Ages 10-12
Beauty and the Beast: Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly
By Janie Cheaney |
This novelized spin-off of the movie doesn't have the same dramatic tension, but stands up well as a story-within-a-story. Beauty and the Beast: Lost in ...
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Cupid and Pscyhe by M. Charlotte Craft
By Megan Saben |
Fans of mythology, fairy tales and lovely picture books will enjoy the Crafts’ Cupid and Psyche. Cupid and Psyche by M. Charlotte Craft and illustrated by ...
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To See or Not To See: The RR Team Reflects on the New Beauty and the Beast
By Betsy Farquhar |
This discussion is part of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure this month. The text below reflects several ongoing discussions the Redeemed Reader team has had via ...
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Movie Night: One Night with the King
By Janie Cheaney |
The Bible has always provided material for the big screen, with the 1950s and early 60s being the golden age, perhaps of scripture cinema. I ...
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Beauty and the Beast by Nancy Willard and illustrated by Barry Moser
By Betsy Farquhar |
Beautiful, lengthy prose accompanied by striking woodcut illustrations make this retelling a good fit for intermediate and middle grade readers. Beauty and the Beast by Nancy Willard ...
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Beauty and the Beast – Devotional #2: the Beast
By Betsy Farquhar |
See our first Beauty and the Beast Devotional if you missed it! This is part of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure which is focusing ...
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Exploring Ugliness
By Janie Cheaney |
As part of our “Beauty and the Beast” focus this month, our staff got together and brainstormed books and other resources (such as movies) that ...
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Movie Night: Penelope
By Janie Cheaney |
What’s a girl to do if she’s born with a pig’s nose? If her family has money, that’s some consolation, but Penelope’s family is also ...
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Beauty and the Beast – Devotional #1
By Janie Cheaney |
Me and My Mirror Is there anyone reading this who has never, in their lives, spent time staring into a mirror seeking out all the ...
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*The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson
By Betsy Farquhar |
An epic middle grades fantasy series full of adventure, toothy cows, heroes and heroines, and dragons. *The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson. Rabbit Room Press. ...
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*Wingfeather Tales (The Wingfeather Saga) edited by Andrew Peterson
By Betsy Farquhar |
A delightfully diverse collection of "tales" written and illustrated by a group of authors and illustrators who are themselves fans of the Wingfeather Saga! *Wingfeather ...
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The Midnight War of Mateo Martinez by Robin Yardi
By Janie Cheaney |
A new best friend, a pushy little sister and two thieving skunks cause no end of trouble for Mateo in this quirky tale. The Midnight ...
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If the Magic Fits by Susan Maupin Schmid
By Janie Cheaney |
This light-hearted fantasy mystery is perfect for girls who like spunky housemaids, personable princesses, and delightful dresses. If the Magic Fits (100 Dresses #1) by ...
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*100 Cupboards Series by N. D. Wilson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Henry discovers 100 cupboards that lead to other worlds in this complex middle grades fantasy series that mirrors the creation-fall-redemption narrative framework of Scripture. 100 ...
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Valentine’s Day 2017 – We’ve Been Here Before!
By Janie Cheaney |
All of us here at RedeemedReader.com love a good romance, and over the years we've written about some of our favorites. Not all romance is ...
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Freedom over Me by Ashley Bryan
By Janie Cheaney |
An actual slave ledger from 1828 inspires this group portrait of eleven African Americans who remain free to dream. Freedom over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their ...
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*Answering the Cry for Freedom by Gretchen Woelfle
By Janie Cheaney |
These brief biographies of 13 African Americans during the Revolutionary War demonstrate the power of self-determination as well as the power of faith. *Answering the ...
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You Can Fly by Carole Boston Weatherford
By Janie Cheaney |
You’re black. It’s 1941. Uncle Sam’s poster I WANT YOU doesn’t include you and your dream of becoming a pilot. But sometimes dreams do come ...
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Teaching Discernment: Bad Words in Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
True Story: We're getting in the car after a park date with our homeschool friends, and one of my 9-year-old sons says: Mom! We learned some ...
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Every Single Second by Tricia Springstubb
By Janie Cheaney |
This thoughtful novel about growth, change, and community sensitively explores a girl’s relationship to her Italian-American family and Catholic faith. Every Single Second by Tricia ...
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Prognosticating the 2017 Newbery (and other ALA Awards)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Today’s the day Betsy and Janie haul out their crystal balls from under the clutter in the hall closet (Betsy moved across country this year, ...
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The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
By Janie Cheaney |
The Girl Who Drank the Moon is thoughtful fantasy with imaginative twists that mature readers will enjoy parsing out. The Girl Who Drank the Moon ...
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Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier
By Betsy Farquhar |
A blind boy and an enchanted knight set off on an epic quest in this middle grades fantasy adventure. Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes: A ...
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Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard by Jonathan Auxier
By Betsy Farquhar |
A wildly imaginative middle grades fantasy about the power of stories and the lengths to which we must go to protect them. Sophie Quire and ...
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Farewell to Richard Adams
By Janie Cheaney |
The last week of the year was an unusually intense news cycle, with a presidential transition, annual wrap-ups, and two prominent celebrity deaths back to ...
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2017 Newbery Buzz: Ghost and Booked
By Janie Cheaney |
Janie: Last Friday, we discussed two middle grade novels that were filled with sadness. Today we turn to a couple of sports-related novels by authors ...
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2017 Newbery Buzz: Pax and Wolf Hollow
By Betsy Farquhar |
January is Newbery month—that is, when the American Library Association holds their annual winter conference, the highlight of which is the ALA Youth Media Awards. ...
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*Zita the Spacegirl Series by Ben Hatke
By Betsy Farquhar |
Zita the Spacegirl and her intrepid friends battle the forces of evil in extra terrestrial dimensions in this lively graphic novel series. a review from ...
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*Tiger Boy by Mitali Perkins
By Janie Cheaney |
Tiger Boy, set in the Sundarban Islands, is a satisfying tale of courage and responsibility for younger middle-graders. a review from our archives! (originally published June ...
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The Mysterious Howling (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #1) by Maryrose Wood
By Betsy Farquhar |
Miss Penelope Lumley has been hired by Lord and Lady Ashton as governess to their three strange children in this delightful series opener. A review ...
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40 Books for Dads to Read to Their Kids
By Betsy Farquhar |
Strong father figures, adventures, humor, and general fun await! 40 books for DADS to read to their kids: fantasy, realistic fiction, historical fiction. Humor, adventure, ...
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“Just believe”–in Christmas!
By Janie Cheaney |
Recently it struck me that in no other religion is faith so central as Christianity. Think about it: generally speaking, Buddhism stresses contemplation, Islam action, ...
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Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photo by Roxanne Orgill
By Betsy Farquhar |
An iconic photograph comes to life in this well-crafted sophisticated, artistic picture book. This is a review by Pamela Palmer, a new addition to our Redeemed ...
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*The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart
By Betsy Farquhar |
A magic watch, a family secret, a mysterious city dictator, and one brave boy make for a great read in this clever, inventive mystery. One ...
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Pearl Harbor Child: an Interview with Dorinda Nicholson
By Janie Cheaney |
Her father was from Kansas City; her mother was native Hawaiian, and Dorinda Makanaonalani Stagner grew up on Pearl City Peninsula, just around the bend ...
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Dive! World War II Stories of Sailors and Submarines by Deborah Hopkinson
By Janie Cheaney |
This comprehensive history of submarine warfare in the Pacific will have WWII fans cheering and other readers quietly grateful for the sacrifices vividly detailed. Dive! ...
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Fires of Invention by Scott Savage
By Janie Cheaney |
This dystopian fantasy series (with steampunk overtones) kicks off with a fabulous mechanical flying beast and two intrepid teens. Fires of Invention (Mysteries of Cove ...
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Gears of Revolution by Scott Savage
By Janie Cheaney |
A dystopian/fantasy series continues with our heroes’ search for the legendary Leo Babbage Gears of Revolution (Mysteries of Cove #2) by Scott Savage. Shadow Mountain, ...
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*The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
By Megan Saben |
The first book in a top-notch series about an extraordinary thief and the intertwining of three kingdoms is amazingly well done. *The Thief by Megan Whalen ...
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The Coloring Book of Cards and Envelopes: Christmas
By Betsy Farquhar |
A whimsical collection of 24 cards and coordinating envelopes to color and share this Christmas! The Coloring Book of Cards and Envelopes: Christmas by Nosy ...
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The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay
By Janie Cheaney |
This update of Macaulay's classic reference guide to technology embraces the digital revolution with wit and (mostly) clarity. The Way Things Work Now by David ...
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*Some Writer! by Melissa Sweet
By Betsy Farquhar |
A wonderfully engaging biography of E. B. White for children: full of photographs, collage-style art, and interesting details. *Some Writer! The Story of E. B. ...
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2016 Winter Book Fair: Books For Everyone!
By Betsy Farquhar |
2016 Winter Book Fair Books for Everyone On Your Christmas List! We have chosen the best of the best, our personal favorites, and plenty of great ...
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Natalie Babbitt, 1932-2016, and The Search for Delicious
By Janie Cheaney |
Somewhere amid the news of the last two weeks (pretty intense news cycle, I understand) came word that Natalie Babbitt had died of lung cancer ...
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*Ugly: a Memoir by Robert Hoge
By Janie Cheaney |
In this true story, a boy born with a hideous face learns to not only accept himself, but help others see him for what he ...
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*Ghost by Jason Reynolds
By Janie Cheaney |
A kid from “the projects” learns to put speed in service of character building and achievement. *Ghost by Jason Reynold. Atheneum, 2016, 180 pages Reading ...
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*When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin
By Betsy Farquhar |
The power of stories is front and center in this beautiful, imaginative companion to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. Starred review. A 2016 Christmas ...
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*Ember Falls by S. D. Smith
By Janie Cheaney |
The Green Ember saga continues with desperate battles, unexpected heroism, and enough dangling plot threads to make readers eager for the next volume. *Ember Falls ...
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Grover Cleveland, Again! by Ken Burns
By Janie Cheaney |
In this attractive, mostly balanaced picture book, documentary filmmaker Ken Burns turns his narrative skills to introducing kids to our 44 (so far) presidents. Grover ...
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The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Patricia McCormick
By Betsy Farquhar |
Suspenseful prose and careful research make Bonhoeffer's brave actions come to life for teen readers. The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Unlikely ...
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Snow White: a Graphic Novel by Matt Phelan
By Janie Cheaney |
In this fairy-tale retelling, Snow White is updated to the late 1920s, with the stock-market crash and the early days of the Great Depression shaping ...
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*The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz
By Janie Cheaney |
This one-of-a-kind novel blends medieval history, fantasy, humor, adventure, and philosophical questions that have vexed the ages. *The Inquisitor’s Tale, or, Three Magical Children and ...
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Pastor, Blogger, Author, Editor: More Church History Recommendations for the Whole Family!
By Betsy Farquhar |
We've spent all month reading and learning about church history. It's been such a rich study with interviews and book reviews, but we are not ...
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Ghosts by Raina Telgemeir
By Janie Cheaney |
A much-acclaimed graphic novel by Raina Telgemeir pokes below the surface creepiness of "hauntings" to explore how we feel about death. Ghosts by Raina Telegemeir. ...
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*The Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thornton
By Janie Cheaney |
This fun and friendly compendium of Bible facts, everyday knowledge, history, how-to, wise counsel, apologetics, and doctrine is a terrific resource for every Christian kid. ...
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Saints and Heroes to the End of the Middle Ages by George Hodges
By Hayley Morell |
An engaging account of notable figures from the ancient church to the end of the Middle Ages. Saints and Heroes to the End of the ...
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The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste
By Betsy Farquhar |
Haitian folklore comes to life in this spooky story about jumbies, a brave girl and her friends, and oranges. The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste. Algonquin ...
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The Left-Handed Fate by Kate Milford
By Betsy Farquhar |
A swashbuckling, complex middle grades fantasy set on board an unlucky pirate ship in the midst of war. The Left-Handed Fate by Kate Milford. Henry ...
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Trial and Triumph/ *Radiant by Richard M. Hannula
By Betsy Farquhar |
Church history anthologies of men and women from all over the world in story format for middle grades and up! Trial and Triumph: Stories from ...
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Michelangelo for Kids by Simonetta Carr
By Janie Cheaney |
Simonetta Carr's contribution to the popular "For Kids" series presents the great artist as not only as a true "Renaissance man" but a man of ...
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*The Book of God by Ben Avery
By Janie Cheaney |
This comprehensive, accessible guide to the history of the Bible in graphic-novel format will have young readers referring to it again and again. *The Book ...
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*Miracle Man by John Hendrix
By Janie Cheaney |
A new “life of Jesus” picture book presents the Son of God as compelling and dynamic in word and deed. *Miracle Man: the Story of ...
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The Accidental Voyage by Douglas Bond
By Betsy Farquhar |
Mr. Pipes is back with Annie and Drew on a wild adventure in Italy as they simultaneously learn about the ancient church and its music. ...
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The Revolt by Douglas Bond
By Janie Cheaney |
The England of John Wycliffe is vividly portrayed as a crucible of revolution in this new historical novel The Revolt: a Novel in Wycliffe’s England ...
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*Brother Andrew: Behind Enemy Lines by Nancy Drummond
By Betsy Farquhar |
Read the remarkable story of a man who helped smuggle millions of Bibles into restricted countries in this middle grades biography. Brother Andrew: Behind Enemy ...
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Brother Andrew: God’s Secret Agent by Geoff and Janet Benge
By Megan Saben |
Andrew never expected that God would fulfill his desire for adventure by using him to smuggle Bibles to believers in communist countries. Brother Andrew: ...
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The Book of Languages by Mick Webb
By Janie Cheaney |
In spite of some evolutionary speculation in the first pages, The Book of Languages is a fascinating and comprehensive introduction to a neglected subject. The ...
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Monks and Mystics by Mindy and Brandon Withrow
By Betsy Farquhar |
Book 2 of the History Lives series offers an exciting look at the Medieval Church: its movers and shakers and controversies. Part of our Church History ...
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Peril and Peace by Mindy and Brandon Withrow
By Betsy Farquhar |
Book 1 of the History Lives series is full of brave martyrs, famous figures, and early church activity. Peril and Peace: Chronicles of the Ancient ...
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Five Children on the Western Front by Kate Saunders
By Janie Cheaney |
Edith Nesbit's classic characters go ten years into their future in this thought-provoking sequel. Five Children on the Western Front, by Kate Saunders. Delacorte, 2016, ...
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Hundred Percent by Karen Romano Young
By Janie Cheaney |
This insightful novel about the awkward years between 11 and 14 could make a useful discussion starter for mothers and daughters. Hundred Percent by Karen ...
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Will’s Words by Jane Sutcliffe and John Shelley
By Betsy Farquhar |
A casual weaving together of Will's words with our own shows just how much we owe to the bard in this cleverly illustrated picture book. ...
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Dollars and $ense by Elaine Scott
By Janie Cheaney |
A survey of economic policy through the ages introduces middle-graders to such topics as fractional banking and the national debt. Dollars and $ense: a Kid’s ...
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City Atlas: Travel the world with 30 City Maps by Georgia Cherry
By Janie Cheaney |
Cities rather than nations are the focus of this unique, colorful, and lavishly-illustrated oversize volume for elementary grades. City Atlas: Travel the World with 30 ...
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Kid Beowulf by Alexis Fajarda
By Janie Cheaney |
A venerable legend gets a total makeover with this new graphic-novel series that does for early Europe what the Astrix series did for Rome. Kid ...
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Kid Owner by Tim Green
By Janie Cheaney |
A 12-year-old inherits the Dallas Cowboys, leading to a unique set of challenges and opportunities for character growth. Kid Owner, by Tim Green. Harper, 2015, ...
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The Candymakers and the Chocolate Chase by Wendy Mass
By Betsy Farquhar |
Logan, Miles, Daisy, and Philip are off on a hunt to find the mystery chocolate in this fun follow-up to The Candymakers. The Candymakers and ...
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The Candymakers by Wendy Mass
By Betsy Farquhar |
Four children simultaneously solve a mystery and learn about teamwork in this sweet, chocolate-y mystery. The Candymakers by Wendy Mass. Little, Brown, 2010. 480 pages. ...
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Our 9/11 Book List
By Janie Cheaney |
If you've been with us for the last few months you doubtless saw Betsy's reviews of two recent, highly-regarded middle-grade novels about the worst foreign attack ...
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The Voyage to Magical North by Claire Fayers
By Janie Cheaney |
Friendly pirates, malicious magicians and imaginative geography make this middle-grade series starter fun and even a bit thought-provoking. The Voyage to Magical North by Claire ...
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Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes
By Betsy Farquhar |
A tender exploration of the aftermath of 9/11 as one girl begins to understand her father's connection to the events. Towers Falling by Jewell Parker ...
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Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin
By Betsy Farquhar |
Four seemingly unconnected middle school kids are each connected to the events of September 11 in ways that help them mature and learn compassion. Nine, ...
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*The Ology by Marty Machowski
By Hayley Morell |
In The Ology, children and families can access deep Biblical truths, carefully explained and gorgeously illustrated. The Ology by Marty Machowski, illustrations by Andy ...
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*God’s Design by Sally Michael and Gary Steward
By Betsy Farquhar |
Sally Michael's newest Making Him Known family devotional delicately handles roles of men and women, sexuality, and gender issues in a manner that invites whole ...
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Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan
By Betsy Farquhar |
"Don't judge a book--or a 5th grader--by its cover" is the message that comes through loud and clear in this heart-warming middle grades title. Save ...
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The Kids’ Book of Simple Machines by Kelly Doudna
By Betsy Farquhar |
A perfect instruction manual for young tinkerers who want to know how things work and how to leverage the six simple machines to build cool ...
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The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments by Miller, Homer, and Harrington
By Betsy Farquhar |
There's no excuse to be bored with this book lying around: chemistry, physics, the natural world, and even the human body are just a page ...
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Katie Friedman Gives up Texting by Tommy Greenwald
By Janie Cheaney |
Middle-graders who swear of texting for one week have to discover other means of communication, with mixed results. Katie Friedman Gives up Texting by Tommy ...
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*The Biggest Story by Kevin DeYoung
By Betsy Farquhar |
A vibrantly illustrated retelling of the story of the Bible: Jesus's redemption of God's people. *The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the ...
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Science Experiments You Can Eat by Vicki Cobb
By Betsy Farquhar |
Kids will love getting to eat their science projects in this clever, well organized book all about science. Science Experiments You Can Eat, Revised and ...
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Back-to-School Backpack List (2016)
By The Redeemed Shall Read |
Just in time for the start of a new school year with new pencils, new protractors, new textbooks: our Back-to-School Backpack Booklist! As is our ...
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*A Night Divided by Jennifer Nielsen
By Janie Cheaney |
The building of the Berlin Wall pits lovers of freedom against an oppressive regime in this gripping novel for middle graders. *A Night Divided by ...
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Mayday by Karen Harrington
By Janie Cheaney |
In Mayday, 13-year-old Wayne discovers that even a plane crash can have a silver lining, and treasures may hide under life’s hard knocks. Mayday by ...
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Cooking Up Fun: ‘Roald Dahl’s Revolting Recipes’
By emily |
Roald Dahl's Revolting Recipes by Roald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake. Puffin, 1997. 32 pages. Reading Level: Ages 8-10 Recommended For: all ages ...
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The BFG by Roald Dahl
By Betsy Farquhar |
After the BFG snatches Sophie from her orphanage, she learns a lot about giants and the BFG makes a new friend in this quirky, British romp. ...
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Retro Reads: Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome
By Betsy Farquhar |
In this British children's classic, the brave Swallows (four siblings) are at war with the piratical Amazons (two sisters) in one glorious summer of sailing, ...
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The Eye of Midnight by Andrew Brumbach
By Janie Cheaney |
A thrilling tale set in 1920s New York pits three children against a foe that bears an uncanny resemblance to modern-day Islamism. The Eye of ...
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The Interrupted Tale (Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #4) by Maryrose Wood
By Betsy Farquhar |
Volume 4 of this funny middle grades series has Penelope, Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia back in London attempting to save the Swanburne School for Poor ...
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The Unseen Guest (Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #3) by Maryrose Wood
By Betsy Farquhar |
Volume 3 of this funny middle grades series has Penelope, Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia back in London attempting to save the Swanburne School for Poor ...
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The Hidden Gallery (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #2) by Maryrose Wood
By Betsy Farquhar |
Miss Penelope Lumley and her three young charges are off to London in this humorous, satisfying follow-up to the first in the series. The Hidden ...
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