books on Proverbs offer biblical wisdom and counsel, perfect for new graduates. Note: both of these books target new adults (and up). ...
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*Amber & Clay by Laura Amy Schlitz
By Janie Cheaney |
Amber & Clay is a fascinating immersion into classic Greek civilization, seen through the eyes of two children, Socrates the sage, and a host of ...
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The Golden Age Detective Stories
By Hayley Morell |
This is an abridged version of the article Reading the Golden Age that originally appeared in our Fall 2020 Quarterly. Who murdered ____? Is it ...
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*10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin
By Janie Cheaney |
With Christianity increasingly under fire, apologist Rebecca McLaughlin answers 10 questions every young Christian will have to confront. *10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and ...
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Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith
By Betsy Farquhar |
Ida Mae Jones is a true "flygirl" in this engaging historical fiction read for teens that examines issues of race, coming-of-age, and learning to fly. ...
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The Blossom and the Firefly by Sherri L. Smith
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Blossom and the Firefly, Hana and Taro, are brought together by music and war in this emotional historical fiction read for teens. The Blossom ...
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Radium Girls by Kate Moore
By Janie Cheaney |
The Radium Girls tells the harrowing tale of radium poisoning and corporate irresponsibility. The Radium Girls by Kate Moore (Young Readers’ Edition). Greenwillow, 2020, 348 ...
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Enclave Escape Round-up: YA Fantasy & Dystopia
By Hayley Morell |
Two series end and one begins in this round-up from Enclave Publishing, a Christian publishing house. Enclave's mission is "to get Christian speculative fiction directly ...
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Gone to the Woods by Gary Paulsen
By Janie Cheaney |
Gone to the Woods, Gary Paulsen’s third-person memoir, is the recollection of a gritty early life leavened by common grace. Gone to the Woods: Surviving ...
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Retro Review: *Let Justice Roll Down by John Perkins
By Janie Cheaney |
The life of John Perkins offers the only true way to justice, reconciliation, and forgiveness for our tragic racist history. *Let Justice Roll Down by ...
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The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice by Lisa DeSelm
By Janie Cheaney |
The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice explores what it means to be human in an interesting twist on the Pinocchio story. The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice by Lisa DeSelm. Page ...
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Into the Clouds by Tod Olson
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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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: ...
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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 ...
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Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Feder
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Books for Teen Writers
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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The Epic Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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A Hopeful Heart by Deborah Noyes
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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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, ...
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Two Excellent YA Fantasy Sequels
By Hayley Morell |
The second book in a series faces a lot of pressure; here are two YA fantasy sequels that satisfy. Starsight by Brandon Sanderson, Delacorte Press, ...
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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 ...
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The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys. Philomel, 2019. 512 pages. The Fountains of Silence tells a gripping story of love and danger during Franco's ...
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The Return of the Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games Series)
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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*Beyonders Trilogy
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
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*Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
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*Swift by R. J. Anderson
By Hayley Morell |
A young piskey girl searches for truth as danger threatens her home and loved ones. *Swift by R. J. Anderson. Enclave Publishing, 2020. 272 pages. ...
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The Door on Half-Bald Hill by Helena Sorensen
By Betsy Farquhar |
Idris, Bard of Blackthorn, is on a quest for answers in this darkly brooding fantasy for teens and adults. The Door on Half-Bald Hill by ...
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Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley: a Discussion
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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*Dorothy and Jack by Gina Dalfonzo
By Hayley Morell |
An excellent introduction to the friendship between C. S. Lewis and Dorothy Sayers. Dorothy and Jack by Gina Dalfonzo. Baker Books, 2020. 208 pages. Reading ...
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Beast by Watt Key
By Janie Cheaney |
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. ...
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The Winter King by Christine Cohen
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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*The Roar on the Other Side by Suzanne Underwood Rhodes
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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12 Substitutions for The Kite Runner
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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Is The Kite Runner OK for 10th Graders?
By Betsy Farquhar |
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? ...
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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 ...
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The Arrow and the Crown by Emma Fox
By Betsy Farquhar |
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. ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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Rapid Fire: YA Fantasy, July 2020
By Hayley Morell |
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 ...
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Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
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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 ...
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The Brotherband Chronicles by John Flanagan
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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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 ...
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Shepherd Suspense Novels by Andrew Huff
By Betsy Farquhar |
Action-packed thrillers with a conscience and spiritual sensitivity, the Shepherd Suspense novels will hook teen readers. A Cross to Kill and Cross Shadow by Andrew ...
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Open Mic: Riffs on Life Between Cultures in Ten Voices, edited by Mitali Perkins
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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Longitude by Dava Sobel
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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The Brendan Voyage by Tim Severin
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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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: ...
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*Epic by Tim Challies
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
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Soul-Shaping Poetry: 2 Books for Teens and Adults
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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Bible Review: NIV Artisan Collection Bible for Girls
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Bible Review: CSB Seven Arrows
By Janie Cheaney |
CSB Seven Arrows: the How-to-Study Bible for Students. B&H Kids, 2019, 1350 pages (9.5-point font) Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 13-18 “Seven ...
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CSB Heart of God Study Bible for Teens
By Janie Cheaney |
CSB Heart of God Teen Study Bible. Baker, 2019, 1712 pages (9-point font) Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 12-18 The theme of ...
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*Get Your Story Straight by Kristen Hatton
By Betsy Farquhar |
Get Your Story Straight is a straightforward devotional guide that invites teens to study the story of Scripture, focusing the real hero of the story. ...
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*The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Fleming
By Janie Cheaney |
From hero to pariah: the life of Charles Lindbergh is a fascinating study. *The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Fleming. Schwartz + ...
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Ordinary Hazards by Nikki Grimes: a Discussion
By Janie Cheaney |
Every now and then we read a book that seems to warrant more than a standard review—even a starred one. That was Janie and Betsy’s ...
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The Legacy of Mildred Taylor: Roll of Thunder and the Logan Family Saga
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Legacy of Mildred Taylor Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is a "must read." Truthfully, at Redeemed Reader, we resist telling you any book ...
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In the Hall With the Knife by Dana Peterfreund
By Janie Cheaney |
In the Hall With the Knife kicks off a mystery series for teens based on the venerable board game, Clue. In the Hall with the ...
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Fever Year by Don Brown
By Betsy Farquhar |
Don Brown tells the story of Spanish Influenza in three acts in this graphic novel format nonfiction book for young teens. Fever Year: The Killer ...
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Giant Presidents' Day Book List
By Betsy Farquhar |
POTUS POTUS: President of the United States: one of the most powerful people in the world. Presidents' Day honors George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in ...
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Girl Under a Red Moon by Da Chen
By Janie Cheaney |
Girl under a Red Moon depicts life under the worst totalitarian government in modern history. Girl under a Red Moon: Growing up During China’s Cultural ...
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It Rained Warm Bread by Moishe Moskowitz
By Janie Cheaney |
The recollections of a 13-year-old Holocaust survivor find poetic expression in It Rained Warm Bread. It rained Warm Bread: Moishe Moskowitz’s Story of Hope by ...
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5 Lent Devotionals (for Protestants)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Do you observe Lent? Did you know that there are Lent devotionals written with Protestants in mind? The early church officially began marking Lent liturgically ...
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Feed by M. T. Anderson
By Betsy Farquhar |
M. T. Anderson's Feed imagines what the world would look like if we all had "feeds" (like today's smart phones) implanted in our brains. Feed ...
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Allies by Alan Gratz
By Janie Cheaney |
Allies is a fast, riveting read that communicates the urgency, complexity, and drama of D-Day, the turning point of World War II. Allies by Alan ...
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Black History Month Picture Books for Tweens and Teens
By Betsy Farquhar |
Black history month picture books are for big kids, too! Picture books aren't just for young children. Middle grades and teens benefit, too. Sometimes, a ...
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Torpedoed by Deborah Heligman
By Janie Cheaney |
Torpedoed is a gripping saga of disaster, heartbreak, and heroism on the open sea. Torpedoed: the True Story of the World War II Sinking of ...
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The Enduring Appeal of Little Women
By Janie Cheaney |
With the eighth major film adaptation opening on Christmas Day, I thought I’d share a few thoughts on this classic. I read it at the ...
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2020 Reading Challenge for Kids and Teens is Here!
By Betsy Farquhar |
Ready for a great year of reading? Are your KIDS ready for a great year of reading? What about your TEENS? At Redeemed Reader, we ...
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*Finding Narnia by Caroline McAlister
By Janie Cheaney |
Finding Narnia takes us into the lives of two brothers whose childhood inspired one of the world’s greatest fantasy series. *Finding Narnia: the Story of ...
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*Long Ago, on a Silent Night by Julie Berry
By Janie Cheaney |
What happened "Long Ago on a Silent Night" resonates down the ages, in this lovely, evocative picture book. *Long Ago, on a Silent Night by ...
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New (or New to Us) Books for Holiday Reading and Gift-Giving
By Janie Cheaney |
It's a fact: readers love to give books as gifts, and we're here to help! When in doubt we tend to turn to the classics, ...
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*Love Came Down At Christmas by Sinclair Ferguson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Love Came Down at Christmas is an excellent devotional for Advent for teens and up: meditations on 1 Corinthians 13 by Sinclair Ferguson. *Love Came ...
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Briar and Rose and Jack by Katherine Coville
By Janie Cheaney |
Briar and Rose and Jack mixes fairy-tale motifs with clear themes of good and evil in a magical and satisfying adventure. Briar and Rose and ...
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*Unwrapping the Names of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu
By Betsy Farquhar |
Mediate on the names of Jesus during Advent with this helpful, inspiring family devotional. *Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional by Asheritah Ciuciu. ...
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*Her Own Two Feet by Meredith Davis
By Janie Cheaney |
Her Own Two Feet is the true story of a severely disabled Rwandan girl who finds hope and healing through a Christian aid organization. *Her ...
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Skyjacked by Paul Griffin
By Janie Cheaney |
Five high school students and one air-traffic intern will be severely tested as their private plane is Skyjacked. Skyjacked by Paul Griffin. Scholastic, 2019, 227 ...
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The Light Princess by George MacDonald {Rabbit Room edition}
By Betsy Farquhar |
A beautiful new edition of The Light Princess complete with foreword by Jennifer Trafton, afterword by Andrew Peterson, and illustrated by Ned Bustard. The Light ...
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5 Questions for a Book Giver’s Interview
By Megan Saben |
If you like giving books for birthdays, Christmas, hygge, or any other reason, you may often be wondering: what would this child enjoy? We love ...
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The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee
By Janie Cheaney |
The Downstairs Girl explores the social mores and prejudices of late-19th-century Atlanta through the eyes of a resourceful and gifted Chinese teen. The Downstairs Girl ...
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Games of Deception by Andrew Maraniss
By Betsy Farquhar |
Games of Deception: The True Story of the First U. S. Olympic Basketball Team at the 1936 Olympics in Hitler's Germany by Andrew Maraniss. Philomel, ...
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Is Dracula Worth Reading?
By Betsy Farquhar |
I am not a vampire fan. I am not a fan of weird Halloween decorations. It's downright creepy: ghouls, spider webs, zombie costumes, and, yes, ...
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Song of the Abyss by Makiia Lucier
By Hayley Morell |
Song of the Abyss is a sequel that does not disappoint and yet succeeds in its own right as a standalone novel. In our Redeemed ...
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Robin Hood: Twice Told
By Hayley Morell |
There’s something appealing about Robin Hood. —Maybe even more-so to American sensibilities. Granted, we didn’t rob from the rich for the sake of the poor. ...
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For Black Girls Like Me
By Janie Cheaney |
A black girl adopted into a white family struggles with her own disability and her mother's instability. For Black Girls like Me by Mariama J. ...
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Cookbooks for Kids and Teens: A Book List
By Betsy Farquhar |
Have you ever wanted to go beyond cookie baking and decorating with your kids? Did you know there are some great cookbooks for kids and ...
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Laid-Back Language Arts
By Betsy Farquhar |
Do you remember your middle and high school English classes? Did you diagram sentences? Fill in endless worksheets with "S" for sentence or "F" for ...
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