Posts by Betsy Farquhar
Offsides by Lori Z. Scott
In Offsides, 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 right in her own community.
Read MoreThe Looking-Glass Illusion by Sara Ella
The Looking-Glass Illusion brings the story from The Wonderland Trials to a clever and satisfying conclusion in this fantasy series for teens.
Read MoreJulie Fogliano, Children’s Poet
Julie Fogliano’s poetry for children expects them to read between the lines, to appreciate a delicate, spare language. And it works. She understands the essence of childhood.
Read MoreSmall Poems and Peacock by Valerie Worth (and illustrated by Natalie Babbitt)
Small poetry books full of small poems and small drawings: just right for small hands and small listening ears.
Read MoreThe Book Scavenger Series by Jennifer Chambliss Bertram
The Book Scavenger Series is an engaging middle grades mystery series for book lovers and puzzle aficionados.
Read MoreLauren Castillo’s Art: Nana in the Country, It’s Not Time for Sleeping, Twenty Yawns, The Ramble Shamble Children
Lauren Castillo’s bold outlines and childlike compositions make these books accessible to young readers and their parents, too.
Read MoreDune: Book vs. Movie
Reading Dune (with teens) vs watching the movies (with teens): a Christian reader reflects.
Read MoreArc of a Scythe Trilogy by Neal Shusterman
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 nature of humanity.
Read MoreRecent Picture Books from New Growth Press: My First ABC Book of Bible Verses, Something Scary Happened, Our Great God
Three recent picture books from New Growth Press help parents and care givers disciple and nurture children.
Read MoreRecent Christian Picture Books: God’s Signpost, The God Contest, and The 10 Commandments
Three recent Christian picture books show children more about who God is and how He instructs us.
Read MoreThe Sacred Sacrifice by Hannah Paris
In The Sacred Sacrifice, Paris is proposing we use Bach’s St. Matthew Passion in Lent and Easter much like we enjoy Handel’s Messiah during Advent and Christmas.
Read More*African Heroes by Jerome Gay, Jr.
African Heroes introduces children to heroes of the faith who are from Africa in this vibrantly illustrated picture book from New Growth Press.
Read More2024 Newbery Buzz #5: Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins
Today, we’re looking at a book by a favorite author, wondering if it has what it takes: Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins.
Read More2024 Newbery Buzz #2: Nothing Else But Miracles by Kate Albus
Today, we’re looking at a solid historical fiction option, wondering if it has what it takes: Nothing Else But Miracles by Kate Albus.
Read MoreScythe (Arc of a Scythe #1) by Neal Shusterman
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. And scythes have a quota to fill….
Read More2024 Newbery Buzz #1: A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat
A First Time For Everything has already won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. Could it also win the Newbery?
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: Elizabeth Farquhar (Teen Writer)
Back Porch Book Chat: A casual conversation about books. Our guest today is Elizabeth Farquhar, a teen writer.
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: Josiah DeGraaf (Director of Young Writers Workshop)
Back Porch Book Chat: A casual conversation about books. Our guest today is Josiah DeGraaf, director of the Young Writers Workshop.
Read MoreMooses with Bazookas by S. D. Smith
Mooses with Bazookas is a light-hearted, funny romp through humorous letters and stories; they remind us not to take ourselves too seriously!
Read More*Daughter of Arden Trilogy by Loren Warnemuende
The Daughter of Arden Trilogy is an epic retelling of an older fairy tale; in its new version, strong echoes of Christian faith mingle with a romance, a war, and a quest.
Read More*Journey to Bethlehem by Leland Ryken
Journey to Bethlehem is a lovely anthology of historic Christmas poetry, hymns, and devotionals. Starred review!
Read MoreGift Books for Grown-Ups
Redeemed Reader exists to “shed a gospel light on books for children and teens.” But you know what? We read books for grown-ups, too! We asked a few friends of Redeemed Reader to help us curate a dynamite list of books for grown-ups that would make great gifts this year. You might also consider this…
Read MoreNiche Nonfiction for Teens (AKA “Living Books”): A Book List
Living books for teens make great gifts, especially niche nonfiction in subjects they love!
Read MoreBetsy’s Favorite Books, Old and New
Betsy shares her favorite books that are featured in our Winter Book Fair.
Read MoreChristian Christmas Picture Books Round-Up
Four Christian Christmas picture books that celebrate the birth of Christ. One uses the biblical text; others are more imaginative.
Read MoreTomie DePaola Christmas Picture Books Round-Up
Four Christmas picture books by Tomie DePaola, three of which are about the Christmas story and one of which is about Strega Nona.
Read MoreA Stubborn Sweetness by Katherine Paterson
“A Stubborn Sweetness” is one of 15 short stories that celebrate the truth, beauty, and goodness of the real meaning of Christmas.
Read MoreWicked History Series: Henry VIII, Leopold II, and Rasputin
The Wicked History series offers a lively, interesting, and well-researched option for learning about the villains of history
Read MoreWhich Version of The Diary of Anne Frank Is Best?
Is The Definitive Edition of The Diary of Anne Frank better than the “original”?
Read MoreThe Weary World Rejoices, edited by Melissa Kruger
The Weary World Rejoices is a collection of Advent readings from the Gospel Coalition that relate to the Advent wreath. For teens and up.
Read MoreAwaiting the Manger by Ocieanna Fleiss
Awaiting the Manger, an Advent devotional for teens and up, uses stories from the Old Testament to point to the coming of Jesus.
Read MoreHe Came Down From Heaven by Laurel Sauder
He Came Down From Heaven offers 25 days of biblical readings and cultural enrichment for families who celebrate Advent.
Read More*Seeds of America Trilogy by Laurie Halse Anderson
The Seeds of America Trilogy powerfully examines some of the complex ideas of the American Revolution: freedom, justice, and equality for all.
Read MoreFever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
Yellow fever sweeps through Philadelphia, challenging young Mattie to the core in this historical fiction novel for young teens.
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: Carolyn Givens (Author, Publisher, Reader)
Back Porch Book Chat: A casual conversation about books. Our guest today is Carolyn Givens.
Read MoreRetro Reads: The Rescuers by Margery Sharp
The Rescuers by Margery Sharp offers fun, old-fashioned storytelling that bears little resemblance to the Disney movie. The Rescuers by Margery Sharp, illustrated by Garth Williams. New York Review Books, 2016 (re-issue). 160 pages. I can sing every word of the songs from the animated Rescuers movie—truly, one of the classics of its genre. So, it…
Read MoreWhile Everyone Is Sleeping by Sarah Mackenzie
While Everyone Is Sleeping is a sweet bedtime book, perfect for cozy nights.
Read More*Charis in the World of Wonders by Marly Youmans
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 hardship and perseverance.
Read MoreCode of Silence and Back Before Dark by Tim Shoemaker
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 more information! Code of Silence Series by Tim Shoemaker. Zonderkidz. Reading Level: Teens, ages 12-15 Recommended For: Ages 12 and up; note considerations below. The Code of Silence series, written by Tim…
Read MoreImpossible Christianity by Kevin DeYoung
Impossible Christianity is a breath of fresh air for those Christians feeling weighed down by false guilt over unbiblical expectations. Impossible Christianity by Kevin DeYoung. Crossway, 2023. 160 pages. When I was a brand new college graduate, I read Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges with a friend. And it transformed my life. Impossible Christianity reminded…
Read More*The Carver and the Queen by Emma Fox
An adventurous fairy tale set in Imperial Russia, perfect for teens who enjoy books like The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis. *The Carver and the Queen by Emma Fox. Owl’s Nest Publishers, 2023. 304 pages. Petr is doomed to serfdom. All he wants to do is learn to carve malachite, the striking green mineral…
Read More5 Ways to Encourage Art Appreciation with Picture Books
When are children old enough to begin appreciating quality art? As soon as they start looking at picture books.
Read MoreWhat Came From the Stars by Gary D. Schmidt
What Came From the Stars is mysterious, offering hope for those grieving and illuminating the strange power of art. What Came From the Stars by Gary D. Schmidt. Clarion, 2012. 304 pages. What Came From the Stars alternates in perspective between the Valorim, a far-off creature group in a far-off galaxy on a far-off planet, and…
Read MoreAuthority vs. Anarchy: A Book List for Teens
Authority vs. Anarchy: Opposites? Two sides of the same coin? Romans 13 reminds us to obey our governing (civic) authorities. Exodus 20 and Ephesians 6 remind us to obey our parental authorities. Certain people in the church are given spiritual authority over those they shepherd in their congregations. We’re all to obey the Lord as…
Read MoreReading Ancient Literature with High School Students
Some of us love ancient literature, especially the great Homeric epics. Others shudder at the thought. I’m in the former camp, but I haven’t always been. I dreaded reading ancient literature in high school, especially Homer’s Iliad. I remember very little other than being unimpressed. Now, as I plan to teach not only The Iliad,…
Read MoreThe Windeby Puzzle: History and Story by Lois Lowry
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 of fiction grounded in history.
Read MoreRR Quarterly Links
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Read MoreBatter Up! Books About Baseball (a Librarian’s List)
(Originally published at Redeemed Reader on May 27, 2013; updated July, 2023) Aside from the beach, nothing says “summertime” and “American” more than a game of baseball, complete with hot dog, iced beverage, bleachers, and the elusive foul ball dropping into the stands. Our local Minor League team has great promotions all summer that include…
Read More5 Souvenirs from Narnia
What are the takeaways from a memorable read-aloud experience?
Read MoreBeach Books! (Librarians’ List)
Originally published at Redeemed Reader on June 6, 2014. Of course a professional book reviewer and librarian takes books with her to the beach—for herself AND her family. In case you’re of like mind, here are some beach-related books and Dewey numbers to check out before you head to the coast this summer. Kids enjoy…
Read MoreHigh School World Literature: A Thematic Approach
High School World Literature: What to Cut? “World literature” can mean literally any book ever written. The hard part of planning a world literature class is narrowing the focus: Do we cover antiquity to the present? Do we focus on broad world-wide representation? Do we read “the classics” (European classics, that is) that haven’t already…
Read MoreThe Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo
The Magician’s Elephant is a delicately written (and illustrated) fairy tale of one boy’s longing for family, one girl’s longing for home, and an elephant who longs for both.
Read MoreAmerican Born Chinese by Gene Yuen Yang
American Born Chinese is a coming-of-age story with great spiritual insight in graphic novel format.
Read MoreTwo Books about Sexuality for Kids and Teens
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 might include a lot of valuable, helpful information, only to toss in tidbits about the viability of abortion for unwanted pregnancies, birth control options for teens who choose to be…
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: Josiah Pettit (Director of Westminster Books)
Back Porch Book Chat: A casual conversation about books. Our guest today is Meghan Cox Gurdon
Read MoreThe Book That No One Wanted to Read by Richard Ayoade
What if a book writes itself, but is determined that no one should actually read the final product? The Book That No One Wanted to Read by Richard Ayoade. Walker Books, 2023, 128 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: Ages 10 and up … I can say with all modesty that this…
Read MoreBack Porch Book Chat: Lucy Gundersen (Mom, Business Owner)
Back Porch Book Chat: A casual conversation about books. Our guest today is Meghan Cox Gurdon
Read MorePractical Graduation Gifts: A Book List
We have a robust list of book recommendations for graduation gifts. Why another? This book list is all about practical graduation gifts: books that offer some down-to-earth advice for starting off on one’s own (with some philosophy and Christian wisdom thrown in!). Note: If you haven’t seen our other graduation gift lists, see Janie’s post…
Read More*A Little More Beautiful by Sarah Mackenzie
Lou Alice loves to make the world a little more beautiful. But what happens when she’s old and bedridden? *A Little More Beautiful by Sarah Mackenzie and illustrated by Breezy Brookshire. Waxwing Books, 2023, 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended for: All ages Lou Alice is one of those lovely ladies who…
Read MoreDo Not Be True to Yourself by Kevin DeYoung
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 Not Be True to Yourself: Countercultural Advice for the Rest of Your Life by Kevin DeYoung. Crossway, 2023. 80 pages. Reading Level: Teens, Ages 15-18 Recommended for: Ages 15+ Seriousness…
Read MoreThe Silence of Bones by June Hur
A twist on Sleeping Beauty, Princess of the Wild Sea explores the concept of heroism and the danger and reward of risk-taking.
Read MoreLiar & Spy by Rebecca Stead
A twist on Sleeping Beauty, Princess of the Wild Sea explores the concept of heroism and the danger and reward of risk-taking.
Read MoreBright Island by Mabel Robinson (Retro Reads)
In this “Retro Reads” book, homeschooled Thankful Curtis must leave her beloved island to brave the mainland and boarding school.
Read More15 Books for 15-Year-Old Boys: A Book List
15-year-old boys: learning to drive. Wrestling with heavy high school work (10th grade is usually more intense than 9th, in terms of work load). Taking standardized tests with an eye to college. Girlfriend? Part-time job? Who has time to read? When the right book appears, it’s amazing what you can make time for! We’ve got…
Read MoreAt Jerusalem’s Gate by Nikki Grimes
At Jersualem’s Gate offers poetic meditations on what people involved in the events leading to Christ’s resurrection might have thought and felt.
Read MoreThe Really Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thornton
A tremendous follow-up to The Radical Book for Kids, The Really Radical Book for Kids offers plenty of trivia along with plenty of thoughts to chew on.
Read MoreHoney for a Child’s Heart Read Along: Month 7
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Read MoreLike Me by Laura Wifler
A young boy recounts a typical day in the life of his family, which includes a younger brother who has physical and mental disabilities.
Read More*My Brother Is Away by Sara Greenwood
My Brother Is Away offers an empathetic glimpse into what it’s like, from the child’s perspective, to have a brother (or sister) off in jail.
Read MoreCaldecott Medal: Hot Dog by Doug Salati
This year’s Caldecott winner is a paean to joyful doghood.
Read MoreTrafficking Books for Teens: A Round-Up
I rarely visit a public restroom these days without seeing a notice for women who are in troubling situations: the text usually reads, “Need Help? Call xxx-xxx-xxxx” along with an image of a desperate young woman. Trafficking is big business, but it’s also an issue that demands discernment, particularly with our children. How much do…
Read MoreRomantic Reads for Teens: A Book List for Girls and Guys
Enjoy this unapologetic list of romantic reads for teens: great love stories and high romance!
Read MoreHoney for a Child’s Heart Read Along: Month 6
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Read More2023 Newbery Buzz #5: I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
I Must Betray You is one of those novels that straddles the line between Newbery age ranges and Printz age ranges. Will it get some love from either award committee? Or both? We’re back with Newbery Buzz Discussion #5 for 2023. To read the rest in the series or previous years’ discussions, check out the…
Read More2023 Newbery Buzz #4: Jack Zulu
Does an independently published novel like Jack Zulu have what it takes to win the Newbery? We’re back with Newbery Buzz Discussion #4 for 2023. To read the rest in the series or previous years’ discussions, check out the Newbery Buzz Page. Independently Published Books Betsy: Megan, we’ve never discussed an independently published book in…
Read MoreWintry Stories: A Book List for Middle Grades and Teens
Whether you live in a place with snow or not, January is the perfect month for a cozy snow story (or three). Look for some of these at your local library and enjoy a long winter’s evening story time. WINTRY STORIES: A BOOK LIST FOR MIDDLE GRADES AND TEENS The Wintry Stories book list below…
Read MoreWintry Picture Books: A Book List
Whether you live in a place with snow or not, January is the perfect month for a cozy snow story (or three). Look for some of these at your local library and enjoy a long winter’s evening story time. The Wintry Picture Books book list below includes books both old and new. Enjoy! WINTRY PICTURE…
Read More2022 In the Books
2022 In Brief Readers, 2022 has been a very long year. I realize that every year technically has the same number of days. But “felt time” (as musicians talk) has been longer for me this year. I look back at my January, 2022, self and hardly recognize her: she was planning a retreat with her…
Read MoreProductivity for Teens: A Round-Up
Do your teens make New Year’s resolutions or goals? Perhaps you wish they would? If any of those goals relate to being more productive or managing time better or simply getting things done, then consider one of the following resources. Each of the resources below works well with a group of teens as well (in…
Read MoreHoney for a Child’s Heart Read Along: Month 5
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Read MoreFinding Jesus on Upside Down Days by Jill A. Miller
Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days is a gentle introduction to the idea of family devotions for those with young children.
Read More*Two Old Women by Velma Wallis
Two Old Women, a legend from Alaska, reminds us to persevere and to seek the good of those around us. *Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival by Velma Wallis. Harper Perennial, 2013 (reprint). Reading Level: Teens, ages 12 and up Recommended for: Ages 12 and up Ch’idzigyaak sat quietly as…
Read MoreChristmas Book Flood: A Reflection
This will be my family’s 7th year of enjoying one of our favorite bookish Christmas traditions: the Icelandic Christmas Book Flood, or Jólabókaflóðið (“Jolabokaflod”). We have no Icelandic heritage, just a shared love of books (and chocolate!). As I wrote in 2018, this is a lovely, simple tradition that my family is able to keep…
Read MoreHome for Christmas, edited by Miriam LeBlanc
Home for Christmas is a lovely, literary collection of stories, old and new, that highlight the “spirit” of Christmas.
Read MoreThe King of Christmas by Todd R. Hains and illustrated by Natasha Kennedy
The King of Christmas reminds young children where to look for Jesus, just as the wise men looked for Him at that first Christmas. The King of Christmas: All God’s Children Search for Jesus by Todd R. Hains and illustrated by Natasha Kennedy. Lexham Press, 2022, 44 pages. Reading Level: Picture books, ages 4-8 Recommended…
Read MoreFairy Tales and Folk Tales: A Picture Book List
Google the difference between fairy tales and folk tales (or is it folktales?), and you’ll find some answers. For instance, folk tales are part of the oral tradition (“Little Red Riding Hood”) whereas fairy tales are ascribed to particular authors (such as Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid”). Another difference is that, usually, folk tales…
Read MoreFamily Advent Devotional List
Do you have a favorite family Advent tradition? Perhaps your family does a Jesse Tree together. Or maybe you have an Advent wreath on your dining room table. Do you wait until the day after Thanksgiving before turning on Christmas music? We have a great lineup of recommended family Advent devotional guides for you, no…
Read MoreThe Light Before Christmas by Marty Machowski
The Light Before Christmas is a thoughtful family Advent devotional that focuses on Christ as the light of the world.
Read MoreHoney for a Child’s Heart Read Along: Month 3
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Read More20 ABC Books for All Ages
We’re celebrating Picture Book Month here at RedeemedReader! ABC Books are some of the most common picture books young children see, but there are many ABC books that delight older readers as well. Just as a teacher’s roster, the dictionary, a filing system use the alphabet as an organizing tool, so, too, do many clever…
Read More*The Story of Us by Mitali Perkins and illustrated by Kevin & Kristen Howdeshell
The Story of Us tells the full redemptive story of Scripture in poetic form, using the classical 4 elements of earth, air, fire, and water. *The Story of Us by Mitali Perkins and illustrated by Kevin & Kristen Howdeshell. Beaming Books, 2022. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8. Recommended For: All ages. “One…
Read MoreThe Three Little Pigs: A Book List
Just for fun, here’s a round-up of some delightful version of the classic folktale “The Three Little Pigs” along with some funny spoofs and spins. Enjoy! Note: titles are linked to amazon. We are participants in the Amazon LLC affiliate program; purchases you make through affiliate links like the one below may earn us a…
Read More*The Red Palace by June Hur
Eighteenth century Korea comes to life in The Red Palace, a gripping—and gritty—historical mystery for teens. *The Red Palace by June Hur. Feiwel and Friends, 2022. 336 pages. Reading Level: Teens, Ages 15-18. Recommended For: Ages 14 and up. Nurse Hyeon knows she must not question the physician who requires her and Nurse Jieun to…
Read MoreThe Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella
Alice wants to be a Wonder and compete in the Wonderland Trials, but she’s just an ordinary Normal girl in this inventive take on Alice in Wonderland for teens. The Wonderland Trials (The Curious Realities, Book 1) by Sara Ella. Enclave Escape, 2022. 368 pages. Reading Level: Teens, Ages 12-15. Recommended For: Ages 12 and…
Read MoreHoney for a Child’s Heart Read Along: Month 2
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Read MoreGod Rescues and Taste & See: 2 Picture Books
God Rescues and Taste & See, new picture books from New Growth Press, offer parents colorful ways to introduce big theology concepts to children. God Rescues: Moses and the Exodus by Jared Kennedy and illustrated by Trish Mahoney. New Growth Press, 2022. 30 pages. Reading Level: Picture books, ages 3-8 Recommended for: Ages 3-8 Part…
Read More*Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key by S.D. Smith and J. C. Smith
Jack Zulu finds adventure where he least expects it in this new middle grades fantasy series opener from S. D. Smith. Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key by S.D. Smith and J.C. Smith. StoryWarren, 2022. 292 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended For: Ages 10 and up. Who is Jack Zulu? Jack Zulu…
Read MoreFantasy Books for Teen Girls: Keeper of the Lost Cities Read-Alikes
We have several fantasy book lists here on Redeemed Reader, but this list is especially for those who enjoy books like Keeper of the Lost Cities: a “fantasy books for teen girls” list, since teen girls* are the target audience of Keeper of the Lost Cities. If you haven’t read our thoughts on Keeper of…
Read MoreKeeper of the Lost Cities: Is it Safe? Is it Good?
Keeper of the Lost Cities is a wildly popular series for teens; what do we think about it? Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger. Aladdin, 2012. 512 pages. Reading Level: Upper middle grades to teens (ages 12+) Recommended For: Ages 12+ (note considerations) Keeper of the Lost Cities: A Brief Summary Special child…
Read MoreHoney for a Child’s Heart Read Along: Introductions
Welcome to month 1 of our Honey for a Child’s Heart Read Along! Not sure what we’re talking about? Find out more here. Normally, these discussions will be for members only, both Golden and Silver Key, but we’re sharing this with everyone this month to give you a sneak peek! Each month, some or all…
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