Back Porch Book Chat: Gina Dalfonzo (Writer, Book Reviewer)

By Betsy Farquhar | September 7, 2020

Back Porch Book Chat: A casual, virtual conversation about books. Join us as we chat with book lovers like ourselves about a topic we all love! Our guest today is Gina Dalfonzo, currently on staff with Christ and Pop Culture. Check out her bio after the interview for more about Gina. Interview conducted by Betsy.Getting…

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Shakespeare at the Movies

By Janie Cheaney | August 23, 2020

Almost all of Shakespeare’s plays have been filmed at one time or another. Here’s a list of wide-release features.

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Finding Truth for Toddlers: Why Good Stories Matter

By Hayley Morell | August 18, 2020

A children’s book is the first time you can introduce your toddler to someone beyond yourself —beyond a person they know— who understands them.

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*The Roar on the Other Side by Suzanne Underwood Rhodes

By Betsy Farquhar | August 17, 2020

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 Underwood Rhodes. Canon Press, 2000. 192 pages. Reading Level: Teens, ages 12 and up Recommended For: Teens, ages 12 and up Poetry starts with silence–not silence in the world but…

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Not All Stories Are Created Equal

By Janie Cheaney | August 14, 2020

The “Power of Story” is an article of faith among authors, librarians, and other bookish people. But beware its limitations.

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12 Substitutions for The Kite Runner

By Betsy Farquhar | August 11, 2020

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 are learning to read as adults; the high school literature canon reflects that: The Great Gatsby, Great Expectations, Lord of the Flies, Fahrenheit 451, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Shakespeare….…

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cover of kite runner

Is The Kite Runner OK for 10th Graders?

By Betsy Farquhar | August 10, 2020

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? Is it okay for him to read?” “My 15-year-old daughter was assigned The Kite Runner for school. I’m not comfortable with her reading it. Can you recommend a substitute?” And…

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Four Good Books for Littles

By Megan Saben | July 29, 2020

Young children need Truth, and it’s never too early to begin. Board Books by Danielle Hitchen, illustrated by Jessica Blanchard. Baby Believer series. First Bible Basics: A counting primer An excellent God-centered, doctrinally solid, appealing introduction to the Bible and the Trinity. One God, two natures of Christ, three persons in the Trinity, four gospels…eight…

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God Will Provide … Yes, Even the Books

By Betsy Farquhar | July 27, 2020

My friends, have you been swapping books? Last week, I got to visit three young friends of mine (and their mother). I traded wildflowers from my yard for books from my friend. #winwin I also talked her girls into reading Farmer Boy, even though it’s not about Laura. We discussed how many books there are…

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Homeschool Resources Worth the Money

By Betsy Farquhar | July 23, 2020

Are You Homeschooling in 2020? This school year is starting off like no other, isn’t it? My husband and I both grew up attending private schools. I earned a teaching degree in college (and later a school library degree), and I’ve worked in both public and private institutions. I love school: the traditional calendar, the…

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