Discussion Starters
The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh by Claudia Gray
By Hayley Morell |
Mr. Jonathan Darcy and Miss Juliet Tilney once again join forces, this time facing the perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. The Perils of Lady ...
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The Rushworth Family Plot by Claudia Gray
By Hayley Morell |
In the latest Mr. Darcy and Miss Tilney mystery, the characters of Mansfield Park are catapulted into the Rushworth Family Plot. The Rushworth Family Plot ...
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Adi of Boutanga by Alain Serge Dzotap
By Betsy Farquhar |
Adi of Boutanga is a gentle story about a harsh reality for young women in Cameroon (and elsewhere in the world). Adi of Boutanga: A ...
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To Walk the Sky by Patricia Morris Buckley
By Hayley Morell |
In To Walk the Sky, young readers learn how Iroquois men became steelworkers. To Walk the Sky: How Iroquois Steelworkers Helped Build Towering Cities by ...
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I Love You From Fingertip to Fingertip by Elisabeth Blaker Brown
By Hayley Morell |
Told in a parent’s voice, a sweet, faith-filled picture book reminding a child “I love you from fingertip to fingertip.” I Love You From Fingertip ...
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Learning to Lead: Another Redeemed Reader Booklist! (Updated)
By Janie Cheaney |
In his Confessions, Augustine wrote this on the subject of "time": “I understand well enough what time is, so long as no one asks me.” ...
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How Do You Eat Color? by Mabi David (trans. Karen Llagas)
By Hayley Morell |
Two children wander through a day finding the answer to the question: how do you eat color? How Do You Eat Color? by Mabi David, ...
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*The Traveling Taco by Mia Wenjen
By Hayley Morell |
Young readers will learn more about the origins of their favorite foods in The Traveling Taco! *The Traveling Taco: The Amazing and Surprising Journey of ...
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Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear by Trang Nguyen
By Hayley Morell |
A young Vietnamese wildlife conservationist sets out on a quest to help one special sun bear return to the rainforest in Saving Sorya, a vibrant ...
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*Bright Red Fruit by Safia Elhillo
By Betsy Farquhar |
An emotionally-resonant cautionary tale about the allure of bright red fruit even when signs of danger lurk alongside. Note: this book contains sensitive topics, including ...
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It Is Okay by Ye Guo
By Hayley Morell |
Two unlikely friends discover It Is Okay to have both common interests and differences. It Is Okay by Ye Guo. Eerdmans, 2024. 40 pages. Reading ...
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An American Immigrant by Johanna Rojas Vann
By Betsy Farquhar |
In An American Immigrant, twenty-five year old Melanie makes a pilgrimage to Colombia and discovers more about both herself and her mother, who came to ...
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*Natalie Babbitt’s Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel adapted by K. Woodman-Maynard
By Janie Cheaney |
Natalie Babbitt’s Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel is an excellent visual presentation of a classic story. *Natalie Babbitt's Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel adapted and ...
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*A Big Change Happened by Darby Strickland
By Betsy Farquhar |
A big change happened for Wallace, the whale, and his mama. It's scary, but God is with them. *A Big Change Happened by Darby Strickland, ...
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*Gay Girl, Good God by Jackie Hill Perry
By Hayley Morell |
In evocative, lyrical prose, Jackie Hill Perry shares her spiritual journey in Gay Girl, Good God. *Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I ...
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The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine by Lindsay A. Franklin
By Hayley Morell |
While a series starter, The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine is a fun, contained, YA fantasy. The Unraveling of Emlyn DuLaine by Lindsay A. Franklin. Enclave ...
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*Frog’s Rainy-Day Story and Other Fables by Michael James Dowling
By Janie Cheaney |
Frog’s Rainy Day Story is a collection of modern-day fables exposing contemporary follies in an amusing and discussion-worthy way. *Frog's Rainy-Day Story and Other Fables ...
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The Giver by Lois Lowry
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Giver examines deep and foundational questions through a dystopian framework. The Giver by Lois Lowry. Laurel-leaf. Reprint ed, 2002. 192 pgs. Reading Level: Middle grades, ...
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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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Blended by Sharon Draper
By Betsy Farquhar |
Isabella is blended: half-white, half-black. Soon, she's going to be in a blended family, too. How do you find your identity when you're all mixed ...
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Retro Reads: The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss
By Megan Saben |
The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss is an excellent allegory about loving your neighbor, followed by other thought-provoing tales. The Sneetches and Other ...
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*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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*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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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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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 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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*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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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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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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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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*Embergold by Rachelle Nelson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Embergold is a thought-provoking fantasy for teens that includes true love, sacrifice, and dragons. *Embergold by Rachelle Nelson. Enclave Escape, 2025. 325 pages. Reading Level: ...
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The Book of Belonging by Mariko Clark
By Janie Cheaney |
The Book of Belonging gets a lot of the Bible right but makes some significant omissions. The Book of Belonging: Bible Stories for Kind and ...
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Max in the Land of Lies by Adam Gidwitz
By Janie Cheaney |
Max in the Land of Lies completes Adam Gidwitz’s “Operation Kinderspion” duo with a tale both thrilling and thought-provoking. Max in the Land of Lies ...
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All Better Now by Neal Shusterman
By Janie Cheaney |
All Better Now, a thought-provoking read for mature teens, grapples with the consequences of a different kind of pandemic. All Better Now by Neal Shusterman. ...
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Trans Ideology: Resources for Parents
By Janie Cheaney |
The tide against trans identification among children may be turning, and that's a welcome development. But any ideology that gets its hooks into the young ...
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How to Teach Kids Theology by Sam Luce and Hunter Williams
By Janie Cheaney |
How to Teach Kids Theology reminds parents and youth leaders of the whys and wherefores of biblical instruction. How to Teach Kids Theology by Sam ...
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Thread by Thread by Alice Brière-Haquet
By Megan Saben |
Thread by Thread is a gentle picture book story with a knitting theme capturing the refugee experience. Thread by Thread by Alice Brière-Haquet, illustrated by Michela ...
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Strangers & Sojourners: A Redeemed Reader Booklist about the Refugee and Immigrant Experience
By Hayley Morell |
We've reviewed many books about refugees and the immigrant experience over the years at Redeemed Reader. In 2018 and 2019, our summer reading challenges supported ...
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*Words By Heart by Ouida Sebestyen
By Megan Saben |
Words By Heart is a powerful and nuanced Story full of Truth, laid on the firm foundation that it is not enough to hide Scripture ...
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*Soul School by Amber O’Neal Johnston
By Betsy Farquhar |
Soul School is a well-researched, thoughtful, and joyful exploration of Black literature for children and teens. Highly recommended. *Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled ...
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*The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
By Hayley Morell |
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 ...
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Newbery Roundup #1: Hank Hooperman, Louder Than Hunger, and The Enigma Girls
By Janie Cheaney |
It's time to start buzzing about Newbery contenders! We'll do our share in the following weeks, but the various ALA award committees have been buzzing ...
Read More *The Biggest Story Family Devotional by Kevin DeYoung
By Janie Cheaney |
The Biggest Story Family Devotional expands on The Biggest Story Bible Storybook to offer a practical and flexible devotional guide. *The Biggest Story Family Devotional ...
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*Something Sad Happened: Helping Children with Grief by Darby A. Strickland
By Betsy Farquhar |
Something Sad Happened is a childlike look at what grief feels like, how we cope with it, and what the Bible has to say. *Something ...
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*The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
By Megan Saben |
A wild robot explores an island and learns more than how to survive nature from the animals; she develops relationships and makes it home. A ...
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A Scarecrow Dressed Up: An Educator’s Response to AI-Generated Homework
By Betsy Farquhar |
Is AI-Generated Homework "Cheating"? Whether we educators like it or not, AI is here to stay. Nearly every website I use or app on my ...
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Finding My Vocation by William Boekestein
By Janie Cheaney |
Finding My Vocation offers a concise yet comprehensive guide for Christian teens considering their first steps into adulthood. Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young ...
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Faker by Gordon Korman
By Janie Cheaney |
In Faker, a boy faces critical ethical questions involving his own immediate family. Faker by Gordon Korman. Scholastic, 2024, 214 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...
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*Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton
By Betsy Farquhar |
A modern classic, Cry, the Beloved Country movingly illustrates how faith and culture intersect in Apartheid-era South Africa. Note: this is one of our featured ...
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Who Are You? by Christina Fox
By Janie Cheaney |
Who Are You? explores the roots of identity in a way accessible to preschoolers. *Who Are You? A Little Book about Your Big Identity by ...
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*Risen Hope: The Church Throughout History by Luke Davis
By Betsy Farquhar |
Risen Hope is an engagingly written church history resource from Christian Focus for middle grades and teens. *Risen Hope: The Church Throughout History by Luke ...
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Global Prayer Resources: Operation World and Window on the World and More
By Betsy Farquhar |
How can we better pray for our brothers and sisters around the world? Operation World and Window on the World help us pray for God's ...
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The Misunderstandings of Charity Brown by Elizabeth Laird
By Janie Cheaney |
Charity Brown, raised in a strict fundamentalist Christian sect, is beginning to ponder the meaning of life and God. The Misunderstandings of Charity Brown by ...
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*Rwendigo Tales by J. A. Myhre
By Betsy Farquhar |
Dr. Myhre wrote the engaging Rwendigo Tales, a middle grades series with spiritual overtones, based upon her experience as a doctor serving in Africa. Note: ...
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The Night War by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
By Janie Cheaney |
The Night War is the WWII story of a Jewish girl in Paris choosing to be brave when Nazis take everything from her. The Night ...
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Offsides by Lori Z. Scott
By Betsy Farquhar |
Dani just wants to play soccer and have the best senior year ever, but she's suddenly alert to the signs of a sex trafficking ring ...
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Dune: Book vs. Movie
By Betsy Farquhar |
Is the movie better than the book? I've listened to Dune by Frank Herbert, and I've now seen Dune, part 1 and Dune, part 2. ...
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Arc of a Scythe Trilogy by Neal Shusterman
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Arc of a Scythe Trilogy is a thought-provoking dystopian series for mature teens; it has problematic elements but raises good questions about the essential ...
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Reading K. M. Shea’s Clean Urban Fantasy
By Hayley Morell |
Snarky heroines, quick banter, action, adventure, and a dash of romance are all components to K. M. Shea’s urban fantasy novels, but are they suitable ...
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*Once a Queen by Sarah Arthur
By Hayley Morell |
Sarah Arthur's YA fantasy novel Once a Queen imagines a world like ours where stories come to life, but individuals have to return to reality. ...
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2024 Newbery Buzz #4: Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow
By Hayley Morell |
Simon Sort of Says was longlisted for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Could it win the Newbery? We're continuing our long-running Newbery ...
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Scythe (Arc of a Scythe #1) by Neal Shusterman
By Betsy Farquhar |
Scythe is the first in a gritty dystopian trilogy about a society in which no one can die... unless a scythe gleans him or her. ...
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YA Fantasy: Murtagh, Theft of Sunlight, & Wind Daughter
By Hayley Morell |
A rapid fire round up of three YA fantasy novels that belong to bigger worlds: Murtagh, A Darkness at the Door, and Wind Daughter. Murtagh ...
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*Babble! And How Punctuation Saved It
By Megan Saben |
Babble! is a short, lively, memorable story that SHOWS writers understand the importance of those little indicators. *Babble! And How Punctuation Saved It by Caroline ...
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Hidden: A Child’s Story of the Holocaust by Loic Dauvillier
By Janie Cheaney |
Hidden: A Child’s Story of the Holocaust is a suitable introduction for grades 2-4 to this terrible chapter in history. Hidden: A Child’s Story of ...
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The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
By Megan Saben |
Bruno is a 9yo German boy living during World War II who isn't happy with his father's new work assignment until he makes a friend ...
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*Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmith & Boulet
By Hayley Morell |
Calvin and Hobbes meets the Nickelodeon channel to retell Beowulf in a colorful, creative, graphic novel. Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmith & Boulet. First Second, ...
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Children of Israel: Our Book List of Jewish Life, History, and Culture
By Janie Cheaney |
The terrifying attack on Israel on October 7 has brought new awareness to the ancient phenomenon of antisemitism. Though small in number (and reduced by ...
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Which Version of The Diary of Anne Frank Is Best?
By Betsy Farquhar |
A lengthy post in which Betsy seeks to answer some of the many questions she and the RR team have received over the past several ...
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*Seeds of America Trilogy by Laurie Halse Anderson
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Seeds of America Trilogy powerfully examines some of the complex ideas of the American Revolution: freedom, justice, and equality for all. Seeds of America ...
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*Charis in the World of Wonders by Marly Youmans
By Betsy Farquhar |
Charis in the World of Wonders is a richly satisfying novel of a young Puritan woman who learns much about the world and herself through ...
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Code of Silence and Back Before Dark by Tim Shoemaker
By Betsy Farquhar |
A heart-pounding mystery series, with hidden twists and turns at every corner and a powerful message. Note: this is a guest review. See below for ...
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God, You Are by William R. Osborne
By Janie Cheaney |
God, You Are introduces young children to God’s character and attributes in a warm devotional setting. God, You Are: 20 Promises from the Psalms for ...
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YA Graphic Novels: Graceling, Cheshire Crossing & Lore Olympus
By Hayley Morell |
A rapid fire round up of three YA graphic novels for mature teen readers. Graceling by Kristin Cashore, adapted and illustrated by Gareth Hinds. Clarion ...
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Once There Was by Kiyash Monsef
By Hayley Morell |
In the tradition of Susan Cooper, a lyrical, dark fantasy for mature middle grade readers. Once There Was by Kiyash Monsef. Simon & Schuster Books ...
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The Story of Gumluck the Wizard by Adam Rex
By Janie Cheaney |
Gumluck the Wizard is a charming chapter-book character with some humorous misapprehensions. The Story of Gumluck the Wizard (Book One) by Adam Rex. Chronicle Books, ...
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Teaching the Faith: *The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism
By Janie Cheaney |
A new edition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism uses cartoon illustrations as an aid to understanding and discussion. *The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism in Modern ...
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Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney Mysteries (Books 1 & 2) by Claudia Gray
By Hayley Morell |
Mysteries involving Jane Austen characters? That is the premise of Claudia Gray's recent mystery series suitable for mature teen readers as well as adults. As ...
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*Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins
By Hayley Morell |
Hope in the Valley captures one girl’s momentous summer as she processes grief, grapples with change, and finds her own voice along the way. Hope ...
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The Windeby Puzzle: History and Story by Lois Lowry
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Windeby Puzzle is half history and half story: Lowry allows young readers to peer behind the curtain into the process of creating a work ...
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In the Tunnel by Julie Lee
By Janie Cheaney |
In the Tunnel takes readers into the savagery and family upheaval of the Korean War . In the Tunnel by Julie Lee. Holiday House, 2023, ...
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*Land of Hope by Wilfred McClay
By Janie Cheaney |
Land of Hope offers a balanced, positive, and often inspiring view of American history--now available in student workbook, teacher's guide, and young-reader editions! *Land of ...
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American Born Chinese by Gene Yuen Yang
By Betsy Farquhar |
American Born Chinese is a coming-of-age story with great spiritual insight in graphic novel format. American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang. FirstSecond, 2021 (reprint). ...
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Enter the Body by Joy McCullough
By Janie Cheaney |
Enter the Body engages three tragic heroines of Shakespeare in a discussion of love, oppression, and what they might have done differently. Enter the Body ...
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Songs of America by Jon Meacham and Tim McGraw
By Janie Cheaney |
Songs of America takes an interesting approach to American history—tracing our story through popular tunes and lyrics. Songs of America: Patriotism, Protest, and the Music ...
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Big Tree by Brian Selznick
By Janie Cheaney |
Big Tree, by best-selling author-illustrator Brian Selznick, attempts to capture the wonder of creation without a Creator. Big Tree by Brian Selznick. Scholastic, 2023, 525 ...
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Picture Books to Make You Think: Twenty Questions, Bucket of Questions, Wants vs. Needs vs. Robots, and The Tree and the River
By Janie Cheaney |
Four new picture books raised questions and stimulate discussion for readers ages 3-12. Twenty Questions by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Christian Robinson. Candlewick, 2023, 32 ...
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Two Books about Sexuality for Kids and Teens
By Betsy Farquhar |
Books about sexuality for kids and teens are not new, but these days, it's getting harder to separate the wheat from the chaff. Well-meaning titles ...
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*The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri: A Book Discussion
By Janie Cheaney |
*The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri: Betsy and Janie Discuss The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams ...
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*Bright April by Marguerite De Angeli
By Megan Saben |
Themes of loving nature, loving one's neighbor, and loving Truth are woven through Bright April, a story that gracefully handles racism and the dignity of ...
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Do Not Be True to Yourself by Kevin DeYoung
By Betsy Farquhar |
Kevin DeYoung reminds young adults to be true to Christ and His church, not true to their own selves, in this short, engaging read. Do ...
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Noticing by Kobi Yomada
By Janie Cheaney |
Noticing, a picture book for tweens and older, beautifully illustrates the point that “One of the best things you can be is interested.” Noticing by ...
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All My Rage by Saaba Tahir
By Janie Cheaney |
All My Rage, winner of the 2023 Printz Award, follows a pair of Pakistani-American teens from uncertainty through trauma to stability and hope. All My ...
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Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead
By Betsy Farquhar |
Spare and sensitive, Liar & Spy is a warm-hearted middle-grades story about two lonely boys who form a deep, abiding friendship. Liar & Spy by ...
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CSK Illlustrator Roundup: Standing in the Need of Prayer, Me and the Boss, and The Talk
By Janie Cheaney |
The Coretta Scott King award, an prominent part of the annual ALA Youth Media Awards, honors African American authors and illustrators of outstanding books for ...
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Victory, Stand! by Tommie Smith and Derrick Barnes
By Janie Cheaney |
Victory, Stand!, this year's ALA YA nonfiction award winner, tells the story of the notorious "Olympic fist" from a point of view that makes it ...
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In the Blue by Erin Hourigan
By Hayley Morell |
In the Blue gently explores what it is like for a child to experience the depression of a loved one. In the Blue by Erin ...
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At Jerusalem’s Gate by Nikki Grimes
By Betsy Farquhar |
At Jersualem's Gate offers poetic meditations on what people involved in the events leading to Christ's resurrection might have thought and felt. At Jerusalem's Gate: ...
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