(G) Ages 16 and up

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 ...
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*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 ...
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*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, ...
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*Swift by R. J. Anderson

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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Dust by Kara Swanson

Neverland spills into modern day life and sets two young people on a collision course in this YA fantasy. Dust by Kara Swanson. Enclave Publishing, ...
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Mortal Sight by Sandra Fernandez Rhoads

Secrets, shadows, and Milton's Paradise Lost are woven together in a new YA fantasy. Mortal Sight by Sandra Fernandez Rhoads. Enclave Publishing, 2020. 304 pages. ...
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The Door on Half-Bald Hill by Helena Sorensen

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

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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Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson: A Discussion

Sometimes, we just have to "discuss" a book instead of merely write a review of it. Come eavesdrop as Betsy and Megan discuss Adorning the ...
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The Fellowship: A Discussion

Reading about the Inklings, Hayley and Megan discuss The Fellowship, an excellent book for Tolkien and Lewis enthusiasts. The Fellowship: The Literary Lives of the ...
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*Dorothy and Jack by Gina Dalfonzo

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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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 ...
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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? ...
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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. ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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Shepherd Suspense Novels by Andrew Huff

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

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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Two Years before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana

Published 180 years ago, Two Years before the Mast remains a vivid portrait of 19th-century seafaring in early America. Two Years before the Mast by ...
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Dear Class of 2020

Whatever your plans were for this spring, they’ve probably been messed up in a big way. Maybe your plans for the summer, too. Homeschoolers don’t ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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*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, ...
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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 ...
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*The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Fleming

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

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

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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Presidents' Day Book List

Giant Presidents' Day Book List

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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5 Lent Devotionals (for Protestants)

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

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

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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2020 Reading Challenge for Kids and Teens is Here!

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

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

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

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

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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*Unwrapping the Names of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu

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

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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The Light Princess by George MacDonald {Rabbit Room edition}

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

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

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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Is Dracula Worth Reading?

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

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

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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Butterfly Yellow by Thanhha Lai

An unlikely romance tinged by tragedy makes Butterfly Yellow a winning read for mature teens. Butterfly Yellow by Thanhha Lai. Harper, 2019, 284 pages. Reading ...
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Go Build Something! Engineering Books for Boys (and Girls)

STEM is big in schools and publishing today, and many educators add an A to make STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Engineering ties ...
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4 Books About the Reading Life: a Literary Nightstand Round-Up

Book lovers love books about other book lovers. After all, we share the reading life in common: its challenges, its delights, its unique common language. ...
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Cookbooks for Kids and Teens: A Book List

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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House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin Craig

A dark fairytale retelling of the twelve dancing princesses for mature YA fantasy lovers House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig. (Delacorte Press), 2019, ...
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Captured by Alvin Townley

The ordeal of Jeremiah Denton in the “Hanoi Hilton” is not for the squeamish, but stands as a witness to courage and faith. Captured: an ...
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Tools for Leaving Home: a List for Fledgling Adults

A list of books that might help with the difficult transition from teen to adult in today's confusing culture. Let’s get one thing straight: A ...
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*Confronting Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin

Rebecca McLaughlin confronts some of the hardest questions faced by Christians today with thoughtful, engaging responses rooted in Scripture. *Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for ...
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Growing in Godliness by Lindsey Carlson

Compact and practical, Growing in Godliness offers wise advice to girls entering high school or college. Growing in Godliness: A Teen Girl’s Guide to Maturing ...
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*Transformed by Truth by Katherine Forster

Transformed by Truth offers a lifelong approach to Bible study with practical helps for teens and adults. *Transformed by Truth: Why and How to Study ...
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Family Vacation Book List: Fun for the Whole Family

Going on vacation this summer? What about daily trips to the pool and back? Perhaps you have some summer evenings on the porch planned. Sounds ...
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The Money-Smart Family System by Steve Economides

"Money smarts" begin at home in this family-oriented guide to teaching wise management. The Money Smart Family System by Steve and Annette Economides.  Thomas Nelson, ...
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Simple Summer Reading Challenge for Tweens and Teens

It's time for summer reading! Do your tweens and teens have summer reading assignments for school? Perhaps a classic or two and maybe a contemporary ...
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Summer Reading for Moms

Moms need book recommendations, too! Those of you who enjoyed the Faith, Fiction, and Fellowship Read-Along in the spring read through Christina Fox's Closer Than ...
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Reading Robin McKinley

"I'm reading a book that's a little slow." I told a friend. "Why not stop reading it?" It was a fair question, but it hadn't ...
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Pilgrim’s Progress Roundup

When you are ready to introduce your family to a classic edition of Pilgrim’s Progress, two simplified versions complement each other beautifully, providing solid familiarity ...
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The Odyssey: a Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds

This graphic-novel adaptation of The Odyssey has some beautiful panels and a few problems. The Odyssey: a Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds.  Candlewick, 2010, 248 ...
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The Iliad: a Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds

Gareth Hinds' adaptation of The Iliad is an excellent introduction to Homer's classic for middle graders and teens. *The Iliad: a Graphic Novel Adaptation by ...
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The Pilgrim’s Regress by C. S. Lewis

The Pilgrim’s Regress by C. S. Lewis.  Eerdmans, 2014, 256 pages.  (Originally published 1933 UK, 1935 US) Reading Level: Teen/adult Recommended for: ages 18-up In ...
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The Pilgrim Travels on: Literary References to The Pilgrim’s Progress

Few works of literature have had the cultural reach of John Bunyan's The Pilgrim’s Progress.  That’s pretty amazing—who would have thought an adventure story that ...
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Lovely War by Julie Berry

Lovely War is a satisfying romance that will leave readers with much to think about. Lovely War by Julie Berry.  Viking, 2019, 451 pages. Reading ...
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Adulting 101 by Josh Burnette and Pete Hardesty

Adulting 101: #Wisdom4Life by Josh Burnette and Pete Hardesty. Broadstreet Publishing Group, 2018. 192 pages. Reading Level: Ages 16 and up Recommended For: Ages 14 ...
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Sweeter Than Honey by Melissa Deming

Sweeter Than Honey offers readers a clear, step-by-step approach to studying the Bible. Sweeter Than Honey: Cultivating an Appetite for the Word of God by ...
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*Forward Me Back to You by Mitali Perkins

Mitali Perkins' latest novel takes two conflicted teens to India to confront human trafficking and challenges to their Christian faith. *Forward Me Back to You ...
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Hey Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Krosoczka, author of the Lunch Lady graphic novels, tells his own story in Hey Kiddo, a graphic novel memoir that is by turns harsh and tender. ...
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*Skyward by Brandon Sanderson

A beleaguered planet, flight school, and one young woman's quest to prove herself and clear her family honor combine in this excellent YA. Skyward by Brandon Sanderson. Delacorte Press, ...
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The Faithful Artist: an Interview with John Hendrix

John Hendrix grew up in St. Louis, left home to advance his art career, and eventually returned.  Along the way he spent some time as ...
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*You Who by Rachel Jankovic

You Who: Why You Matter and How to Deal with It is a refreshing take on the "find yourself" messages blaring from our culture for ...
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30+ Women in Church History: A Book List

Did you know that March is Women's History Month? Or that the theme for Women's History Month 2019 is "Visionary Women: Champions of Peace & ...
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*The Promise of Change by JoAnn Boyce

*The Promise of Change: One Girl's Story in the Fight for School Equality by JoAnn Allen Boyce and Debbie Levy. Bloomsbury, 2019, 309 pages including ...
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Roundup: Three Novels That Address Mental Illness

Three recent novels for middle-grade through YA feature characters with schizophrenia or depression. Where the Watermelons Grow by Cindy Baldwin.  HarperCollins, 2018, 245 pages. Reading ...
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Christians and Mental Illness: an Interview with Simonetta Carr

The author of Broken Pieces and the God Who Mends them shares further insights about her experience with schizophrenia. Our readers are familiar with Simonetta's ...
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*Monster Blood Tattoo Trilogy by D. M. Cornish

Foundling, Lamplighter, and Factotum by D. M. Cornish. G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2006-2010. Ages 12 & up. Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-14 Recommended for: ages 12 & ...
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*Broken Pieces and the God Who Mends Them by Simonetta Carr

*Broken Pieces and the God Who Mends Them: Schizophrenia Through a Mother's Eyes by Simonetta Carr.  Presbyterian & Reformed, 2019, 359 pages. Reading Level: Adult Recommended for: ...
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Pride and Prejudice: The Original and the Others

It's Valentine's Day. So, of course, we're going to talk about Jane Austen! Nothing can compare to the original, but Hayley and Betsy have been ...
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*The Young Man’s Guide to Awesomeness by Barrett Johnson

The Young Man's Guide to Awesomeness is a well-organized, humorous, straight-talking guide for young men as they mature into godly adults. *The Young Man's Guide to Awesomeness: How to Guard Your Heart, Get the Girl, and Save the World by Barrett Johnson. INFO For Families, 2017. 158 pages. Reading Level: Teen, ages 12 and up Recommended For: Upper middle grades and up (ages 10+) Growing up is never easy. There are physical changes, ...
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At the Well by Kristen Tiber

At the Well is a short book urging singles (teens and up) to wait on the Lord for marriage and for his timing. At the Well: Discovering God's Plan for Finding True Love by Kristen Tiber. Kristen Summers LLC, 2018. 146 pages. Reading Level: ...
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*What the Night Sings by Vesper Stamper

Moving and beautiful, this post-Holocaust novel offers hope after horror. *What the Night Sings by Vesper Stamper.  Knopf, 2018, 249 pages. Reading Level: Teen, ages ...
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Faith, Fiction, & Fellowship: A Read Along for Girls Ages 10-100

It's time to reclaim "Women's History Month" (March). How about "Women in the Church Month," complete with deep conversation about our shared faith, discussion about ...
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Birds of Pray by Rob Maaddi

A sports reporter who was with the Eagles as their dream team came together tells the story of their amazing Super Bowl Win. Birds of ...
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Did I Read That? Tracking Books with Notecards

Even before we started Redeemed Reader, I read a lot of books.  Sometimes I reviewed them for my own blog and sometimes I just wanted ...
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7 Books for Thoughtful Teens

Not every teen is hanging out in the YA section of the library, wallowing in teen angst.* Plenty of teens are ready for meaty, engaging ...
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Courage in the Face of Evil by Mark Shaw

Vera König must decide if she can trust the enemy in this moving, true Holocaust story of a Christian in Hitler's camps. Courage in the ...
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2019 Newbery Buzz #4: The Faithful Spy

Janie and Megan talk over one of the most impressive books we read this year: The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoffer and the Plot to Kill ...
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10 Favorite Christian Biographies

Heaven: A Family Reunion? I don't know what heaven will be like, but I imagine it as one big family reunion at a feast table. ...
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One-Size-Fits-All: Read Aloud Gift Books for the Whole Family!

Need a book idea you can give as a “whole family” gift? Perhaps you want to take along a little “happy” to the friend and ...
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Books for the Whole Year

The new year is a great time to begin something fresh, whether it is a new Bible-reading plan or a commitment to read a book ...
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Christmas Books for All Ages: A Booklist

Readers, we are thankful for YOU! And, in honor of our appreciation for you, your faithful support of Redeemed Reader and encouragement to us, we're ...
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Preparing for Jesus by Walter Wangerin, Jr.

Preparing for Jesus is a fresh, imaginative Advent devotional that looks at each of the biblical characters in the Christmas story, trying to learn from them ...
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*Wild Bells: A Literary Advent by Missy Andrews

Wild Bells: A Literary Advent offers a beautiful Christian literary work, such as a poem, along with a reflection for each day of the Advent ...
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*Hallelujah: A Journey Through Advent with Handel’s Messiah by Cindy Rollins

Enjoy both Handel's Messiah and the season of Advent with this succinct-yet rich-guide to both. A good Advent family devotional option for busy families! *Hallelujah: A ...
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Heroes of WWII: A Book List for Tweens and Teens

World War II is perennially interesting and not just to history buffs! We've focused on church history the past couple of years during October, first ...
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Buried beneath the Baobab Tree by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani

Buried Beneath the Baobab Tree is a tough but vital read for thoughtful Christian teens. Buried Beneath the Baobab Tree by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani.  HarperCollins, ...
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*Tending the Heart of Virtue by Vigen Guroian

How do the classic children's stories awaken a child's moral imagination? And how does that awakening contribute to their spiritual development and training in virtue? ...
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