Book Reviews
*Thick as Thieves by Megan Whalen Turner
By Betsy Farquhar |
Kamet and Costis, two characters from earlier in the Queen's Thief series, take center stage in Thick as Thieves. *Thick as Thieves (Queen's Thief, #5) ...
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*The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Queen of Attolia is both diabolical and lovely; Eugenides loves her despite the choices she must make on behalf of her crown. *The Queen ...
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*A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner
By Betsy Farquhar |
Sophos, newly king of Sounis, takes center stage in A Conspiracy of Kings, the fourth Queen's Thief book. *A Conspiracy of Kings (Queen's Thief, #4) ...
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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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Out of School and Into Nature: The Anna Comstock Story by Suzanne Slade
By Hayley Morell |
A simple picture book biography, Out of School and Into Nature, introduces young readers to the fascinating life and work of artist and naturalist Anna ...
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The Church History ABCs by Steven J. Nichols
By Megan Saben |
The Church History ABCs is a picture book that introduces twenty-six noteworthy individuals who had a significant impact on building the church. The Church History ...
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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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*Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman
By Betsy Farquhar |
Joyful Noise is just what the title indicates: a joyful noise in delightful poetry form. Bonus: it's all about bugs. *Joyful Noise: Poems for Two ...
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Giant by Judith McQuoid
By Janie Cheaney |
Giant draws on historical fact to imagine two pivotal years in the childhood of C. S. Lewis. Giant by Judith McQuoid. Little Island, 2025. 220 ...
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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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Zero! The Number That Almost Wasn’t by Sarah Albee
By Janie Cheaney |
Zero! takes readers on a whirlwind picture-book tour through the history of a mathematical concept. Zero! The Number That Almost Wasn't by Sarah Albee, illustrated ...
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One Crazy Summer: The Graphic Novel by Rita Williams-Garcia
By Betsy Farquhar |
This graphic novel version of One Crazy Summer adds terrific visual impact to a thought-provoking story. One Crazy Summer: The Graphic Novel by Rita Williams-Garcia, ...
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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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Drawing Is … Your Guide to Scribbled Adventures by Elizabeth Haidle
By Janie Cheaney |
Drawing Is . . . hands young artists a few basic art principles and encourages them to let their imaginations run wild. Drawing Is ... ...
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Makeda Makes Series by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich
By Megan Saben |
The Makeda Makes series brings relatable stories about a girl with plenty of creative inspiration to newly independent readers. Makeda Makes Series (I Can Read! ...
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Sky of Seven Colors by Rachelle Nelson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Sky of Seven Colors imagines a world that finds power in color, demands everything from its heroine, and offers a bit of true love. Sky ...
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*Faith Builder Catechism by Kevin Hippolyte, Jared Kennedy, and Trey Kullman
By Betsy Farquhar |
Level up your family devotions with Faith Builder Catechism, a family devotional well-suited to today's readers. *Faith Builder Catechism: Devotions to Level Up Your Family ...
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Fox Series by Corey R. Tabor
By Megan Saben |
Fox is a quirky but lovable character whose stories are perfect for children who are just learning to read. Fox Series (I Can Read! books) ...
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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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*John Calvin’s Illustrated Institutes by Martin Williams and Joy Williams
By Janie Cheaney |
Calvin’s Institutes in a graphic-novel format introduces young readers to the tenets of Reformed theology. *John Calvin's Illustrated Institutes: Knowing God and Knowing Ourselves by ...
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The War of the Maps (The Vanished Kingdom #3) by Jonathan Auxier
By Betsy Farquhar |
The War of Maps is a thought-provoking, entertaining, and wildly fantastic conclusion to the Peter Nimble stories (or, is it?). The War of the Maps ...
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A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur
By Betsy Farquhar |
Iseul is determined to rescue her sister from the predatory ruler of 1506 Joseon (Korea) in this edgy historical fiction thriller. A Crane Among Wolves ...
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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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Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games Series)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Mockingjay, book 3 of The Hunger Games series, brings a dubious conclusion to Katniss's battle with the Capitol. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games book ...
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Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games Series)
By Betsy Farquhar |
In Catching Fire, book 2 of The Hunger Games series, Katniss and Peeta find themselves in another Hunger Games. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (Hunger ...
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*The Long Road Home by Sarah Walton
By Megan Saben |
The Long Road Home combines beloved themes from the parable of the prodigal son and Pilgrim's Progress in a lovely picture book for upper elementary. ...
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Fairy Tale Comics: Classic Tales Told by Extraordinary Cartoonists
By Janie Cheaney |
Eighteen classic tales are retold in panels by established graphic artists in Fairy Tale Comics. Fairy Tale Comics: Classic Tales Told by Extraordinary Cartoonists, edited ...
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Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz, a Graphic Novel Adaptation by Shanower and Young
By Janie Cheaney |
This graphic novel adaptation from Marvel brings Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz to life for fans of the series. Dorothy and the Wizard in ...
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Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games Series)
By Betsy Farquhar |
Sunrise on the Reaping is an intriguing, if violent, prequel to the thought-provoking Hunger Games series. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games ...
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The Day the World Stopped Turning by Michael Morpurgo
By Megan Saben |
The Day the World Stopped Turning is a World War II story of outsiders, trials, disappointment, kindness, and hope. The Day the World Stopped Turning ...
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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 Blossoming Summer by Anna Rose Johnson
By Hayley Morell |
1940, England: as war threatens, one family journeys to Wisconsin for a fresh start in The Blossoming Summer. *The Blossoming Summer by Anna Rose Johnson. ...
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Joseph and the Very Strange Dreams by Tim Thornborough
By Betsy Farquhar |
In this vibrant retelling of the story of Joseph for young children, emphasis is placed on how God worked in Joseph's life through "very strange" ...
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Jesus Moments: Jonah by Alison Mitchell
By Betsy Farquhar |
Jesus Moments: Jonah doesn't just introduce the story of Jonah to kids, it helps them see how the story also points to Jesus. Jesus Moments: ...
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God’s Little Oceanographer by Tina Cho
By Betsy Farquhar |
God's Little Oceanographer invites children to wonder at both God's magnificent creation and at the Creator Himself. God's Little Oceanographer (Big Adventures for Growing Minds) ...
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Animals of the National Parks by Fifty-Nine Parks
By Betsy Farquhar |
Animals of the National Parks is a fun, themed alphabet book for National Park lovers. Animals of the National Parks: An Alphabet Book by Fifty-Nine ...
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*Magic in a Drop of Water by Julie Winterbottom
By Betsy Farquhar |
Magic in a Drop of Water is a beautifully-illustrated, engagingly-written picture book biography of a pioneering woman ecologist. *Magic in a Drop of Water: How ...
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Candle Island by Lauren Wolk
By Janie Cheaney |
Candle Island is a study of recovering from grief and forging new bonds. Candle Island by Lauren Wolk. Dutton Children’s Books, 2025, 340 pages. Reading ...
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Teatime Around the World by Denyse Waissbluth
By Megan Saben |
One plant can be grown, harvested, served, and shared in so many delightful ways! Teatime Around the World by Denyse Waissbluth and illustrated by Chelsea ...
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*Luli and the Language of Tea by Andrea Wang
By Megan Saben |
It's hard for Luli to play with other children when none of them can understand one another until she practices the common language of hospitality. ...
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*A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim
By Hayley Morell |
Beauty and the Beast, with echoes of other fairytales, is spun together with Chinese folklore in an an excellent YA fantasy: A Forgery of Fate. ...
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*Wind Watchers by Micha Archer
By Betsy Farquhar |
Wind Watchers celebrates the beauty of the Wind using beautiful illustrations and a gentle text. *Wind Watchers by Micha Archer. Nancy Paulsen Books, 2025. 32 ...
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Rise and Fall: Great Empires That Shaped the World by Peter Allen
By Janie Cheaney |
Rise and Fall introduces young readers to world empires that don’t receive as much attention in the history books. Rise and Fall: Great Empires That ...
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Tea Party Rules by Ame Dyckman and K. G. Campbell
By Megan Saben |
Tea Party Rules is a picture book for anyone who loves bears, tea, or just a fun story. Tea Party Rules by Ame Dyckman and ...
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Vacation: Three and a Half Stories by Ame Dyckman
By Megan Saben |
Geisel Award-winning Vacation is an easy reader about Bat, Cat, and Rat who want to take a vacation, but run into difficulties. Vacation: Three and ...
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The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle by Anne Renaud
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle is a fun picture book biography to enjoy alongside everyone's favorite frozen treat (bonus: it includes science activities!). The ...
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*The Crayon Man by Natascha Biebow
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Crayon Man boldly and boisterously tells the story of how Crayola crayons were invented. *The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of ...
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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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The Hunger Games: A Christian Response
By Janie Cheaney |
READER ADVISORY: This review contains a major spoiler about the last volume in the series—warning ahead! THE HUNGER GAMES SERIES (Note: this reflection was originally ...
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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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Chronicles of Wonder: The Story-Formed Life of C. S. Lewis by Leah Boden
By Betsy Farquhar |
Chronicles of Wonder introduces kids to the life and work of C. S. Lewis in this volume of the Tales of Boldness and Faith Series. ...
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The Angel Orphan: Charlotte Mason Finds Her Way Home by Leah Boden
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Angel Orphan introduces kids to the life and work of Charlotte Mason in this volume of the Tales of Boldness and Faith Series. The ...
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Books And Movies: A Redeemed Reader Booklist
By Betsy Farquhar |
We readers have lots of opinions about movies based off books. But let's flip the script: What about books that are about movies? The books ...
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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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The Beat I Drum by Dusti Bowling
By Janie Cheaney |
In The Beat I Drum, Dusti Bowling follows a character from her earlier best-seller as he navigates a move and a new relationship with his ...
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*The Dragon Lord Saga by Jonny Jimison
By Megan Saben |
The Dragon Lord Saga is a graphic novel series overflowing with wild adventures, humor, and hopeful heroism. *The Dragon Lord Saga by Jonny Jimison. Rabbit ...
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*Bright Stars of Black British History by J. T. Williams
By Hayley Morell |
A beautifully illustrated, well-written guide to the Bright Stars of Black British History for middle grades. *Bright Stars of Black British History by J. T. ...
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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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City Spies Series by James Ponti
By Betsy Farquhar |
Fun and engaging, the middle grades-level City Spies series is like Mission Impossible with teenagers. City Spies Series by James Ponti. Aladdin. Reading Level: Middle ...
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Riding the Rails: Big Boy 4014 and Ticket to Ride
By Janie Cheaney |
Big Boy 4014 and the Steam Train charts the restoration of a legendary locomotive. Big Boy 4014 and the Steam Train by Marsha Diane Arnold, ...
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*The King’s Cadets and Little Joe by Joe Sutphin and Kevan Chandler
By Megan Saben |
The King's Cadets and Little Joe is a chapter book for fans of Little Pilgrim's Progress. The King's Cadets and Little Joe by Joe Sutphin ...
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John Bunyan: The Journey of a Pilgrim by Brian H. Cosby
By Megan Saben |
John Bunyan: The Journey of a Pilgrim is a middle grades biography of the author of the beloved Christian classic, Pilgrim's Progress. John Bunyan: The ...
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Are We There Yet? by Stacy McAnulty
By Janie Cheaney |
Are We There Yet? is an entertaining travelogue of the first cross-country road trip. Are We There Yet? The First Road Trip across the USA ...
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The Island of Stars by Carrie Brownell
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Island of Stars is an interesting story for readers who want a new spin on old-fashioned adventure tales. The Island of Stars by Carrie ...
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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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Death in the Jungle by Candace Fleming
By Janie Cheaney |
Death in the Jungle tells the harrowing story of the “Reverend” Jim Jones and the tragic fate of his followers. Death in the Jungle: Murder, ...
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Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B. B. Alston
By Betsy Farquhar |
Will finding, and wielding, the Despicable Wonders help Amari save her world? Amari and the Despicable Wonders (Supernatural Investigations #3) by B. B. Alston. Balzer ...
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Amari and the Great Game by B. B. Alston
By Betsy Farquhar |
Amari is back and playing the most dangerous game she's played in her eventful young life! Amari and the Great Game (Supernatural Investigations #2) by ...
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A Day at the Beach by Gary D. Schmidt and Ron Koertge
By Janie Cheaney |
A Day at the Beach delivers on its title: snapshots of a variety of 11-13 year-olds during a single day on the Jersey shore. A ...
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Granny and Bean by Karen Hesse
By Megan Saben |
It's a cold, stormy day for a walk on the beach, but that doesn't stop Granny and Bean. Granny and Bean by Karen Hesse and ...
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Dalmartian: A Mars Rover’s Story by Lucy Cummins
By Megan Saben |
A picture book about a dog, intergalactic travel, and friendship that has plenty of boy appeal. Dalrmartian: A Mars Rover's Story by Lucy Cummins. Atheneum, ...
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The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud
By Janie Cheaney |
The Cartoonists Club introduces young readers to the techniques and rationale of sequential graphic storytelling. The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud. Scholastic ...
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Echo Nova by Clint Hall
By Betsy Farquhar |
Echo Nova mixes time travel, illegal rooftop racing, and a greedy corporation into a fun science-fiction thriller for teens. Echo Nova by Clint Hall. Enclave ...
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A Child’s First Illustrated Book of Bible Words by Samantha Cabrera
By Megan Saben |
A Child's First Illustrated Book of Bible Words is a sweet concept board book suitable for home or church nursery libraries. A Child's First Illustrated ...
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*Pippa and the Singing Tree by Kristyn Getty and illustrated by P. J. Lynch
By Betsy Farquhar |
Pippa and the Singing Tree lyrically celebrates the joy of Creation's song and invites us to join in. *Pippa and the Singing Tree: Joining the ...
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*52 Weeks in the Word: Student Edition by Trillia J. Newbell
By Betsy Farquhar |
52 Weeks in the Word thoughtfully guides students through reading the New Testament in a year. *52 Weeks in the Word: Student Edition by Trillia ...
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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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Heidi: A Graphic Novel adapted by Mariah Marsden
By Janie Cheaney |
Heidi: A Graphic Novel introduces young readers to the classic story with gentle artwork and minimal text. Heidi: A Graphic Novel by Joanna Spiri, adapted ...
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*Otto and the Story Tree by Vivien Mildenberger
By Betsy Farquhar |
Otto and the Story Tree is a winsome reminder of the importance and power of stories, both for the hearer and the teller. *Otto and ...
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*Surviving Vesuvius by Christopher Harrisson
By Janie Cheaney |
Surviving Vesuvius is an intimate look at an ancient disaster. *Surviving Vesuvius: A Lucky Escape from the Tragic Fate of Ancient Pompeii by Christopher Harrisson, ...
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*Eric’s Greatest Race by Tim Challies
By Betsy Farquhar |
Eric's Greatest Race is a lively graphic novel-style biography of a man who followed Christ to the Olympics and to China. *Eric's Greatest Race by ...
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*Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson
By Hayley Morell |
A charming whimsical picture book with a very important message: Don't Trust Fish! *Don't Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson and illustrated by Dan Santat. Dial ...
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Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham
By Betsy Farquhar |
Lunar New Year Love Story is a terrific example of a graphic novel for mature teens: artistic, layered, and storied. Lunar New Year Love Story ...
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*Towed by Toad by Jashar Awan
By Megan Saben |
Toad is busy helping other drivers, but sometimes the helper needs help. Towed by Toad by Jashar Awan. Tundra, 2024. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture ...
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The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman
By Janie Cheaney |
The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest is a thoughtful, touching, and gently humorous speculation about the afterlife. The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey ...
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Once for Yes by Allie Millington
By Janie Cheaney |
In Once for Yes, an apartment building forms relationships with its residents and faces threats of its own demolition. Once for Yes by Allie Millington. ...
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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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Lola by Karla Arenas Valenti
By Betsy Farquhar |
Lola is a sensitive exploration of loss with striking visual imagery and an unusual plot. Lola by Karla Arenas Valenti. Knopf Books for Young Readers, ...
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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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Pilgrim Codex by Vivian Mansour
By Janie Cheaney |
Pilgrim Codex is a story about Mexican immigration told in Aztec-inspired artwork and text. Pilgrim Codex by Vivian Mansour, illustrated by Emmanuel Valtierra, translated by ...
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The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon by Grace Lin
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon blends folklore, contemporary fantasy, and painting into a lovely work of art. The Gate, the Girl, and the ...
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