Fantasy
Alice’s Farm: a Rabbit’s Tale by Maryrose Wood
By Betsy Farquhar |
Alice and her brother Thistle try to save a human's farm in this sweet animal story by the author of The Incorrigible Children of Ashton ...
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Fire Bringer by David Clement-Davies
By Betsy Farquhar |
Rannoch is marked from birth, a deer who faces his destiny in this Watership Down read alike for teens. Fire Bringer by David Clement-Davies. Firebird, ...
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Glass Slippers by Leah Cypress
By Janie Cheaney |
Glass Slippers reimagines the Cinderella story through the eyes of a third stepsister who is trying to sort truth from lies. Glass Slippers by Leah ...
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The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Ogress and the Orphans, a winning fairytale, kindness and love overcome suspicion. The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill. Algonquin, 2022, 390 ...
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The Aquanaut by Dan Santat
By Janie Cheaney |
The Aquanaut packs unexpected heart into a fantastical story from the ocean depths. The Aquanaut by Dan Santat. Scholastic Graphix, 2022, 243 pages Reading Level: ...
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New Picture Books: Knight Owl, Hello Puddle!, All from a Walnut, Hundred Years of Happiness
By Janie Cheaney |
Four new picture books take a humorous look at knighthood, explore backyard science, and appreciate grandparents. Knight Owl by Christopher Denise. Little, Brown, 2022,40 pages ...
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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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Pony by R. J. Palacio
By Janie Cheaney |
Pony mixes elements of historical fiction and fantasy to create a memorable coming-of-age tale. Pony by R. J. Palacio. Knopf, 2021, 304 pages Reading Level: ...
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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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Andrew and the Firedrake by Douglas Wilson
By Betsy Farquhar |
In this allegory for middle grades, Andrew journeys on a quest that includes delights, temptations, and dragons. Andrew and the Firedrake by Douglas Wilson. Canon ...
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Here, There Be Dragons by James A. Owen
By Betsy Farquhar |
John, Charles, and Jack go to the edge of the world in this wild, fantastic romp through the lands of myth and legend. Here, There ...
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Dragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester
By Betsy Farquhar |
Dragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester introduces young readers to eight dragon stories along with THE dragon story. Dragons and Dragonslayers by Tim Chester. Canonball ...
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What about Aru Shah?
By Hayley Morell |
This is a question we often get at Redeemed Reader. In fact, there's a whole comment thread asking if we've reviewed it. Part of the ...
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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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Smaug’s Kind: A List of Dragon Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
In honor of Bilbo Baggins and his birthday this week (September 22), we have a book list celebrating his defeat of Smaug, the great dragon: ...
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The Gilded Girl by Alyssa Colman
By Janie Cheaney |
The Gilded Girl, a magical take on A Little Princess, takes readers to an alternative turn-of-the-century New York City. The Gilded Girl by Alyssa Colman. ...
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Dead Wednesday by Jerry Spinelli
By Janie Cheaney |
"Dead Wednesday" is supposed to be the day middle-schoolers contemplate their own mortality, but for one 8th-grader it's a turning point in life. Dead Wednesday ...
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J. R. R. Tolkien for Kids by Simonetta Carr
By Hayley Morell |
An interactive biographical introduction to Tolkien with 21 activities, J. R. R. Tolkien for Kids is perfect for middle grade Tolkien enthusiasts. J. R. R. ...
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Homer on the Case by Henry Cole
By Janie Cheaney |
Homer, a literate homing pigeon, uses his unusual skills to solve a mystery, in this gentle story for young middle-graders. Homer on the Case by ...
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The Republic of Birds by Jessica Miller
By Janie Cheaney |
The Republic of Birds takes us to an alternate czarist Russia, where humans are at war with an avian nation. The Republic of Birds by ...
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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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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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The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody
By Janie Cheaney |
The Accidental Apprentice kicks off this middle-grade fantasy series with a rush of wind and a menagerie of fantastic Beasts. The Accidental Apprentice (Wilderlore vol. ...
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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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The House that Wasn’t There by Elana K. Arnold
By Janie Cheaney |
In The House That Wasn't There, neighbors start off on the wrong foot, but soon discover a mysterious connection. The House That Wasn’t There by ...
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Another Kingdom series by Andrew Klavan
By Hayley Morell |
Andrew Klavan's recently concluded gritty fantasy trilogy is a series for adults, not teens. Another Kingdom series by Andrew Klavan. Turner Publishing. Reading Level: Adult ...
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Thought-Provoking YA Fantasy
By Hayley Morell |
Between the two, The Theft of Sunlight and Into the Heartless Wood take on fairytales, humanity, and the complex web of sex trafficking. Into the ...
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The Hedgehog of Oz by Cory Leonardo
By Hayley Morell |
The Hedgehog of Oz is a tribute to Oz from the perspective of a very small but determined hedgehog. The Hedgehog of Oz by Cory ...
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*Amber & Clay by Laura Amy Schlitz
By Janie Cheaney |
Amber & Clay is a fascinating immersion into classic Greek civilization, seen through the eyes of two children, Socrates the sage, and a host of ...
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Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston
By Hayley Morell |
Move over Percy Jackson and Harry Potter, there's a new girl on the block in Amari and the Night Brothers! Amari and the Night Brothers ...
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Enclave Escape Round-up: YA Fantasy & Dystopia
By Hayley Morell |
Two series end and one begins in this round-up from Enclave Publishing, a Christian publishing house. Enclave's mission is "to get Christian speculative fiction directly ...
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The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice by Lisa DeSelm
By Janie Cheaney |
The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice explores what it means to be human in an interesting twist on the Pinocchio story. The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice by Lisa DeSelm. Page ...
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A Wolf for a Spell by Karah Sutton
By Janie Cheaney |
In A Wolf for a Spell, wolves join forces with humans and the earth itself to defeat a foul plot against all. A Wolf for ...
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Mulan: Before the Sword by Grace Lin
By Betsy Farquhar |
The "prequel" to the new Disney Mulan movie, this middle grades story weaves together Chinese legend with Mulan's own tale to great effect. Mulan: Before ...
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2021 Newbery Roundup #2: When You Trap a Tiger, Efren Divided, Magnificent Monsters of Cedar Street
By Janie Cheaney |
Three more possible Newbery contenders we never got around to reviewing. When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller. Random House, 2020, 302 pages Lily, ...
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2021 Newbery Roundup #1: Rick, Clean Getaway, A Game of Fox and Squirrels
By Janie Cheaney |
We’re keeping an eye on children's books that have been talked up as possible contenders for the 2021 ALA Youth Media Awards (to be announced ...
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The Prince Warriors Series by Priscilla Shirer with Gina Detwiler
By Betsy Farquhar |
Battles on earth mirror those in the spiritual realm, and these young Prince Warriors learn to wield their spiritual armor in both places in this ...
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*The Simple Art of Flying by Cory Leonardo
By Hayley Morell |
A charming middle grade debut featuring a fractious, poetic parrot and a lonely little boy. *The Simple Art of Flying by Cory Leonardo. Aladdin, 2019. ...
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Wishes and Wellingtons by Julie Berry
By Janie Cheaney |
Wishes andWellingtons is a light-hearted Victorian fantasy about being careful what you wish for. Wishes and Wellingtons by Julie Berry. Sourcebooks, 2020, 363 pages. Reading ...
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Willa the Wisp by Jonathan Auxier
By Janie Cheaney |
With Willa the Wisp, Jonathan Auxier introduces a magical chapter book series . The Fabled Stables: Willa the Wisp by Jonathan Auxier, illustrated by Olga ...
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Outlaws of Time Series by N. D. Wilson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Wilson's Outlaws of Time series is intense, time travel fun with plenty of action and philosophy thrown in. Great for young teens. Outlaws of Time ...
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A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat
By Janie Cheaney |
A Wish in the Dark pits literal darkness against light in a unique Asian setting. A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat. Candlewick, 2020, ...
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The Return of the Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
By Betsy Farquhar |
Megan and I have followed Megan Whalen Turner’s Thief series for years, and we both pre-ordered the final book, The Return of the Thief, months before publication. And ...
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The Time of Green Magic by Hilary McKay
By Janie Cheaney |
"Green Magic" lurks in an ivy-covered house, in this delightful MG fantasy. The Time of Green Magic by Hilary McKay. Simon & Shuster (Margart McEldery ...
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*Beyonders Trilogy
By Megan Saben |
Jason, an ordinary American boy, is summoned into a world that needs a hero. Original, highly imaginative, full of action and characters who are ready ...
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*Swift by R. J. Anderson
By Hayley Morell |
A young piskey girl searches for truth as danger threatens her home and loved ones. *Swift by R. J. Anderson. Enclave Publishing, 2020. 272 pages. ...
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Dust by Kara Swanson
By Hayley Morell |
Neverland spills into modern day life and sets two young people on a collision course in this YA fantasy. Dust by Kara Swanson. Enclave Publishing, ...
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Mortal Sight by Sandra Fernandez Rhoads
By Hayley Morell |
Secrets, shadows, and Milton's Paradise Lost are woven together in a new YA fantasy. Mortal Sight by Sandra Fernandez Rhoads. Enclave Publishing, 2020. 304 pages. ...
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The Door on Half-Bald Hill by Helena Sorensen
By Betsy Farquhar |
Idris, Bard of Blackthorn, is on a quest for answers in this darkly brooding fantasy for teens and adults. The Door on Half-Bald Hill by ...
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The Magic in Changing Your Stars by Leah Henderson
By Janie Cheaney |
An aspiring dancer has a chance to "change the stars" for his grandfather when he is transported back to 1930s Harlem. The Magic in Changing ...
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The Winter King by Christine Cohen
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Winter King by Christine Cohen. Cannonball Books, 2019. 360 pages. Reading Level: Young adult/teen, ages 12 and up Recommend For: Ages 12 and up ...
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The Arrow and the Crown by Emma Fox
By Betsy Farquhar |
Adventure meets fairy tale in this delightful fantasy read for teens (and their parents!). The Arrow and the Crown by Emma Fox. Independently published, 2019. ...
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Rapid Fire: YA Fantasy, July 2020
By Hayley Morell |
Two series starters that fizzled and two new authors to enjoy. *Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer. Page Street Kids, 2020. 400 pages. The first ...
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The Brotherband Chronicles by John Flanagan
By Betsy Farquhar |
Swashbuckling adventure with mythical Medieval Vikings? Sign me up. The Brotherband Chronicles by John Flanagan. Philomel, 2011-present. Reading Level: Ages 12-15Recommended For: Ages 12 and ...
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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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*The Bootlace Magician by Cassie Beasley
By Hayley Morell |
Welcome back to the magic that enchanted us in Circus Mirandus. The Bootlace Magician by Cassie Beasley. Dial Books, 2019, 416 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...
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Retro Reads: The Velveteen Rabbit and *Edward Tulane
By Janie Cheaney |
The classic story of the Velveteen Rabbit and more recent story of Edward Tulane demonstrate the nature of true love. The Velveteen Rabbit, or How ...
Read More Newbery Roundup #2: All the Greys, This Was Our Pact, A Good Kind of Trouble, To Night Owl from Dogfish
By Janie Cheaney |
Continuing our roundup of possible contender for the 2020 Newbery Medal All the Greys on Greene Street by Laura Tucker. Viking, 320 pages. Olympia’s artist ...
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Newbery Roundup #1: The Line Tender, Tristan Strong, and 1919
By Janie Cheaney |
Newbery season is upon us, culminating in the American Library Association Youth Media Awards on January 27. We've been keeping an eye on books that ...
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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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*Finding Narnia by Caroline McAlister
By Janie Cheaney |
Finding Narnia takes us into the lives of two brothers whose childhood inspired one of the world’s greatest fantasy series. *Finding Narnia: the Story of ...
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One Christmas Wish by Katherine Rundell
By Janie Cheaney |
A lonely boy on Christmas Eve learns the power of giving through "One Christmas Wish." One Christmas Wish by Katherine Rundell, illustrated by Emily Sutton. ...
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Briar and Rose and Jack by Katherine Coville
By Janie Cheaney |
Briar and Rose and Jack mixes fairy-tale motifs with clear themes of good and evil in a magical and satisfying adventure. Briar and Rose and ...
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The Light Princess by George MacDonald {Rabbit Room edition}
By Betsy Farquhar |
A beautiful new edition of The Light Princess complete with foreword by Jennifer Trafton, afterword by Andrew Peterson, and illustrated by Ned Bustard. The Light ...
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Is Dracula Worth Reading?
By Betsy Farquhar |
I am not a vampire fan. I am not a fan of weird Halloween decorations. It's downright creepy: ghouls, spider webs, zombie costumes, and, yes, ...
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Song of the Abyss by Makiia Lucier
By Hayley Morell |
Song of the Abyss is a sequel that does not disappoint and yet succeeds in its own right as a standalone novel. In our Redeemed ...
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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 Ranger’s Apprentice Series by John Flanagan
By Betsy Farquhar |
A best-selling series for young teens set in a Medieval-esque, pseudo European world that combines adventure, heroism, villains, danger, and a touch of love. The ...
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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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*Urchin of the Riding Stars (Mistmantle Chronicles, book 1)
By Megan Saben |
A conniving traitor who plots to overthrow the throne by dispatching one family member after another is threatened by a heroic young squirrel who drops ...
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So Your Kid is Reading Harry Potter…. A Christian Family’s Response
By Betsy Farquhar |
Please note: this is a personal account of one family's actual experience, NOT a Redeemed Reader staff-wide recommendation that you read Harry Potter. This post is ...
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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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*Time Sight by Lynne Jonell
By Janie Cheaney |
A disgruntled boy gifted with "time sight" discovers a way back into his own family's history. *Time Sight by Lynne Jonell. Henry Holt, 2019, 389 ...
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Reading Robin McKinley
By Hayley Morell |
"I'm reading a book that's a little slow." I told a friend. "Why not stop reading it?" It was a fair question, but it hadn't ...
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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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The Pilgrim’s Regress by C. S. Lewis
By Janie Cheaney |
The Pilgrim’s Regress by C. S. Lewis. Eerdmans, 2014, 256 pages. (Originally published 1933 UK, 1935 US) Reading Level: Teen/adult Recommended for: ages 18-up In ...
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The Collectors by Jacqueline West
By Janie Cheaney |
The Collectors is the first volume of a duology that explores the limits of human responsibility for the destiny of others. The Collectors by Jacqueline ...
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The Lost Girl by Anne Ursu
By Janie Cheaney |
Identical twins struggle to re-define themselves in The Lost Girl, a fantasy for middle-grade readers. The Lost Girl by Anne Ursu. HarperCollins (Walden Pond), 2019, ...
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Graphic Novel Roundup: The Giver and A Wrinkle in Time
By Janie Cheaney |
Two recent graphic-novel adaptations of classic stories have their strengths, but overall demonstrate the adage, "the book is better." A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine ...
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*Monster Blood Tattoo Trilogy by D. M. Cornish
By Hayley Morell |
Foundling, Lamplighter, and Factotum by D. M. Cornish. G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2006-2010. Ages 12 & up. Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-14 Recommended for: ages 12 & ...
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Pride and Prejudice: The Original and the Others
By Hayley Morell |
It's Valentine's Day. So, of course, we're going to talk about Jane Austen! Nothing can compare to the original, but Hayley and Betsy have been ...
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The Susan Pevensie Problem
By Janie Cheaney |
A new teen fantasy novel draws inspiration from Susan Pevensie's rejection of Narnia to spin a similar tale. In the almost 70 years since C. ...
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2019 Newbery Buzz #3: Sweep by Jonathan Auxier
By Betsy Farquhar |
Janie, Hayley, and Betsy team up to (virtually) discuss Sweep by Jonathan Auxier: does it have what it takes to win a Newbery? We discuss themes, ...
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2019 Newbery Buzz #2: The Book of Boy
By Janie Cheaney |
Janie: The Book of Boy is one of the more unusual middle-grade novels to appear this year. The main character is (not surprisingly) Boy, a ...
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Newbery Roundup – The Books We Didn’t Love (Part Two)
By Janie Cheaney |
Continuing our series from last Friday about children's books seen as contenders for the ALA's coveted Newbery medal. The Truth As Told by Mason Buttle ...
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Newbery Roundup – The Books We Didn’t Love (Part One)
By Janie Cheaney |
Then end of the year is the beginning of buildup to the annual American Library Association (ALA) “Youth Media Awards,” culminating in the announcement of ...
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The Books Worth a Library Fine
By Hayley Morell |
This post really happened. It was written at the library with a stack of books and without coffee. It has been left close to its ...
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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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*Wicked Nix by Lena Coakley
By Janie Cheaney |
Wicked Nix, “foulest of the fairies,” encounters a magic that resists all the standard fairy spells: the power of human love. *Wicked Nix by Lena ...
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The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin
By Janie Cheaney |
In Brangwain Spurge, two idiosyncratic writers team up to tell a story of mutual misunderstanding from distinct perspectives. The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge by M. ...
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Popular Middle Grade Fantasy Series
By Betsy Farquhar |
Kids banding together to help one another, particularly if the grown-ups are somehow unavailable = the biggest common denominator in middle grade fiction. Not every ...
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*Sweep by Jonathan Auxier
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Bob by Wendy Maas and Rebecca Stead
By Janie Cheaney |
Two popular authors team up to write this quirky story about a lovable creature named—of course—Bob. Bob by Wendy Maas and Rebecca Stead. Feiwel & ...
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The Lost Books: The Scroll of Kings by Sarah Prineas
By Betsy Farquhar |
An entertaining middle grades fantasy in which the books are alive, the librarian is a snarky but smart kid, and the queen isn't sure what ...
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The Language of Spells by Garret Weyr
By Janie Cheaney |
Pensive and quiet, The Language of Spells casts its own spell for thoughtful readers—who like dragons. Ages 10-15 The Language of Spells by Garret Weyr, ...
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The Legend of Greg by Chris Rylander
By Janie Cheaney |
A humorous and action-packed take on the updated-legend genre (a la Percy Jackson) also offers interesting characters and conflict dynamics. Ages 12-15. The Legend of ...
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The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle by Christina Uss
By Janie Cheaney |
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 ...
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Fighting the Patriarchy, One Review at a Time
By Janie Cheaney |
Float is a fun summer read about boys being boys, but some of the reviewers had a problem with that. The protagonist of Float, by ...
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