character values

10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know by Kari Kampakis

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 7, 2015

10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know by Kari Kampakis. Thomas Nelson, 2014. 197 pages. Reading Level: 12-15 Recommended for: 15-18 Bottom Line: Blogger Kari Kampakis ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 7, 2015

Big Book of Quizzes: Fun, Quirky Questions for You and Your Friends (Faithgirlz!) Zonderkidz, 2014. 127 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages: ...

Blue Birds by Caroline Starr Rose

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 30, 2015

Blue Birds by Caroline Starr Rose. Putnam, 2015. 400 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: Ages 10-12 Bottom Line: This historical novel-in-verse ...

*Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena and Christian Robinson

By Megan Saben | Mar 25, 2015

*Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena and Christian Robinson. G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, 2015. 32 Pages. Reading Level: ...

The Penderwicks in Spring by Jeanne Birdsall

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 17, 2015

The Penderwicks in Spring by Jeanne Birdsall. Knopf, 2015. 352 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12 Recommended for: Ages 8-12 Bottom Line: The best ...

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 16, 2015

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy, by Jeanne Birdsall. Knopf, 2005. 262 pages. Reading Level: Middle ...

*The Dirty Cowboy by Amy Timberlake, illustrated by Adam Rex

By Megan Saben | Mar 14, 2015

*The Dirty Cowboy by Amy Timberlake, illustrated by Adam Rex. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2003. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: ...

By Megan Saben | Mar 14, 2015

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen. Candlewick, 2014. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: ages ...

The Glass Slipper by Eleanor Farjeon

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 12, 2015

The Glass Slipper by Eleanor Farjeon. Viking, 1956. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: Ages 8-10 Bottom Line: Farjeon’s classic retelling of Cinderella ...

*The Ordinary Princess by M. M. Kaye (Retro Reads)

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 12, 2015

*The Ordinary Princess by M. M. Kaye. Puffin, 2002 (originally published in 1980). 128 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: Ages 8-10 ...

By Megan Saben | Mar 11, 2015

*Faerie Gold: Treasures from the Lands of Enchantment edited by Kathryn Lindskoog and Ranelda Mack Hunsicker. P&R, 2005. 304 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages ...

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 6, 2015

The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat. Little, Brown, 2014. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Bottom Line: The Adventures ...

By Hayley Morell | Mar 6, 2015

An Uncertain Choice by Jody Hedlund. Zondervan, 2015. 249 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 15 – 18 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15 – 18) and up Bottom Line: A ...

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 24, 2015

*Pioneer Girl: the Annotated Autobiography by Laura Ingalls Wilder (edited by Pamela Smith Hill). University of South Dakota Press, sale 2014. 400 pages. Reading Level: ...

How Long, O Lord? When Bibliotherapy Isn’t Enough

By Megan Saben | Feb 21, 2015

These are dark days. I received an email this week expressing familiar anguish over the haunting reports of 21 followers of Christ who were martyred ...

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 13, 2015

Running Lean by Diana Sharples. Zondervan/Blink, 2013. 400 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 15-18 Recommended For: ages 16 and up Bottom Line: Running Lean ...

All the Answers by Kate Messner

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 12, 2015

All the Answers by Kate Messner. Bloomsbury, 2015. 256 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12Recommended For: ages 10-12, especially girls Bottom Line: In this middle-grades ...

By emily | Feb 2, 2015

The Green Ember is animal fantasy at its best, filled with gripping action and heartwarming rabbits, all deeply informed by the Christian worldview of its ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 29, 2015

Keeping Your Cool: A Teen’s Survival Guide by Lou Priolo. P&R, capsule 2014 (new edition). 251 pages, unhealthy including appendices. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages ...

By emily | Jan 27, 2015

*Rise: Get Up and Live in God's Great Story by Trip Lee. Thomas Nelson, 2014. 240 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 and up Maturity ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 20, 2015

Revolution by Deborah Wiles (#2 in The Sixties Trilogy). Scholastic, 2014. 485 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 12-14 Maturity Level: 4 (12-15) and up ...

Beautiful Moon: A Child’s Prayer by Tonya Bolden

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 19, 2015

Beautiful Moon: A Child's Prayer by Tonya Bolden and illustrated by Eric Velasquez. Abrams, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books (ages 0-8)Recommended for: All ages ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 15, 2015

First Date (Dating Games #1) by Melody Carlson. Revell, 2013. 212 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15-18) Bottom Line: ...

By Megan Saben | Jan 14, 2015

Jonathan Edwards by Simonetta Carr, illustrated by Matt Abraxas. Reformation Heritage, 2014. 64 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, Ages 8-10 Recommended For: Ages 8-10 Simonetta ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 12, 2015

The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Shane Evans. Little, Brown, 2014. 319 pages, including notes and glossary. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 8, 2015

Egg and Spoon by Gregory Maguire. Candlewick, 2014. 496 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-14 Maturity Level: 5 (ages 12-15) and up Bottom Line: ...

Hymns for a Kid’s Heart, Vol. 1-4 by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada

By Megan Saben | Jan 5, 2015

Hymns for a Kid’s Heart, Vol. 1-4 by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada. Crossway, 2003-2004. 96 pages. (Audio CD included) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages ...

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 30, 2014

Skies Like These by Tess Hilmo. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2014. 231 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 4 (ages 10-12) One-line ...

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 30, 2014

Pack of Dorks by Beth Vrabel. Sky Pony Press, 2014. 213 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Maturity Level: 3 (ages 8-10) One-line Summary: ...

cover of Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel

*Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 19, 2014

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel ...

*Choo Choo by Virgina Lee Burton

By Megan Saben | Dec 19, 2014

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *Choo Choo: The Story of a Little ...

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 18, 2014

Sky Run by Alex Shearer. Sky Pony Press, 2014. 228 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 4 (ages 10-12) and up One-line ...

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 18, 2014

The Scavengers by Michael Perry. Harper, 2014, 322 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 4 (ages10-12) and up One-line Summary: The Scavengers ...

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 16, 2014

The Orphan and the Mouse by Martha Freeman, drawings by David McPhail. Holiday House, 2014, 220 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: ...

Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 15, 2014

Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton. HMH Books for Young Readers, 1943. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8Recommended for: Ages ...

By Hayley Morell | Dec 12, 2014

Sir Thomas the Hesitant by Liam Perrin. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2013. 254 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12 and up Maturity Level: 4 ...

*A Library Book for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton

By Megan Saben | Dec 11, 2014

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *A Library Book for Bear by ...

*The Girl and the Bicycle by Mark Pett

By Megan Saben | Dec 10, 2014

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *The Girl and the Bicycle by ...

*Flora and the Penguin by Molly Idle

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 8, 2014

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *Flora and the Penguin by Molly ...

*Three Bears in a Boat by David Soman

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 8, 2014

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *Three Bears in a Boat by ...

Leroy Ninker Saddles Up by Kate DiCamillo

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 1, 2014

Jaunty, boisterous Leroy Ninker and his horse, Maybelline, star in this first volume of the Tales of Deckawoo Drive. Leroy Ninker Saddles Up (Tales from ...

cover of The Miniature World of Marvin and James

The Miniature World of Marvin and James by Elise Broach and illustrated by Kelly Murphy

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 1, 2014

The Miniature World of Marvin and James (Masterpiece Adventures, Book 1) by Elise Broach and illustrated by Kelly Murphy. Henry Holt and Co., 2014. 112 ...

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 28, 2014

If You’re Reading This, by Trent Reedy. Scholastic, 2014. 296 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15-18) One-line Summary: If ...

*Waiting is Not Easy! by Mo Willems

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 24, 2014

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *Waiting Is Not Easy! by Mo Willems. ...

Fix This Mess! by Tedd Arnold

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 24, 2014

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Fix This Mess! by Tedd Arnold. I ...

Number One Sam by Greg Pizzoli

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 24, 2014

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Number One Sam by Greg Pizzoli. Disney-Hyperion, ...

The Big Fib by Tim Hamilton

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 24, 2014

The Big Fib by Tim Hamilton. I LIKE TO READ series. Holiday House, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Easy/Leveled Readers, ages 4-8Recommended for: Ages 0-8 New ...

The Young Carthaginian by G.A. Henty, read by Jim Weiss

By Megan Saben | Nov 19, 2014

The Young Carthaginian by G.A. Henty. Audiobook read by Jim Weiss. Greathall Productions, 2004. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8 and upMaturity Level: 4 (ages 11-12) ...

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 17, 2014

Note: this review was originally published on February 4, 2011. Heart of a Samurai, by Margi Preus, Amulet Books, 277 pages plus historical note and ...

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 13, 2014

Nuts to You, by Lynne Rae Perkins. Greenwillow, 2014. 259 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Maturity Level: 3 (ages 8-10) One-line Summary: Nuts ...

cover of Lulu and the Hedgehog in the Rain

Lulu and the Hedgehog in the Rain by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 10, 2014

Lulu and the Hedgehog in the Rain by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Company, 2014. 112 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ...

Lulu and the Cat in the Bag by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 10, 2014

Lulu and the Cat in the Bag by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Company, 2013. 112 pages. Reading Level: Chapter ...

Lulu and the Dog from the Sea by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 10, 2014

Lulu and the Dog from the Sea by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Company, 2014. 112 pages. (originally published in ...

Lulu and the Duck in the Park by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 10, 2014

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Lulu and the Duck in the ...

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 6, 2014

Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek by Maya Van Wagenen. Dutton, 2014. 259 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 11-12 Maturity Level: 5 (ages 12-14) ...

El Deafo by Cece Bell

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 4, 2014

El Deafo by Cece Bell. Amulet, 2014. 241 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Maturity Level: 3 (ages 8-10) Bottom Line: Author/illustrator Cece Bell ...

The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Karr

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 3, 2014

The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Karr. Square Fish, 2000 (reprint; original pub. date 1998). 208 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades (ages 10-12)Recommended for: Ages ...

My Friend the Enemy by (our very own) J. B. Cheaney

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 28, 2014

My Friend the Enemy by J. B. Cheaney. Yearling, 2007 (reprint edition). 272 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades 8-12) Recommended for: Ages 8-12 If another ...

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry (25th Anniversary)

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 27, 2014

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2011 (reissue of 1989 copy). 156 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10Recommended for: Ages ...

Dash by Kirby Larson

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 27, 2014

Dash by Kirby Larson. Scholastic, 2014. 256 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12Recommended for: Ages 8-12 Eleven-year-old Mitsi's best friend is her little dog, Dash. ...

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 17, 2014

Stay Where You Are And Then Leave by John Boyne. Henry Holt, 2014. 245 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 5 (ages ...

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 14, 2014

Life Behind the Wall by Robert Elmer. Zondervan, 2014. 515 pages. Reading level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity level: 4 (ages 11-12) and up This ...

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 14, 2014

The Great Trouble: a Mystery of London, the Blue Death, and a Boy Called Eel, by Deborah Hopkinson. Knopf, 2013, 247 pages with historical notes. ...

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 9, 2014

Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey by Nick Bertozzi. First Second, 2014. 125 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 4 (ages 11-12) and up This ...

Corrie Ten Boom by Kaylena Radcliff

By Megan Saben | Oct 1, 2014

The Torchlighters Biography Series: Corrie Ten Boom by Kaylena Radcliff. Christian History Institute, 2014. 93 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 3, 4 ...

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 23, 2014

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge. HarperCollins, 2014, 342 pages. Reading level: Young Adults, 15-18 Maturity level: 6 (ages 15-18) A ruined castle broods over the ...

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 11, 2014

Always, Abigail by Nancy Cavanaugh. Sourcebooks, 2014, 311 pages. Reading level: Middle Grade (8-10) Maturity Level: 3 (8-10) Abigail Walters is starting sixth grade with ...

By Hayley Morell | Sep 5, 2014

The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy by Kate Hattemer. Alfred A. Knopf, 2014, 323 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, Ages 15 - 18 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15 ...

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 2, 2014

The Night Gardener, by Jonathan Auxier. Amulet, 2014, 350 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 4 (age 10 and up) Teenage Mollie ...

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 2, 2014

The Castle Behind Thorns, by Merrie Haskell. HarperCollins, 2014, 341 pages. Reading level: Middle Grades, ages 11-12 Maturity level: 5 (ages 11 and up) Sand ...

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 27, 2014

I Kill the Mockingbird, by Paul Acampora. Roaring Brook Press, 2014, 177 pages. Reading level: Middle grades, ages 11-12 Maturity level: 4 (ages 11-12) and ...

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 26, 2014

Zane and the Hurricane: a Story of Katrina, by Rodman Philbrick. Scholastic, 2014, 181 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 11-12 Maturity Level: 4 (ages ...

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 26, 2014

Almost Super, by Marion Jensen. Harper, 2014, 251 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, Ages 8-12 Maturity Level: 3 (ages 8-10) Every four years, on February ...

One Smart Cookie by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 25, 2014

One Smart Cookie: Bite-Size Lessons for the School Years and Beyond by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Jane Dyer and Brooke Dyer. Harper, 2010. ...

Flight School

By Megan Saben | Aug 20, 2014

Flight School by Lita Judge. Atheneum, 2014, 32 pages. Reading Level: picture books, Ages 0-4, Ages 4-8Recommended for: Ages 0-4, Ages 4-8 An ambitious penguin ...

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 8, 2014

*The Desperate Adventures of Zeno and Alya, by Jane Kelley. Feiwel & Friends, 2013, 201 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, Ages 8-10 Maturity Level: 3 ...

Summer Tales

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 14, 2014

Two middle-grade summertime stories, both by Newberry-winning authors: Half a Chance, by Cynthia Lord. Scholastic, 2014, 218 pages. Age/interest level: 10-14 Lucy is used to ...

*The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 22, 2014

*The Crossover by Kwame Alexander. Harcourt Mifflin Harcourt, 2014. 237 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grade, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 4 (ages 10-12) and up Bottom ...

Ukraine: Lessons in Liberty and Compassion, Pt. 2

By Hayley Morell | Mar 15, 2014

Last week, we began our Ukrainian series with a personal reflection from our executive assistant, Hayley. Having recently visited orphans in Ukraine, Hayley gave us insight ...

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

By Hayley Morell | Feb 20, 2014

Cinder by Marissa Meyer. Square Fish, 2012. 387 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12 – 15 Recommended For: 6 (ages 15 – 18) and up Bottom ...

*Tommysaurus Rex by Doug TenNapel

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 11, 2014

Tommysaurus Rex by Doug TenNapel. Scholastic (Graphix), ask 2013. 238 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Maturity Level: 3 (ages 8-10) and up Bottom ...

Valentine’s Day

By Megan Saben | Feb 8, 2014

As Christians we are called to practice so many forms of love besides the romantic kind. Themes for Valentine's Day can be broadened to emphasize ...

Pilgrim’s Progress adapted by Anna Trimiew

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 9, 2013

Pilgrim’s Progress: John Bunyan’s Classic Story Adapted for Children, by Anna Trimiew, illustrated by Drew Rose. Great Commissions Press, 2013, 109 pages, including glossary and ...

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 9, 2013

Pilgrim’s Progress: a Retelling, by Gary Schmidt, illustrated by Barry Moser. Eerdmans, 1994, 96 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, Ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 12 ...

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 3, 2013

The Snow Queen, by Hans Christian Anderson, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline. Harpers, 2013, 34 pages. Reading level: Middle Grades, 10-12 Maturity Level: All Bottom line: ...

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 18, 2013

Bluebird, by Bob Staake. Schwartz & Wade, 2013, 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 4-8 Recommended for: ages 4-8 and up Bottom Line: This ...

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 18, 2013

*Hank Finds an Egg, by Rebecca Dudley. Peter Pauper, 2013, 36 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-4 Recommended for: ages 0-4 and up ...

The Dogs of History

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 22, 2013

Duke, by Kirby Larson. Scholastic, 2013, 229 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-12 Boy loves dog; boy loses dog. That’s what ...

How God Used a Thunderstorm by Joel R. Beeke and Diana Kleyn

By Megan Saben | Oct 17, 2013

*How God Used a Thunderstorm and Other Devotional Stories by Joel R. Beeke and Diana Kleyn, illustrated by Jeff Anderson (Building on the Rock Series). ...

*A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 10, 2013

*A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Knopf, 2013. 32 pages. Reading Level: ...

*Little Britches by Ralph Moody

By Megan Saben | Sep 5, 2013

*Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers by Ralph Moody. Bison Books, 1991. 260 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10, ages 10-12 and upRecommended ...

Laboring and Resting: Books about Both!

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 2, 2013

In this digital world of ours, I can post this blog entry "on" Labor Day without having to do any work on Labor Day: I'm ...

Three Tea Picture Books

By Megan Saben | Aug 22, 2013

Tea Rex, A Visitor for Bear, and The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig are lively variations on the traditional tea party. My ...

White Fur Flying by Patricia MacLachlan

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 11, 2013

A gentle chapter book that explores family emotional issues with a big dose of furry love on the side. White Fur Flying by Patricia MacLachlan. ...

*Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens

By Megan Saben | Apr 1, 2013

Tops and Bottoms is a clever folktale that illustrates the wisdom of diligence and warning against laziness in the book of Proverbs. *Tops and Bottoms ...

Proverbs, Tricksters and Fools

By Megan Saben | Apr 1, 2013

The book of Proverbs is full of instructions for the simple to obtain wisdom and avoid disaster. Stories about tricksters demonstrate common-grace examples of using ...

*The Gardener by Sarah Stewart and David Small

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 27, 2013

Lydia shares her efforts to bring beauty to the world around her in this epistolary picture book. *The Gardener by Sarah Stewart and David Small. ...

Unstoppable by Tim Green

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 31, 2013

A middle-grade boy's football ambitions crash against a cancer diagnosis in this frank tale by NFL star Tim Green. Unstoppable, by Tim Green. HarperCollins, 2012, ...

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 6, 2012

The Drowned Vault (Ashtown Burials #2) by N. D. Wilson. Random House, 2012, 447 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, 12-15 Recommended for: ages 12 and ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 17, 2012

Tuesdays at the Castle, by Jessica Day George. Bloomsbury, 2012, 225 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12. Recommended for: Ages 8-14 Whenever Castle Glower ...