nonfiction
Top Secret by Crispin Boyer and Suzanne Zimbler
By Betsy Farquhar |
Learn what it takes to be a spy in this trivia-packed book from National Geographic Kids. Top Secret: Spies, Codes, Capers, Gadgets, and Classified Cases ...
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The Genius under the Table by Eugene Yelchin
By Janie Cheaney |
Eugene Yelchin's memoir of his Soviet childhood is surreal, sad, and hilarious. The Genius under the Table: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain by Eugene ...
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How to Find a Fox by Kate Gardner
By Janie Cheaney |
Beautiful nature photography distinguishes How to Find a Fox. How to Find a Fox by Kate Gardner, photographed by Ossi Saarinen. Running Press, 2021, 38 ...
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The Expected One and The Risen One by Scott James
By Megan Saben |
There is much to anticipate in both Christmas and Easter, but the Story is much bigger than the significant events, as Scott James demonstrates in ...
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Wonders of His Love by Champ Thornton
By Betsy Farquhar |
Wonders of His Love brings Isaiah's prophecies about the Messiah down to a child-friendly level in this vibrant Advent family devotional. *Wonders of His Love: ...
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The Adventure of Christmas by Ed Drew
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Adventure of Christmas offers short, 10-minute family devotions based on the biblical narrative of the first Christmas. The Adventure of Christmas: A Journey Through ...
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Good News of Great Joy by John Piper
By Janie Cheaney |
John Piper examines why the new is really and eternally good, in the attractive volume of short advent readings. Good News of Great Joy: 25 ...
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*The Dawn of Redeeming Grace by Sinclair Ferguson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Winsome and pastoral, The Dawn of Redeeming Grace is a thoughtful Advent meditation on Matthew 1-2 for teens and up. *The Dawn of Redeeming Grace: ...
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*Is Christmas Unbelievable? by Rebecca McLaughlin
By Betsy Farquhar |
Rebecca McLaughlin answers four questions everyone should ask about the Christmas story, beginning with the historicity of Jesus Himself. A great resource for teens. *Is ...
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Church History from Kingstone
By Janie Cheaney |
Three publications by Kingstone Media inform readers about Luther, Vladimir, and Martyrs of the 1st-3rd centuries. Luther by Dr. Rich Melheim, illustrated by various artists. ...
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Friends Forever by Shannon Hale
By Janie Cheaney |
Shannon Hale wraps up her "Friends" trilogy with a heartfelt graphic memoir of eighth grade anxiety. Friends Forever by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham. First ...
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Amazing Rivers by Julie Agnone
By Janie Cheaney |
This information-packed picture book introduces young middle-graders to the wide world of waterways. Amazing Rivers: 100+ Waterways that Will Boggle Your Mind by Julie Vosburgh ...
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Population Picture Books: *If the World Were 100 People and We Are a Garden
By Janie Cheaney |
Two high-concept picture books present stories of people and movements in a way even small children can grasp. *If the World Were 100 People: A ...
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9/11 for Middle Graders: Ground Zero and In the Shadow of the Fallen Towers
By Janie Cheaney |
Novelist Alan Gratz and graphic artist Don Brown offer views of 9/11 accessible to middle-grade readers. In The Shadow of the Fallen Towers: The Seconds, ...
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Picture Books about 9/11: The Survivor Tree
By Janie Cheaney |
Three new picture books about the Trade Center "Survivor Tree" help children relate to the events of 9/11. As we approach the 20th anniversary of ...
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Happy “We Love Memoirs” Day!
By Janie Cheaney |
It’s for real—two memoir writers cooked it up on Facebook almost two decades ago and their page has over 5000 followers who throw an online ...
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Stealing Home: Jackie Robinson against the odds
By Megan Saben |
Stealing Home: Jackie Robinson Against the Odds by Robert Burleigh. Simon & Schuster, 2007. 32 pages. Reading level: Picture books, ages 4-8, ages 8-10Recommended for: ...
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*Steeped in Stories by Mitali Perkins: a Discussion
By Hayley Morell |
Steeped in Stories is a winsome, thought-provoking celebration of some beloved classics: a Redeemed Reader discussion. *Steeped in Stories: Timeless Children's Novels to Refresh Our ...
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*Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies by Marilyn McEntyre
By Betsy Farquhar |
Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies makes readers think through how to be better stewards of words. *Caring for Words in a Culture ...
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Stones and Stories by Judith E. Anderson
By Betsy Farquhar |
Stones and Stories is a concise primer on literary analysis and hermeneutics, building off the intriguing extended metaphor of stones. Stones and Stories: A Primer ...
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Reading Afghanistan
By Janie Cheaney |
For a country many of us can't even point to on a map, Afghanistan has held a consequential place in world history. This mountainous district ...
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My Tech-Wise Life by Amy Crouch and Andy Crouch
By Betsy Farquhar |
A teen challenges her fellow teens to make smart decisions about technology in My Tech-Wise Life. My Tech-Wise Life: Growing up and Making Choices in ...
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The Vast Wonder of the World by Mélina Mangal
By Janie Cheaney |
The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just by Mélina Mangal. Millbrook Press, 2018, 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 4-8Recommended for: ...
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Boy from Buchenwald by Robbie Waisman
By Janie Cheaney |
Robbie Waisman, the "Boy from Buchenwald," tells a gripping story of suffering and a hard-won peace after World War II. Boy from Buchenwald: The True ...
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Outdoor School: Hiking and Camping by David and Blevins
By Janie Cheaney |
The Outdoor School series offers interactive guides to experiencing, understanding, and appreciating nature. Outdoor School: Hiking and Camping by Jannifer Pharr Davis and Haley Blevins, ...
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Picture Book Roundup: Ordinary Wonders
By Janie Cheaney |
The Night Walk, The Rescuer of Tiny Creatures, and The Lost Package focus on simple pleasures and everyday services we take for granted. The Night ...
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The Wisdom of Trees by Lita Judge
By Janie Cheaney |
The Wisdom of Trees shows how trees function as a community in cooperation, not competition. The Wisdom of Trees: How Trees Work Together to Form ...
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The Way of the Hive by Jay Hosler
By Janie Cheaney |
The Way of the Hive follows the life of a honeybee in clever graphic-novel style. The Way of the Hive: A Honey Bee’s Story by ...
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STEM in the World Series by Marne Ventura
By Betsy Farquhar |
STEM is vital to sports! Ventura shows young readers how physics, technology, engineering, and math work in baseball's favorite event. STEM in the World Series ...
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Wordsmith Curriculum Review: A Writing Curriculum by our own Janie Cheaney
By Betsy Farquhar |
NOTE: We're taking a week off our Summer Reading Challenge to think ahead about the coming school year. Welcome to Wordsmith Week! Leading off with ...
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*Reading and Talking about Sexuality
By Hayley Morell |
*Note, this post engages with sexuality and includes conversation and books that are suitable for teens and adults. I was hiking in Europe. A French ...
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America My Love, America My Heart by Daria Riley
By Janie Cheaney |
America My Love, America My Heart expresses complex emotions about the author's home country. America My Love, America My Heart by Daria Peoples Riley. Greenwillow, ...
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*American History by Thomas Kidd
By Betsy Farquhar |
Interesting and readable, American History by Thomas Kidd is an outstanding resource for high school Christian students and teachers. *American History by Thomas Kidd. B&H ...
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Strong Voices: Fifteen American Speeches Worth Knowing, selected and introduced by Tonya Bolden
By Betsy Farquhar |
Strong Voices shares fifteen great American speeches from men and women throughout America's history. Strong Voices: Fifteen American Speeches Worth Knowing, selected and introduced by ...
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Juneteenth Roundup
By Janie Cheaney |
Juneteenth, our newest national holiday, commemorates the 19th of June, 1865, when slaves in Texas learned of their emancipation. These four books offer experiential perspectives ...
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*Recovering the Lost Art of Reading by Leland Ryken and Glenda Faye Mathes
By Betsy Farquhar |
Recovering the Lost Art of Reading invites readers to reconsider how and why they read; it offers ideas and suggestions for Christians who want to ...
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God Made Me for Worship by Jared Kennedy
By Janie Cheaney |
Author Jared Kennedy uses Isaiah 6 as a model for explaining the liturgy, in God Made Me for Worship God Made Me for Worship: Helping ...
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Picture Books about Refugees: Watercress, Yang Warriors, and The Suitcase
By Janie Cheaney |
Two memoirs and one parable show children how to have sympathy for refugees, even within their own family. Watercress by Andrea Yang, illustrated by Jason ...
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A Shot in the Arm! by Don Brown
By Janie Cheaney |
A Shot in the Arm traces the history of vaccination in graphic-novel format, from the 18th century to the present day. A Shot in the ...
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Adulting 101, Book 2: #liveyourbestlife
By Betsy Farquhar |
Adulting 101, Book 2 is an excellent graduation gift idea or resource for teens heading to college or into the workforce. Adulting 101, Book 2: ...
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5 Minutes in Church History and In the Year of Our Lord
By Betsy Farquhar |
5 Minutes in Church History and In the Year of Our Lord each view church history through an engaging and refreshing lens. ***Giveaway Is Now ...
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Graduation Gift List
By Betsy Farquhar |
Need a graduation gift idea for a new or recent graduate? We've got you covered! 'Tis the season when many young men and women doff ...
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*Truths We Confess by R. C. Sproul
By Betsy Farquhar |
Truths We Confess is a concise, accessible, and systematic exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith, perfect for seniors, new graduates, and Sunday school groups. ...
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*Surviving Religion 101 by Michael Kruger
By Janie Cheaney |
With Surviving Religion 101, a Christian father and scholar arms his daughter against attacks on Christianity from skeptical professors and students. *Surviving Religion 101: Letters ...
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*Go and Do Likewise! by John Hendrix
By Janie Cheaney |
In Go and Do Likewise, as in Miracle Man, John Hendrix offers a fresh take on the life and teachings of Christ. *Go and Do ...
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*The Promise by Jason Helopoulos
By Janie Cheaney |
The Promise takes readers from the beginning of God’s story through the fulfillment of his redemptive purpose, with striking illustrations and compelling prose. *The Promise: ...
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Bible Infographics for Kids
By Janie Cheaney |
Bible Infographics for Kids presents Bible facts and concepts in an entertaining, memorable way. Bible Infographics for Kids by Harvest House Publishers, illustrated by Brian ...
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Bible Review: NLV Brave Boys and Courageous Girls
By Janie Cheaney |
The Bible for Brave Boys and The Bible for Courageous Girls: New Life Version. Barbour, 2020, 944 pages (text size unavailable) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...
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Bible Review: NLT Girls Life Application Study Bible
By Janie Cheaney |
NLT Girls Life Application Study Bible. Tyndale House, 2016, 1568 pages (8 point font). Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: Ages 9-13 Girls ...
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Oversize Nonfiction: Math, Anatomy, and Classification
By Megan Saben |
Do you see order, beauty, and relationships in the world around you? Three recent oversized picture books require special shelving, but offer a feast for ...
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*10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin
By Janie Cheaney |
With Christianity increasingly under fire, apologist Rebecca McLaughlin answers 10 questions every young Christian will have to confront. *10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and ...
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Attacked at Sea by Michael J. Tougias
By Janie Cheaney |
Attacked at Sea tells the harrowing story of surviving a U-Boat submarine attack in the early days of World War II. Attacked at Sea: A ...
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Gone to the Woods by Gary Paulsen
By Janie Cheaney |
Gone to the Woods, Gary Paulsen’s third-person memoir, is the recollection of a gritty early life leavened by common grace. Gone to the Woods: Surviving ...
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Retro Review: *Let Justice Roll Down by John Perkins
By Janie Cheaney |
The life of John Perkins offers the only true way to justice, reconciliation, and forgiveness for our tragic racist history. *Let Justice Roll Down by ...
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Medieval Africa: a Resource for Middle School
By Betsy Farquhar |
Discover the glories and weaknesses of Medieval Africa in this well researched history for middle grades. The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life ...
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Black Heroes of the Wild West by James Otis Smith
By Betsy Farquhar |
Black Heroes of the Wild West introduces young readers to three exciting and legendary figures in this graphic novel style history for middle grades. Black ...
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Into the Clouds by Tod Olson
By Janie Cheaney |
Into the Clouds is the grueling saga of three expeditions that failed to summit the second-highest--but most dangerous--mountain in the world. Into the Clouds: The ...
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The Finest Hours by Michael Tougias
By Janie Cheaney |
The 1952 rescue of over twenty stranded seamen on a halved oil tanker ranks as one of the Coast Guard's' "finest hours." The Finest Hours: ...
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*Creative God Colorful Us by Trillia Newbell
By Betsy Farquhar |
Creative God Colorful Us invites students to enjoy God's diverse family by loving God and their neighbor and celebrating God's human creation. *Creative God Colorful ...
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Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Feder
By Janie Cheaney |
Raw, funny, and honest, Dancing at the Pity Party is a close look at grief after the loss of a mother. Dancing at the Pity ...
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2021 Newbery Buzz #5: Stamped by Jason Reynolds.
By Janie Cheaney |
Continuing our discussion of possible Newbery winners, we pick up a book that has everybody talking: Janie: Betsy, there are two books that I think ...
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The Next President by Kate Messner
By Janie Cheaney |
The Next President takes a unique approach to the list of presidents by looking at their backgrounds--and speculating on the future. The Next President: The ...
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Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander
By Janie Cheaney |
In verse and prose, Becoming Muhammad Ali traces the early life of Cassius Clay, "The greatest" heavyweight boxer ever. Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson ...
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Books for Teen Writers
By Betsy Farquhar |
Books for aspiring writers abound. Books for teen writers are a little harder to track down. But many teens are aspiring authors, writing reams of ...
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A Hopeful Heart by Deborah Noyes
By Janie Cheaney |
A Hopeful Heart engagingly presents the life of one of America's first best-selling authors: Louisa May Alcott. A Hopeful Heart: Louisa May Alcott before Little ...
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3 Picture Book Biographies: Beatrix Potter, Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay, and … a Horse
By Betsy Farquhar |
Picture book biographies are one of my favorite categories of picture books. Today, I have three new ones for you: a childlike look at Beatrix ...
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Ancient Romans, Alphamaniacs, and Incredible Jobs
By Megan Saben |
Three illustrated non-fiction books share fascinating information about ancient cultures, unusual wordsmiths, and careers you might not have considered. Ancient Romans and Their Neighbors: An ...
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Machines in Motion by Tom Jackson and illustrated by Chris Mould
By Betsy Farquhar |
Machines in Motion is a fascinating picture book absolutely packed with interesting illustrations and trivia all about transportation. Machines in Motion: The Amazing History of ...
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*Through the Wardrobe by Lina Maslo.
By Janie Cheaney |
This C.S. Lewis biography, accessible to 5-year-olds, includes fascinating details for Narnia fans of all ages *Through the Wardrobe: How C. S. Lewis Created Narnia ...
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Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson: A Discussion
By Betsy Farquhar |
Sometimes, we just have to "discuss" a book instead of merely write a review of it. Come eavesdrop as Betsy and Megan discuss Adorning the ...
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*Dorothy and Jack by Gina Dalfonzo
By Hayley Morell |
An excellent introduction to the friendship between C. S. Lewis and Dorothy Sayers. Dorothy and Jack by Gina Dalfonzo. Baker Books, 2020. 208 pages. Reading ...
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Comics: Easy as ABC! by Ivan Brunetti
By Janie Cheaney |
Comics: Easy as ABC! is an accessible introduction to drawing for young artists, but the content includes one big misstep. Comics: Easy as ABC! An ...
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Running Wild: Awesome Animals in Motion by Galadriel Watson
By Janie Cheaney |
Running Wild gives readers ages 6-10 new appreciation for the immense variety and careful design evidenced in animal motion. Running Wild: Awesome Animals in Motion ...
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Cubs in the Tub by Candace Fleming
By Janie Cheaney |
Cubs in the Tub is a warm-hearted true story that will be irresistible to baby animal lovers. Cubs in the Tub: the True Story of ...
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Box by Carole Boston Weatherford
By Janie Cheaney |
Box is the remarkable true story of one man's bold plan to free himself from slavery. Box: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom by Carole ...
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*The Roar on the Other Side by Suzanne Underwood Rhodes
By Betsy Farquhar |
Is poetry writing obsolete? It doesn't have to be, especially for Christians. *The Roar on the Other Side: A Guide for Student Poets by Suzanne ...
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How to Be a Person by Catherine Newman
By Janie Cheaney |
How to Be a Person humorously introduces middle-graders to life skills both practical and thoughtful. How to Be a Person: 65 Hugely Useful Super-Important Skills ...
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Road Trip USA
By Megan Saben |
The sensible way to plan a vacation would be to decide months in advance where you want to go and how you want to get ...
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My Name Is Tani by Tanitoluwa Adewumi
By Janie Cheaney |
My Name is Tani is the hopeful true story of a young boy who finds a place and a passion in America. My Name Is ...
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*When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohammed
By Janie Cheaney |
The new graphic novel When Stars Are Scattered brings the refugee experience into sharp yet sympathetic focus. *When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and ...
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Everybody Counts by Kristin Roskifte
By Janie Cheaney |
Everybody Counts is more than a counting book: it includes big numbers and big thoughts. Everybody Counts: a Counting Story from 0 to 7.5 Billion ...
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Gyo Fujikawa: It Began With a Page….
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
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Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang
By Janie Cheaney |
Dragon Hoops turns a high-school basketball championship season into a close-up look at life's changes and choices. Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang. First Second, ...
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1493 for Young People by Charles C. Mann
By Betsy Farquhar |
A fascinating historical look at globalization that covers botany, anthropology, politics, exploration, the slave trade, and more! 1493 for Young People: From Columbus's Voyage to ...
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American Lives: a Picture Book Roundup
By Janie Cheaney |
For Spacious Skies, Most Wanted, and Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word feature the promise of the American experiment. For Spacious Skies: Katharine Lee Bates ...
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*This Is Our Constitution by Khizr Khan
By Betsy Farquhar |
An immigrant-become-US-citizen offers a powerful, personal explanation of our nation's Constitution for middle grades and up. *This Is Our Constitution: What It Is and Why ...
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Stamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
By Janie Cheaney |
Stamped, a young-reader version of Kendi’s Stamped from the Beginning, is an engaging but one-sided picture of racism in America’s past. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and ...
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Hey, Water! by Antoinette Portis
By Janie Cheaney |
Hey, Water! pictures the gift of water in all its forms, providing an accessible explanation of the water cycle for preschoolers. Hey, Water! by Antoinette ...
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Two Years before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana
By Janie Cheaney |
Published 180 years ago, Two Years before the Mast remains a vivid portrait of 19th-century seafaring in early America. Two Years before the Mast by ...
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Lost in the Pacific, 1942: Not a Drop to Drink by Tod Olson
By Betsy Farquhar |
8 men struggle to survive when they're lost at sea in this "drama in real life" story for middle grades. Lost in the Pacific, 1942: ...
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Longitude by Dava Sobel
By Janie Cheaney |
Longitude, a recommended book for our "Hope on the Horizon" summer reading challenge, is a classic true tale of persistence rewarded. Longitude: the True Story ...
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The Brendan Voyage by Tim Severin
By Betsy Farquhar |
The Brendan Voyage is the real life adventure story of a man who tried to recreate a Medieval legend: sailing across the North Atlantic from ...
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*Epic by Tim Challies
By Janie Cheaney |
Epic takes readers around the globe tracking down fascinating artifacts of Church history. *Epic: An Around-the-World Journey through Christian History by Tim Challies. Zondervan, 2020, ...
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Bible Review: NIrV Illustrated Holy Bible for Kids
By Janie Cheaney |
NIrV Illustrated Holy Bible for Kids. Zondervan, 2019, 1632 pages (8 point font) Reading Level: 3rd grade Recommended for: Ages 4-8 This new edition of ...
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*Get Your Story Straight by Kristen Hatton
By Betsy Farquhar |
Get Your Story Straight is a straightforward devotional guide that invites teens to study the story of Scripture, focusing the real hero of the story. ...
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*Honeybee by Candace Fleming
By Janie Cheaney |
The brief but complex life of a honeybee literally unfolds in these gorgeously illustrated pages. *Honeybee: the Busy Life of Apius Mellifera by Candis Fleming. ...
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*The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Fleming
By Janie Cheaney |
From hero to pariah: the life of Charles Lindbergh is a fascinating study. *The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh by Candace Fleming. Schwartz + ...
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20th Century Book List for Young Teens
By Betsy Farquhar |
20th Century Book List for Young Teens 20th Century: World wars. A Great Depression. First flight. Space flight. Voting Rights. Civil Rights. Communism. Terrorism. Jazz. ...
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Ordinary Hazards by Nikki Grimes: a Discussion
By Janie Cheaney |
Every now and then we read a book that seems to warrant more than a standard review—even a starred one. That was Janie and Betsy’s ...
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Two Graphic Novel Memoirs: Cub and Best Friends
By Janie Cheaney |
Shannon Hale continues her middle-grade memoir with Best Friends; Cynthia Copeland tells how she became a writer in Cub. Cub by Cynthia Copeland. Algonquin, 2020, ...
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