Project Bird Boy: Launch! (with one free download)

By Janie Cheaney | September 1, 2017

To be fair, doubts about Roy Ray Rappaport were perfectly understandable.  Except for bats, winged mammals are so rare they’re assumed to be myths.  Even seeing is not always believing.  Besides, Roy Ray was not born rare, or not in a way anyone noticed.  His father worked in a paint factory and his mom raised…

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10 True Stories for Teens

By Betsy Farquhar | August 28, 2017

10 True Stories for Teens It’s hard to beat a good, true story. Something about the it really happened aspect just makes it better, don’t you think? If your teen (or you!) enjoys strong narratives full of action and plenty to talk about, check out the true stories for teens below, many of which feature the…

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The Bird Boy Project: Liftoff! (and spectacular giveaways)

By Janie Cheaney | August 25, 2017

One week from today, we’re starting a unique opportunity for young readers (ages 8-12) and their parents, teachers, and/or older siblings.  A fuller explanation can be found at the announcement post, but in brief: I’m in the final stages of revising my next children’s novel, a “realistic” fantasy (I know, that sounds like an oxymoron)…

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Back-to-School Booklist, 2017 edition (+ Giveaway!)

By Betsy Farquhar | August 21, 2017

Have your kids already started school? Or perhaps that’s still to come in the next couple of weeks. No matter what stage of back-to-school season you’re in or whether you’re a homeschool family or fans of traditional school, check out our annual Back-to-School Booklist! Back-to-School Booklist As usual, our Back-to-School Booklist features books for all ages,…

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Are Your Kids Reading-Ready for College?

By Janie Cheaney | August 19, 2017

Do you have a high school senior who plans on heading out to college this fall?  Or a college freshman who’s already there?  If so, you might expect to encounter a “recommended summer reading list” for incoming freshmen.  Lately some colleges have gone one step further with common reading programs, in which all first-year students…

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Announcing: The Bird Boy Project!

By Janie Cheaney | August 18, 2017

If you’ve been following Redeemed Reader for the last few years, you may remember some of the read-alongs we’ve done, such as The Hobbit, Pilgrim’s Progress, and several books in our reading series.  Today we’re announcing a chance to read a novel that hasn’t been published yet—both a preview and an invitation to advise the…

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Get Ready for the Eclipse! Space and Sci-Fi Booklist

By Betsy Farquhar | August 16, 2017

Ready for the Eclipse? Have you tested out your eclipse glasses? Do you know where you’re going to be on August 21 when the eclipse happens? Are you planning to travel to a better spot, or are you one of the lucky ones who’s already in a 100% coverage zone? Do you have your eclipse…

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Wisdom & Wonder Giveaway Winners!

By Betsy Farquhar | August 11, 2017

We hope everyone enjoyed our summer of Wisdom & Wonder! Everyone who subscribed to the special Wisdom & Wonder newsletter received an entry into our giveaway. Those who participated in other forms (coloring pages, responding to newsletter questions, and more) received additional entries. Thanks to all who participated! We are happy to announce our three…

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How to Read Aloud Hard Books: 5 Steps

By Betsy Farquhar | August 7, 2017

Love to read aloud, but stumble over the hard books? You’re not alone. Hard books are hard to read aloud. They just are. Even for the experts. I have read aloud thousands of books in my various careers as mom, English teacher, school librarian, and home educator. Some are easy: I used to know Llama, Llama Red…

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Wisdom & Wonder Week 6: Generosity and Love in Literature

By Betsy Farquhar | July 26, 2017

Betsy: It’s hard to believe we’re at the end of our Wisdom & Wonder Summer Reading Challenge! On a personal level, this has been a rewarding study for both my kids and myself. I have been working through the NavPress LifeChange Proverbs study guide we recommended for teens and up, and it has been very…

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