friendship

Three 2024 YA Romantic Fantasy Novels

By Hayley Morell | Dec 19, 2024

Dragonfruit, What Monstrous Gods, and The Hedgewitch of Foxhall: three 2024 YA romantic fantasy novels by authors we have enjoyed in the past. Dragonfruit by ...

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

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 14, 2024

Large font, vivid illustrations on every page, and a simple plot make The Miniature World of Marvin and James a good fit for new readers ...

*Knight Owl and Early Bird by Christopher Denise

By Hayley Morell | Nov 23, 2024

Whooo goes there? It's Knight Owl and Early Bird in this charming picture book sequel! Knight Owl and Early Bird by Christopher Denise. Christy Ottaviano ...

The Science of Friendship by Tanita S. Davis

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 11, 2024

In The Science of Friendship, an 8th-grade girl takes an analytical approach to keeping friends and discovers some important truths about herself. The Science of ...

Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings by Dionna L. Mann

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 24, 2024

Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings features a winsome protagonist trying her hand at parental matchmaking. Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings by Dionna L. Mann. Holiday House/Margaret Ferguson ...

Elf Dog and Owl Head by M. T. Anderson

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 24, 2024

Clay befriends a strange elf dog in this tale that mixes friendship and the fae. Elf Dog and Owl Head by M. T. Anderson. Candlewick, ...

Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller

By Janie Cheaney | May 30, 2024

Magnolia Wu finds adventure in her own neighborhood while chasing down the owners of orphan socks. Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller. Philomel, ...

2024 Geisel Roundup: Fox Has a Problem, Henry, Like Always, and Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends

By Megan Saben | Feb 7, 2024

Reading Level: Easy Readers, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 The 2024 Geisel Award: One Winner and Three Honors The Geisel Award, which honors Dr. ...

Quicksilver by R. J. Anderson

By Hayley Morell | Aug 29, 2023

In an engaging sci-fi thriller, one girl attempts to outrun her past while discovering her true identity. Quicksilver by R. J. Anderson. Carolrhoda Lab, 2013. 320 ...

Fun picture books for young listeners: How to Apologize, Not That Pet!, Sometimes Cake, and Mom, There’s a Bear at the Door

By Megan Saben | Nov 2, 2022

Four books featuring animals and young children are imaginative, instructive, and fun to read aloud to little ones. How to Apologize by David LaRochelle, illustrated ...

Ride On by Faith Erin Hicks

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 15, 2022

Ride On is an equestrian graphic novel that horse aficionados will devour. Ride On by Faith Erin Hicks. First Second, 2022, 218 pages. Reading Level: ...

Your Pal Fred by Michael Rex

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 28, 2022

A fun graphic novel for young middle-graders, Your Pal Fred pictures a dystopian world startled by kindness. Your Pal Fred by Michael Rex. Viking, 2022, ...

*Adrian Simcox does NOT Have a Horse

By Megan Saben | Nov 21, 2018

Adrian insists that he has a horse, but Chloe argues the obvious facts until she learns to see through his eyes. *Campbell, Marcy. Adrian Simcox ...

*Sweep by Jonathan Auxier

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 7, 2018

Sweep combines historical fact with mythical elements to create a compelling story filled with sharp edges and surprising graces. *Sweep: The Story of a Girl ...

Boy Bites Bug by Rebecca Petruck

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 16, 2018

In Boy Bites Bug, a single incident develops into a school-wide situation and an insightful look at fading friendship. Ages 10-15 Boy Bites Bug by ...

Back to School with Babymouse and Og the Frog

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 16, 2018

Two back-to-school series for different ages tickle the funny bone, satirize social conventions, and even stimulate sympathy for others. Ages 6-12 Life According to Og ...

The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle by Christina Uss

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 20, 2018

A ‘girl called Bicycle’s” improbable adventures during a cross-country bike trip shape the narrative of this fictional exploration of luck. Ages 10-14 The Adventures of ...

Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier

By Hayley Morell | Jun 22, 2018

Mysterious maps, sea creatures, and an island kingdom where dark secrets threaten to emerge . . . All the makings for an excellent story. Isle ...

*Sled Dog School by Terry Lynn Johnson

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 13, 2018

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, ...

Roll by Darcy Miller

By Hayley Morell | Dec 8, 2017

In rural Minnesota, friendship and rolling pigeons combine in an enjoyable middle grade debut novel. Roll by Darcy Miller. HarperCollins, 2017, 224 pages Reading ...

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, ...

All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 12, 2017

An unusual setting makes this graphic novel a worthwhile perspective on navigating the treacherous waters of those middle years. All’s Faire in Middle School by ...

Growing Friendships: a Kid’s Guide to Making and Keeping Friends

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 10, 2017

This friendly guide to friendship may help fill in some gaps parents inadvertently miss. Growing Friendships: a Kid’s Guide to Making and Keeping Friends by ...

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 ...

Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 16, 2017

Newbery-honor author Shannon Hale’s graphic memoir charts the ups and downs of elementary- age friendship. Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham. First Second, ...

Devotion by Adam Makos

By Hayley Morell | Feb 25, 2017

It is Korea, 1950, and Jesse Brown, first African American carrier pilot in the Navy, has just crashed over enemy territory . . . ...

*A Little Taste of Poison by R. J. Anderson

By Hayley Morell | Feb 23, 2017

The stakes are higher than ever for Isaveth Breck, plucky heroine of A Pocketful of Murder, when the future of her city is threatened. ...

*A Pocket Full of Murder by R. J. Anderson

By Hayley Morell | Feb 23, 2017

A plucky girl sets out to prove her father's innocence —aided by a street boy— in this magical murder mystery. A Pocket Full of Murder (Uncommon ...

*Zita the Spacegirl Series by Ben Hatke

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 29, 2016

Zita the Spacegirl and her intrepid friends battle the forces of evil in extra terrestrial dimensions in this lively graphic novel series. a review from ...

The Candymakers and the Chocolate Chase by Wendy Mass

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 12, 2016

Logan, Miles, Daisy, and Philip are off on a hunt to find the mystery chocolate in this fun follow-up to The Candymakers. The Candymakers and ...

Spirit Week Showdown by Crystal Allen

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 2, 2016

Mya Tibbs is the perky, enthusiastic narrator of this family- and school-based series for advanced chapter-book readers. Spirit Week Showdown (Magnificent Myra Tibbs #1) by ...

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 6, 2016

The rough, tough world of girls' roller derby is the setting for this surprisingly sweet depiction of friendship, breakup, and change. Roller Girl by Victoria ...

Hilo: Saving the Whole Wide World by Judd Winick

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 15, 2016

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 ...

The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 13, 2016

In this series opener, four sixth-grade girls discover that reading the classics can change contemporary attitudes. The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick. Simon ...

Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee

By Hayley Morell | Jun 24, 2016

In Under a Painted Sky, the events of one day change Sammy from a moody teenage girl to a fugitive striking out into the west. ...

My Life in Pictures by Deborah Zemke

By Janie Cheaney | May 11, 2016

Bea Garcia learns to deal with disappointment and make the most of her artistic gifts in this first cartoon-illustrated installment of a series. My Life ...

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 19, 2015

Betsy and Janie are continuing their discussion of possible 2016 Newbery Award winners. On deck today is a novel by a debut author which has ...

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 | Jul 24, 2015

Fort by Cynthia DeFelice. Farrar Strauss Giroux, 2015. 200 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 10-12 (especially boys and reluctant readers) ...

A+ Attitude (Morgan Love Series) by Stephanie Perry Moore

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 16, 2015

A+ Attitude (Morgan Love Series #1) by Stephanie Perry Moore. Lift Every Voice Books (a Moody Imprint), 2011. 144 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages ...

Just Jump! (Double Dutch Series #1) by Mabel Elizabeth Singletary

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 16, 2015

Just Jump! (Double Dutch Series #1) by Mabel Elizabeth Singletary. Lift Every Voice Books (a Moody Imprint), 2007. 160 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages ...

Making the Team by Stephanie Perry Moore and Derrick Moore

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 16, 2015

Making the Team by Stephanie Perry Moore and Derrick Moore. Alec London Series. Lift Every Voice Books (a Moody Imprint), 2011. 160 pages. Reading Level: Middle ...

By Megan Saben | Jul 15, 2015

The Golden Plate is a picture book about Isobel, who struggles to hide her sin, and the relief of confession in restoring her friendship with ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 19, 2015

Fleabrain Loves Franny by Joanne Rocklin. Amulet Books, 2015. 268 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-12 Bottom Line: After Franny ...

By Hayley Morell | Jun 16, 2015

This review is brought to us by Malachi Stade, who just finished a semester internship with Redeemed Reader. Thank you, Malachi! Salamandastron (Redwall series, Book ...

By Hayley Morell | Jun 16, 2015

Goblins by Philip Reeve. Scholastic Press, 2012. 340 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Recommended for: Ages 12 and up Bottom Line: The Hobbit meets Septimus Heap, with a ...

Ling and Ting books by Grace Lin

By Betsy Farquhar | May 28, 2015

A delightful early reader series about Asian American twins, Ling and Ting. Ling and Ting books by Grace Lin. LB Kids, 2011 (and to the ...

*Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover by Cece Bell

By Megan Saben | May 13, 2015

*Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover by Cece Bell. Candlewick, 2014. 50 pages. Reading Level: Easy Readers, Ages 4-8 Recommended For: Age 4-8 Rabbit’s friend Robot ...

A Pet for Fly Guy (Fly Guy Series) by Tedd Arnold

By Betsy Farquhar | May 11, 2015

A Pet for Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold. Orchard Books, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Early Reader, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8, especially boys ...

Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret by Bob Shea

By Betsy Farquhar | May 7, 2015

Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret by Bob Shea. Disney-Hyperion, 2015. 56 pages. Reading Level: Easy Reader, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 Shea, creator ...

*Lulu and the Rabbit Next Door by Hilary McKay

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 20, 2015

*Lulu and the Rabbit Next Door by Hilary McKay, illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Co., 2014. 91 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 4-8 ...

cover of Bink and Gollie: Best Friends Forever

Bink and Gollie: Best Friends Forever by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 13, 2015

Bink and Gollie: Best Friends Forever by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, illustrated by Tony Fucile. Candlewick, 2013. 80 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 4-10 ...

By Megan Saben | Apr 8, 2015

*The Farmer and the Clown by Marla Frazee. Beach Lane Books, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 A sour-faced farmer works in ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 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: ...

*Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 19, 2014

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel (named Mary Anne) are just as beloved by today's generation of children as they were in the 1930s! Mike ...

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

Frosty and cool, Flora and the Penguin is a strong follow up to Flora and the Flamingo. *Flora and the Penguin by Molly Idle. Chronicle ...

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 ...

*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. ...

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, ...

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 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 ...

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 ...

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 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 | 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 | 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

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. ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...