retro reads Archives - Redeemed Reader

*Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannet

Hayley Morell — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 19:10:34 +0000

Young readers are invited by a narrator into Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon.

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Retro Reads: The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss

Megan Saben — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000

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 Stories by Dr. Seuss. Random House, 1961. 72 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, Ages 4-8Recommended For: Ages 4-8 Dr. Seuss wrote some excellent collections of short stories that offer brilliant…

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Why Disney’s original animated Sleeping Beauty is the best cinematic fairy tale adaptation

Megan Saben — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 13:43:00 +0000

In Megan’s humble opinion, the best fairy tale adaptation ever is the Disney classic animated version of Sleeping Beauty (1959). Here’s why. If you haven’t seen this one, do try to watch it. You won’t be disappointed.

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Bright Island by Mabel Robinson (Retro Reads)

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 08:20:00 +0000

In this "Retro Reads" book, homeschooled Thankful Curtis must leave her beloved island to brave the mainland and boarding school.

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Retro Review: *Let Justice Roll Down by John Perkins

Janie Cheaney — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 14:17:44 +0000

The life of John Perkins offers the only true way to justice, reconciliation, and forgiveness for our tragic racist history.

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The Tripods Series by John Christopher (Retro Reads)

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 08:41:00 +0000

The Tripods: classic science fiction from the 1960s that’s still enjoyable for today’s young teens. The Tripods Series by John Christopher: The White Mountains, The City of Gold and Lead, The Pool of Fire, When the Tripods Came. Aladdin, 2014. (boxed set; the first book was originally published in 1967) Reading Level: Young Adult, ages…

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Gyo Fujikawa: It Began With a Page….

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 09:30:00 +0000

Gyo Fujikawa When you grow up with an author/illustrator’s books, they become part of your definition of “home” or “reading” or “friend.” Gyo Fujikawa is one of those authors for me. I remember Oh, What a Busy Day in particular. Gyo Fujikawa’s Books What makes Fujikawa’s books memorable? For starters, she was one of the…

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Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell

Betsy Farquhar — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 13:34:45 +0000

In this classic survival story, Karana learns to fend for herself on an island after her tribe leaves for the mainland. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2010 (originally published 1960). 192 pages. Reading Level: Ages 10-12 Recommended For: Ages 10 and up Karana’s tribe has lived on…

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*The Church Mice Series by Graham Oakley

Janie Cheaney — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:10:59 +0000

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 Spread Their Wings by Graham Oakley. Atheneum, 1976 (first American Edition), 34 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 5-up This is the fourth in a series…

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*By the Great Horn Spoon by Sid Fleischman (Retro Read)

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 16:39:52 +0000

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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Retro Reads: *The Book of the Ancient World by Dorothy Mills

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 14:37:44 +0000

The Book of the Ancient World is just what it sounds like: an interesting book about the ancient world, including Ancient Egypt, Israel, Persia, and more. Perfect for middle grades! *The Book of the Ancient World by Dorothy Mills. Memoria Press, 2012 (originally published 1920s). 204 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For:…

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*Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes (Retro Reads)

Betsy Farquhar — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 13:21:41 +0000

75 years later, this Newbery-Award winning story about Johnny Tremain is still a great historical fiction read about the birth of America. *Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes. HMH Books, 2011 (originally published 1943). 320 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: All ages as a read aloud, ages 10 and up as an independent…

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Retro Reads: *The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 13:45:29 +0000

A middle grades mystery that has become a modern classic: The Westing Game is just as engaging as ever! *The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin. Puffin Modern Classics, 2004. (orig. 1978). 192 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Middle grades, ages 10 and up Turtle Wexler is brave and good at figuring…

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Farewell to Richard Adams

Janie Cheaney — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 16:04:05 +0000

The last week of the year was an unusually intense news cycle, with a presidential transition, annual wrap-ups, and two prominent celebrity deaths back to back. I’m talking about Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, but another well-known figure passed away in the waning days of the year—better known to my generation, that is. On Christmas…

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*Encyclopedia Brown series by Donald J. Sobol

Megan Saben — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 14:00:17 +0000

A modest, well-read boy detective solves crimes great and small in these classic mysteries. Enjoy this post from the archives! (originally published July 8, 2015) *Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J. Sobol. Puffin Books, reprints 2007-present. 96 pages each. Reading Level: Chapter books, Ages 4-8, Middle grades, Ages 8-10 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 (especially boys), Ages…

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40 Books for Dads to Read to Their Kids

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 26 Dec 2016 17:01:01 +0000

Strong father figures, adventures, humor, and general fun await! 40 books for DADS to read to their kids: fantasy, realistic fiction, historical fiction. Humor, adventure, coming-of-age, thought-provoking, silly…. there’s a little something for every dad on this list. This list represents some of the Redeemed Reader team’s favorite books for dads to read to their…

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A Shiloh Christmas by Phillis Reynolds Naylor

Janie Cheaney — Tue, 20 Dec 2016 13:13:34 +0000

The long-running Shiloh series wraps up with appropriate Christmas cheer but not too much theological clarity. A Shiloh Christmas by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Atheneum, 2015, 246 pages. Reading Level: 10-12 Recommended for: 10-14 Back in 1991, a West Virginia boy named Marty Preston found an abused beagle and tried to hide him from the abusive…

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Natalie Babbitt, 1932-2016, and The Search for Delicious

Janie Cheaney — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 13:30:36 +0000

Somewhere amid the news of the last two weeks (pretty intense news cycle, I understand) came word that Natalie Babbitt had died of lung cancer at the age of 84. For someone whose career spanned about 45 years, her output was relatively small: nineteen novels and picture books (as writer) and four picture books as…

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Retro Reads: Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 13:02:39 +0000

In this British children’s classic, the brave Swallows (four siblings) are at war with the piratical Amazons (two sisters) in one glorious summer of sailing, camping, and treasure hunting. Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome. David R. Godine, 2010 (reprint; orig. 1930). 315 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: All ages (read aloud);…

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*McBroom series by Sid Fleischman

Megan Saben — Mon, 30 May 2016 13:00:32 +0000

This post is part of our “Summer of Great Family Reads” series. Don’t miss the initial post full of more excellent recommendations! McBroom’s Wonderful One-Acre Farm: Three Tall Tales by Sid Fleischman. Beech Tree Chapter Books, reprint 1997. 64 pages. Here Comes McBroom! by Sid Fleischman. Greenwillow, reprint 1998. 80 pages. Reading Level: Chapter books,…

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*Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss

Megan Saben — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 14:00:52 +0000

*Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss. Random House, 1949. 56 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, Ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 Bartholomew and the Oobleck is a brilliant example of Theodore Seuss Geisel’s delightful use of language with a clear moral that is not heavy handed. Bartholomew (first introduced in The 500 Hats of…

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*Emily of Deep Valley by Maud Hart Lovelace

Hayley Morell — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 15:30:19 +0000

Coming-of-age, romance, and historical fiction is combined in a little-known novel, Emily of Deep Valley, by a classic American author. *Emily of Deep Valley by Maud Hart Lovelace. William Morrow Paperbacks, 2010 (Reprint, orig. 1950). 336 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-15 Recommended for: Ages 12 and up While all her classmates are going off…

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*Phoebe the Spy by Judith Griffin, illustrated by Margot Tomes

Megan Saben — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 11:00:39 +0000

Phoebe the Spy by Judith Griffin, illustrated by Margot Tomes. Puffin Books, 2002. 48 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, Ages 8-10 Recommended For: Ages 8-10, Ages 10-12 Phoebe’s father owns an inn in Boston around the time of the American revolution, and one day he comes to her with a serious matter. He has heard…

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*A Chocolate Moose for Dinner by Fred Gwynne

Megan Saben — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 13:00:19 +0000

A Chocolate Moose for Dinner is a whimsical, unique classic that invites readers to play with words as it explores idioms. A Chocolate Moose for Dinner by Fred Gwynne. Scholastic, 1976. 32 pages. Reading Level: Ages 4-8, Picture book Recommended For: Ages 4-8 When a child hears her parents using idioms, she imagines literal interpretations…

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*Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot

Betsy Farquhar — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 13:31:34 +0000

*Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot. Tenderly House, 1981 (reprint, orig. 1957). 274 pages. Reading Level: Young adult (ages 12 and up) Recommended For: ages 10 and up (see review) Bottom Line: The classic account of Jim Elliot and his four friends who earnestly desired to be used by God to bring the gospel to the…

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The Glass Slipper by Eleanor Farjeon

Betsy Farquhar — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 19:49:05 +0000

The Glass Slipper by Eleanor Farjeon. Viking, 1956. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: Ages 8-10 Bottom Line: Farjeon’s classic retelling of Cinderella is a fun read and may have inspired Walt Disney himself in the making of the animated Disney version. Every now and then we remind readers of an older, out-of-print…

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*The Ordinary Princess by M. M. Kaye (Retro Reads)

Betsy Farquhar — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 19:10:21 +0000

*The Ordinary Princess by M. M. Kaye. Puffin, 2002 (originally published in 1980). 128 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: Ages 8-10 Bottom Line: Princess Amy, cursed with being ordinary, discovers that she quite likes being ordinary in this charming modern fairy tale. Princess Amethyst Alexandra Augusta Araminta Adelaide Aurelia Anne of…

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*Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 14:00:21 +0000

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink. Aladdin, 2006 (reprint; originally published 1935). 288 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12Recommended for: ages 8-12, especially girls Bottom Line: Caddie Woodlawn, one of America’s favorite pioneer girls, turns 80 this year; her adventurous story of growing up on the frontier continues to delight young readers. Based on Carol…

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George Washington’s Breakfast by Jean Fritz

Megan Saben — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 22:00:11 +0000

George Washington’s Breakfast by Jean Fritz, illustrated by Paul Galdone (cover image by Tomie DePaola). Putnam & Grosset, 1969. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 4-10 George Washington Allen’s curiosity leads to research when he ponders what his namesake ate for breakfast. Before the days of Google, research was conducted…

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*Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

Janie Cheaney — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 15:59:14 +0000

Tuck Everlasting, Natalie Babbitt’s masterpiece first published 40 years ago, is as timeless as its title characters. *Tuck Everlasting (40th Anniversary Edition) by Natalie Babbitt, forward by Gregory Maguire. Square Fish, 2015. 192 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-up Time is holding still in the town of Treegap: the first…

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*Choo Choo by Virgina Lee Burton

Megan Saben — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 15:09:29 +0000

This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *Choo Choo: The Story of a Little Engine Who Ran Away by Virgina Lee Burton. Houghton Mifflin, 1964. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8Maturity Level: 1, 2 (ages 0-8) With striking charcoal illustrations so appropriate to…

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*The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton

Megan Saben — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 15:02:47 +0000

*The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton. Houghton Mifflin, 1969. 44 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, Ages 4-8Recommended for: Ages 4-8 A little house living out in the country is curious about life in the big city. She observes the seasons, the playing of children, and the passage of life going on around her. Little does she…

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Retro Reads: Lloyd Alexander’s Picture Books

Megan Saben — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 13:00:04 +0000

In reading Lloyd Alexander’s picture books, I observe three things: 1) he is well-versed in a broad range of folklore traditions, 2) he loves cats, and 3) he’s a great storyteller. While his stories contain more Story than Truth, they are cleverly written and worth sharing. How the Cat Swallowed Thunder, illustrated by Judith Byron Schachner. Dutton…

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Retro Reads: Lloyd Alexander’s Chronicles of Prydain

Betsy Farquhar — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 13:41:52 +0000

It’s Retro Reads week with Lloyd Alexander! Today, we take a look back to Lloyd Alexander’s marvelous Chronicles of Prydain, the first of which was published 50 years ago. The Prydain Chronicles are modern classics which have influenced contemporary fantasy literature for children and remain highly readable/enjoyable in their own right 50 years after their first…

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Retro Reads: The Sword in the Stone

Janie Cheaney — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 14:32:50 +0000

This week we begin a series of occasional posts called Retro Reads: those modern-day classics you may have missed in your teen years or before you were even on the radar screen. We’ll do this mostly by author: Beverly Cleary, E. L. Konigsburg, Elizabeth Speare, Natalie Babbitt—and any favorites you’d like to suggest? We launch…

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*The Gardener by Sarah Stewart and David Small

Betsy Farquhar — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 01:20:48 +0000

Lydia shares her efforts to bring beauty to the world around her in this epistolary picture book. *The Gardener by Sarah Stewart and David Small. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1997. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4 and up, especially as a read aloud! Lydia Grace Finch is staying with…

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Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George

Janie Cheaney — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 23:14:25 +0000

Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George. Harper Collins, 1972 (paperback reissue 2003). 208 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, 10-12 Recommended for: Young adult, ages 12-15 Bottom Line: Julie of the Wolves presents an absorbing but over-romanticized view of life in the wild, paired with a low view of white civilization. The title character,…

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Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Janie Cheaney — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:22:57 +0000

Gary Paulsen’s classic survival novel Hatchet offers a realistic–as opposed to romantic– view of nature and what it takes to survive in the wild. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. Simon & Shuster, 1987 (paperback re-issue 2006). 192 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: Ages 12-15 and up (especially boys) In a culture where…

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*The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope

Janie Cheaney — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 04:37:42 +0000

The Perilous Gard, by Elizabeth Marie Pope. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2001, 288. Age/interest level 12-up. Reading Level: Teens/Young Adults Recommended for: Ages 15-18 Bottom line: The Perilous Gard combines a love story with issues central to Christianity and paganism, in a satisfying and thought-provoking read for teens. Katherine Sutton serves as lady-in-waiting to Princess Elizabeth,…

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