Raising Readers
Newbery Buzz #3: Ferris
By Hayley Morell |
Betsy and Hayley discuss Ferris by Kate DiCamillo, another new favorite. (See our starred review, here.) Hayley: Betsy, it's no secret I love Ferris. In ...
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Where Did the Ratings Go?
By Hayley Morell |
This post was first shared in our weekly newsletter. If you'd like to subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates: book reviews, book trivia, and ...
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Reading K. M. Shea’s Clean Urban Fantasy
By Hayley Morell |
Snarky heroines, quick banter, action, adventure, and a dash of romance are all components to K. M. Shea’s urban fantasy novels, but are they suitable ...
Read More RR Quarterly Links
By Betsy Farquhar |
Direct links for RR content referenced in the Quarterly! The Christian Publishing Issue (November, 2023 Issue (vol. 4.4)) Christian Romance: Part of a Well-Balanced Diet? ...
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How to Throw a Book-themed Party for Kids
By emily |
(Originally published at Redeemed Reader on July 10, 2013, in connection with that year's Summer Reading Challenge) This week on our Summer Reading Challenge, we're ...
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5 Souvenirs from Narnia
By Betsy Farquhar |
(Originally published on Redeemed Reader September 21, 2015) Some places we visit once as tourists. Once we have a souvenir, have checked off the "must ...
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Gladys Hunt on Getting Them to Sleep
By Janie Cheaney |
Go to Sleep Books Originally posted on the Tumblr Website, June 23, 2009 A new mother told me that her baby received four copies of ...
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Gladys Hunt on Developing a Sympathetic Heart
By Janie Cheaney |
Editor's Note: This month's Honey for a Child's Heart Read-Along looks at Chapter 23, "Nourishing Your Child's Spiritual Life." This must include a sympathetic heart ...
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Gladys Hunt on Taking Notice
By Janie Cheaney |
Editor's Note: The Honey for a Child's Heart Read-Along is focusing this month on Chapter 7 ("Honey from the Rock") and Chapter 23 ("Nourishing Your ...
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Newbery Honor: Iveliz Explains it All by Andrea Beatriz Arango
By Janie Cheaney |
Iveliz Explains It All follows a 13-year-old girl into depression following a traumatic event, with signs of hope toward the end. Iveliz Explains It All ...
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Why Your Church Nursery Needs a Library
By Megan Saben |
The Lord has been challenging my reading skills and assumptions lately, both humbling and teaching me in the process. I had offered to teach a ...
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Gladys Hunt on Enduring Value
By Janie Cheaney |
Editor's Note: The "something new" Gladys Hunt notes below has been around awhile now and changes have occurred which she would probably have deplored. Something ...
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Gladys Hunt on Award-Winning Books
By Janie Cheaney |
Editor's Note: On Monday, the American Library Association announces its annual Youth Media Awards But how many of the honored books will still be read ...
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*A Dragon Used to Live Here by Annette LeBlanc Cate
By Hayley Morell |
In a whimsical tale within a tale, two royal children discover that their castle (and their own mother!) have a very interesting past. A Dragon ...
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Gladys Hunt on Metaphor and Imagination
By Janie Cheaney |
Editor's Note: Continuing this month's Honey for a Child's Heart Read-Along, we're thinking further about value of literary fantasy. A Metaphor Says This is Like ...
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Gladys Hunt on the Value of Fantasy
By Janie Cheaney |
Editor's Note: We kick off the New Year, and Month #5 of our Honey for a Child's Heart Read-along, with one of the most popular ...
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Gladys Hunt on Recognizing the Good
By Janie Cheaney |
Editor's Note: In our Honey for a Child's Heart Read-Along this month, we're considering Chapter 15: "First Books for Readers." Settle in for some good ...
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Graphic Novels: Invisible and Twin Cities
By Janie Cheaney |
Invisible and Twin Cities present mind-broadening views of Latin American immigrants and nationals. Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez and Gabriela Epstein. Scholastic Graphix, 2022, 197 ...
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Home Library Management: Heart Issues
By Megan Saben |
Help! I have too many books! Is this a familiar concern? Of course you wouldn't want to blame the books. An abundant home library is ...
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Just Look Around: Sato the Rabbit, One Boy Watching, and The Boy Who Loved Maps
By Janie Cheaney |
These picture books, Sato the Rabbit, One Boy Watching, and The Boy Who Loved Maps, are about using imagination and paying attention. Sato the Rabbit ...
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The Fort by Gordon Korman
By Janie Cheaney |
Five boys find an unexpected place to come to terms with troubling life issues: The Fort. The Fort by Gordon Korman. Scholastic, 2022, 239 pages. ...
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Ukraine: Lessons in Liberty and Compassion, Part 1
By Hayley Morell |
This post was originally published in 2014, shortly after Ukraine's Maidan Revolution. Emily's reflections and application are still timely today. From Emily: As my kids ...
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Newbery Roundup #2: Born on the Water, Starfish, Too Bright to See, and The Legend of Auntie Po
By Janie Cheaney |
The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by Nicole Hannah-Jones and Renee Watson, illustrated by Nikkolas Smith. Kokila (Penguin Random House), 2021, 37 pages. “My ...
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What about Aru Shah?
By Hayley Morell |
This is a question we often get at Redeemed Reader. In fact, there's a whole comment thread asking if we've reviewed it. Part of the ...
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J. R. R. Tolkien for Kids by Simonetta Carr
By Hayley Morell |
An interactive biographical introduction to Tolkien with 21 activities, J. R. R. Tolkien for Kids is perfect for middle grade Tolkien enthusiasts. J. R. R. ...
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*Steeped in Stories by Mitali Perkins: a Discussion
By Hayley Morell |
Steeped in Stories is a winsome, thought-provoking celebration of some beloved classics: a Redeemed Reader discussion. *Steeped in Stories: Timeless Children's Novels to Refresh Our ...
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The Redeemed Reader Bible Pilgrimage: Click and See
By Janie Cheaney |
On Monday, Betsy shared how she and her children traveled through the Bible using a series of survey chapters written by Emily Whitten and me. ...
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The Way of the Hive by Jay Hosler
By Janie Cheaney |
The Way of the Hive follows the life of a honeybee in clever graphic-novel style. The Way of the Hive: A Honey Bee’s Story by ...
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Mad for Ads by Erica Fyvie
By Janie Cheaney |
Mad for Ads opens the eyes of readers to the countless ways they are data-mined and targeted for advertising. Mad for Ads: How Advertising Gets ...
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Picture-book Roundup: The Floating Field, *Hugo and the Impossible Thing, Yes & No
By Janie Cheaney |
Three outstanding new picture books demonstrate how life is better when we work together. The Floating Field: How a Group of Thai Boys Built Their ...
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Learning to Find Good Books
By Hayley Morell |
How do we find good books? We get this question often at Redeemed Reader. Many of you are on the hunt for books: to satisfy a voracious ...
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The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family by Sarah Kepit
By Janie Cheaney |
The Finkels, a close-knit but complicated Jewish family, pose mysteries for the two middle sisters. The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family by Sarah Kepit. ...
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Picture Book Biographies for Black History Month
By Hayley Morell |
Learn about Aretha Franklin, Gwendolyn Brooks, and Elgin Baylor in these new picture books biographies. *R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul by Carole Boston ...
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We missed you at the birthday party!
By Megan Saben |
If you were happily able to attend Redeemed Reader's 10th birthday celebration, you might not have been able to take notes fast enough. If you ...
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Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston
By Hayley Morell |
Move over Percy Jackson and Harry Potter, there's a new girl on the block in Amari and the Night Brothers! Amari and the Night Brothers ...
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The Literary Family
By Betsy Farquhar |
Crossword Puzzle This didn't fit in our final issue, but it's a lot of fun. Print as many as you need! This is also the ...
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Friday Introductions: Hayley
By Hayley Morell |
Team Spotlight Hayley: Staff Writer, Admin Assistant, Newsletter Mastermind & Parrot Owner What does it look like behind the scenes at Redeemed Reader? We're taking ...
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The Clockwork Crow by Catherine Fisher
By Janie Cheaney |
Fans of Victorian fantasy will enjoy The Clockwork Crow, a series opener with fairies, automatons, and mystery. The Clockwork Crow by Catherine Fisher. Walker Books, ...
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Meet the Team: Hayley at Christmas
By Hayley Morell |
As 2020 draws to an end, we know we've added a lot of new readers. So, squeaking in for very last minute Christmas ideas, here ...
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Meet the Team: Megan at Christmas
By Hayley Morell |
As 2020 draws to an end, we know we've added a lot of new readers. So, just in time for last minute Christmas ideas, here ...
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Meet the Team: Betsy at Christmas
By Hayley Morell |
As 2020 draws to an end, we know we've added a lot of new readers. So, just in time for last minute Christmas ideas, here ...
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Meet the Team: Janie at Christmas
By Hayley Morell |
As 2020 draws to an end, we know we've added a lot of new readers. So, just in time for last minute Christmas ideas, here ...
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Bee Fearless by Mikaila Ullmer
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Have You Seen the Redeemed Reader Quarterly?
By Janie Cheaney |
Remember the days of full-color, glossy-paged print magazines that would arrive in your mailbox every month? Recall that pleasant sensation of opening up the latest ...
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More Than a Mystery Links
By Betsy Farquhar |
The first issue of the Redeemed Reader Quarterly is all about MYSTERY: The mystery of our union with Christ The lure of the Golden Age ...
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The Fellowship: A Discussion
By Hayley Morell |
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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Finding Truth for Toddlers: Why Good Stories Matter
By Hayley Morell |
During the months of lockdown, I babysat for a toddler with a growing vocabulary and a love for books. Monday through Friday, I would arrive ...
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Purple House Press: An interview with Jill Morgan
By Megan Saben |
Purple House Press revives delightful out of print stories for a new generation. 1. What motivated you to start Purple House Press? Back in the ...
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Things Seen from Above by Shelley Pearsall
By Janie Cheaney |
For much needed perspective in middle-school, try looking at “Things seen from above.” *Things Seen from Above by ShelleyPearsall, with illustrations by Xingye Jin. Knopf ...
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Community in Staying Home and Dreaming of HOME
By Megan Saben |
There's a strange sense of community in reaching out while everyone is staying home. Because this pandemic is of great concern to the whole world, ...
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Trees: a Rooted History by Socha and Grazhowski
By Janie Cheaney |
Trees: a Rooted History explores the wonderful variety of tree life in a lavishly illustrated compendium. Trees: a Rooted History by Wojciech Grazkowski and Piotr ...
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Alaska Adventures
By Janie Cheaney |
The new movie version of The Call of the Wild opens today. Here's a roundup of books we've reviewed about the Alaska Gold Rush and ...
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Books We Loved
By Hayley Morell |
Ever wondered what it's like to listen in on our conversations? Here's a chance! Hayley, Janie, and Betsy talk about some of their favorite books ...
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The Night of His Birth
By Megan Saben |
"Sing out, my soul, the wonder..." How marvelous the mystery of giving birth to the Son of God! What might have been the musings of ...
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How to Raise a Reader by Pamela Paul and Maria Russo
By Janie Cheaney |
How to Raise a Reader focuses less on the “Why” and more on the “How” of fostering a love of literature in your own children. ...
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*We’re Not from Here by Geoff Rodkey
By Janie Cheaney |
We’re Not from Here delves into surprising depths while delivering a fast and fun science fiction adventure. We’re Not from Here by Geoff Rodkey. Crown ...
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We Met Dragons: A Celebration of Children’s Literature
By Hayley Morell |
Last week, in our newsletter, we asked our readers what books they thought of when they saw this poem by Jack Prelutsky. Photo from Division ...
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Slugs and Bugs Easy Readers
By Megan Saben |
Who Will Play With Me? by Randall Goodman. Broadman & Holman, 2019. 57 pages. Are We Still Friends? by Randall Goodman. Broadman & Holman, 2019. ...
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The Seven Worst Realities About Being a Bookworm
By Megan Saben |
The Seven Worst Realities About Being a Bookworm, according to a 10-year-old boy, are: 1. Appetite for reading surpasses appetite for meals ("H, what book ...
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Liberty Arrives! by Robert Byrd
By Janie Cheaney |
This oversize picture-book biography of the Statue of Liberty tells how she almost didn’t find a home. Liberty Arrives! How America’s Grandest Statue Found Her ...
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Joshua Harris and the Perils of Idolatry
By Janie Cheaney |
Our family began homeschooling in January 1985. Our children were in the middle of third and first grade, so it was a matter of grave ...
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Summer Books for Refugees
By Hayley Morell |
This month, Redeemed Reader will be donating every part of the commission we earn as Amazon affiliates to the Summer Feed and Read Program that works ...
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A Drop of Hope by Keith Calabrese
By Janie Cheaney |
Destiny moves in mysterious ways in A Drop of Hope, a fun and engrossing read for middle grades. A Drop of Hope by Keith Calabrese. ...
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*By the Great Horn Spoon by Sid Fleischman (Retro Read)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Jack and Praiseworthy must use their wits and resourcefulness if they are to strike it rich in California's goldfields in this funny middle grades novel. ...
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Recommended Graphic Novels: a Booklist
By Janie Cheaney |
I'm old enough to remember a time when "comics" were frowned upon as a cheap, inferior form of literature that kids shouldn't be wasting their ...
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Meet the Team: Hayley
By Hayley Morell |
Our Meet the Team post series concludes with Hayley, answering her own interview questions. Raised by readers: I just discovered this picture and love the ...
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Meet the Team: Megan
By Hayley Morell |
We’re taking some time and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the Redeemed Reader team. Today, Hayley interviews our Associate Editor and Staff Writer, Megan ...
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Celebrate Our Birthday With Us! (Hint: there will be giveaways!)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Did you know that Redeemed Reader's 8th birthday is this week? We're throwing ourselves a birthday party over on Facebook tomorrow night (Tuesday, 2/12)--and you're ...
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Meet the Team: Janie
By Hayley Morell |
We’re taking some time and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the Redeemed Reader team. Today, Hayley (RR's executive assistant) interviews our Editorial Advisor and ...
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Meet the Team: Betsy
By Hayley Morell |
As we head into 2019, we're going to take some time and give you a behind-the-scenes look at the Redeemed Reader team. So, with Hayley ...
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William Wilberforce on Real, Practical Christianity
By Betsy Farquhar |
Meet William Wilberforce William Wilberforce is best known as the 18th century Christian in British Parliament who helped usher in the end of the slave ...
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Sign Here: Twenty-Two Unofficially Official Pull-Out Forms
By Hayley Morell |
Perfect activity for your list-loving child on a cold winter’s day. Sign Here by Gabrielle Djanogly & Adele Mildred. Prestel Junior, 2018. 48 pages. Reading Level: Ages ...
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Family Literary Culture: Building rooms for the imagination with tradition, language and food
By Megan Saben |
“Honey!” I called downstairs, “would you please bring me Thomas the Tank Engine?” My two-year-old wanted to sit on the potty, and we have a ...
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2019 Reading Challenge for Kids and Teens
By Betsy Farquhar |
updated 10/21/19 READERS: Find info about the 2020 Reading Challenge here! The 2019 Reading Challenge for Kids and Teens Our 2019 Reading Challenge for Kids ...
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Christmas Book Flood (or, Betsy’s Family’s Christmas Eve Book Extravaganza)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Traditions Traditions are marvelous things, aren't they? The best traditions anchor our celebrations, our family and church life, and even our culture's collective experience. Sometimes, ...
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Reading as "Mother Culture": A Bibliographic Essay
By Betsy Farquhar |
Mother Culture In September, I was privileged to give a talk on the practice of reading as it relates to "Mother Culture" at a Charlotte ...
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Lively Lists: a Key Part of the New Redeemed Reader Companion!
By Betsy Farquhar |
Readers, we've been hinting at our upcoming Redeemed Reader Companion on social media, our newsletter, and, finally, an official post here on the website.... Wait. ...
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Philosophy, Science, Ethics: the Need for Science Fiction
By Betsy Farquhar |
Are You a Sci-Fi Fan? Are you a Trekkie? A Star Wars fan? Perhaps you've faithfully watched Dr. Who, Stargate, or Battlestar Galactica. Or perhaps you are a ...
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Disenchanted by Megan Morrison
By Hayley Morell |
Readers eager for more tales from Tyme will be disappointed by a story that is for more political than its precursor. Disenchanted: The Trials of ...
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Those Love Stories We Loved
By Janie Cheaney |
The RedeemedReader ladies recall our favorite "love stories" as teens, and rejoice that we grew out of them! But what do we like now? You ...
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Roll by Darcy Miller
By Hayley Morell |
In rural Minnesota, friendship and rolling pigeons combine in an enjoyable middle grade debut novel. Roll by Darcy Miller. HarperCollins, 2017, 224 pages Reading ...
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Sola Scriptura: The Bible is Pre-Eminent Among Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
500th Anniversary of the Reformation Tomorrow is the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther's famous act: the nailing of his 95 Theses on the church door in ...
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Reading Diana Wynne Jones: an Author Portrait
By Hayley Morell |
You just finished a good book. Now what? Many book lovers can relate to this sad, unsatisfied feeling. But what if you banished that feeling, ...
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Portrait of a Reader: The Adventurer
By Betsy Farquhar |
Portrait of a Reader is a new feature in which we try to "unpack" a particular kind of reader. The portraits will overlap; most people will ...
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Joplin, Wishing by Diane Stanley
By Janie Cheaney |
An 11-year-old girl discovers some truths about herself and her family in this novel with a touch of magic and mystery. Joplin, Wishing by Diane ...
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Sherri Dusky Rinker Interview
By Megan Saben |
If you are already fans of Sherri Dusky Rinker's delightful bestselling picture book Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, you will certainly enjoy the sequel, Mighty, Mighty ...
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Beyond the Bright Sea
By Janie Cheaney |
An isolated girl, raised by an adoptive father on a remote island, uncovers clues to her origins while learning more about the world and herself. ...
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Wisdom & Wonder Summer Reading “Anchor” Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
Join us for Wisdom & Wonder: our 2017 Summer Reading Challenge focused on Proverbs! Wisdom & Wonder We are going to be diving into the ...
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Retro Reads: Mei Fuh by Edith Schaeffer
By Betsy Farquhar |
This is a guest post by Candice Watters, blogger at Family Making. Her original, longer review of Mei Fuh appeared there first. Welcome, Candice! Travel ...
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Road Trip! 10 Audio Book Suggestions for the Whole Family
By Betsy Farquhar |
a popular post from our archives! Christmas is coming! And with it, lots of potential travel time...in the car...all together now.... If you're a screen-free-whilst-driving ...
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Church History October
By Betsy Farquhar |
See below for our list of church history resources! Next year marks the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s well known act of defiance against the church of ...
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The Virtual Nightstand
By Betsy Farquhar |
In lieu of our former "Book Bits" and "Web Newbery" posts, we're going to share a bit more of our personal reading lives with you, ...
Read More Sweet Home Alaska by Carole Estby Dagg
By Janie Cheaney |
Sweet Home Alaska by Carole Estby Dagg. Penguin, February 2016, 296 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-14 Bottom Line: An ...
Read More 5 Ways to Connect Legos and Literature
By Megan Saben |
What do you do when spring is shining and the kids are squirming? If you have a child who is enthusiastic about Legos, enrich their time ...
Read More Warning: Site Hacked
By emily |
Our site has been hacked. We are working on fixing the problem. Please bear with us (and pray for us!). "Like" us on Facebook for ...
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3 Irresistible Picture Books for Boys
By Megan Saben |
Pop quiz: What’s the funniest word in the English language? What competition is the fiercest? Do machines that are massive and gloriously noisy EVER have ...
Read More The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson
By Janie Cheaney |
Though probably the most honored children's writer of her generation, Katherine Paterson hasn't seen many of her books translated to film. This weekend will be ...
Read More Book Bits is Back! (2/5/16)
By Betsy Farquhar |
It's high time we revived Book Bits: a random collection of interesting book-related links and information found around the web. Enjoy! Beatrix Potter has a ...
Read More Betrayed by Books: Always Read with Discernment!
By Betsy Farquhar |
I'm all for diversity in books--after all, God's creation is full of so many different kinds of people and they are all created in His image. We ...
Read More Happy 150th birthday, Alice in Wonderland!
By Megan Saben |
Alice in Wonderland turned 150 years old this year! Here are seven of the many reasons I believe Alice is worth celebrating with a tea ...
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