character values
Where Only Storms Grow by Alyssa Colman
By Janie Cheaney |
Where Only Storms Grow brings the “Dust Bowl” of the 1930s vividly to life, as a family struggles to hold on to hope. Where Only ...
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*The Song of the Stone Tiger by Glenn McCarty
By Betsy Farquhar |
Magical woods, fairy stories, music, and sacrificial friendship offer Thomas and a stone tiger hope as they walk through the valley of the shadow of ...
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To Walk the Sky by Patricia Morris Buckley
By Hayley Morell |
In To Walk the Sky, young readers learn how Iroquois men became steelworkers. To Walk the Sky: How Iroquois Steelworkers Helped Build Towering Cities by ...
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*Wild Honey from the Moon by Kenneth Kraegel
By Hayley Morell |
Nothing will stop Mother Shrew’s quest to fetch wild honey from the moon for her sick son, Hugo. *Wild Honey from the Moon by Kenneth ...
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Learning to Lead: Another Redeemed Reader Booklist! (Updated)
By Janie Cheaney |
In his Confessions, Augustine wrote this on the subject of "time": “I understand well enough what time is, so long as no one asks me.” ...
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*The Teacher of Nomad Land by Daniel Nayeri
By Betsy Farquhar |
Balak valiantly takes up his father's mantle to be the teacher of nomad land; along the way, he himself is taught much. *The Teacher of ...
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The Forest of a Thousand Eyes by Frances Hardinge
By Janie Cheaney |
The Forest of a Thousand Eye pictures a decaying community at the mercy of nature, and one girl plunged into a desperate situation. The Forest ...
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*The Winter of the Dollhouse by Laura Amy Schlitz
By Janie Cheaney |
The Winter of the Dollhouse is a cozy story with fantasy elements addressing generational relationship, longing, loss, and reconciliation. *The Winter of the Dollhouse by ...
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I’m Very Busy: A (Nearly Forgotten) Birthday Book by Oliver Jeffers
By Betsy Farquhar |
Friends would never forget your birthday, would they? Even if they were very busy? I'm Very Busy: A (Nearly Forgotten) Birthday Book by Oliver Jeffers. ...
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The Library of Curiosities by Jenny Lundquist
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Library of Curiosities, an orphaned girl discovers her heritage as the latest of a curiosity-collecting dynasty. The Library of Curiosities by Jenny Lundquist. ...
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Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear by Trang Nguyen
By Hayley Morell |
A young Vietnamese wildlife conservationist sets out on a quest to help one special sun bear return to the rainforest in Saving Sorya, a vibrant ...
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*The Black Mambas: The World’s First All-Woman Anti-Poaching Unit by Kelly Crull
By Hayley Morell |
Young readers are introduced to The Black Mambas: The World's First All Women Anti-poaching Unit. *The Black Mambas: The World's First All-Woman Anti-Poaching Unit by ...
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*Bright Red Fruit by Safia Elhillo
By Betsy Farquhar |
An emotionally-resonant cautionary tale about the allure of bright red fruit even when signs of danger lurk alongside. Note: this book contains sensitive topics, including ...
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*The Golden Necklace by Mitali Perkins
By Betsy Farquhar |
Sona is determined to find out who stole her friend's golden necklace in order to clear her brother of suspicion in this new mystery series ...
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It Is Okay by Ye Guo
By Hayley Morell |
Two unlikely friends discover It Is Okay to have both common interests and differences. It Is Okay by Ye Guo. Eerdmans, 2024. 40 pages. Reading ...
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An American Immigrant by Johanna Rojas Vann
By Betsy Farquhar |
In An American Immigrant, twenty-five year old Melanie makes a pilgrimage to Colombia and discovers more about both herself and her mother, who came to ...
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*A Big Change Happened by Darby Strickland
By Betsy Farquhar |
A big change happened for Wallace, the whale, and his mama. It's scary, but God is with them. *A Big Change Happened by Darby Strickland, ...
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The Library of Unruly Treasures by Jeanne Birdsall
By Janie Cheaney |
The Library of Unruly Treasures introduces readers to a race of tiny people with wings, and a human girl who may be their rescuer. The ...
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The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
By Janie Cheaney |
The Penderwicks, first in a series, delightfully introduces readers to the four Penderwick sisters, their widowed father, and a hound named Hound. The Penderwicks: A ...
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*Rivers by Simon Chapman
By Janie Cheaney |
Rivers is a stunning picture-book exploration of Earth’s waterways. *Rivers: Culture, Civilization, and Commerce by Simon Chapman, illustrated by Qu Lan. Big Picture Press (Candlewick), ...
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*Gay Girl, Good God by Jackie Hill Perry
By Hayley Morell |
In evocative, lyrical prose, Jackie Hill Perry shares her spiritual journey in Gay Girl, Good God. *Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I ...
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*The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Clover isn't supposed to play on the other side of the fence, but what about climbing to the top to meet a new friend? *The ...
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*Yellow and Pink by William Steig (Retro Reads)
By Megan Saben |
Yellow and Pink is a simple, thoughtful picture book about two marionettes who discuss whether they are the result of intelligent design or a series ...
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Picture-Perfect Boyfriend by Becky Dean
By Hayley Morell |
A family trip to Hawaii is complicated for Kenzie Reed by the arrival of her picture-perfect boyfriend—who is supposed to be fictitious! Picture-Perfect Boyfriend by ...
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The Burning Season by Caroline Starr Rose
By Janie Cheaney |
The Burning Season pits a 12-year-old girl against a fast-moving forest fire. The Burning Season by Caroline Starr Rose. Nancy Paulsen Books, 2025. 228 pages. ...
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Love Unmasked by Becky Dean
By Hayley Morell |
A fun YA romance about a trip to Venice that will end with Love Unmasked. Love Unmasked by Becky Dean. Delacorte Romance, 2025. 384 pages. ...
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The Friendship Train by Debbie Levy
By Janie Cheaney |
The Friendship Train is the heartwarming true story of Americans pitching in to relieve European hunger after World War II. The Friendship Train by Debbie ...
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*A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker
By Hayley Morell |
Bear's solitary existence is disrupted by a visitor for bear. *A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. Candlewick, 2012. 56 ...
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If Jesus Came to my School by April Graney
By Betsy Farquhar |
What if Jesus came to my school? What would be different? If Jesus Came to my School by April Graney, illustrated by Yana Kodak. Multnomah, ...
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The Keeper of Stories by Caroline Kusin Pritchard
By Hayley Morell |
In The Keeper of Stories, lyrical prose and engaging mixed media illustrations tell the story of the 1966 fire in New York's Jewish Theological Seminary ...
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*Heckedy Peg by Audrey Wood
By Megan Saben |
Heckedy Peg is a picture book about a brave mother who loves her children and cleverly wins them back from evil clutches. *Heckedy Peg by ...
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Gus and Glory by Sarah Guillory
By Janie Cheaney |
Glory and Gus stars a scrappy, mystery-loving girl and a slobbery, lovable bloodhound. Gus and Glory by Sarah Guillory. Roaring Brook, 2025. 232 pages. Reading ...
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Spelling It Out by Margaret Finnegan
By Janie Cheaney |
In Spelling It Out, a competitive speller discovers his own strengths as well as the value of family. Spelling It Out by Margaret Finnegan. Atheneum, ...
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Friends in Strange Places by Nell Branum
By Betsy Farquhar |
Sixth grader Riley Abercrombie is on a mission to get her Grandma Suzie a perfect pooch in Friends in Strange Places. Friends in Strange Places ...
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Keep ‘Em Flying by Nell Branum
By Betsy Farquhar |
Can sixth grader Riley Abercrombie win a contest AND solve a mystery in Keep 'Em Flying? Keep 'Em Flying (Heroes on the Home Front Mysteries ...
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*All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
By Megan Saben |
All-of-a-Kind Family describes the joys and trials of a Jewish family with five girls in New York City in 1912. *All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor. ...
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*The Watcher: Inspired by Psalm 121 by Nikki Grimes
By Betsy Farquhar |
Two children learn much about the Watcher who watches over them in this poignant picture book. *The Watcher: Inspired by Psalm 121 by Nikki Grimes, ...
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Blended by Sharon Draper
By Betsy Farquhar |
Isabella is blended: half-white, half-black. Soon, she's going to be in a blended family, too. How do you find your identity when you're all mixed ...
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Retro Reads: The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss
By Megan Saben |
The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss is an excellent allegory about loving your neighbor, followed by other thought-provoing tales. The Sneetches and Other ...
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Wagon Wheels by Barbara Brenner
By Hayley Morell |
Wagon Wheels, a classic from the I Can Read series, introduces young readers to the Black pioneer experience. Wagon Wheels by Barbara Brenner, illustrated by ...
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The Minor Rescue by Meredith Davis
By Betsy Farquhar |
Noah Minor is back in The Minor Rescue, this time on a quest to save twenty-six middle schoolers who were captured by his Uncle Saul. ...
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The Playmakers by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Playmakers, three underdogs work hard to boost their game to the next level. The Playmakers by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown. Shadow Mountain, ...
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*How to Tell a True Story by Tricia Springstubb
By Janie Cheaney |
How to Tell a True Story ponders how “truth” is perceived and what it may cost to reveal it. *How to Tell a True Story ...
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The Lemonade War Graphic Novel by Jacqueline Davies and Karen De La Vega
By Janie Cheaney |
This graphic novel version of The Lemonade War is faithful to the original with clever visual additions. The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies, illustrated by ...
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The Pecan Sheller by Lupe Ruiz-Flores
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Pecan Sheller, a spirited 13-year-old girl learns to stand up for herself against an oppressive factory system. The Pecan Sheller by Lupe Ruiz-Flores. ...
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*Once a Castle by Sarah Arthur
By Hayley Morell |
Readers return to Sarah Arthur's fantasy world with a whole new adventure and cast of characters in Once a Castle. *Once a Castle by Sarah ...
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The Summer of the Bone Horses by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve
By Janie Cheaney |
The Summer of the Bone Horses recalls a boy’s sojourn with his Dakota grandparents on the Rosebud Reservation. The Summer of the Bone Horses by ...
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*Benny on the Case by Wesley King
By Janie Cheaney |
Benny on the Case introduces a sleuth with Mosaic Down Syndrome and an indomitable, loyal partner. *Benny on the Case by Wesley King. Simon & ...
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A Wizard of Earthsea: A Graphic Novel by Ursula K. Le Guin and Fred Fordham
By Janie Cheaney |
A Wizard of Earthsea recasts a classic fantasy novel in graphic-novel format. A Wizard of Earthsea: A Graphic Novel by Ursula K. Le Guin, adapted ...
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The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner
By Janie Cheaney |
The Trouble with Heroes examines the fraught relationship between a young teen and his late, larger-than-life father. The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner. Bloomsbury, ...
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Dragon Slayers by Joyce Denham
By Hayley Morell |
Dragon Slayers is an earnest attempt to capture Christian theology and history as a battle between dragons and dragon slayers. Dragon Slayers: The Essential Training ...
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Three Picture Books to Make You Think: Echo, Home, and A Cup of Quiet
By Janie Cheaney |
In Echo, a spoiled little boy learns that real friendship doesn’t mean total agreement. *Echo by Adam Rex. Dial, 2025, 46 pages. Reading Level: Picture ...
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*The Hiding Place: A Graphic Novel adapted by Mario DeMatteo
By Janie Cheaney |
The Hiding Place: A Graphic Novel faithfully adapts Corrie Ten Boom’s story for graphic-novel fans. *The Hiding Place: A Graphic Novel by Corrie Ten Boom, ...
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Old School by Gordon Korman
By Janie Cheaney |
A boy raised in a retirement village must give up his Old School for seventh grade with . . . actual seventh-graders. Old School by ...
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*Will’s Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes
By Janie Cheaney |
Will’s Race for Home is a classic coming-of-age story set during the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889. *Will’s Race for Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes. ...
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Swimming with Spies by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger
By Janie Cheaney |
Swimming with Spies is an animal rescue story that provides valuable background to the Russia/Ukraine conflict. Swimming with Spies by Chystyna Lucyk-Berger. Scholastic, 2024, 267 ...
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Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton
By Betsy Farquhar |
Katy and the Big Snow is pitch perfect as a kindergarten/early elementary age read aloud. Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton. HMH ...
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The Miniature World of Marvin and James by Elise Broach and illustrated by Kelly Murphy
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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*The Amazing Christmas Extravaganza by David Shannon
By Megan Saben |
A simple effort to brighten up the holidays goes way overboard in this Christmas story about pride going before a fall. *The Amazing Christmas Extravaganza ...
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Light Comes to Shadow Mountain by Toni Buzzeo
By Janie Cheaney |
In Light Comes to Shadow Mountain, a young girl is determined to bring electricity to her Kentucky home through the Rural Electrification Project. Light Comes ...
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*Little Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, illustrated by Joe Sutphin
By Megan Saben |
A classic Christmas story of an old sinner who finds redemption through visits from four spirits who convict him of his worldly wretchedness. Little Christmas ...
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Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
By Janie Cheaney |
Impossible Creatures takes readers on an unforgettable quest to re-enchant an imaginary world—that may not be as imaginary as it seems. Impossible Creatures by Katherine ...
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The Found Boys by S. D. Smith
By Janie Cheaney |
The “Found Boys” find trouble in their West Virginia small town, but also deepen their understanding of grace and forgiveness. The Found Boys by S. ...
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*The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
By Megan Saben |
A wild robot explores an island and learns more than how to survive nature from the animals; she develops relationships and makes it home. A ...
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Uprising by Jennifer A. Nielsen
By Janie Cheaney |
Uprising is the story of a Polish girl’s experience of World War II, based on the experiences of a real-life teenage resistance fighter. Uprising by ...
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Light and Air by Mindy Nichols Wendell
By Janie Cheaney |
Light and Air follows its 11-year-old protagonist through a rocky path of tuberculosis and family upheaval. Light and Air by Mindy Nichols Wendell. Holiday House, ...
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*Wang Mingdao by Simonetta Carr
By Janie Cheaney |
The latest volume of the Christian Biographies series introduces Wang Mingdao, a father of the Chinese evangelical church, to young readers. *Wang Mingdao by Simonetta ...
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The Selkie’s Daughter by Linda Crotta Brennan
By Janie Cheaney |
The Selkie’s Daughter presents its protagonist with a profound choice between two natures. The Selkie’s Daughter by Linda Crotta Brennan. Holiday House, 2024, 202 pages. ...
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The Night War by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
By Janie Cheaney |
The Night War is the WWII story of a Jewish girl in Paris choosing to be brave when Nazis take everything from her. The Night ...
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*Varenka by Bernadette Watts
By Megan Saben |
Varenka is a lovely picture book about a widow whose fears and struggles with faith are mingled with loving her neighbor and trusting the God ...
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Papá’s Magical Water-Jug Clock
By Megan Saben |
Jesús is excited to work with his Papá on a busy Saturday full of yards to mow, and as soon as the water jug is ...
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*One Big Open Sky by Lesa Cline-Ransome
By Janie Cheaney |
One Big Open Sky fills a history gap with the story of black settlers heading west in wagon trains. *One Big Open Sky by Lesa ...
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*The Empty Pot by Demi
By Megan Saben |
The Empty Pot is a lovely tale from China about the rewards of honesty and integrity. The Empty Pot by Demi, Square Fish. 32 pages. ...
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Yours from the Tower by Sally Nichols
By Janie Cheaney |
In Yours from the Tower, three young ladies overcome obstacles and find true love in late 19th-century England. Yours from the Tower by Sally Nichols. ...
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Evergreen by Matthew Cordell
By Megan Saben |
Evergreen is the story of a fearful young squirrel who learns bravery on her quest to obey her mother and deliver soup to ailing Granny ...
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Hidden Hope by Elisa Boxer
By Megan Saben |
Hidden Hope tells of a brave young lady who smuggled papers in a child's toy to save lives during World War II. Hidden Hope: How ...
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*William’s House by Ginger Howard
By Megan Saben |
Wouldn't it make sense that a house built in the style of a home in England would work just as well in America? *William's House ...
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Quicksilver by R. J. Anderson
By Hayley Morell |
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 ...
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Gladys Hunt on Developing a Sympathetic Heart
By Janie Cheaney |
Editor's Note: This month's Honey for a Child's Heart Read-Along looks at Chapter 23, "Nourishing Your Child's Spiritual Life." This must include a sympathetic heart ...
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Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead
By Betsy Farquhar |
Spare and sensitive, Liar & Spy is a warm-hearted middle-grades story about two lonely boys who form a deep, abiding friendship. Liar & Spy by ...
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Princess of the Wild Sea by Megan Frazer Blakemore
By Janie Cheaney |
A twist on Sleeping Beauty, Princess of the Wild Sea explores the concept of heroism and the danger and reward of risk-taking. Princess of the ...
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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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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 |
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 ...
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Ride On by Faith Erin Hicks
By Janie Cheaney |
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: ...
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Labor Day: Books about Work
By Betsy Farquhar |
Readers: this is an adaptation of one of the first posts on Redeemed Reader, way back in 2011 (written by Emily Whitten, the "I" in ...
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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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Each of Us a Universe by Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo
By Janie Cheaney |
Two girls with big problems draw resilience from each other and the "Magic" of the Universe. Each of Us a Universe by Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo ...
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The Legend of Hobart by Heather Mullaly
By Janie Cheaney |
The Legend of Hobart pays affectionate tribute to fairy-tale tropes in a story about becoming a true hero. The Legend of Hobart by Heather Mullaly. ...
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Sparrow Rising by Jessica Khoury
By Janie Cheaney |
Sparrow Rising, the first volume of a promising new fantasy series for middle-graders, depicts a race of winged humans. Sparrow Rising (Skyborn #1) by Jessica ...
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On the Hook by Francisco X. Stork
By Janie Cheaney |
The protagonist of Francisco Stork’s latest novel finds himself “on the hook” when his lust for revenge can’t be satisfied. On the Hook by Francisco ...
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Crossing the Stream by Elizabeth-Irene Baitie
By Janie Cheaney |
Crossing the Stream takes us to Africa, where a young teen is facing spiritual and practical challenges. Crossing the Stream by Elizabeth-Irene Baitie. Norton, 2021, ...
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Wombat Walkabout by Carol Diggory Shields
By Janie Cheaney |
Wombat Walkabout features six furry siblings outwitting a hungry dingo. Wombat Walkabout by Carol Diggory Shields. Illustrated by Sophie Blackall. Dutton Children's Books, 2009, 32 ...
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*The Ship of Stolen Words by Fran Wilde
By Janie Cheaney |
The Ship of Stolen Words is light, enjoyable fantasy anchored by a worthy theme. *The Ship of Stolen Words by Fran Wilde. Abrams, 2021, 386 ...
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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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Picture-book Roundup: The Floating Field, *Hugo and the Impossible Thing, Yes & No
By Janie Cheaney |
Three outstanding new picture books demonstrate how life is better when we work together. The Floating Field: How a Group of Thai Boys Built Their ...
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Thornwood by Leah Cypess
By Janie Cheaney |
Thornwood recasts the tale of Sleeping Beauty as a castle-bound mystery, with twists and turns at every corner. Thornwood by Leah Cypress. Delacorte Press, 2021, ...
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Doggo and Pupper by Katherine Applegate
By Janie Cheaney |
Doggo and Pupper, a new chapter-book series, features an old dog learning new tricks and a new dog learning responsibility. Doggo and Pupper by Katherine ...
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Character picture books: Twenty-One Steps, Bartali’s Bicycle, and Nelson Mandela’s Plan
By Janie Cheaney |
Three nonfiction picture books offer examples of faithful service, reconciliation, and self-sacrifice. Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Jeff Gottesfeld, illustrated ...
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Across the Pond by Joy McCullough
By Janie Cheaney |
A young teen who's lost her footing at home must reestablish herself in a castle "Across the Pond." Across the Pond by Joy McCullough. Atheneum, ...
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