book reviews
I Dared to Call Him Father by Bilquis Sheikh
By Betsy Farquhar |
A Pakistani Muslim woman recounts how God spoke to her, calling her out of her Muslim background, and how she dared to call him "Father" ...
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The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty
By Janie Cheaney |
A lightning strike turns a 13-year-old girl into a math genius, but she has a lot to learn about human relationships and living in the ...
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The Orphan Band of Springdale by Anne Nesbet
By Janie Cheaney |
Three "orphans" find their place in their community through music, forgiveness, and doing the right thing. Ages 10-15 The Orphan Band of Springdale by Anne ...
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*Sunny by Jason Reynolds
By Janie Cheaney |
Sunny takes us into the interior life of a track runner who doesn't want to run--so how can he stay on the team? Ages 10-14 ...
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Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce
By Betsy Farquhar |
Liam, a super tall 12-year-old, goes on a cosmic adventure in this light-hearted British science fiction story that includes subtle emotional weight. Cosmic by Frank ...
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*Tangerine by Edward Bloor
By Betsy Farquhar |
A realistic sports story that is so much more than a sports story, Tangerine blends soccer, environmentalism, bullying, racism, and physical disability into a well-written, ...
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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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Rapid Fire: Five Recent YA
By Hayley Morell |
Reading YA takes time. Books often stretch to 400 plus pages, and sometimes at the end of the day, those 400 pages aren't worth an ...
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Look at the Weather by Britta Techentrup
By Janie Cheaney |
This picture book for all ages encourages readers to "look at the weather" while learning the basic causes of it. Look at the Weather by ...
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The Penderwicks at Last by Jeanne Birdsall
By Betsy Farquhar |
Longtime readers will enjoy Birdsall's Penderwicks at Last, a charming finale to this beloved middle grades series. The Penderwicks at Last by Jeanne Birdsall. Knopf, 2018. ...
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SuperGifted by Gordon Korman
By Janie Cheaney |
A “super-gifted” boy genius bites off more than he can chew in this middle school story told from multiple perspectives. Ages 10-15 SuperGifted by Gordon ...
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The Traitor’s Game by Jennifer Nielsen
By Janie Cheaney |
This YA fantasy adventure places a spunky nobleman’s daughter in the middle of a “traitor’s game” between her corrupt father and a compromised opposition. Ages ...
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Hunger by Donna Jo Napoli
By Betsy Farquhar |
Hunger stalks Lorraine and her family as they struggle to cope during Ireland's potato famine in this historical fiction middle grades novel. Hunger: A Tale ...
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Rethinking School by Susan Wise Bauer
By Janie Cheaney |
In Rethinking School, Susan Wise Bauer offers practical suggestions and background information for crafting the best education for your unique child. Rethinking School: How to ...
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A School for Brides by Patrice Kindl
By Janie Cheaney |
A fun romantic read for Jane Austen fans, A School for Brides is also very positive about marriage. Ages 12-18 A School for Brides by ...
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The Journey of Little Charlie by Christopher Paul Curtis
By Betsy Farquhar |
Little Charlie wants to do the right thing even as he agrees to go fetch runaway slaves up north in this gritty middle grades historical ...
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The Monarchs Are Missing: A Butterfly Mystery by Rebecca Hirsch
By Janie Cheaney |
Why is the population of Monarch butterflies declining? This book invites readers to ponder the mystery, and participate in the solution. The Monarchs Are Missing: ...
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How Does My Home Work? by Chris Butterworth
By Janie Cheaney |
This engaging picture book explains in simple terms the complex system that makes a house “work” How Does My Home Work? by Chris Butterworth, illustrated ...
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Voices of the Second World War
By Janie Cheaney |
A compendium of recollection from men and women who experienced World War II as children brings the past up close and personal. Voices of the ...
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Marvelous Math for Middle Grades
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Language of the Universe The language of the universe is math. Little else in the natural world reflects such a unique combination of truth, ...
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The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani
By Janie Cheaney |
A young girl in the middle of the Indian partition of 1947 shares poignant thoughts and fears in The Night Diary. Ages 12-15 The Night ...
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Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool
By Betsy Farquhar |
Early Auden is Jack's guide to Pi as they voyage to find the giant bear and complete their quest in this thought-provoking, intricate historical novel. Ages ...
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The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Matthew, housebound because of his OCD, uses his detailed observations of his neighbors to help solve the disappearance of a toddler in this middle grades ...
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The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill
By Hayley Morell |
Watch out Chicago, there’s a new amateur sleuth in town for this jazz age mystery! The Lost Girl of Astor Street by Stephanie Morrill. ...
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*New Shoes by Sara Varon
By Janie Cheaney |
A delightful journey into the jungle awaits Francis the Donkey on his quest to make new shoes for his favorite Calypso singer. *New Shoes by ...
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Raffie on the Run by Jacqueline Resnick
By Janie Cheaney |
Raffie, an intrepid subway rat, embarks on a fearsome quest to rescue his little brother in this lively animal adventure with memorable characters. Ages 8-12 ...
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With My Hands by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater
By Janie Cheaney |
With My Hands, a poetry collection for ages 5-10, celebrates the endless creativity of humans from the earliest ages. With My Hands: Poems about Making ...
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Rebound by Kwame Alexander
By Betsy Farquhar |
Charlie is struggling to rebound after his dad's death in this well crafted, middle grades verse novel full of comics, basketball, and a strong family ...
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The Wishmakers by Tyler Whitesides
By Janie Cheaney |
This fantasy series opener sends one young “wishmaker” and his personal genie on a wild ride to save the world—with consequences attached. The Wishmakers by ...
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The 11:11 Wish by Kim Tomsic
By Janie Cheaney |
A wish-granting clock is the unique agent in this tweener story about forming one’s principles against the desire to be popular. The 11:11 Wish by ...
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Hidden City by Sarah Grace Tuttle and Amy Schimler-Safford
By Betsy Farquhar |
Hidden City is an exuberant, colorful picture book that looks at the hidden and overlooked moments of beauty around us. Hidden City: Poems of Urban Wildlife by ...
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*Sled Dog School by Terry Lynn Johnson
By Janie Cheaney |
An academically-challenged boy gains confidence and learns responsibility when he opens a sled dog school. *Sled Dog School by Terry Lynn Johnson. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, ...
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Strongheart by Candace Fleming
By Janie Cheaney |
Strongheart, a real movie-star dog, acts out a movie scenario in this fun tale. Ages 7-11 Strongheart: Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen by Candace ...
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Bible Review: NIrV Adventures in Odyssey
By Janie Cheaney |
Though mostly for die-hard Odyssey fans, this edition of the NIrV includes some valuable kid-friendly features. NIrV Adventures in Odyssey Bible. Focus on the Family, ...
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Martin Rising by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney
By Betsy Farquhar |
Martin Rising is a exuberant, poetic homage to Martin Luther King for middle grades. Martin Rising: Requiem for a King by Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrated ...
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Bible Review: CSB Read-to-Me Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
Designed for parents of preschoolers, the CBS Read-to-me Bible offers a straight path from familiar Bible stories to the text itself. CSB Read-to-Me Bible. B&H ...
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Bible Review: CSB Kids’ Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
The CSB Kids' Bible, in various formats, provides ease of reading with helpful inserts. Ages 8-12 CSB Kids’ Bible. B&H Kids, 2018, 1568 pages. Recommended ...
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Bible Review: CSB Big Picture Interactive Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
The CSB Big Picture Interactive Bible presents an update of a respected translation with study helps and a story-telling app. Ages 6-10 CSB Big Picture Interactive ...
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Chasing King’s Killer by James L. Swanson
By Janie Cheaney |
The life-paths of Martin Luther King and James Earl Ray converge on a fatal day in Memphis, in this gripping account of a manhunt. Ages ...
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Bible Review: NIrV Seek and Explore Holy Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
The NIrV Seek & Explore Bible takes a learning-styles approach that will be helpful for some kids but distracting for others. Ages 6-10 NIrV Seek ...
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Bible Review: NIV Kids’ Visual Study Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
The NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible presents helpful notes, illustrations, and infographics in a unique layout. Ages 8-12 NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible, Zonderkidz, 2017, ...
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*Big Picture Bible Crafts by Gail Schoonmaker
By Janie Cheaney |
A great resource for Sunday school or art class, these Bible crafts will help kids learn while they create. All ages *Big Picture Bible Crafts: ...
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*Bible Review: ESV Big Picture Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
The ESV Big Picture Bible for pre-through-primary ages, features over 315 age-appropriate illustrations of unusual perspective and appeal. ESV Big Picture Bible. Crossway, 2015, 1375 ...
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*God’s Timeline by Linda Finlayson
By Janie Cheaney |
God’s Timeline is a valuable resource that pulls together the entire sweep of church history from the Resurrection to the early twenty-first century. *God’s Timeline: ...
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The Read-Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie
By Megan Saben |
Sarah Mackenzie offers a welcome and updated look at making connections with your family through books in The Read-Aloud Family. The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and ...
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*Twelve Days in May by Larry Dane Brimner
By Betsy Farquhar |
For middle grades and up: a photographic, journalistic look at those famous twelve days in May when a group of whites and blacks bravely tried ...
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8 Great Smarts by Kathy Koch
By Janie Cheaney |
8 Great Smarts shows parents how to recognize, encourage, and build on their child’s particular kinds of “smart.” 8 Great Smarts: Discover and Nurture Your ...
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*The Girl Who Drew Butterflies by Joyce Sidman
By Betsy Farquhar |
A beautifully crafted middle grades biography of a girl who drew butterflies back in the 1600s, changing the study of natural history in the process. ...
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*Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson
By Betsy Farquhar |
For middle grades: A compelling look into the life of Betty before X (Malcolm X) and the influence of the black church in the racially charged 1940s. ...
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The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution by Jonathan Stokes
By Janie Cheaney |
This jokey introduction to the American Revolution, latest in the “Thrifty Guide” series, presents accurate history along with the laughs. Ages 10-15 The Thrifty Guide ...
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*The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
By Janie Cheaney |
The Book of Boy breathes life into the squalor and splendor of the late middle ages, with the tale of a parentless child and a ...
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Becoming Madeleine by Charlotte Jones Voiklis and Lena Roy
By Janie Cheaney |
This biography by Madeleine L’Engle’s granddaughters draws on the author’s scrapbooks, journals, and memories to recount her life. Ages 12-up Becoming Madeleine by Charlotte Jones ...
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Pie-Themed Picture Books for Pi/Pie Day!
By Betsy Farquhar |
"Pi/Pie Day" is coming up on March 14th! Check out one of the pie-themed picture books below from your local library to enjoy with your ...
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Vintage Pies: Classic American Pies for Today’s Home Baker by Anne Haynie Collins
By Hayley Morell |
Here's a fun pie cookbook to help you recreate some of the vintage pies described in older literature and in your history books! Vintage Pies: ...
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The Vanishing American Adult by Ben Sasse
By Janie Cheaney |
U.S. Senator Ben Sasse diagnoses a serious problem with today’s young adults and writes a prescription for restoring the American spirit. The Vanishing American Adult: ...
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A Wrinkle in Time at Fifty Years
By Janie Cheaney |
A Wrinkle in Time was published 55 years ago and gets the full movie-treatment this month. In this repost from 2012 Janie wonders how well ...
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Nonfiction Picture Books Round-up: Biographies, Science, and Words
By Betsy Farquhar |
A round-up of 2018 nonfiction picture books on all sorts of subjects and for all sorts of ages! The Great Dictionary Caper by Judy Sierra and ...
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Survivor Diaries by Terry Lynn Johnson
By Janie Cheaney |
The Survivor Diaries series present 10-and-11 year olds in life-threatening situations, who find the courage to persevere and . . . survive! Ages 7-11 Survivor Diaries: ...
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Classic Reads: The Story of the Treasure Seekers by E. Nesbit
By Janie Cheaney |
This often-overlooked classic by the beloved fantasy writer introduces six children with lively imaginations and not much prudence. Ages 10-14 The Story of the Treasure ...
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*Abigail Adams: Witness to a Revolution by Natalie S. Bober
By Betsy Farquhar |
Starred review for this young adult biography that showcases a thoughtful--and thought-provoking--Abigail Adams against the backdrop of tumultuous American history. *Abigail Adams: Witness to a ...
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*Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes (Retro Reads)
By Betsy Farquhar |
75 years later, this Newbery-Award winning story about Johnny Tremain is still a great historical fiction read about the birth of America. *Johnny Tremain by Esther ...
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Grand Canyon by Jason Chin
By Janie Cheaney |
A father-daughter hike from Phantom Ranch to the south rim of Grand Canyon reveals its geological wonders. Grand Canyon by Jason Chin. Roaring Brook, 2017, ...
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Invictus by Ryan Graudin
By Janie Cheaney |
Invictus takes science-fiction to the max with a wild ride that involves time travel, doppelgangers, and parallel universes. Ages 15-up Invictus by Ryan Graudin. Little, ...
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Every Day by David Levithan
By Janie Cheaney |
The movie version of Every Day, based on David Levithan's YA novel of the same title, opens today. Here's our review from 2012 that addresses ...
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The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
By Janie Cheaney |
The Hate U Give, one of this year’s most acclaimed YA novels, offers a well-rounded, realistic picture of challenges faced by the black community (see ...
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Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson
By Janie Cheaney |
In Piecing Me Together, a Newbery honor book, a black teen in a low-income neighborhood carves out a place in the world through art and ...
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Picture Book Round-Up: 6 Multicultural Youth Media Award Winners
By Betsy Farquhar |
The 2018 ALA Youth Media Awards were announced last week, and children's lit fans around the country live-streamed the event (unless they were privileged to ...
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*Honey for a Teen’s Heart by Gladys Hunt
By Janie Cheaney |
Honey for a Teen’s Heart applies the wisdom of Gladys Hunt’s read-aloud approach to the adolescent years. Adult *Honey for a Teen’s Heart: Using Books ...
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Give Me Wings by Kathy Lowinger
By Janie Cheaney |
The little-known story of the Fisk Jubilee Singers demonstrates black talent, initiative, faith, and determination. Give Me Wings: How a Choir of Former Slaves Took ...
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Family Game Night by Mary E. Lambert
By Janie Cheaney |
A trio of siblings and their detached father come to the breaking point with their mother’s hoarding habit. Family Game Night and Other Catastrophes by ...
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Littler Women by Laura Schaeffer
By Janie Cheaney |
Littler Women pictures the four March girls as 9-to-13-year-olds growing up in a tight-knit family in modern-day Massachusetts. Littler Women: a Modern Retelling by Laura ...
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Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen by Deborah Hopkinson
By Betsy Farquhar |
This sweetly illustrated biography introduces young readers to the ordinary, extraordinary Jane Austen. Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by Qin Leng. ...
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*I’m Just No Good at Rhyming by Chris Harris and Lane Smith
By Megan Saben |
If you want to read this hilarious and thoughtful poetry book, hide it from your kids or else you'll never get a turn. I'm Just ...
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The Road to Ever After by Moira Young
By Janie Cheaney |
Myth and mystery haunt this road-trip story about an orphan boy, a lovable dog, and a bitter old woman. Ages 12-15 The Road to Ever ...
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Edge of Extinction Series by Laura Martin
By Betsy Farquhar |
Living on the edge of extinction: Cloned dinosaurs plus dystopian autocratic society plus a renegade band of treetop dwellers equals a fast-paced middle grades sci-fi ...
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2018 Newbery Buzz #3: Refugee
By Janie Cheaney |
Janie and Pamela continue our Newbery discussions with Refugee, a novel that carries political significance as well as literary value. Ages 12-15. Janie: Alan Gratz ...
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Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers
By Janie Cheaney |
Her Right foot introduces pre-readers and early readers to the Statue of Liberty and what she stands for. Ages 4-8 Her Right Foot by Dave ...
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Podkin One-Ear by Kieran Larwood
By Janie Cheaney |
Podkin One Ear is the first volume in an exciting fantasy series that celebrates individual courage and determination. Ages 8-12 Podkin One Ear (Longburrow #1) ...
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Bronze and Sunflower by Cao Wenxuan
By Betsy Farquhar |
Bronze and Sunflower is a gentle, thought-provoking peek into the cultural revolution in China, its effects on two children, and the importance of sacrificing for your family. ...
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Welcome to Lizard Motel by Barbara Feinberg
By Janie Cheaney |
Barbara Feinberg's memoir offers a fresh look at realistic children's fiction and how much literary suffering children should bear. Welcome to Lizard Motel: Children, Stories, ...
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2018 Newbery Buzz #2: Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder
By Betsy Farquhar |
We're back for our second Newbery Buzz discussion of 2019. Last week, Hayley and Janie discussed Tumble and Blue. This week, Hayley and I (Betsy) discuss Orphan ...
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Newt’s Emerald by Garth Nix
By Alysha |
Newt’s Emerald by Garth Nix. Katherine Tegan Books, 2015. 304 pages. Ages 12-15 Reading Level: Young Adult Ages 12-15 Recommended For: Young Adult 15+ ...
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*Irenaeus by Simonetta Carr
By Janie Cheaney |
Simonetta Carr continues her outstanding series of Christian-History biographies with Irenaeus of Lyon, a hero of the early church. Ages 8-12 Irenaeus (Christian Biographies for ...
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The Origins Trilogy by Keith Robinson
By Pamela Palmer |
The Origins Trilogy: Christian science fiction that simultaneously delivers good adventure AND reasoned arguments for Creation and the flood? Read on! Ages 16-up The Origins ...
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2018 Newbery Buzz #1: Tumble & Blue by Cassie Beasley
By Janie Cheaney |
It’s that time of year again! The American Library Association Youth Media Awards will be announced on Monday, Feb. 12, including the coveted Newbery Medal. ...
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Bound by Ice by Sandra Neil Wallace
By Janie Cheaney |
This gripping true tale of first North Pole exploration takes middle-graders into the frozen wastes for a saga of endurance. Ages 10-15 Bound by Ice: ...
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Exploring Space by Martin Jenkins
By Janie Cheaney |
Future astronauts will find many of their questions answered in this comprehensive, informative picture book, with fascinating cutaway illustrations. Ages 8-12 Exploring Space: from Galileo ...
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The River Doubt and the Amazing Amazon: 4 True Stories for All Ages
By Betsy Farquhar |
Teddy Roosevelt travels the River Doubt, Percy Fawcett hunts for the City "Z," and a tiny fish is making headlines in conservation efforts for the ...
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Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
By Janie Cheaney |
In Long Way Down, a grief-stricken and confused 15-year-old in "the projects" has a desperate choice to make after the death of his brother. Long ...
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Landscape with Invisible Hand by M. T. Anderson
By Janie Cheaney |
The always-interesting M. T. Anderson serves up another intriguing science-fiction concept that touches on economics, art, and religion. Landscape with Invisible Hand by M.T. Anderson. ...
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The Real McCoys by Matthew Swanson and Bobbi Behr
By Janie Cheaney |
A fun middle-grade series mixes classic mystery elements with wacky situations and wordplay. The Real McCoys by Matthew Swanson and Bobbi Behr. MacMillan Imprint, 2017, ...
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Culture Making by Andy Crouch
By Janie Cheaney |
Andy Crouch poses questions that should get Christians thinking about their role as “culture makers.” Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling by Andy Crouch. Intervarsity ...
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A Christmas for Bear by Bonny Becker and Kady MacDonald Denton
By Megan Saben |
Bear and Mouse add to their memorable experiences by celebrating Christmas together. Christmas for Bear by Bonny Becker and illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. Candlewick, ...
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*Disappeared by Francisco X. Stork
By Janie Cheaney |
Disappeared offers teens a complex look at making moral choices amid drug crime and kidnapping along the Mexican border. *Disappeared by Francis X. Stork. Scholastic, ...
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Poe: Stories and Poems: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Gareth Hinds
By Betsy Farquhar |
Poe: Stories and Poems is just as gripping, psychological, and scary in this well done graphic novel format as it is in the original prose. ...
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Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever. Edited by Betsy Bird
By Betsy Farquhar |
Quirky, funny stories written with middle school girls in mind. Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever. Edited by Betsy Bird. Viking, 2017. 224 pages. Reading Level: Middle ...
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*Honey for a Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt
By Betsy Farquhar |
Honey for a Child's Heart was one of the first books advocating for building a Christian family culture around books. *Honey for a Child's Heart by ...
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*The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
By Janie Cheaney |
The Vanderbeekers, a loving family with normal unloving moments, face a Christmas-eve challenge with humor and heart. *The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan ...
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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson: the Kids Discuss….
By Betsy Farquhar |
Four middle grades kids discuss The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: what stands out in this funny, modern Christmas classic? The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara ...
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The Explorer by Katherine Rundell
By Janie Cheaney |
Nonstop action, intriguing characters, and startling observations raise this adventure tale above the pack. The Explorer by Katherine Rundell. Simon & Schuster, 2017, 324 pages ...
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