friendship Archives - Redeemed Reader

I’m Very Busy: A (Nearly Forgotten) Birthday Book by Oliver Jeffers

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 06:31:00 +0000

Friends would never forget your birthday, would they? Even if they were very busy?

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It Is Okay by Ye Guo

Hayley Morell — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:37:00 +0000

Two unlikely friends discover It Is Okay to have both common interests and differences.

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*The Peddler and the President by Ann D. Koffsky

Janie Cheaney — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 07:48:00 +0000

Through the lens of a lifelong friendship, The Peddler and the President makes the fraught history of modern Israel accessible to chapter-book readers.

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The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

Janie Cheaney — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 18:57:25 +0000

The Penderwicks, first in a series, delightfully introduces readers to the four Penderwick sisters, their widowed father, and a hound named Hound.

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Love Unmasked by Becky Dean

Hayley Morell — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 10:50:00 +0000

A fun YA romance about a trip to Venice that will end with Love Unmasked.

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*A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker

Hayley Morell — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 10:08:00 +0000

Bear's solitary existence is disrupted by a visitor for bear.

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The Minor Rescue by Meredith Davis

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 08:01:00 +0000

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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*Once a Castle by Sarah Arthur

Hayley Morell — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 16:34:26 +0000

Readers return to Sarah Arthur's fantasy world with a whole new adventure and cast of characters in Once a Castle.

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*The Blossoming Summer by Anna Rose Johnson

Hayley Morell — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 16:33:04 +0000

1940, England: as war threatens, one family journeys to Wisconsin for a fresh start in The Blossoming Summer.

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*Luli and the Language of Tea by Andrea Wang

Megan Saben — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 10:11:00 +0000

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

Hayley Morell — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 16:37:55 +0000

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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Vacation: Three and a Half Stories by Ame Dyckman

Megan Saben — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 10:51:00 +0000

Geisel Award-winning Vacation is an easy reader about Bat, Cat, and Rat who want to take a vacation, but run into difficulties.

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Dalmartian: A Mars Rover’s Story by Lucy Cummins

Megan Saben — Wed, 14 May 2025 10:53:00 +0000

A picture book about a dog, intergalactic travel, and friendship that has plenty of boy appeal.

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The Enemy’s Daughter by Anne Blankman

Janie Cheaney — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 18:02:59 +0000

The Enemy’s Daughter traces a friendship born in adversity during World War I.

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The Girl Who Lost a Leopard by Nizrana Farook

Megan Saben — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 23:14:58 +0000

In The Girl Who Lost a Leopard, free-spirited Selvi desires nothing more than to protect the leopard, Lokka, until she realizes that she can't do it alone.

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Dear Duck, Please Come! by Sarah Mackenzie

Megan Saben — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 07:43:00 +0000

Dear Duck, Please Come! is a story for young lovers of forest animals or celebrants of losing teeth, or anyone who likes to practice being a good friend.

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*The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Hayley Morell — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:24:48 +0000

An intriguing, code-breaking adventure introduces young teens to the work at Bletchley Park. *The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin. Viking, 2024. 400 pages. England, 1940. Lizzie Novis, at 14, is not about to be packed off to America and the safety of her American grandmother. The first chapter finds her dodging her…

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*Just Like Millie by Lauren Castillo

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 09:18:00 +0000

*Just Like Millie is a sweet picture book about friendship with outstanding illustrations.

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A Friend for Eddy by Ann Kim Ha

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 09:16:00 +0000

A Friend for Eddy is absolutely perfect for a story time read aloud to a group of young children.

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Three 2024 YA Romantic Fantasy Novels

Hayley Morell — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:47:26 +0000

Dragonfruit, What Monstrous Gods, and The Hedgewitch of Foxhall: three 2024 YA romantic fantasy novels by authors we have enjoyed in the past. Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier. Clarion Books, 2024. 366 pages. What is a wish worth? It’s a question that has haunted Hanalei, an exile from the island of Tamarind. In this fantasy…

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The Miniature World of Marvin and James by Elise Broach and illustrated by Kelly Murphy

Betsy Farquhar — Sat, 14 Dec 2024 19:43:43 +0000

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 looking to build their reading confidence.

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*Knight Owl and Early Bird by Christopher Denise

Hayley Morell — Sat, 23 Nov 2024 22:21:53 +0000

Whooo goes there? It’s Knight Owl and Early Bird in this charming picture book sequel! Knight Owl and Early Bird by Christopher Denise. Christy Ottaviano Books, 2024. 48 Pages. Owl is very important. He is captain of the Knight Night Watch. One day, just as Owl is turning in, a new bird arrives at the…

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The Science of Friendship by Tanita S. Davis

Janie Cheaney — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 10:22:00 +0000

In The Science of Friendship, an 8th-grade girl takes an analytical approach to keeping friends and discovers some important truths about herself.

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Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings by Dionna L. Mann

Janie Cheaney — Sat, 24 Aug 2024 12:06:10 +0000

Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings features a winsome protagonist trying her hand at parental matchmaking.

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Elf Dog and Owl Head by M. T. Anderson

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 09:25:00 +0000

Clay befriends a strange elf dog in this tale that mixes friendship and the fae.

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*Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller

Janie Cheaney — Thu, 30 May 2024 10:15:00 +0000

Magnolia Wu finds adventure in her own neighborhood while chasing down the owners of orphan socks. *Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller. Philomel, 2024, 145 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 6-10 as a read-aloud, ages 7-11 independent readers Magnolia Wu is looking forward to turning 10, “because the…

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2024 Geisel Roundup: Fox Has a Problem, Henry, Like Always, and Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends

Megan Saben — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 05:19:38 +0000

The 2024 Geisel Award: One Winner and Three Honors The Geisel Award, which honors Dr. Seuss, is given to books for beginning readers. Here are this year’s honors and the winning title. Fox Has a Problem by Corey R. Tabor. Balzer & Bray, 2023. 32 pages. This is not the first time one of the…

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Quicksilver by R. J. Anderson

Hayley Morell — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 20:46:52 +0000

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 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, Ages 16-upRecommended For: Ages 16-up On June 7, the year I turned sixteen, I vanished without a trace. On September 28 of the same year I came…

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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

Megan Saben — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 13:48:00 +0000

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 by Mike Wohnoutka. Candlewick 2021, 32 pages. Reading Level: Easy Readers, Ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 It would be easy to be didactic with a book like this, but…

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Ride On by Faith Erin Hicks

Janie Cheaney — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 11:46:00 +0000

Ride On is an equestrian graphic novel that horse aficionados will devour.

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Your Pal Fred by Michael Rex

Janie Cheaney — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 11:11:00 +0000

A fun graphic novel for young middle-graders, Your Pal Fred pictures a dystopian world startled by kindness.

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*Adrian Simcox does NOT Have a Horse

Megan Saben — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 13:58:40 +0000

Adrian insists that he has a horse, but Chloe argues the obvious facts until she learns to see through his eyes. *Campbell, Marcy. Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse. Ill. By Corinna Luyken. Dial Books for Young Readers, 2018. Reading Level: Picture book, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 Adrian Simcox has an imagination…

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*Sweep by Jonathan Auxier

Janie Cheaney — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 12:42:09 +0000

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 and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier. Amulet, 2016, 233 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-15 Nan Sparrow’s first memories are of the Sweep, the gentle,…

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Boy Bites Bug by Rebecca Petruck

Janie Cheaney — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 11:12:51 +0000

In Boy Bites Bug, a single incident develops into a school-wide situation and an insightful look at fading friendship. Ages 10-15 Boy Bites Bug by Rebecca Petruck. Amulet, 2018, 250 pages (plus recipes) Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-15 Who could have thought an absurd incident would blow up to such…

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Back to School with Babymouse and Og the Frog

Janie Cheaney — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 11:07:30 +0000

Two back-to-school series for different ages tickle the funny bone, satirize social conventions, and even stimulate sympathy for others. Ages 6-12 Life According to Og the Frog by Getty G. Birney. Putnam, 2018, 160 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Book, ages 7-9 Recommended for: ages 6-10 Og was enjoying life in the marsh (Think. Float. Doze.…

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The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle by Christina Uss

Janie Cheaney — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 11:54:46 +0000

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 a Girl Called Bicycle by Christina Uss. Holiday House, 2018, 303 pages Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-13 The girl is called Bicycle because, when she…

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Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier

Hayley Morell — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 11:59:32 +0000

Mysterious maps, sea creatures, and an island kingdom where dark secrets threaten to emerge . . . All the makings for an excellent story. Isle of Blood and Stone by Makiia Lucier. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2018. 400 pages. Reading Level: Ages 16 and up Recommended For: Ages 16 and up Fans of Megan Whalen Turner…

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*Sled Dog School by Terry Lynn Johnson

Janie Cheaney — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 13:59:04 +0000

An academically-challenged boy gains confidence and learns responsibility when he opens a sled dog school. *Sled Dog School by Terry Lynn Johnson. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2017, 195 pages Reading level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-12 Mathew Misco isn’t very good at school. There’s a lot he doesn’t get, especially in math class. …

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Roll by Darcy Miller

Hayley Morell — Sat, 09 Dec 2017 03:30:23 +0000

In rural Minnesota, friendship and rolling pigeons combine in an enjoyable middle grade debut novel. Roll by Darcy Miller. HarperCollins, 2017, 224 pages Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10 & up Ren’s parents have moved to the country, 8 miles away from their small town in Minnesota, and 8 miles…

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Reading Diana Wynne Jones: an Author Portrait

Hayley Morell — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 20:47:00 +0000

You just finished a good book. Now what? Many book lovers can relate to this sad, unsatisfied feeling. But what if you banished that feeling, by reading the same author widely? Some discernment needs to be applied, especially if the author wrote across genres. And unfortunately, it doesn’t apply for an author of limited works. …

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All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson

Janie Cheaney — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 12:18:54 +0000

An unusual setting makes this graphic novel a worthwhile perspective on navigating the treacherous waters of those middle years. All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson. Dial, 2017, 248 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-14 Imogene has an interesting life as the homeschooled daughter of two Renaissance fair performers. …

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Growing Friendships: a Kid’s Guide to Making and Keeping Friends

Janie Cheaney — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 12:00:55 +0000

This friendly guide to friendship may help fill in some gaps parents inadvertently miss. Growing Friendships: a Kid’s Guide to Making and Keeping Friends by Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Christine McLaughlin. Aladdin, 2017, 170 pages Most of us take friendship for granted: find ‘em, be nice to ‘em, keep ‘em. But in an age of…

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Wisdom & Wonder Week 4: Which Path and With Whom?

Hayley Morell — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 15:31:01 +0000

Welcome to Week 4 of Wisdom and Wonder! We hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July. Now, back to the reading challenge! For a quick review, here is what we’ve covered so far: Week 1 —Turning to God, Away from Sin Week 2 —God’s Word is a Treasure Week 3 —Responding to Correction Home…

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Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham

Janie Cheaney — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 17:19:05 +0000

Newbery-honor author Shannon Hale’s graphic memoir charts the ups and downs of elementary- age friendship. Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham. First Second, 2017, 211 pages Reading level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-12, especially girls Shannon Hale grew up in the middle of a church-going family, in a peaceful middle-class…

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Devotion by Adam Makos

Hayley Morell — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 18:47:41 +0000

It is Korea, 1950, and Jesse Brown, first African American carrier pilot in the Navy, has just crashed over enemy territory . . . Devotion by Adam Makos. Ballantine Books, 2015, 401 pages. Reading Level: Adult …

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*A Little Taste of Poison by R. J. Anderson

Hayley Morell — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 04:43:04 +0000

The stakes are higher than ever for Isaveth Breck, plucky heroine of A Pocketful of Murder, when the future of her city is threatened. A Little Taste of Poison (Uncommon Magic, #2) by R. J. Anderson. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2016, 359 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, 12-15 Recommended for: ages 12 and up *Spoiler Alert…

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*A Pocket Full of Murder by R. J. Anderson

Hayley Morell — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 16:19:47 +0000

A plucky girl sets out to prove her father’s innocence —aided by a street boy— in this magical murder mystery. A Pocket Full of Murder (Uncommon Magic, #1) by R. J. Anderson. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2015, 352 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, 12-15 Recommended for: ages 12 and up Isaveth Breck is not one…

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*Zita the Spacegirl Series by Ben Hatke

Betsy Farquhar — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 13:37:50 +0000

Zita the Spacegirl and her intrepid friends battle the forces of evil in extra terrestrial dimensions in this lively graphic novel series. a review from our archives! (originally published May 25, 2015) *Zita the Spacegirl Series by Ben Hatke. First Second, 2011 (to the present). ~200 pages Reading Level: Graphic novels, ages 8-12 Recommended For:…

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The Candymakers and the Great Chocolate Chase by Wendy Mass

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 23:22:58 +0000

Logan, Miles, Daisy, and Philip are off on a hunt to find the mystery chocolate in this fun follow-up to The Candymakers.

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Spirit Week Showdown by Crystal Allen

Janie Cheaney — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 12:06:43 +0000

Mya Tibbs is the perky, enthusiastic narrator of this family- and school-based series for advanced chapter-book readers. Spirit Week Showdown (Magnificent Myra Tibbs #1) by Crystal Allen. Balzer & Bray, 2016, 227 pages Reading Level: Chapter Book, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 6-10 Mya, just starting 4th grade, is totally looking forward to Spirit Week…

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Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

Janie Cheaney — Sat, 06 Aug 2016 12:36:03 +0000

The rough, tough world of girls’ roller derby is the setting for this surprisingly sweet depiction of friendship, breakup, and change. Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson. Dial Graphic, 2015, 240 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 10-14 Astrid and Nicole have been best friends since kindergarten, but not necessarily because they…

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Hilo: Saving the Whole Wide World by Judd Winick

Janie Cheaney — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 12:30:34 +0000

The exuberant boy-robot Hilo is back from “the void,” pursuing his mission to destroy his arch-enemy Razorwark and discover his own origin and purpose. Hilo Book 2: Saving the Whole Wide World by Judd Winick. Random House, 2016, 193 pages Reading Level: Middle Grade, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 6-12, especially boys In this second…

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The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick

Janie Cheaney — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 13:00:10 +0000

In this series opener, four sixth-grade girls discover that reading the classics can change contemporary attitudes.

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Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee

Hayley Morell — Fri, 24 Jun 2016 13:23:10 +0000

In Under a Painted Sky, the events of one day change Sammy from a moody teenage girl to a fugitive striking out into the west. Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee. G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2015, 370 pages Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 15 – 18 Recommended for: Ages 16 and up When her father…

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My Life in Pictures by Deborah Zemke

Janie Cheaney — Wed, 11 May 2016 11:21:28 +0000

Bea Garcia learns to deal with disappointment and make the most of her artistic gifts in this first cartoon-illustrated installment of a series. My Life in Pictures (Bea Garcia #1) by Deborah Zemke. Dial, 2016, 134 pages Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 4-8 Recommended for: ages 6-10 It’s bad enough when your best friend moves…

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Newbery Buzz: The Thing about Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin

Janie Cheaney — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 17:15:04 +0000

Betsy and Janie are continuing their discussion of possible 2016 Newbery Award winners. On deck today is a novel by a debut author which has already been honored as a National Book Award finalist. Janie: I heard someone mention lately that most of the children’s books getting the rave reviews this year seem to be…

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Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead

Betsy Farquhar — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 13:08:47 +0000

Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead. Wendy Lamb Books, 2015. 304 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Ages 12-15 Bottom Line: Three best friends attempt to navigate seventh grade with their one rule–no fights–still in effect in this contemporary realistic fiction novel. Best friends since the fourth grade, Bridge, Tab, and Emily enter seventh grade…

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Fort by Cynthia DeFelice

Janie Cheaney — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 12:29:11 +0000

Fort by Cynthia DeFelice. Farrar Strauss Giroux, 2015. 200 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 10-12 (especially boys and reluctant readers) Bottom Line: Sweet-but-rough justice is served up in this boys-only summer tale that pits three losers against two bullies. Wyatt Jones, age 11, is enjoying the last of his summer…

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A+ Attitude (Morgan Love Series) by Stephanie Perry Moore

Betsy Farquhar — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 19:49:02 +0000

A+ Attitude (Morgan Love Series #1) by Stephanie Perry Moore. Lift Every Voice Books (a Moody Imprint), 2011. 144 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 6-10 Recommended For: Ages 6-10, especially girls Bottom Line: A Christian realistic fiction series about a young African American girl wrestling with family dynamics, a new school, and a bad…

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Just Jump! (Double Dutch Series #1) by Mabel Elizabeth Singletary

Betsy Farquhar — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 19:40:13 +0000

Just Jump! (Double Dutch Series #1) by Mabel Elizabeth Singletary. Lift Every Voice Books (a Moody Imprint), 2007. 160 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended For: Ages 8-10, especially girls Bottom Line: A realistic fiction series about a multicultural group of friends who form a strong Double Dutch (jump rope) team. Nancy is from…

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Making the Team by Stephanie Perry Moore and Derrick Moore

Betsy Farquhar — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 19:24:36 +0000

Making the Team by Stephanie Perry Moore and Derrick Moore. Alec London Series. Lift Every Voice Books (a Moody Imprint), 2011. 160 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12 Recommended For: Ages 8-10, especially boys Bottom Line: Alec London learns to trust God in the midst of parent issues, friend issues, and sibling issues in this realistic…

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*The Golden Plate by Bernadette Watts

Megan Saben — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 13:00:25 +0000

The Golden Plate is a picture book about Isobel, who struggles to hide her sin, and the relief of confession in restoring her friendship with Elisabeth. *The Golden Plate written and illustrated by Bernadette Watts. NorthSouth, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture books, Ages 4-8Recommended For: Ages 4-8 When Isobel sees a golden plate in…

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Fleabrain Loves Franny by Joanne Rocklin

Janie Cheaney — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 12:00:38 +0000

Fleabrain Loves Franny by Joanne Rocklin. Amulet Books, 2015. 268 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-12 Bottom Line: After Franny is stricken with polio, an erudite flea becomes her best friend in this quirky fantasy for middle-grade readers. During the summer of 1952, 10-year-old Franny Katzenback became a statistic: one…

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Salamandastron (Redwall series, Book 5) by Brian Jacques

Hayley Morell — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 21:01:29 +0000

This review is brought to us by Malachi Stade, who just finished a semester internship with Redeemed Reader. Thank you, Malachi! Salamandastron (Redwall series, Book 5) by Brian Jacques. Firebird, Reissue edition, 2003 (originally published 1992). 400 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10 and up Bottom Line: In a stirring…

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Goblins by Philip Reeve

Hayley Morell — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 21:00:07 +0000

Goblins by Philip Reeve. Scholastic Press, 2012. 340 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Recommended for: Ages 12 and up Bottom Line: The Hobbit meets Septimus Heap, with a dose of Lloyd Alexander-esque unlikely hero added. Old Breslaw, the hatchling master, recognized something different about Skarper. While treasure-loving Goblins have no use for “white crinkly stuff, covered in little wriggly…

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Ling and Ting books by Grace Lin

Betsy Farquhar — Thu, 28 May 2015 20:23:15 +0000

A delightful early reader series about Asian American twins, Ling and Ting. Ling and Ting books by Grace Lin. LB Kids, 2011 (and to the present). 48 pages. Reading Level: Easy Readers, ages 4-8 Recommended For: ages 4-8 Ling and Ting are twins, but they are not exactly the same. In a clever plot twist during…

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*Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover by Cece Bell

Megan Saben — Wed, 13 May 2015 13:00:53 +0000

*Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover by Cece Bell. Candlewick, 2014. 50 pages. Reading Level: Easy Readers, Ages 4-8 Recommended For: Age 4-8 Rabbit’s friend Robot is coming for a sleepover, and Rabbit has plans: make pizza, watch TV, play “Go Fish,” and go to bed. Instead of being annoyed with Rabbit’s demands that his list…

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A Pet for Fly Guy (Fly Guy Series) by Tedd Arnold

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 11 May 2015 13:40:31 +0000

A Pet for Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold. Orchard Books, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Early Reader, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8, especially boys The Fly Guy series is a must see for new readers, particularly boys. Arnold takes the “quirky pet” early reader theme (a la Danny and the Dinosaur or Henry and Mudge) a step…

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Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret by Bob Shea

Betsy Farquhar — Thu, 07 May 2015 20:59:43 +0000

Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret by Bob Shea. Disney-Hyperion, 2015. 56 pages. Reading Level: Easy Reader, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 Shea, creator of the Dinosaur vs. Book series and Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great, “gets” kids. His books are universal kid pleasers, and this new easy reader series is sure to find loyal fans.…

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*Lulu and the Rabbit Next Door by Hilary McKay

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 13:27:27 +0000

*Lulu and the Rabbit Next Door by Hilary McKay, illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Co., 2014. 91 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 Bottom Line: Lulu and her cousin Mellie use kindness and creativity to win over their enemy—the new boy next door—in this delightful chapter book. Lulu is…

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Bink and Gollie: Best Friends Forever by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 13:04:46 +0000

Bink and Gollie: Best Friends Forever by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, illustrated by Tony Fucile. Candlewick, 2013. 80 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 4-10 Recommended for: Ages 4-10 Bink and Gollie are best friends. Like so many easy reader best friends, they are opposites on the surface and continuously overcome their differences to form a…

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The Farmer and the Clown by Marla Frazee

Megan Saben — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 13:00:39 +0000

*The Farmer and the Clown by Marla Frazee. Beach Lane Books, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 A sour-faced farmer works in his hayfield with only the crows overhead for company. When he pauses to watch a passing circus train, he is surprised to see something fly out the back. Going to…

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Blue Birds by Caroline Starr Rose

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 14:51:41 +0000

Blue Birds by Caroline Starr Rose. Putnam, 2015. 400 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: Ages 10-12 Bottom Line: This historical novel-in-verse delicately explores cross-cultural friendship against the backdrop of the lost Roanoke Colony in the sixteenth century. Alis lands with her family on the New World beach, eager to be off…

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*Faerie Gold edited by Kathryn Lindskoog and Ranelda Mack Hunsicker

Megan Saben — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 13:00:13 +0000

*Faerie Gold: Treasures from the Lands of Enchantment edited by Kathryn Lindskoog and Ranelda Mack Hunsicker. P&R, 2005. 304 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10, ages 10-12 Recommended For: all Bottom Line: An excellent collection of literary fairy tales by classic writers, tales that are rich with Truth and the best kind of storytelling.…

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The Adventures of Beekle by Dan Santat

Janie Cheaney — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 22:05:59 +0000

The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat. Little, Brown, 2014. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Bottom Line: The Adventures of Beekle, winner of the 2015 Caldecott medal, provides a quirky but loveable look at how children acquire their “imaginary” companions. Where do imaginary friends come from? Beekle “was born…

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First Date by Melody Carlson

Janie Cheaney — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 16:03:31 +0000

First Date (Dating Games #1) by Melody Carlson. Revell, 2013. 212 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15-18) Bottom Line: The first volume in the Dating Games series by Melody Carlson has fun with the burning issue of dating and Christian girls but feels underdeveloped in some areas. It was…

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*Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton

Betsy Farquhar — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 15:38:01 +0000

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel (named Mary Anne) are just as beloved by today's generation of children as they were in the 1930s!

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Sir Thomas the Hesitant by Liam Perrin

Hayley Morell — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 23:12:26 +0000

Sir Thomas the Hesitant by Liam Perrin. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2013. 254 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12 and up Maturity Level: 4 (ages 11-12) and up Thomas has a rather uneventful life, living in the shadow of his perfect big brother, William. Aside from a nasty famine, life is relatively quiet in…

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*A Library Book for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton

Megan Saben — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 06:00:00 +0000

This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *A Library Book for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton. Candlewick, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books (ages 0-8)Maturity Level: 1, 2 (ages 0-8) Bear is a loveable curmudgeon. Mouse, his patient…

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*The Girl and the Bicycle by Mark Pett

Megan Saben — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 01:30:43 +0000

This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *The Girl and the Bicycle by Mark Pett. Simon & Schuster, 2014. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8Maturity Level: 1, 2 (ages 4-8) A young girl with her little brother in tow notices a…

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*Flora and the Penguin by Molly Idle

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 15:39:05 +0000

Flora and the Penguin is a strong follow up to Flora and the Flamingo.

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Leroy Ninker Saddles Up by Kate DiCamillo

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 15:51:19 +0000

Jaunty, boisterous Leroy Ninker and his horse, Maybelline, star in this first volume of the Tales of Deckawoo Drive.

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*Waiting is Not Easy! by Mo Willems

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 16:15:20 +0000

This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *Waiting Is Not Easy! by Mo Willems. Hyperion, 2014. 64 pages. Reading Level: Easy/Leveled Readers (ages 4-8) Recommended for: Ages 0-8 **Spoiler alert** Elephant & Piggie fans will just have to take our word for it and…

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Number One Sam by Greg Pizzoli

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 16:00:27 +0000

This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Number One Sam by Greg Pizzoli. Disney-Hyperion, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, Easy/Leveled Readers, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 0-8 Pizzoli’s humorous The Watermelon Seed won the Geisel Award, which is devoted to the best…

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*Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus

Janie Cheaney — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 09:25:48 +0000

Note: this review was originally published on February 4, 2011. Heart of a Samurai, by Margi Preus, Amulet Books, 277 pages plus historical note and glossary. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 4 (ages 10 and up) Bottom line: This Newbery-winning fictionalized biography for middle graders is as likeable as its hero, with…

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*Nuts to You by Lynne Rae Perkins

Janie Cheaney — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 14:20:00 +0000

Nuts to You, by Lynne Rae Perkins. Greenwillow, 2014. 259 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Maturity Level: 3 (ages 8-10) One-line Summary: Nuts to You is a charming animal fantasy for younger middle-graders to read alone, or for the whole family to read aloud. So…one day the author took her lunch to a…

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Lulu and the Hedgehog in the Rain by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont

Betsy Farquhar — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 02:28:52 +0000

Lulu and the Hedgehog in the Rain by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Company, 2014. 112 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 6-10Recommended for: Ages 4-10 In this latest Lulu installment, Lulu bravely rescues a forlorn hedgehog during the “wettest [day] in sixty-four years.” Her love for animals drives the series,…

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Lulu and the Dog from the Sea by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont

Betsy Farquhar — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 02:25:34 +0000

Lulu and the Dog from the Sea by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Company, 2014. 112 pages. (originally published in the United Kingdom, first published in the U.S. by Scholastic in 2011) Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 6-10Recommended for: Ages 4-10 Lulu and her cousin Mellie rescue a dog from…

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Lulu and the Duck in the Park by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont

Betsy Farquhar — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 02:24:17 +0000

This book is a “Best of the Best” pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Lulu and the Duck in the Park by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Priscilla Lamont. Albert Whitman and Company, 2012. 112 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 6-10Recommended for: Ages 4-10 This is Lulu’s debut, and it…

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*El Deafo by Cece Bell

Janie Cheaney — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 14:50:41 +0000

*El Deafo by Cece Bell. Amulet, 2014. 241 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10Maturity Level: 3 (ages 8-10) Bottom Line: Author/illustrator Cece Bell recounts her experience growing up deaf in this graphic-format memoir that entertains and enlightens. Cece Bell is the main character of her own story, told in graphic-novel format with all characters…

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The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Karr

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 14:12:08 +0000

The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Karr. Square Fish, 2000 (reprint; original pub. date 1998). 208 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades (ages 10-12)Recommended for: Ages 10-14 Fifteen-year-old Simon Green has just finished third grade for the fourth time, and his beloved teacher Miss Rogers has convinced him he needs to “spread his wings” and move…

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My Friend the Enemy by (our very own) J. B. Cheaney

Betsy Farquhar — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 17:55:56 +0000

My Friend the Enemy by J. B. Cheaney. Yearling, 2007 (reprint edition). 272 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades 8-12) Recommended for: Ages 8-12 If another nation bombs the U.S. on your birthday and catapults your nation into war, abruptly changing your community, you’d be mad, too. When this happens to 12-year-old Hazel Anderson, she channels her…

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Dash by Kirby Larson

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 13:06:27 +0000

Dash by Kirby Larson. Scholastic, 2014. 256 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12Recommended for: Ages 8-12 Eleven-year-old Mitsi’s best friend is her little dog, Dash. She used to have some other best friends, but after the attacks on Pearl Harbor, they’ve been avoiding Mitsi because she is Japanese American. And so the story opens on…

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Life Behind the Wall by Robert Elmer

Janie Cheaney — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 13:06:40 +0000

Life Behind the Wall by Robert Elmer. Zondervan, 2014. 515 pages. Reading level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity level: 4 (ages 11-12) and up This novel is actually a collection of three shorter novels published between 2008 and 2010: Candy Bombers, Beetle Bunker, and Smugglers’ Treasure. Together they make a family saga set in Berlin…

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Always, Abigail by Nancy Cavanaugh

Janie Cheaney — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 14:27:38 +0000

Always, Abigail by Nancy Cavanaugh. Sourcebooks, 2014, 311 pages. Reading level: Middle Grade (8-10) Maturity Level: 3 (8-10) Abigail Walters is starting sixth grade with high hopes of joining the pom-pom squad. She and her best friends Alli and Cami (better known as AlliCam) have planned and practiced for it since third grade, and Abigail…

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Vigilante Poets

Hayley Morell — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 13:00:16 +0000

The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy by Kate Hattemer. Alfred A. Knopf, 2014, 323 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, Ages 15 – 18 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15 – 18) Selwyn Academy is facing a serious threat. Conversations at this art-focused Minnesota high school used to revolve around “people debating the merits of Aida versus Rigoletto… But now?…

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I Kill the Mockingbird

Janie Cheaney — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 14:23:27 +0000

I Kill the Mockingbird, by Paul Acampora. Roaring Brook Press, 2014, 177 pages. Reading level: Middle grades, ages 11-12 Maturity level: 4 (ages 11-12) and up Lucy and her friends Elena and Michael are cemented by the lasting ties of book-fandom. They all love books, but not necessarily the same ones. Michael, for instance, has…

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Almost Super by Marion Jensen

Janie Cheaney — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 13:13:20 +0000

Almost Super, by Marion Jensen. Harper, 2014, 251 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, Ages 8-12 Maturity Level: 3 (ages 8-10) Every four years, on February 29, the Baileys of Split Rock gather for the adolescent members (12 and older) to receive their specials powers. It always happens at 4:23 p.m.: a flash of light, and…

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One Smart Cookie by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Betsy Farquhar — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 12:48:44 +0000

One Smart Cookie: Bite-Size Lessons for the School Years and Beyond by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Jane Dyer and Brooke Dyer. Harper, 2010. 32 pgs. Reading Level: Picture BookRecommended for: Ages 4-8 Similar to Rosenthal’s other “Cookies” books, One Smart Cookie defines character traits using the metaphor of making/eating/enjoying cookies and concludes with a recipe for…cookies,…

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Summer Tales

Janie Cheaney — Sat, 14 Jun 2014 17:31:07 +0000

Two middle-grade summertime stories, both by Newberry-winning authors: Half a Chance, by Cynthia Lord. Scholastic, 2014, 218 pages. Age/interest level: 10-14 Lucy is used to moving—it’s her third time in 12 years. This time, her photographer dad and computer-programmer mom have moved to a New Hampshire lake mostly populated with summer people, so the friends…

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