Discussion starters

*Twelve Days in May by Larry Dane Brimner

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 26, 2018

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 ...

Learning to Lead: Another RedeemedReader Booklist!

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 22, 2018

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.” ...

*Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 19, 2018

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. ...

*The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 15, 2018

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 ...

Every Day by David Levithan

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 23, 2018

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 ...

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 22, 2018

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 ...

2018 Newbery Buzz #2: Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 18, 2018

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 ...

Interview with Keith Robinson, author of the Origins Series

By Pamela Palmer | Jan 15, 2018

Pamela interviews Keith Robinson, author of the Origins trilogy and other Christian sci-fi works. Read on for more information about Robinson, his work, and his many ...

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 5, 2018

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 ...

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson: the Kids Discuss….

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 5, 2017

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 ...

*Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 2, 2017

Same Kind of Different As Me is an emotional and spiritual memoir of two men who became friends despite their backgrounds, races, and preconceptions. *Same Kind ...

One Last Word by Nikki Grimes

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 20, 2017

One Last Word showcases poems from the Harlem Renaissance alongside contemporary poems by Grimes that build on and reflect those earlier poets. One Last Word: ...

Retro Reads: *The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 13, 2017

The Witch of Blackbird Pond is a modern classic with good reason: young Kit Tyler faces the questions all adolescents face as she tries to ...

*The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 28, 2017

Starred review for this book about a tech-wise family that is characterized by 10 commitments reflecting the proper pace of technology in a family's life ...

Reading Diana Wynne Jones: an Author Portrait

By Hayley Morell | Oct 19, 2017

You just finished a good book. Now what? Many book lovers can relate to this sad, unsatisfied feeling. But what if you banished that feeling, ...

Irresistible by Adam Alter

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 26, 2017

Irresistible is a fascinating look at technology's impact on humanity, particularly in the light of behavioral addiction. Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the ...

Posted by John David Anderson

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 24, 2017

A class of seventh graders deal with verbal bullying in this thought-provoking novel (with cautions). Posted by John David Anderson. Walden Pond (HarperCollins), 2017, 365 ...

Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray

By Hayley Morell | Aug 17, 2017

Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray. Little, Brown and Company, 2017. 512 pages. Noemi Vidal will die for her country, but an abandoned spaceship and a ...

Wisdom & Wonder Week 6: Generosity and Love in Literature

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 26, 2017

Betsy: It’s hard to believe we’re at the end of our Wisdom & Wonder Summer Reading Challenge! On a personal level, this has been a ...

Week 6 : God So Loved, He Gave

By Hayley Morell | Jul 24, 2017

Introduction This summer reading challenge has flown by! Can you believe it’s Week 6 already? (Granted, we did take a week off for the Fourth ...

Teach Literary Elements With … Movies!

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 21, 2017

All stories share the same literary elements, be they written or acted, books or movies. Summer Blockbusters For the Win And movies are a terrific ...

Which Path & Which Friend Discussion

By Hayley Morell | Jul 13, 2017

This week, the Redeemed Reader team discusses what it looks like to take the right path and our favorite friendships in literature. Pilgrim's Progress ...

Wisdom & Wonder Week 4: Which Path and With Whom?

By Hayley Morell | Jul 10, 2017

Welcome to Week 4 of Wisdom and Wonder! We hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July. Now, back to the reading challenge! For a ...

The State of our Heart – Virtual Discussion

By Alysha | Jun 14, 2017

The Redeemed Reader Team is discussing books this week in light of our Wisdom & Wonder Week 1 Theme: Turning to God/Away from sin. We ...

Wisdom and Wonder: Week 1 – Turning Towards God and Away from Sin

By Alysha | Jun 12, 2017

Welcome to week 1 of our Wisdom & Wonder Summer Reading Challenge! Wisdom and Wonder Week 1: Turning to God and Away from Sin! This ...

Wisdom and Wonder Booklist – Week 1

By Alysha | Jun 12, 2017

Wisdom & Wonder Week [1] Booklist: Weekly Theme: Turning towards God and Away from Sin Wise-Up #1 (Real Wise Man) and #2 (Heart of the ...

Sad Dog Stories: They’re a Thing—and a Necessity

By Betsy Farquhar | May 15, 2017

Does the Dog Die? (The Saddest of Sad Dog Stories!) "Miss Wanda," I stage-whispered to the children's librarian across from me, "I need to know. Does the ...

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 20, 2017

The movie version of Before I Fall has revived interest in this novel of a teen girl’s opportunity to relive her last day six times ...

Cruel Beauty: a Redeemed Reader Discussion

By Alysha | Mar 30, 2017

Some of the staff here at Redeemed Reader decided to discuss Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge as it relates to the story of Beauty and ...

Till We Have Faces: a Redeemed Reader Discussion

By Megan Saben | Mar 29, 2017

Before you read Till We Have Faces, you must first know the myth. You can either read a picture book version or the one by ...

To See or Not To See: The RR Team Reflects on the New Beauty and the Beast

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 22, 2017

This discussion is part of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure this month. The text below reflects several ongoing discussions the Redeemed Reader team has had via ...

Beauty and the Beast – Devotional #3

By Hayley Morell | Mar 17, 2017

Once upon a time there was beautiful girl who became a queen. . . . And her name was Esther. There's a definite fairytale quality ...

Every Falling Star: A Beauty and the Beast Discussion!

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 15, 2017

Like our Newbery Buzz discussions, Janie and Betsy discuss Every Falling Star "virtually" in light of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure this month. We hope these discussions help ...

The Queen of Katwe: Book and Movie Review

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 14, 2017

This is a featured title in our Beauty and the Beast Adventure. Redeemed Reader is not affiliated with or endorsing the new Disney Beauty and the ...

Beauty and the Beast – Devotional #2: the Beast

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 10, 2017

See our first Beauty and the Beast Devotional if you missed it! This is part of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure which is focusing ...

Beauty and the Beast Adventure

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 1, 2017

Join us as we dive into the themes and stories behind Beauty and the Beast during the month of March! And don't worry, it's not just for girls--we ...

*The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 27, 2017

An epic middle grades fantasy series full of adventure, toothy cows, heroes and heroines, and dragons. *The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson. Rabbit Room Press. ...

*100 Cupboards Series by N. D. Wilson

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 20, 2017

Henry discovers 100 cupboards that lead to other worlds in this complex middle grades fantasy series that mirrors the creation-fall-redemption narrative framework of Scripture. 100 ...

American Ace by Marilyn Nelson

By Hayley Morell | Feb 16, 2017

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 ...

Freedom over Me by Ashley Bryan

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 8, 2017

An actual slave ledger from 1828 inspires this group portrait of eleven African Americans who remain free to dream. Freedom over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their ...

Straight Talk About the Birds and the Bees

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 5, 2017

This is a review specifically for parents; librarians and teachers may benefit as well, but children should ask their parents first before reading further. This is also ...

*Under Our Skin by Benjamin Watson

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 3, 2017

For Christians of all colors who are concerned about racial tension, Benjamin Watson shows the way to reconciliation. *Under Our Skin by Benjamin Watson. Tyndale, ...

Teaching Discernment: Bad Words in Books

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 30, 2017

True Story: We're getting in the car after a park date with our homeschool friends, and one of my 9-year-old sons says: Mom! We learned some ...

Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 16, 2017

A blind boy and an enchanted knight set off on an epic quest in this middle grades fantasy adventure. Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes: A ...

2017 Newbery Buzz: Pax and Wolf Hollow

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 6, 2017

January is Newbery month—that is, when the American Library Association holds their annual winter conference, the highlight of which is the ALA Youth Media Awards. ...

Twelfth Night: Shakespeare’s Christmas Play

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 12, 2016

Twelfth Night, or What You Will is not exactly a Christmas play, I'll admit. But "Twelfth Night" does refer to the 12th night of the ...

Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 9, 2016

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. ...

Should You Read Rick Riordan’s Latest: Magnus Chase?

By Alysha | Nov 23, 2016

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Hammer of Thor Rick Riordan’s The Hammer of Thor is the second book in his Magnus Chase ...

*Ugly: a Memoir by Robert Hoge

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 15, 2016

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 ...

*When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 14, 2016

The power of stories is front and center in this beautiful, imaginative companion to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. Starred review. A 2016 Christmas ...

The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Patricia McCormick

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 7, 2016

Suspenseful prose and careful research make Bonhoeffer's brave actions come to life for teen readers. The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Unlikely ...

*The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 1, 2016

This one-of-a-kind novel blends medieval history, fantasy, humor, adventure, and philosophical questions that have vexed the ages. *The Inquisitor’s Tale, or, Three Magical Children and ...

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeir

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 29, 2016

A much-acclaimed graphic novel by Raina Telgemeir pokes below the surface creepiness of "hauntings" to explore how we feel about death. Ghosts by Raina Telegemeir. ...

*The Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thornton

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 27, 2016

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. ...

Saints and Heroes to the End of the Middle Ages by George Hodges

By Hayley Morell | Oct 26, 2016

An engaging account of notable figures from the ancient church to the end of the Middle Ages. Saints and Heroes to the End of the ...

Trial and Triumph/ *Radiant by Richard M. Hannula

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 24, 2016

Church history anthologies of men and women from all over the world in story format for middle grades and up! Trial and Triumph: Stories from ...

Brother Andrew: Taking Bibles to the World by Renee Taft Meloche

By Megan Saben | Oct 10, 2016

Brother Andrew's life comes alive for young readers through the rhyming text in this picture book. Brother Andrew: Taking Bibles to the World (Heroes for ...

God’s Story: A Student’s Guide to Church History by Brian Cosby

By Hayley Morell | Oct 7, 2016

An engaging flyover of church history for young teens. God’s Story: A Student’s Guide to Church History by Brian Cosby. Christian Focus Publications, 2014. ...

Hundred Percent by Karen Romano Young

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 28, 2016

This insightful novel about the awkward years between 11 and 14 could make a useful discussion starter for mothers and daughters. Hundred Percent by Karen ...

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 26, 2016

A rich historical fiction work that offers hope in the midst of war-torn France. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. Scribner, 2014. 531 ...

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 26, 2016

A compelling--and ultimately hopeful--crossover title for teens and adults about Hitler's evacuation of Germany and the biggest maritime disaster in history. Salt to the Sea ...

Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 5, 2016

A tender exploration of the aftermath of 9/11 as one girl begins to understand her father's connection to the events. Towers Falling by Jewell Parker ...

Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 5, 2016

Four seemingly unconnected middle school kids are each connected to the events of September 11 in ways that help them mature and learn compassion. Nine, ...

*The Ology by Marty Machowski

By Hayley Morell | Sep 3, 2016

In The Ology, children and families can access deep Biblical truths, carefully explained and gorgeously illustrated. The Ology by Marty Machowski, illustrations by Andy ...

*God’s Design by Sally Michael and Gary Steward

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 3, 2016

Sally Michael's newest Making Him Known family devotional delicately handles roles of men and women, sexuality, and gender issues in a manner that invites whole ...

Katie Friedman Gives up Texting by Tommy Greenwald

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 29, 2016

Middle-graders who swear of texting for one week have to discover other means of communication, with mixed results. Katie Friedman Gives up Texting by Tommy ...

Talking about Books That Talk about Race

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 23, 2016

Not a "Newbery Buzz" post because these titles were published before 2016 and are already award winners! But, for similar posts in which Janie and Betsy ...

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 20, 2016

Rashad (a black guy) and Quinn (a white guy) take turns narrating this timely and moving young adult realistic fiction story about police brutality and ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 6, 2016

Today wraps up our discussion of middle-grade novels being touted as possible contenders for the 2016 Newbery Award. The awards will be announced early this ...

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 29, 2015

Continuing our series of discussions about "buzz" books, this time Janie and Betsy look at a nonfiction work in graphic novel format. Betsy: Drowned City: Hurricane ...

By Hayley Morell | Sep 18, 2015

This review is brought to us by Ann Rees Berry, who has now finished an internship with Redeemed Reader. Thank you, Ann! Red Rising by ...

Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 4, 2015

Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead. Wendy Lamb Books, 2015. 304 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12Recommended For: Ages 12-15 Bottom Line: Three best friends attempt ...

By Janie Cheaney | May 5, 2015

*Red Butterfly by A. L. Sonnischen. Simon & Shuster, 2015, 392 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 12-15 Bottom line: In ...

Avengers: Age of Ultron Resources! (+ Printable)

By Betsy Farquhar | May 1, 2015

Emily reviewed Avengers: Age of Ultron at Worldmag.com. If you'll click "Listen" at the bottom of that post, you can also hear hints from ...

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: ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 3, 2015

*What’s Up?: Discovering the Gospel, Jesus, and Who You REALLY Are (Teacher Guide), by Deborah Harrell and Jack Klumpenhower. New Growth Press, 2015. 228 pages. ...

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: ...

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 20, 2015

Periodically, Janie and Betsy discuss great middle grades literature, trying to figure out what makes it so great. Today, the charming Penderwicks clan are held ...

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 13, 2015

Why Cinderella? —a joint post from Betsy, Hayley, and Megan We at Redeemed Reader love a good fairy tale. Cinderella is perhaps the quintessential fairy tale ...

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 ...

*Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 5, 2015

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim ...

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 ...

*Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 30, 2015

Tuck Everlasting, Natalie Babbitt’s masterpiece first published 40 years ago, is as timeless as its title characters. *Tuck Everlasting (40th Anniversary Edition) by Natalie Babbitt, ...

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 ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 13, 2015

Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin. Feiwel & Friends, 2014. 223 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, age 8-10 Maturity Level: 4 (ages 10-12) and up ...

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 | 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 2, 2014

Threatened by Eliot Schrefer. Scholastic, 2014. 278 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 15-18 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15-18) One-line Summary: Threatened, one of this year’s ...

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 ...

By emily | Nov 21, 2014

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/177935219" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /] Thanks to Kristen Eicher for her help with sound editing! Thanks also to Dana and Chris Cowherd for ...

By emily | Nov 20, 2014

Don't forget to check out our Winter Book Fair with 50+ gift book recommendations for kids and teens! INTRODUCTION I recently sat down with Christian ...

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 | 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 emily | Oct 11, 2014

Reviewing School Book Lists: Part One. Part Two. Part Three. Part Four. This post by Emily Whitten, co-founder of Redeemed Reader, is the final installment in ...

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 23, 2014

The Glass Sentence (The Mapmakers Trilogy #1) by S. E. Grove. Viking, 2014, 489 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 12-14 Maturity Level: 6 (ages ...

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 11, 2014

Ava and Pip by Carol Weston. Sourcebooks, 2014, 211 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grade (11-12) Maturity Level: 4 (11-12) On the first day of fifth ...