book reviews
Fuzzy Mud by Louis Sachar
By Betsy Farquhar |
Are you brave enough to rescue a bully from a hazardous substance, at your own risk? A thought-provoking middle grades read from the author of ...
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The Mutant Mushroom Takeover by Summer Rachel Short
By Betsy Farquhar |
Bioluminescent fungi, a strange death, and zombie-like side effects threaten Maggie and Nate's small town. Can they solve the mystery in time to save the ...
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*Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri
By Janie Cheaney |
In this one-of-a-kind, richly evocative memoir, "Everything Sad" disguises an otherworldly joy. *Everything Sad Is Untrue (a true story) by Daniel Nayeri. Levine Querido, 2020, ...
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*Swift by R. J. Anderson
By Hayley Morell |
A young piskey girl searches for truth as danger threatens her home and loved ones. *Swift by R. J. Anderson. Enclave Publishing, 2020. 272 pages. ...
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Dust by Kara Swanson
By Hayley Morell |
Neverland spills into modern day life and sets two young people on a collision course in this YA fantasy. Dust by Kara Swanson. Enclave Publishing, ...
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Mortal Sight by Sandra Fernandez Rhoads
By Hayley Morell |
Secrets, shadows, and Milton's Paradise Lost are woven together in a new YA fantasy. Mortal Sight by Sandra Fernandez Rhoads. Enclave Publishing, 2020. 304 pages. ...
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Raising Lumie by Joan Bauer
By Janie Cheaney |
In Raising Lumie, a grieving girl gets a new family and a dog-owning dream fulfilled. Raising Lumie by Joan Bauer. Viking, 2020, 267 pages Reading ...
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The Door on Half-Bald Hill by Helena Sorensen
By Betsy Farquhar |
Idris, Bard of Blackthorn, is on a quest for answers in this darkly brooding fantasy for teens and adults. The Door on Half-Bald Hill by ...
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Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley: a Discussion
By Janie Cheaney |
Fighting Words takes on a difficult topic with a feisty, flawed, brave protagonist. Sometimes a novel appears that seems to require more than a simple ...
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*The View from Saturday by e. l. konigsburg (Book Club Edition)
By Betsy Farquhar |
*The View From Saturday by e. l. konigsburg. Atheneum, 1995. 176 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Middle grades and up, ages ...
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The Magic in Changing Your Stars by Leah Henderson
By Janie Cheaney |
An aspiring dancer has a chance to "change the stars" for his grandfather when he is transported back to 1930s Harlem. The Magic in Changing ...
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*Dorothy and Jack by Gina Dalfonzo
By Hayley Morell |
An excellent introduction to the friendship between C. S. Lewis and Dorothy Sayers. Dorothy and Jack by Gina Dalfonzo. Baker Books, 2020. 208 pages. Reading ...
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Comics: Easy as ABC! by Ivan Brunetti
By Janie Cheaney |
Comics: Easy as ABC! is an accessible introduction to drawing for young artists, but the content includes one big misstep. Comics: Easy as ABC! An ...
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Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang
By Janie Cheaney |
This latest iteration of the Superman legend by Gene Luen Yang includes familiar faces, social commentary, and historical context--also one big misstep. Superman Smashes the ...
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The Winter King by Christine Cohen
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Winter King by Christine Cohen. Cannonball Books, 2019. 360 pages. Reading Level: Young adult/teen, ages 12 and up Recommend For: Ages 12 and up ...
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Running Wild: Awesome Animals in Motion by Galadriel Watson
By Janie Cheaney |
Running Wild gives readers ages 6-10 new appreciation for the immense variety and careful design evidenced in animal motion. Running Wild: Awesome Animals in Motion ...
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Cubs in the Tub by Candace Fleming
By Janie Cheaney |
Cubs in the Tub is a warm-hearted true story that will be irresistible to baby animal lovers. Cubs in the Tub: the True Story of ...
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Orphan Eleven by Gennifer Choldenko
By Janie Cheaney |
Orphan Eleven combines historical events and a timeless theme to craft an engrossing story of orphans running away to join the circus! Orphan Eleven by ...
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5 Newbery Award Winners Better in Audio
By Betsy Farquhar |
What happens when Newbery award winners (and honors) are read aloud by skillful narrators? The books truly come alive. Audiobooks also bring diverse settings and ...
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Box by Carole Boston Weatherford
By Janie Cheaney |
Box is the remarkable true story of one man's bold plan to free himself from slavery. Box: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom by Carole ...
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*The Roar on the Other Side by Suzanne Underwood Rhodes
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer by Gillian Goerz
By Janie Cheaney |
Shirley & Jamila are an odd couple who learn a lot about friendship while solving neighborhood crimes. Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer by Gillian ...
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Is The Kite Runner OK for 10th Graders?
By Betsy Farquhar |
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? ...
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How to Be a Person by Catherine Newman
By Janie Cheaney |
How to Be a Person humorously introduces middle-graders to life skills both practical and thoughtful. How to Be a Person: 65 Hugely Useful Super-Important Skills ...
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Road Trip USA
By Megan Saben |
The sensible way to plan a vacation would be to decide months in advance where you want to go and how you want to get ...
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Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen by Anne Nesbet
By Janie Cheaney |
Daring Darleen, heroine of Saturday serials, stumbles into a real-life adventure in this clever saga from the early days of photoplays. Daring Darleen, Queen of ...
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The Arrow and the Crown by Emma Fox
By Betsy Farquhar |
Adventure meets fairy tale in this delightful fantasy read for teens (and their parents!). The Arrow and the Crown by Emma Fox. Independently published, 2019. ...
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My Name Is Tani by Tanitoluwa Adewumi
By Janie Cheaney |
My Name is Tani is the hopeful true story of a young boy who finds a place and a passion in America. My Name Is ...
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Four Good Books for Littles
By Megan Saben |
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 ...
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*When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohammed
By Janie Cheaney |
The new graphic novel When Stars Are Scattered brings the refugee experience into sharp yet sympathetic focus. *When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and ...
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The Asterix Series, American-style
By Janie Cheaney |
The now-classic Asterix comic series receives an American gloss in a new edition. Astrix Omnibus #1, 2, and 3 by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. ...
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Everybody Counts by Kristin Roskifte
By Janie Cheaney |
Everybody Counts is more than a counting book: it includes big numbers and big thoughts. Everybody Counts: a Counting Story from 0 to 7.5 Billion ...
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The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate
By Janie Cheaney |
The One and Only Bob stars the cynical, lovable mutt from Katherine Applegate's 2012 Newbery-award-winning novel. The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate. Harper, ...
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Rapid Fire: YA Fantasy, July 2020
By Hayley Morell |
Two series starters that fizzled and two new authors to enjoy. *Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer. Page Street Kids, 2020. 400 pages. The first ...
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Gyo Fujikawa: It Began With a Page….
By Betsy Farquhar |
Gyo Fujikawa When you grow up with an author/illustrator's books, they become part of your definition of "home" or "reading" or "friend." Gyo Fujikawa is ...
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Stand Up, Yumi Chung! by Jessica Kim
By Janie Cheaney |
Yumi Chung faces the classic teen dilemma: honor your parents or follow your dream? Stand Up, Yumi Chung! By Jessica Kim. Penguin Random House, 2020, ...
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Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang
By Janie Cheaney |
Dragon Hoops turns a high-school basketball championship season into a close-up look at life's changes and choices. Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang. First Second, ...
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1493 for Young People by Charles C. Mann
By Betsy Farquhar |
A fascinating historical look at globalization that covers botany, anthropology, politics, exploration, the slave trade, and more! 1493 for Young People: From Columbus's Voyage to ...
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American Lives: a Picture Book Roundup
By Janie Cheaney |
For Spacious Skies, Most Wanted, and Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word feature the promise of the American experiment. For Spacious Skies: Katharine Lee Bates ...
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*The Friend Who Forgives by Dan Dewitt
By Betsy Farquhar |
In The Friend Who Forgives, we read about impatient, impetuous Peter and his faithful, forgiving friend Jesus. *The Friend Who Forgives: A True Story About ...
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Jonah and the Very Big Fish by Tim Thornborough
By Betsy Farquhar |
Jonah and the Very Big Fish has fun with language and offers the full story of Jonah--there's more than the whale! Jonah and the Very ...
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The Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman
By Janie Cheaney |
The Blackbird Girls takes readers to the shadow of Chernobyl and the world's worst nuclear disaster. The Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman. Viking, 2020, 334 ...
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The Brotherband Chronicles by John Flanagan
By Betsy Farquhar |
Swashbuckling adventure with mythical Medieval Vikings? Sign me up. The Brotherband Chronicles by John Flanagan. Philomel, 2011-present. Reading Level: Ages 12-15Recommended For: Ages 12 and ...
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Gold Rush Girl by Avi
By Janie Cheaney |
An independent-minded young teen seeks adventure and finds maturity in Gold Rush Girl. Gold Rush Girl by Avi. Candlewick, 2020, 306 pages Reading Level: Middle ...
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*The Littlest Voyageur by Margi Preus
By Janie Cheaney |
A Canadian red squirrel takes to the river in The Littlest Voyageur, a charming animal story by a Newbery honor author. *The Littlest Voyageur by ...
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*This Is Our Constitution by Khizr Khan
By Betsy Farquhar |
An immigrant-become-US-citizen offers a powerful, personal explanation of our nation's Constitution for middle grades and up. *This Is Our Constitution: What It Is and Why ...
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My Fourth of July by Jerry Spinelli
By Janie Cheaney |
My Fourth of July by Jerry Spinelli, illustration by Larry Day. Holiday House, 2019, 38 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 4-8 Recommended for: ages ...
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A Ben of All Trades by Michael J. Rosen
By Janie Cheaney |
A Ben of All Trades: the Most Inventive Boyhood of Benjamin Franklin by Michael J. Rosen, illustrated by Matt Tavares. Candlewick, 2020, 30 pages. Reading ...
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We Could Be Heroes by Margaret Finnegan
By Janie Cheaney |
We Could Be Heroes puts together two "neurodiverse" youngsters in a misguided quest that results in real friendship. We Could Be Heroes by Margaret Finnegan. ...
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Stamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
By Janie Cheaney |
Stamped, a young-reader version of Kendi’s Stamped from the Beginning, is an engaging but one-sided picture of racism in America’s past. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and ...
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Shepherd Suspense Novels by Andrew Huff
By Betsy Farquhar |
Action-packed thrillers with a conscience and spiritual sensitivity, the Shepherd Suspense novels will hook teen readers. A Cross to Kill and Cross Shadow by Andrew ...
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Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte
By Janie Cheaney |
Show Me a Sign explores a little-known chapter of American history from the perspective of a Deaf protagonist. Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare ...
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The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd
By Janie Cheaney |
Growing dragons in Grandad’s garden leads to predictable hijinks in this light-hearted series opener. The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd, illustrated by Sam ...
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Ghetto Cowboy by G. Neri
By Betsy Farquhar |
Ghetto Cowboy tells a heartwarming story of family, hard work, and horses in the midst of urban Philly. Ghetto Cowboy by G. Neri and illustrated ...
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Three Picture Books illustrated by Jessica Linn Evans
By Betsy Farquhar |
Three new picture books from small publishers, perfect for young readers (and listeners). All are illustrated by Jessica Linn Evans, but the authors differ. Penguin ...
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Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson
By Janie Cheaney |
Ryan Hart, a next-generation Ramona Quimby, makes sunshine out of challenges in this warm-hearted series opener. Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson. Bloomsbury, 2020, ...
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*God’s Very Good Idea by Trillia Newbell and Catalina Echeverri
By Megan Saben |
God's design for diversity was beautiful from the beginning but marred by sin, requiring a Redeemer to rescue us from our mess. *God's Very Good ...
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Hey, Water! by Antoinette Portis
By Janie Cheaney |
Hey, Water! pictures the gift of water in all its forms, providing an accessible explanation of the water cycle for preschoolers. Hey, Water! by Antoinette ...
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Open Mic: Riffs on Life Between Cultures in Ten Voices, edited by Mitali Perkins
By Betsy Farquhar |
In Open Mic, ten writers of color team up to offer their experiences (or stories based on their experiences) in this frank, humorous collection for ...
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Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park
By Janie Cheaney |
Prairie Lotus, by Newbery author Linda Sue Park, offers a hopeful look at overcoming racism in the 19th-century American west. Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue ...
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Pirates by David Harrison and Dan Burr
By Janie Cheaney |
In Pirates, a collection of poems by David Harrison, adventure on the high seas was only a small part of life. The rest was boredom, ...
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Two Years before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana
By Janie Cheaney |
Published 180 years ago, Two Years before the Mast remains a vivid portrait of 19th-century seafaring in early America. Two Years before the Mast by ...
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Library’s Most Wanted
By Megan Saben |
Libby intends to round up all the offending library users for crimes of mistreating library resources, but the cost of her vigilance is high. Library's ...
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Lost in the Pacific, 1942: Not a Drop to Drink by Tod Olson
By Betsy Farquhar |
8 men struggle to survive when they're lost at sea in this "drama in real life" story for middle grades. Lost in the Pacific, 1942: ...
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Longitude by Dava Sobel
By Janie Cheaney |
Longitude, a recommended book for our "Hope on the Horizon" summer reading challenge, is a classic true tale of persistence rewarded. Longitude: the True Story ...
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Retro Reads: The Velveteen Rabbit and *Edward Tulane
By Janie Cheaney |
The classic story of the Velveteen Rabbit and more recent story of Edward Tulane demonstrate the nature of true love. The Velveteen Rabbit, or How ...
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Lois Lenski Books: A Sampling
By Megan Saben |
Lois Lenski books continue to be enjoyable and insightful reading for all ages. Lois Lenski Books Yesterday I shared a long-overdue introduction to an author ...
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Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan
By Janie Cheaney |
Mañanaland presents a dreamlike Latin-American landscape and a young boy taking a giant step toward adulthood. Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan. Scholastic, 2020, 247 pages. ...
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The Brendan Voyage by Tim Severin
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Brendan Voyage is the real life adventure story of a man who tried to recreate a Medieval legend: sailing across the North Atlantic from ...
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*Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker
By Janie Cheaney |
"The Real World" poses a creative challenge to a pair of enterprising middle-graders with conflicting motives. *Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker. HarperCollins, ...
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Village of Scoundrels by Margi Preus
By Janie Cheaney |
Village of Scoundrels fictionalizes a true tale of heroism from World War II. Village of Scoundrels by Margi Preus. Amulet, 2020, 299 pages Reading Level: ...
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*Things Seen from Above by Shelley Pearsall
By Janie Cheaney |
For much needed perspective in middle-school, try looking at “Things seen from above.” *Things Seen from Above by ShelleyPearsall, with illustrations by Xingye Jin. Knopf ...
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*Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt
By Betsy Farquhar |
Turner comes to understand himself, his father, his peers, his town, and his world in this bittersweet coming-of-age story set in 1912 Maine. *Lizzie Bright ...
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Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
By Betsy Farquhar |
In this classic survival story, Karana learns to fend for herself on an island after her tribe leaves for the mainland. Island of the Blue ...
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*Epic by Tim Challies
By Janie Cheaney |
Epic takes readers around the globe tracking down fascinating artifacts of Church history. *Epic: An Around-the-World Journey through Christian History by Tim Challies. Zondervan, 2020, ...
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Soul-Shaping Poetry: 2 Books for Teens and Adults
By Betsy Farquhar |
Soul-Shaping Poetry Have you ever stopped to think about how much poetry has shaped the Christian soul? Poetry is an intrinsic part of our worship ...
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Bible Review: NIV Heart of Gold Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
NIV Heart of Gold Bible. Zondervan, 2019, 1088 pages (9 point font) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 8-12 Though “girls” is ...
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Bible Review: NIV Ultimate Bible for Girls
By Janie Cheaney |
NIV Ultimate Bible for Girls. Zonderban, 2019, 1504 pages (9 point font) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 8-12 The Ultimate Bible ...
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Bible Review: NIV Artisan Collection Bible for Girls
By Janie Cheaney |
NIV Artisan Collection Bible for Girls. Zondervan, 2019, 1600 pages (9.9 point font) Reading level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 12-up The title ...
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Bible Review: NIrV Illustrated Holy Bible for Kids
By Janie Cheaney |
NIrV Illustrated Holy Bible for Kids. Zondervan, 2019, 1632 pages (8 point font) Reading Level: 3rd grade Recommended for: Ages 4-8 This new edition of ...
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Bible Review: CSB Seven Arrows
By Janie Cheaney |
CSB Seven Arrows: the How-to-Study Bible for Students. B&H Kids, 2019, 1350 pages (9.5-point font) Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 13-18 “Seven ...
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CSB Heart of God Study Bible for Teens
By Janie Cheaney |
CSB Heart of God Teen Study Bible. Baker, 2019, 1712 pages (9-point font) Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 12-18 The theme of ...
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Exploring the Bible Together by David Murray
By Janie Cheaney |
Exploring the Bible Together launches families on a year-long journey through Scripture in a way that’s both practical and effective. Exploring the Bible Together: a ...
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*Get Your Story Straight by Kristen Hatton
By Betsy Farquhar |
Get Your Story Straight is a straightforward devotional guide that invites teens to study the story of Scripture, focusing the real hero of the story. ...
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Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots by Michael Rex
By Janie Cheaney |
Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots offers an accessible introduction to a controversial subject. Fact vs. Opinions vs. Robots by Michael Rex. Nancy Paulson Books (PRH), ...
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*Honeybee by Candace Fleming
By Janie Cheaney |
The brief but complex life of a honeybee literally unfolds in these gorgeously illustrated pages. *Honeybee: the Busy Life of Apius Mellifera by Candis Fleming. ...
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*The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Fleming
By Janie Cheaney |
From hero to pariah: the life of Charles Lindbergh is a fascinating study. *The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Fleming. Schwartz + ...
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Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian Heidicker
By Janie Cheaney |
Scary Stories for Young Foxes, a 2020 Newbery Honor Book, may be more disturbing than encouraging. Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian Heidicker. Henry ...
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Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen by Marthe Jocelyn
By Janie Cheaney |
The Aggie Morton series introduces young readers to a young Agatha Christie, already solving crimes in her seaside home town. The Body under the Piano ...
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The Unteachables by Gordon Korman
By Janie Cheaney |
The Unteachables rounds up a class full of misfits and molds them into a prize-winning team. The Unteachables by Gordon Korman. Balzer + Bray (HarperColins), ...
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Ordinary Hazards by Nikki Grimes: a Discussion
By Janie Cheaney |
Every now and then we read a book that seems to warrant more than a standard review—even a starred one. That was Janie and Betsy’s ...
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Sunnyside Plaza by Scott Simon
By Janie Cheaney |
The mentally-challenged adults of Sunnyside Plaza step out of their comfort zone to solve a mystery. Sunnyside Plaza by Scott Simon. Little, Brown, 2020, 192 ...
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Two Graphic Novel Memoirs: Cub and Best Friends
By Janie Cheaney |
Shannon Hale continues her middle-grade memoir with Best Friends; Cynthia Copeland tells how she became a writer in Cub. Cub by Cynthia Copeland. Algonquin, 2020, ...
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In the Hall With the Knife by Dana Peterfreund
By Janie Cheaney |
In the Hall With the Knife kicks off a mystery series for teens based on the venerable board game, Clue. In the Hall with the ...
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Fever Year by Don Brown
By Betsy Farquhar |
Don Brown tells the story of Spanish Influenza in three acts in this graphic novel format nonfiction book for young teens. Fever Year: The Killer ...
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From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks
By Janie Cheaney |
Zoe Washington's peaceful life is disturbed by word from her incarcerated father--who may be innocent. From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks. HarperCollins ...
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China through Time by DK Publishing
By Janie Cheaney |
China through Time offers a unique perspective of social life over centuries. China through Time: a 2,500 year journey along the World’s Greatest Canal illustrated ...
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Picture Biographies Round-Up: Beverly Cleary, Aretha Franklin, George Washington Carver, and More!
By Betsy Farquhar |
Picture Book Biographies Round-Up, February 2020 edition This Picture Book Biographies Round-Up includes the following titles: Just Like Beverly (Beverly Cleary), Anna & Samia, A ...
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Everything Awesome about Dinosaurs by Mike Lowery
By Janie Cheaney |
A fact-packed and tongue-in-cheek resource for dinosaur fans, with a distinct evolutionary slant. Everything Awesome about Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Beasts by Mike Lowery. Orchard ...
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Trees: a Rooted History by Socha and Grazhowski
By Janie Cheaney |
Trees: a Rooted History explores the wonderful variety of tree life in a lavishly illustrated compendium. Trees: a Rooted History by Wojciech Grazkowski and Piotr ...
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