boys
Black Rock Brothers by S. J. Dahlstrom
By Janie Cheaney |
Wilder Good, now thirteen, continues his outdoor adventures with his biggest challenge yet. Black Rock Brothers (Wilder Good #5) by S. J. Dahlstrom. Paul Dry ...
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The Wright Brothers: Nose-Diving into History by Ben Thompson
By Janie Cheaney |
A new series about advances in technology begins with the indomitable spirit of the Wright Brothers. The Wright Brothers: Nose-Diving into History (Epic Fails #1) ...
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Illegal by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin
By Janie Cheaney |
Illegal, a graphic novel, puts readers into the perils of a refugee from Africa while stimulating important questions about refugees worldwide. Ages 12-15 Illegal by ...
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Al Capone Throws Me a Curve by Gennifer Choldenko
By Janie Cheaney |
The latest installment in the "Tales from Alcatraz" series deals with mature themes in a sympathetic, engaging way. Ages 12-15 Al Capone Throws Me a ...
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The Legend of Greg by Chris Rylander
By Janie Cheaney |
A humorous and action-packed take on the updated-legend genre (a la Percy Jackson) also offers interesting characters and conflict dynamics. Ages 12-15. The Legend of ...
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Sid Fleischman Biographies
By Janie Cheaney |
Near the end of his prolific career, Newbery medalist Sid Fleischman published remarkable biographies of three remarkable men. Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain, 1835-1910), Ehrich ...
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Fighting the Patriarchy, One Review at a Time
By Janie Cheaney |
Float is a fun summer read about boys being boys, but some of the reviewers had a problem with that. The protagonist of Float, by ...
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The American Revolution by Ben Thompson
By Janie Cheaney |
The latest addition to the "Guts and Glory" series is a readable and engaging history of the American Revolution for middle graders. Ages 10-15 The ...
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Calling All Minds by Temple Grandin
By Janie Cheaney |
A well-known scientist and autism advocate challenges middle-graders to put down their phones and make something. Ages 10-15 Calling all Minds: How o Think and ...
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Rick Riordan Presents: A Pagan State of Mind
By Janie Cheaney |
Three new series bearing the Rick Riordan name share an interest in pagan deities and a neo-pagan worldview. When Rick Riordan introduced his signature character, ...
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Retro Reads: The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
By Betsy Farquhar |
Read Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's adventure classic, The Lost World, a book that has clear links to Jurassic Park! The Lost World by Sir Arthur ...
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Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier
By Hayley Morell |
Mysterious maps, sea creatures, and an island kingdom where dark secrets threaten to emerge . . . All the makings for an excellent story. Isle ...
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Power Forward by Hena Khan
By Janie Cheaney |
Zayd's dream of playing basketball on his school's A-team clashes with his Muslim family's goals for him. Ages 6-10 Power Forward (Zayd Saleem, Chasing the ...
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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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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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Stuck in the Stone Age by Geoff Rodkey
By Janie Cheaney |
Stuck in the Stone Age offers a short course in story writing as well as a wacky time-travel adventure. Ages 8-12 Stuck in the Stone ...
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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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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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*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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Learning to Lead: Another RedeemedReader Booklist!
By Janie Cheaney |
In his Confessions, Augustine wrote this on the subject of "time": “I understand well enough what time is, so long as no one asks me.” ...
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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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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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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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*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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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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Here Be Dragons: Mega Fantasy and Sci-Fi Booklist! (All ages)
By Betsy Farquhar |
A mega fantasy and sci-fi booklist with books for all ages and all types of fantasy lovers (even those who don't think they ARE fantasy ...
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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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Roll by Darcy Miller
By Hayley Morell |
In rural Minnesota, friendship and rolling pigeons combine in an enjoyable middle grade debut novel. Roll by Darcy Miller. HarperCollins, 2017, 224 pages Reading ...
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The Whydah by Martin W. Sandler
By Betsy Farquhar |
Fascinating middle grades nonfiction about the Whydah: a slave ship turned pirate ship turned treasure hunter glory. The Whydah: A Pirate Ship Feared, Wrecked and Found ...
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*The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill
By Megan Saben |
Bottom line: When the big trucks take over the streets of New York, the pushcarts push back. Support your local vendor. The Pushcart War by ...
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Retro Read: Mr. Revere and I by Robert Lawson
By Megan Saben |
Mr. Revere and I: History as told by a horse in this humorous middle grades historical fiction. Mr. Revere and I: An account of a ...
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The Trail by Meika Hashimoto
By Janie Cheaney |
A boy takes to the Appalachian Trail to ease a guilty conscience, in this adventure novel for middle grades The Trail by Meika Hashimoto. Scholastic, ...
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Slider by Pete Hautman
By Janie Cheaney |
Slider uses the world of competitive eating as a context for exploring the agony and ecstasy of family relationships. Slider, by Pete Hautman. Candlewick, 2017, ...
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Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce
By Janie Cheaney |
In this far-out fantasy, an alien named Sputnik has to prove earth is worth saving. Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce. ...
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Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 3 (and our third giveaway!)
By Janie Cheaney |
Chapters 14-19 This section sees Roy Ray delivered to an entirely new setting, with new characters that, as we learn, are not entirely new. We’re ...
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Panda-monium by Stuart Gibbs
By Betsy Farquhar |
Panda-monium offers plenty of hi-jinks, animal facts, and quirky characters as Teddy solves the mystery of the theft of a prized giant panda. Panda-monium by ...
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Bird Boy Project: Discussion Forum 2 (and another great giveaway!)
By Janie Cheaney |
By chapters 8-13, we’re well into the development part of the novel, which (you may recall) I mentioned is the often the most difficult part ...
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Ben’s Revolution by Nathaniel Philbrick
By Janie Cheaney |
This young-reader history of the early days of the American Revolution views events through the experience of 12-year-old Ben Russell. Ben’s Revolution: Benjamin Russell and ...
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Magellan: over the Edge of the World by Laurence Bergreen
By Janie Cheaney |
This young reader edition of an adult nonfiction book explores the glory and agony (mostly the latter) of Magellan's epic voyage. Magellan: Over the Edge ...
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Project Bird Boy: Launch! (with one free download)
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Dragon Seed by Marty Machowski
By Janie Cheaney |
Dragon Seed by Marty Machowsky. New Grorwth Press, 2017, 179 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-14 Nick is furious. He’s ...
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Howard Wallace, P.I. by Casey Lyell
By Janie Cheaney |
A 7th-grade detective and his feisty sidekick sets up shop in this new mystery series with a distinctive, humorous voice. Howard Wallace, P.I. by ...
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The Many Worlds of Albie Bright by Christopher Edge
By Janie Cheaney |
This middle-grade science fiction novel includes enough human interest to make it engaging, enough real science to make it educational. The Many Worlds of Albie ...
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The Unexpected Life of Oliver Cromwell Pitts by Avi
By Janie Cheaney |
This rollicking adventure tale for middle grades by prolific author Avi takes us back to England of the 18th century. The Unexpected Life of Oliver ...
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Mighty, Mighty Construction Site by Sherri Dusky Rinker
By Megan Saben |
The hardworking construction team needs help! Working cheerfully, they get a big job done. Mighty, Mighty Construction Site by Sherri Dusky Rinker, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. Chronicle ...
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Way of the Warrior Kid by Jocko Willink
By Janie Cheaney |
Underachieving Marc learns how to shape up and think straight in this fictionalized self-help book by a former Navy SEAL. Way of the Warrior Kid: ...
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Undefeated by Steve Sheinkin
By Betsy Farquhar |
Undefeated is a fascinating account of how a group of talented, creative, and brave young Indians changed the game of football forever. Undefeated: Jim Thorpe ...
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The Battle of Seattle by Douglas Bond
By Betsy Farquhar |
A little known slice of American history comes to life in this Christian middle grades historical fiction novel about the Battle of Seattle. The Battle of ...
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Will Wilder series by Raymond Arroyo
By Janie Cheaney |
The Will Wilder adventure series, though not marketed as Christian, draws its inspiration from the Bible, with numerous biblical references embedded in a fast-paced narrative. ...
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Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke
By Janie Cheaney |
This exciting graphic-novel series opener pits a fatherless boy and an adventurous home-schooling girl against aggressive garden vegetables. Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke. First Second, ...
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The Infamous Ratsos by Kara LaReau
By Janie Cheaney |
This fun, award-winning early reader series features two tough siblings who can't help being nice. The Infamous Ratsos by Kara LaReau, illustrated by Matt Myers. ...
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The Martian: Classroom Edition by Andy Weir
By Betsy Farquhar |
A snarky, totally believable science fiction narrative for teens. The Martian: Classroom Edition by Andy Weir. Broadway Books, 2016. 400 pages. Reading Level: Teens, ages 15-18Recommended ...
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Elon Musk and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance
By Janie Cheaney |
Elon Musk and the Quest for a Fantastic Future (Young Readers edition) by Ashlee Vance. HarperCollins, 2017, 273 pages Reading Level: Teens, ages 12-15 Recommended ...
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Devotion by Adam Makos
By Hayley Morell |
It is Korea, 1950, and Jesse Brown, first African American carrier pilot in the Navy, has just crashed over enemy territory . . . ...
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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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American Ace by Marilyn Nelson
By Hayley Morell |
Engaging and short, one teenager's search for answers will leave readers wanting to learn more about the Tuskegee Airmen. American Ace by Marilyn Nelson. Dial ...
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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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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 ...
Read More *Encyclopedia Brown series by Donald J. Sobol
By Megan Saben |
A modest, well-read boy detective solves crimes great and small in these classic mysteries. Enjoy this post from the archives! (originally published July 8, 2015) ...
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Middle Grade Fiction with Fibonacci, Tesla, and More!
By Betsy Farquhar |
a post from the archives! (originally published March 26, 2014) When I was a child I read large numbers of mysteries and was always somewhat irritated ...
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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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Farewell to Artemis
By Janie Cheaney |
a review from our archives (first published September 18, 2012) Artemis Fowl: the Last Guardian, by Eoin Coffer. Hyperion, 2012, 336 pages. Age/interest level: 10-up ...
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Extreme Teens: YA Thrillers
By Janie Cheaney |
note: this post originally appeared on December 11, 2012. Enjoy this one from the archives! “. . . Courage is not simply one of the ...
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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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*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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*Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton
By Betsy Farquhar |
A delightful picture book biography about a boy who loved to tinker and grew up to work on rockets and invent America's favorite water gun! ...
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Fuzzy by Tom Angleberger
By Janie Cheaney |
Fuzzy may seem far-fetched, but it raises some interesting, real-world questions in an entertaining way. Fuzzy by Tom Angleberger and Paul Dellinger. Amulet, 2016, 253 ...
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Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz
By Janie Cheaney |
A 13-year-old saboteur in the Hitler Youth meets the challenge of his life in this page-turning World War II thriller. Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz. ...
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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 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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*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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Vote for . . . Whoever (A Re-post from 2012)
By Janie Cheaney |
In a campaign season, especially a big general election like this one, parents and teachers want to give the kids a clue what’s going on. ...
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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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*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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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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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 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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Josh Baxter Levels Up by Gavin Brown
By Janie Cheaney |
A 12-year-old video gamer learns to “level up” his academic and social skills to meet real-life challenges. Josh Baxter Levels Up by Gavin Brown. Scholastic, ...
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*Frank and Lucky Get Schooled by Lynn Rae Perkins
By Janie Cheaney |
Frank and Lucky’s close friendship leads them into countless adventures in learning, where “school subjects” never see the inside of a classroom. *Frank and Lucky ...
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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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What Elephants Know by Erick Dinerstein
By Janie Cheaney |
Lowland Tibet is the exotic setting for this coming-of-age story featuring an 11-year-old boy and the elephants he loves. What Elephants Know by Erick Dinerstein. ...
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Hilo: Saving the Whole Wide World by Judd Winick
By Janie Cheaney |
The exuberant boy-robot Hilo is back from “the void,” pursuing his mission to destroy his arch-enemy Razorwark and discover his own origin and purpose. Hilo ...
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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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The Big Dark by Rodman Philbrick
By Janie Cheaney |
A small England Community fights for survival when a solar flare wipes out all sources of power, in this taut thriller with a 12-year-old hero. ...
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The Double Cross by Jackson Pearce
By Janie Cheaney |
A 12-year-old spy trainee proves his calling in spite of obvious physical drawbacks, in this entertaining middle-grade adventure. The Double Cross, and Other Skills I ...
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Astrotwins: Project Blastoff by Mark Kelly
By Janie Cheaney |
Solid science fiction is delivered by an author who knows his stuff, though the materialist worldview is worth talking about. Astrotwins: Project Blastoff by Mark ...
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Frank Einstein and the Anti-Matter Motor by Jon Schieszka
By Janie Cheaney |
Though not to be taken at all seriously, this wacky series by Jon Schieszka threads some real science into its far-out storylines. Frank Einstein and ...
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The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John
By Janie Cheaney |
A fifth-grade prankster meets his match, joining forces with his rival to pull off the greatest fifth-grade prank of all time. The Terrible Two by ...
Read More *McBroom series by Sid Fleischman
By Megan Saben |
This post is part of our "Summer of Great Family Reads" series. Don't miss the initial post full of more excellent recommendations! McBroom’s Wonderful One-Acre ...
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The Pirate Jamboree
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Pirate Jamboree by Mark Teague. Orchard Books, 2013. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8Recommended for: Ages 0-8 Bottom Line: The neighborhood kids are ...
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Terror at Bottle Creek by Watt Key
By Janie Cheaney |
In a fast, thrilling read, a 13-year-old boy must display courage, ingenuity, and persistence in extremely dangerous circumstances. Terror at Bottle Creek by Watt Key. ...
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Soar by Joan Bauer
By Janie Cheaney |
In this cozy sports story, Jeremiah has learned through difficulty, but may not be able to pass the lessons on to his teammates. Soar by ...
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3 Irresistible Picture Books for Boys
By Megan Saben |
Pop quiz: What’s the funniest word in the English language? What competition is the fiercest? Do machines that are massive and gloriously noisy EVER have ...
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