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First Steps in Verse: *You’re a Poet and Dino Poet
By Janie Cheaney |
You’re a Poet is a friendly and practical guide not just to writing poetry, but thinking poetically. *You’re A Poet: Ways to Start Writing Poems ...
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*How Elegant the Elephant by Mary Ann Hoberman
By Janie Cheaney |
How Elegant the Elephant teams a beloved poet with a Caldecott-honor author to create a winning collection of animal poems. *How Elegant the Elephant: Poems ...
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*Painting Wonder by Katie Wray Schon
By Betsy Farquhar |
Painting Wonder, an outstanding example of a picture book biography, is a sure winner for all Narnia and Tolkien fans. *Painting Wonder: How Pauline Baynes ...
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My Presentation Today Is about the Anaconda by Bibi Dumon Tak
By Janie Cheaney |
Animals give school-style presentations about other animals. Guess whose Presentation Today Is about the Anaconda? My Presentation Today Is about the Anaconda by Bibi Dumon ...
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*Battle Bunny by Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett
By Megan Saben |
A birthday book from Alex's grandma is transformed into a very different kind of story: Battle Bunny is the hilarious result. *Battle Bunny by Jon ...
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2025 Schneider Family Awards: A Little Like Magic and Popcorn
By Janie Cheaney |
In A Little Like Magic, a wheelchair-bound girl finds enchantment during the winter ice festival. A Little Like Magic by Sarah Kurpiel. Rocky Pond Books, ...
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Mendel the Mess-Up by Terry LaBan
By Janie Cheaney |
In Mendel the Mess-Up, an accident-prone Jewish boy turns his weaknesses into strengths against rampaging Cossacks. Mendel the Mess-Up by Terry LaBan. Holiday House, 2024, ...
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King & Kayla Series by Dori Hillestad Butler
By Betsy Farquhar |
The King & Kayla series offers up warm, winsome humor (and mysteries, too!) for newly independent readers. King & Kayla Series by Dori Hillstad Butler ...
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Fun Middle-Grade Reads for Winter Break: Library Girl, The Long Way Around, and We Do Not Welcome Our 10-Year-Old Overlord
By Janie Cheaney |
Library Girl is the whimsical story of a girl finding a home while her adoring caretakers find true love. Library Girl by Polly Horvath. Holiday ...
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Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody by Patrick Ness
By Janie Cheaney |
Zeke, a “Lizard Nobody” in his own opinion (as well as an actual lizard) learns to stand up for himself in this hilarious and heartfelt ...
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The Minor Miracle by Meredith Davis
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Minor Miracle is a light-hearted, fun read with lots of heart, perfect for fans of comic books, superheroes, and friends. The Minor Miracle: The ...
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*Moving the Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion: A true story by Dave Eggers
By Megan Saben |
A silver mine, a single man in possession of a great fortune who is in want of a wife, a wedding, a house project, a ...
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Wormwood Abbey: A Guest Post by Gina Dalfonzo
By Hayley Morell |
Today we are happy to share a guest post from Gina Dalfonzo, author and fellow book reviewer. Gina has been a guest at Redeemed Reader ...
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Celebrity Picture Books that Aren’t Bad, by B.J. Novak, Julie Andrews, Emma Thompson, and Spike Lee
By Janie Cheaney |
“Legitimate children’s book authors”—that is, those who won a publishing contract through finely-honed craft and dogged persistence—have nothing but scorn for picture books with celebrity ...
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Wander Lost by Laura Martin
By Janie Cheaney |
Wander Lost features hidden worlds within a variety of board games, and twin brothers launched on a desperate rescue mission. Wander Lost by Laura Martin. ...
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*Mercy Watson is Missing! by Kate DiCamillo
By Megan Saben |
What could possibly entice Mercy Watson to wander away from home? And who will help Mr. and Mrs. Watson recover their beloved porcine pet? Mercy ...
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2024 Newbery Buzz #4: Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow
By Hayley Morell |
Simon Sort of Says was longlisted for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Could it win the Newbery? We're continuing our long-running Newbery ...
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Newbery Roundup 2: Mexikid, The Swifts, and Shira and Esther’s Double-Dream Debut
By Janie Cheaney |
This is second of our roundup series of possible Newbery contenders for 2024. See the first roundup here. Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martin. ...
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Mooses with Bazookas by S. D. Smith
By Betsy Farquhar |
Mooses with Bazookas is a light-hearted, funny romp through humorous letters and stories; they remind us not to take ourselves too seriously! Mooses With Bazookas ...
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Traditional Christmas Picture Books: A Roundup
By Janie Cheaney |
The Chimney Problem, the decorating dilemma, a pesky pigeon, and a reformed Grinch take center stage in four new Christmas picture books. Those of us ...
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My Head Has a Bellyache and More Nonsense by Chris Harris
By Megan Saben |
Poems about nail clippings, sausages, and page numbers?! Yes, and many more. My Head Has a Bellyache and More Nonsense by Chris Harris, illustrated by ...
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The Most of P. G. Wodehouse by P. G. Wodehouse
By Hayley Morell |
An excellent introduction to P. G. Wodehouse via his short stories and one delightful novella. The Most of P.G. Wodehouse by P. G. Wodehouse, Touchstone, 2000. ...
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The McNifficents by Amy Mckechnie
By Janie Cheaney |
The McNifficents are a family of rambunctious kids corralled by a perceptive and conscientious Schnauzer. The McNifficents by Amy Makechnie. Simon & Schuster, 2023, 310 ...
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Comics: Whys, Hows, and Wherefores
By Janie Cheaney |
(Originally published at Redeemed Reader on November 27, 2013) Most kids enjoy comics or their upscale cousins, graphic novels. Of those who enjoy them, many ...
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The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson
By Janie Cheaney |
Noting one important consideration, The Firefly Summer is an enjoyable light read with a theme of family solidarity. The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson. Simon ...
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The Book That No One Wanted to Read by Richard Ayoade
By Betsy Farquhar |
What if a book writes itself, but is determined that no one should actually read the final product? The Book That No One Wanted to ...
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Nonfiction Picture Books: Concrete; Luminous; The Animal Toolkit; The Universe in You; Digestion: The Musical
By Janie Cheaney |
Outstanding picture books from 2022 feature the story of a ubiquitous building material, unusual animals, basic particle physics, and a different take on the topic ...
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2023 Geisel Award Winner: I Did It! by Michael Emberley
By Janie Cheaney |
I Did It!, winner of this year’s Geisel Award for early readers, charmingly illustrates a common childhood experience: trying and failing. I Did It! by ...
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The Real Dada Mother Goose by Jon Scieszka
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Real Dada Mother Goose, popular humorist Jon Scieszka subjects familiar nursery rhymes to every possible variation. The Real Dada Mother Goose: A Treasury ...
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Belittled Women by Amanda Sellet
By Janie Cheaney |
Belittled Woman features a contemporary Meg, Jo, and Amy reluctantly participating in their mother’s pet project: a tourist attraction reenacting scenes from a certain 19th-century ...
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The Holy Ghost by John Hendrix
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Holy Ghost, author/illustrator John Hendrix freely exercises his imaginative powers while contemplating the third Person of the Trinity. The Holy Ghost: A Spirited ...
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The Three Little Pigs: A Book List
By Betsy Farquhar |
Just for fun, here's a round-up of some delightful version of the classic folktale "The Three Little Pigs" along with some funny spoofs and spins. ...
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Quick Summer Reads: Treasure Tracks, High Score, and Wretched Waterpark
By Janie Cheaney |
Three entertaining novels for the adventure-seeker, the heist-lover, and the doom-aficionado. Treasure Tracks by S. A. Rodriguez. Farrar Straus Giroux, 2022, 214 pages. Reading Level: ...
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Mr. Lemoncello’s Very First Game by Chris Grabenstein
By Janie Cheaney |
Fans of Mr. Lemoncello's world of puzzles and games will enjoy this story of how he got his start. Mr. Lemoncello’s Very First Game by ...
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*Love and Other Great Expectations by Becky Dean
By Janie Cheaney |
*Love and Other Great Expectations puts romance in its place as part of life’s great adventure (but not all of it). Love and Other Great ...
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Your Pal Fred by Michael Rex
By Janie Cheaney |
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, ...
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Cookies & Milk by Shawn Amos
By Janie Cheaney |
Cookies & Milk is an enjoyable fictionalized account of the world’s first chocolate-chip cookie store and the launch of a “famous” business. Cookies & Milk ...
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New Chapter Book series: Starla Jean and Cornbread & Poppy
By Janie Cheaney |
In these two enjoyable chapter-book series, Cornbread & Poppy are mismatched but loving friends and Starla Jean is a plucky protagonist. Cornbread & Poppy by ...
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Cress Watercress by Gregory Maguire
By Janie Cheaney |
Cress Watercress, a young rabbit suddenly fatherless, finds strength and purpose in this beautifully written tale. Cress Watercress by Gregory Maguire, illustrated by David Litchfield. ...
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Cat Kid Comic Club by Dav Pilkey
By Janie Cheaney |
The Cat Kid Comic club, a spinoff of the popular Dog Man series, invites young readers to experiment with their own comic stories and styles. ...
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Dog Man Series by Dav Pilkey
By Janie Cheaney |
Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man series, while reveling in underwear and potty humor, still manages to be loveable. And even funny. Dog Man: a Graphic Novel ...
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The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck by Matt Phelan
By Janie Cheaney |
A swashbuckling rooster, a designing sheep and a clever duck change history in Matt Phelan’s latest flight of fancy. The Sheep, the Rooster, and the ...
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Fun with Words and Stories: Otto: A Palindrama and The Ice Cream Machine
By Janie Cheaney |
Otto tells an extended story with pictures and palindromes, while The Ice Cream Machine spins six stories off one title prompt. Otto: A Palendrama by ...
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Operation Do-Over by Gordon Korman
By Janie Cheaney |
Operation Do-Over is an entertaining jaunt that asks the perennial question: What if you got a chance to correct a past mistake? Operation Do-Over by ...
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Picture books for boys (and girls) who love action and humor
By Megan Saben |
A reader-inspired hunt for a roundup of favorite picture books for boys and girls who love action and humor A reader asks: "What I continue ...
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*Tales from Deckawoo Drive Series by Kate DiCamillo
By Betsy Farquhar |
Deckawoo Drive: Home of Mercy Watson and her Neighbors Even though my children are all teenagers now, and long past the chapter book stage, we ...
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The Vanderbeekers Make a Wish by Karina Van Glaser
By Janie Cheaney |
The lively Vanderbeeker kids deepen their family roots in the fifth volume of the popular series. The Vanderbeekers Make a Wish by Karina van Glaser. ...
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Erik Vs. Everything by Christina Uss
By Janie Cheaney |
Erik, who fears Everything, learns to live up to his Viking heritage with the help of his Norse-struck family. Erik Vs. Everything by Christina Uss. ...
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Weird Kid by Greg Van Eekhout
By Janie Cheaney |
Weird Kid blends humor with the "aliens among us" theme to make an entertaining read for middle graders, (especially boys). Weird Kid by Greg van ...
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Aven Green, Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling
By Janie Cheaney |
Chapter-book readers will enjoy meeting Aven Green, the no-armed protagonist of the "Life of a Cactus" books. Aven Green, Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling, with ...
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John Klassen and Proverbs: A Guest Post from Sarah Hartman*
By Janie Cheaney |
John Klassen's Hat trilogy beautifully illustrates timeless truths from the book of Proverbs. I Want My Hat Back (2011), This is Not My Hat (2012), ...
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Critter Jitters by Jory John
By Janie Cheaney |
The “Critter Jitters” series tackles the anxieties of young children in a humorous, reassuring way. Summer Camp Critter Jitters and First Day Critter Jitters by ...
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The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst by Jaclyn Moriarty
By Janie Cheaney |
The familiar “child of destiny” trope receives a fresh, funny, and magical twist in The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst. The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst by ...
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Sidney & Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World by Jacqueline Davis
By Janie Cheaney |
The Sidney & Taylor series introduces a pair of wild-animal friends whose personalities lead them into humorous misadventures Sidney & Taylor Explore the Whole Wide ...
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Saucy by Cynthia Kadohata
By Janie Cheaney |
Saucy, a smart, obstreperous, and very large pig tests the patience of the parents and the coherence of a set of quadruplets. Saucy by Cynthia ...
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Class Act by Jerry Craft
By Betsy Farquhar |
Class Act picks up right where New Kid left off, offering insight with humor and great art. Class Act by Jerry Craft. Quill Tree Books, ...
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*Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt
By Betsy Farquhar |
Just Like That, Gary Schmidt's latest book for teens, humorously and poignantly explores love and loss. Just Like That is one of our Readers' Choice ...
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*See the Cat: Three stories about a dog
By Megan Saben |
A dog on a rug is quite understandably aggravated by the narrative narrator through three very short stories for beginning readers. Brilliant, clever, and hilarious. ...
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The Best of Iggy by Annie Barrows
By Janie Cheaney |
Iggy learns not all bad deeds are created equal in this humorous tour of relative morality. The Best of Iggy by Annie Barrows, illustrated by ...
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Fly on the Wall by Remy Lai
By Janie Cheaney |
The hero of Fly on the Wall hatches a daring scheme to remake his self-image. Fly on the Wall by Remy Lai. Henry Holt, 2020, ...
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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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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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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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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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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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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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The Fowl Twins by Eoin Colfer
By Janie Cheaney |
While Artemis Fowl speeds toward Mars, the Fowl Twins step to starring roles in their own adventures in this page-turning series opener. The Fowl Twins ...
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*Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
By Janie Cheaney |
The “insignificant events” befalling a girl without arms throw the rough transitions of middle school into sharp, yet humorous, relief. *Insignificant Events in the Life ...
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Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
By Janie Cheaney |
The “momentous event" of transitioning to high school presents Aven Green, the armless girl-wonder, with new challenges. Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus ...
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Noodleheads Find Something Fishy by Tedd Arnold
By Janie Cheaney |
The Noodleheads series, by the author of Fly Guy, draws from classic simpleton stories to give early readers a chuckle. Noodleheads Find Something Fishy (Noodleheads, ...
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Fenway and Hattie by Victoria Coe
By Janie Cheaney |
The Fenway and Hattie series pits an excitable Jack Russell terrier against delivery men and treacherous flooring. Fenway and Hattie by Victoria J. Coe. Putnam, ...
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The Seven Worst Realities About Being a Bookworm
By Megan Saben |
The Seven Worst Realities About Being a Bookworm, according to a 10-year-old boy, are: 1. Appetite for reading surpasses appetite for meals ("H, what book ...
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Time Twisters Series by Steve Sheinkin
By Janie Cheaney |
In the “Time Twisters” series, Steve Sheinkin has fun with a discipline he usually takes seriously, starting with Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln, Pro Wrestler (Time ...
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*The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue by Karina Yan Glaser
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue continues the Vanderbeeker fun as the kids try to rescue their mom's cookie baking business. *The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue ...
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Last in a Long Line of Rebels by Lisa Lewis Tyre
By Janie Cheaney |
In this light-hearted middle-grade novel, a southern "Rebel" digs into her heritage with surprising and enlightening results. Last in a Long Line of Rebels by ...
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The Invention Hunters Series by Korwin Briggs
By Janie Cheaney |
By their wacky misunderstandings, the "Invention Hunters" help kids understand basic principles of applied science. The Invention Hunters Discover How Machines Work by Korwin Briggs. ...
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Series Fiction for Tweens and Teens: A Book Series List!
By Betsy Farquhar |
Got a reluctant reader? A voracious reader? A reader with pronounced genre preferences? There's a book series (or four) for that! Book series are extremely ...
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Max & the Midknights by Lincoln Pierce
By Janie Cheaney |
A goofy plot and sword-and-sorcery setting make Max and the Midknights a fun series opener. Max and the Midknights by Lincoln Pierce. Crown, 2019, 279 ...
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STEM Girls: a Roundup
By Janie Cheaney |
The range of fields encompassed by Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) are the new educational Holy Grail, replacing history, social science, and the humanities. ...
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Pie in the Sky by Remy Lai
By Janie Cheaney |
With humor and heart, Pie in the Sky explores the experience of a young Asian immigrant with much more than assimilation on his mind. Pie ...
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*The Church Mice Series by Graham Oakley
By Janie Cheaney |
The Church Mice series recaptures a very British way of life through a band of adventurous mice and their loyal protector cat. The Church Mice ...
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The Last Last-Day-of-Summer by Lamar Giles
By Janie Cheaney |
The "last day of summer" turns into a literal race against time for two intrepid, legendary sleuths. The Last Last-Day-of-Summer by Lamar Giles. Versify (HMH), ...
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Ronan Boyle and the Bridge of Riddles by Thomas Lennon
By Janie Cheaney |
Ronan Boyle is the hapless hero of this hilarious new fantasy series that pits special-unit Irish police against nefarious leprechauns. Ronan Boyle and the Bridge ...
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Mercy Watson, the Porcine Wonder (books by Kate DiCamillo)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Meet Mercy Watson, the Porcine Wonder My kids and I first met Mercy Watson, the porcine wonder, in the pages of her first book: Mercy ...
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Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid by Jeff Kinney
By Janie Cheaney |
The Wimpy Kid's long-suffering best friend takes the narrative helm in the latest from the wildly successful book franchise. Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: ...
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*By the Great Horn Spoon by Sid Fleischman (Retro Read)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Jack and Praiseworthy must use their wits and resourcefulness if they are to strike it rich in California's goldfields in this funny middle grades novel. ...
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*The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
By Betsy Farquhar |
Holling Hoodhood comes to appreciate more than Shakespeare in this humorous historical fiction middle school novel. Starred review for The Wednesday Wars! *The Wednesday Wars ...
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New Kid by Jerry Craft
By Janie Cheaney |
New Kid offers a fresh and funny graphic-novel take on the middle-school blues. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-14 From Washington ...
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*Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria Parr
By Betsy Farquhar |
Astrid, the thunderbolt of Glimmerdal, charms readers as easily as she charms those around her in this delightful middle grades novel. *Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria Parr. Candlewick, 2018 (English language version). 320 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10Recommended For: Family read aloud, ages 6 and up "Blistering badgers!" She's managed to sled —with speed and self ...
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*Inkling by Kenneth Oppel
By Janie Cheaney |
Imagination literally runs wild in Inkling, the latest middle-grade novel from popular novelist Kenneth Oppel. *Inkling by Kenneth Oppel, with illustrations by Sydney Smith. Knopf, ...
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Knights vs. Dinosaurs by Matt Phelan
By Janie Cheaney |
Three boastful knights bite off more than they can chew in this legendary tale by a popular graphic novelist. Knights vs. Dinosaurs by Matt Phelan. ...
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Rabbit & Robot and Ribbit by CeCe Bell
By Betsy Farquhar |
Rabbit and Robot's friendship is tested when a new friend, Ribbit, enters the scene in this funny easy reader. Rabbit & Robot and Ribbit by ...
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Back to School with Babymouse and Og the Frog
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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50 Wacky Things Animals Do by Tricia Wagner
By Janie Cheaney |
“Wacky facts” about 50 animals introduce young readers to the amazing variety of creation. Ages 6-10 50 Wacky Things Animals Do: Weird and Amazing Animal ...
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The Princess Bride by William Goldman
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Princess Bride is just as delightful in book form as it is in movie form (or vice versa, depending on which you've already experienced!). ...
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The Penderwicks at Last by Jeanne Birdsall
By Betsy Farquhar |
Longtime readers will enjoy Birdsall's Penderwicks at Last, a charming finale to this beloved middle grades series. The Penderwicks at Last by Jeanne Birdsall. Knopf, 2018. ...
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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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*New Shoes by Sara Varon
By Janie Cheaney |
A delightful journey into the jungle awaits Francis the Donkey on his quest to make new shoes for his favorite Calypso singer. *New Shoes by ...
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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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