Resources

How to (teach your kids to) Read Like an Editor

The Intro When I graduated from Ole Miss back in 2000 with my B.A. in English Literature, I was shocked to actually find a job ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 32

Once again, this week Janie and I have the honor of hosting Evan Hughes as our artist-in-residence.  We’ve been covering the scope of the entire ...
Read More

Web Newberys (August 20)

More noteworthy posts on kids' books and culture: 1.  Soccer Star Signs Middle-Grade Contract: If you're daughter loves soccer, especially Olympic soccer star Alex Morgan, ...
Read More

Make Your Mark: 2012 Student Writing Contest

As a former editor, believe it or not, I like critiquing manuscripts.  While I'm no C.S. Lewis, I have learned a few things about analyzing ...
Read More

Core Conundrum

In case you haven't noticed, it's back-to-school time. We will observe the season with curriculum-related posts this week and next.  First, a look at the ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 31

Once again, this week Janie and I have the honor of hosting Evan Hughes as our artist-in-residence.  We’ve been covering the scope of the entire ...
Read More

Sexual Integrity Resources for Teens

Janie and I have spent a lot of time preparing for our Fifty Shades trilogy coverage here on the site.  In case you missed it, ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge–Coming Soon!

Hey guys, this is just a quick note to say that we're not quite finished with the Bible Challenge this week.  Since we're working with ...
Read More

Facts of Life

Our 50 Shades of Gray discussion this week demonstrates how our sin nature turns God's gifts into perversions.  But sex is still a gift, and ...
Read More

Evan Hughes Art: Bible Reading Challenge, Week 30

This week Janie and I have the honor of hosting Evan Hughes as our artist-in-residence.  We've been covering the scope of the entire Bible in ...
Read More

‘Rooted’ Resources on Tolerance

The Conference We don't promote a lot of conferences at Redeemedreader, mostly because there aren't that many that touch on kids' literature from a Christian ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge Announcement

Big news about our Bible reading challenge!  1) While Carl is away, we have enlisted Evan Hughes, illustrator of William Boekestein's books among others, to ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 29

Guys, I want to apologize.  This week has been extra busy as we've prepared for 50 Shades and dealt with technical woes.  We also still ...
Read More

Kids’ Books On My Wishlist

It'll be a few more weeks before we join in the Back to School rompus, but if you're like me, you've been out browsing for ...
Read More

Web Newberys (July 23)

Noteworthy book-related articles and news: Olympic Christians:  Betsy at LiterariTea.blogspot.com reviews Zonderkidz kids' books about Olympic athletes.  Get 'em while they're hot! New Christian ereader:  ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 28

THE PROPHETS:  Jonah, Amos, Hosea Anybody for minor prophets?  When naming the books of the Old Testament, that's the category where we often stall out, ...
Read More

Christian Books for Burgeoning Readers

This summer I've been on a mission to find books with specifically Christian content for my kids.  We get plenty of great literature from the ...
Read More

Web Newberys, July 16

Noteworthy book posts I'm ruminating on these days: Big Truths for Little Kids:  a wise and thoughtful review of Susan Hunt's classic book at The ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 27

THE PROPHETS:  Elijah ?The great days of the kings are over.  God promised to divide the kingdom after Solomon's time, doctor and (surprise!) that's just ...
Read More

The Hero’s Journey: A Teaching Tool

On Tuesday,> Janie talked about the Higgs boson, and the search for what's under the surface in physics.  Today, I've invited Nathan Huffstutler, a writing ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 26

THE KINGS:  Solomon's Fall ?It's clear this week that although Solomon was the pinnacle of earthly kings, he wasn't the King the Israelites were waiting ...
Read More

Author Interview: Carol Swain on Religious Freedom

Dr. Carol Swain is a Vanderbilt law professor with numerous publications--books and articles--to her credit.  Before joining Vanderbilt in 1999, Dr. Swain was a tenured ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 25

THE KINGS:  Wisdom Solomon was the wisest earthly king ever before or ever since.  Where did he get that wisdom?  And how can we get ...
Read More

American Originals

Those delegates to the Second Continental Convention probably had no idea what they were creating when they signed a certain document back in July of ...
Read More

Podcast 14: Susan Olasky on the Revolutionary War for Kids

Compared to the aristocracy in Europe, these were really modest people and they weren't perfect people...[but] they really lived motivated by these ideas.   If you ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 24

THE KINGS:  Solomon and the Temple This week we come to the apex of Israel's earthly glory: Solomon's reign as symbolized by the construction of ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 23

THE KINGS:  David's Fall David sees something he wants.  Something he really, really wants.  And now we see writ large why, though he is called ...
Read More

Tough Guy: An Interview with Andrew Klavan

Andrew Klavan's new novel, Crazy Dangerous, is the story of complicated characters in a complex world.  Not necessarily the story you'd expect from a Christian ...
Read More

Dad-lit: Views and Interviews

Over the past 16 months since launching this website, Janie and I have the opportunity to interview a number of authors and cultural critics who ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 22

THE KINGS:  David We've already seen King Saul and what happens when he follows his own heart instead of God.  This week we'll see how ...
Read More

Bunk Beds, Backpacks and Bibles

Summer- camp stories are a staple in children's literature--we reviewed one worthy example on Tuesday.  But for today, let's look at "real life."  Do your ...
Read More

More Picture Books on Death: 5 Recommendations

(Sorry to all of you who read this post earlier!  It wasn't supposed to be posted until this afternoon...but I accidentally published it last night ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 21

THE NATION:  Failure Thanks to Janie for covering for me this week!  I've been on a very blessed reprieve this week, but Janie and Carl ...
Read More

Summer Vacation Audiobooks

Last year about this time, I did a vacation audiobook post. I'm actually on vacation myself right now, so I can't do as thorough a ...
Read More

Welcome to College: Caity Interviews Jonathan Morrow

This interview was conducted by one of our interns, Caity Kullen, an English Literature major at Oklahoma State University.  Thanks, Caity!   If you'd like to ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 20

THE NATION:  Saul The people wanted a king, so God let them have their way.  Saul is crowned, and everything is coming up roses for ...
Read More

In Memory – Picture Books For Memorial Day

Memorial Day, like Veterans Day, is one of those overlooked observances that to government, library, and bank employees means a chance to catch up or ...
Read More

Posts for Laid-Back Parent Wanna-bes

With summer approaching, I'm frantically trying to piece together a summer "curriculum" for my kids, as well as researching what we'll study next fall.  Exciting ...
Read More

Thriving at College: An Interview with Alex Chediak

A handbook of practical wisdom for the would-be college student. Essential summer read for every incoming freshman.--Dr. Gene Veith, provost of Patrick Henry College About ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 19

THE NATION:  Samuel First and Second Samuel represent a transition period from the time of the judges to the first earthly king of Israel.  Before ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge – Week 18

THE NATION: RUTH Happy Mother's Day!  This week's Bible Reading Challenge is actually appropriate for the Mother's Day--as long as we include mothers-in-law. How do ...
Read More

Mother’s Day: Our Interview with Susan Hunt

Last Thanksgiving, Janie and I had the privilege of speaking with Susan Hunt on the subject of encouraging thankfulness in kids...and in ourselves!  We thought ...
Read More

Summer Book Fun

Looking for fun, educational things to do with your kids this summer?  Here are a few book-related ideas: Book Vacations Do It Yourself Book Tours: ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 17

THE NATION: FAILURE! Remember that promise the people made to Joshua after his farewell speech: "We will serve the Lord"?  Well, they did, sort of.  ...
Read More

Interview with Avengers Illustrator, Sergio Cariello

Who is Sergio Cariello? With The Avengers movie opening in theaters this weekend, I invited Sergio Cariello--a Marvel comics illustrator who worked on Avengers comics--to ...
Read More

To The Avengers…and Beyond!

COMICS: Guy Kryptonite? Why do guys like comics so much?  Especially the super-hero variety?  It's an enigma I spent quite a lot of energy trying ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 16

  WEEK 16: THE NATION--HOME AT LAST Joshua is installed as leader of the Israelites, and it's time for them all to enter the Promised ...
Read More

Speaking of Poetry: An Interview with David Harrison

I've known David since the publication of my first novel, when we started seeing each other at children's book events.  He's tall, thin, and genial, ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 15

  WEEK 15: BLESSINGS AND CURSES This week we're reading through Deuteronomy, in which the Israelites are almost ready to enter the Promised Land.  Moses ...
Read More

Not-So-Secret Gardens for Kids

This week kicks off a fun week here at Redeemedreader: Poetry Week.  April is National Poetry Month, after all, and there are some great poetry ...
Read More

How Our Gardens Grow

Planting a garden is an exercise in faith—the assurance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen.  Young children are fascinated with ...
Read More

Podcast 14: American Girls, Dangers and Delights

What are the dangers and delights of the American Girls series of books?  I gave you guys an intro to this subject in an American ...
Read More

Graduation Gifts for Teens

We're fast approaching graduation day at many schools, so I thought it might be worth tossing out a few books to brighten your celebrations. 1.  ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 14

THE NATION: Sacrifice How can an unholy people approach a holy God?  Leviticus helped God's people answer that question many years ago, and even though ...
Read More

Picture Books on Death (You’ll Never See)

I thought with a subject that is so dour today, I thought I could do a little inside-out reporting and tell you all about the ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge: Happy Easter!

No new material this week.  We're celebrating the risen Lord--in my case by worshiping and then taking a Sunday nap!  If you don't want to ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 13

    THE NATION: TABERNACLE It's clear God's people can't keep the law.  They aren't worthy to be His people.  So, is God going to ...
Read More

Redeemedreader on World Magazine Radio… and Beyond!

On Your Radio This week Redeemedreader--as represented Janie, Caity Kullen (intern), Morgan Lee (friend of the blog), and me--virtually met with Nick Eicher of World ...
Read More

Kingstone Part 2: Interview and Babylon

By Redeemed Reader intern Jack Mertens Today I continue my series on Kingstone Comics, begun on Monday with reviews of two of Marvin Olasky's graphic ...
Read More

RR Podcast 12: Simonetta Carr on Pinocchio and Christ in Italy

Introduction A few weeks ago, I posted a written interview with Simonetta Carr on her novel for young readers, The Weight of a Flame: The ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 12

          THE PEOPLE: FAILURE! After receiving the law from God on Sinai, this week we learn about how the Israelites experience ...
Read More

A Children’s Guide to Pilgrim’s Progress

Last October, Janie and I celebrated Reformation Day with a read-along of Pilgrim's Progress for families.  Janie covered the original book for older kids, while ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 11

The Lord leads His people to the same mountain where he spoke with Moses from the burning bush--Mt. Horeb, also called Sinai.   Israel is in ...
Read More

Saturday Review: Books for Beginning Readers

I read a lot of books for this blog.  All the ladies at the circulation desk at the Greene County Library (bless their hearts!) know ...
Read More

Talking Over the Hunger Games, Part One

Since Susanne Collins’ Hunger Games trilogy (reviewed here) has sparked so much discussion in school cafeterias and dorm rooms (not to mention break rooms and ...
Read More

Simonetta Carr on Reformer Olympia Morata

Simonetta Carr is one of my favorite authors writing about historical subjects today.  Her care for historical detail shows in all her biographies for children, ...
Read More

Our Easter Basket

Rather than do a more traditional Easter post, I thought that this morning I'd create a small "bookstore" of some of my Easter favorites.  Here ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 10

THE PEOPLE: Deliverance This week we go deeper into Moses' story, and how God used him to bring His people out of slavery and on ...
Read More

A Parent’s Guide to Environmentalism in Children’s Literature, Part Two

Wrapping up our two weeks of Lorax-inspired environmental emphasis, how do children’s books specifically reflect growing concern about our care of the earth?  Because of ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 9

    THE PEOPLE: Moses Today we look at how God grew Israel's family into a new "people", and how God worked deliverance for them ...
Read More

Parents’ Guide to Environmentalism in Kids’ Literature

What is Environmentalism? With the movie version of The Lorax hitting theaters this weekend, man's role in shaping and caring for the environment is back ...
Read More

The Lorax: A Podcast with Dr. James Wanliss

This Friday, The Lorax opens in theaters nationwide.  It's a movie based on Dr. Suess's book by the same name, and it deals with issues ...
Read More

Christ in Literature: The Anansi Stories

We started our February series on African folktales with an interview with a Christian from the Congo and a stack of books.  We followed that ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 8

This week we look at that boy with the amazing technicolor dreamcoat!  But what's really important about Joseph is not his fancy coat.  God has ...
Read More

Interview with Author Jane Kurtz on African Stories

More African stories!  Today, we hear from Jane Kurtz, who was raised by missionary parents in Ethiopia.  Since then, she's come to live in the ...
Read More

Happy Presidents’ Day! No, really…

Better Than Little Obama Debbie Cakes Let's go ahead and admit it.  Nobody really cares about Presidents' Day.  I mean, maybe a few history buffs, ...
Read More

Africa: A Literary Adventure and Podcast!

This month my local public library is offering a marionette show of African folktales starring Anansi the spider. It's a unique way to celebrate Black ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 6

Last week as you recall, we made a switch from "Problem" mode to "Promise" mode--we made the problem, God will fix it.  Abraham was the ...
Read More

Dickens Resource Roundup: Web and Video

On the web Even without a Dickens bicentennial to ramp them up, there are lots of Dickens sites, containing links to other sites containing links ...
Read More

A Roundup of Dickens Resources: Books

My first exposure to Charles Dickens was the original Classics Illustrated edition of A Tale of Two Cities.  The last panel of Sidney Carton climbing ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 5

Thanks again to picture book illustrator, Kevin Luthardt, for creating our Story Bible art today!  To read more about him and his advice for your ...
Read More

Happy Birthday, Mr. Dickens!

Charles Dickens was born on February 7, 1812, which makes this coming Tuesday his bicentennial.  They’ve been making a big deal of it for some ...
Read More

Interview with Kevin Luthardt

I was introduced to Kevin Luthardt's work many years ago, when I was but a mere Operations Assistant at Peachtree Publishers.  I thought his work ...
Read More

Japanese Literary Adventure: Study Notes

I hope you guys have enjoyed learning a little more about Japanese literature with our guests Roger Lowther and Dr. Mike Sugimoto this month.  As ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 4

Study Guides: .pdf Download: Ages 4-8, Week Four .pdf Download: Ages 9-13, Week Four Make Your Own Story Bible Resources: .pdf Download 1: Story Bible ...
Read More

Mike Sugimoto on Japanese Literature for Kids

In case you missed it, here is the Introduction post to our Japanese Literary Adventure.  And here's a link to our interview with Roger Lowther, ...
Read More

Oscar Night for Librarians

Actually, it’s not at night, but first thing in the morning.  And there are no backless evening gowns or acceptance speeches (those come later).  But ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 3 (Jan. 22)

Wow, week 3!  This week we'll be studying Noah, so put on your rainboots! Study Guides: .pdf Download: Ages 4-8, Week Three .pdf Download: Ages ...
Read More

So Your Kid Wants to Be a Writer?

Maybe your child realizes his aptitude in writing, or maybe he doesn't--but you do.  What are some things you can do to foster that talent ...
Read More

Raising Readers: An Interview with Alan Jacobs

Alan Jacobs is Professor of Literature at Wheaton College, where he went to teach for two  semesters and stayed for 28 years.  Teaching is his ...
Read More

A Dialogue on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

For a long time now, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has been more than just mere mortal in our culture.  His courageous work against oppression ...
Read More

Bible Reading Challenge, Week Two (Jan. 15)

Can't believe week two is already here! Study guides: .pdf Download: Ages 4-8, Week Two .pdf Download: Ages 9-12, Week Two FYI: The Make-Your-Own-Story-Bible directions ...
Read More

RR Podcast 10: Roger Lowther on Japanese Literature

This interview is part of our Japan: Literary Adventure.  See Part One for an introduction as well as links to the books we talk about ...
Read More

Japan: A Literary Adventure

Little One-Inch and Other Japanese Children's Favorite Stories.  Compiled by Florence Sakade.  Illustrated by Yoshisuke Kurosaki.  Tuttle Publishing. Tokyo, 2008.  50 pgs.  Ages 4-10. The ...
Read More

Reading Challenge, Week One

I'll go ahead and admit it.  Janie and I really aren't fully prepared for this post.  We birthed the Reading Challenge idea roughly two weeks ...
Read More

Our 2012 Bible Reading Challenge: an Introduction

I was raised in a denomination that took the Bible very seriously: “We speak where the Bible speaks, and are silent where the Bible is ...
Read More

Intern-al Machinations

I'll be honest, Janie and I didn't really know what to expect when we decided to advertise for an intern.  We hoped to rangle up ...
Read More

2012 Reading Challenge and Bible Adventure

ONE STORY, ONE BIG ADVENTURE Judging by the success of Sally Lloyd Jones' The Jesus Storybook Bible and R. C. Sproul's new book, What's in ...
Read More

Top 5 Posts of 2011

It's been an exciting year.  We launched Redeemedreader back in February of 2011, and since then we've been sprinting to keep up.  So most of ...
Read More

Dystopian Download

Yesterday on our site, we offered a review of both book and movie, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  But of course, it's not the ...
Read More