Chapter Books

Juana and Lucas by Juana Medina

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 14, 2024

The Juana and Lucas chapter-book series offers entertaining glimpses into the daily life of an exuberant Colombian 8-year-old. Juana and Lucas by Juana Medina. Candlewick, ...

Mooses with Bazookas by S. D. Smith

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 21, 2023

Mooses with Bazookas is a light-hearted, funny romp through humorous letters and stories; they remind us not to take ourselves too seriously! Mooses With Bazookas ...

Babble! And How Punctuation Saved It

By Megan Saben | Dec 13, 2023

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 ...

Wicked History Series: Henry VIII, Leopold II, and Rasputin

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 13, 2023

A Wicked History: A nonfiction book about a historical figure who was, well, wicked! Nonfiction series for the middle school age-range vary quite a bit ...

Once There Was by Kiyash Monsef

By Hayley Morell | Sep 21, 2023

In the tradition of Susan Cooper, a lyrical, dark fantasy for mature middle grade readers. Once There Was by Kiyash Monsef. Simon & Schuster Books ...

The Story of Gumluck the Wizard by Adam Rex

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 5, 2023

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, ...

*Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins

By Hayley Morell | Aug 8, 2023

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 ...

Too Small Tola and the Three Fine Girls by Atinuke

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 7, 2023

"Too Small Tola" returns in a second volume of this warm-hearted series of Nigerian family life. Too Small Tola and the Three Fine Girls by ...

*A Dragon Used to Live Here by Annette LeBlanc Cate

By Hayley Morell | Jan 19, 2023

In a whimsical tale within a tale, two royal children discover that their castle (and their own mother!) have a very interesting past. A Dragon ...

Labor Day: Books about Work

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 29, 2022

Readers: this is an adaptation of one of the first posts on Redeemed Reader, way back in 2011 (written by Emily Whitten, the "I" in ...

*Tree Street Kids: Lions to the Rescue! and Mystery in Crooked Creek Woods

By Megan Saben | Aug 4, 2022

The Tree Street Kids series continues as Jack, Ellison, Roger, Ruthie and Midge develop new and better friendships, and also solve a mystery. Tree Street ...

New Chapter Book series: Starla Jean and Cornbread & Poppy

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 27, 2022

In these two enjoyable chapter-book series, Cornbread & Poppy are mismatched but loving friends and Starla Jean is a plucky protagonist. Cornbread & Poppy by ...

Cat Kid Comic Club by Dav Pilkey

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 13, 2022

The Cat Kid Comic club, a spinoff of the popular Dog Man series, invites young readers to experiment with their own comic stories and styles. ...

Newbery Roundup #1: DaVinci’s Cat, Playing the Cards You’re Dealt, Harry Versus the First 100 Days of School, and Black Boy Joy

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 31, 2021

It’s that time of year when librarians across the nation eagerly await the announcement of the American Library Association’s Youth Media Awards, crossing fingers for ...

*Tales from Deckawoo Drive Series by Kate DiCamillo

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 15, 2021

Deckawoo Drive: Home of Mercy Watson and her Neighbors Even though my children are all teenagers now, and long past the chapter book stage, we ...

Flashlight Reads: Can’t-Put-‘Em-Down Books for All Ages

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 15, 2021

Flashlight Reads: Can't-Put-'Em-Down Books for the Kids (and Grown-ups) in Your Life Christmas break is one of those perfect, read-by-flashlight-under-the-covers breaks, isn't it? Days are ...

What about the Tuttle Twins?

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 20, 2021

Are the much-hyped Tuttle Twins books (and curriculum) profitable for Christian families? An education in economic freedom They’re talked up by talk-show hosts and Facebook ...

Franklin Endicott and the Third Key by Kate DiCamillo

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 24, 2021

Franklin Endicott learns to appreciate mystery and story instead of worrying in this delightful chapter book from Kate DiCamillo. Franklin Endicott and the Third Key: ...

Aven Green, Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 11, 2021

Chapter-book readers will enjoy meeting Aven Green, the no-armed protagonist of the "Life of a Cactus" books. Aven Green, Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling, with ...

STEM in the World Series by Marne Ventura

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 12, 2021

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 ...

Strong Voices: Fifteen American Speeches Worth Knowing, selected and introduced by Tonya Bolden

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 28, 2021

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 ...

Teaflet & Roog Make a Mess by Jeanne Birdsall

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 15, 2021

Tousle-haired siblings Teaflet & Roog narrowly avert a domestic disaster in this chapter book by Penderwicks author Jeanne Birdsall. Teaflet & Roog Make a Mess ...

*Tree Street Kids: Jack vs. the Tornado and The Hunt for Fang

By Megan Saben | Jun 2, 2021

Authentic characters and classic themes shine in a God-honoring series about Jack, his sister, friendship, and a great clubhouse. Tree Street Kids series by Amanda ...

Sidney & Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World by Jacqueline Davis

By Janie Cheaney | May 5, 2021

The Sidney & Taylor series introduces a pair of wild-animal friends whose personalities lead them into humorous misadventures Sidney & Taylor Explore the Whole Wide ...

Doggo and Pupper by Katherine Applegate

By Janie Cheaney | May 5, 2021

Doggo and Pupper, a new chapter-book series, features an old dog learning new tricks and a new dog learning responsibility. Doggo and Pupper by Katherine ...

Too Small Tola by Atinuke

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 25, 2021

Too Small Tola, by the creator of Anna Hibiscus, introduces a winsome little girl growing up in Lagos, Nigeria Too Small Tola by Atinuke, illustrated ...

Multicultural Chapter Books: Yasmin, Kayla, and Mindy Kim

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 1, 2021

Yasmin, King and Kayla, and Mindy Kim are great multicultural early chapter books for young readers. Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi and illustrated by Hatem ...

New Early Readers: Squirrels, Monsters, and Hedgehogs

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 18, 2021

Donut Feed the Squirrels, Monster and Boy, and Our Friend Hedgehog offer interesting new reading for new/early readers. Please note that the first two are ...

2021 Newbery Buzz #3: Skunk and Badger

By Megan Saben | Jan 11, 2021

We’re continuing our annual “Newbery Buzz” series today with round #3 for 2021. (We have already discussed Chirp and King and the Dragonflies earlier this ...

*The Simple Art of Flying by Cory Leonardo

By Hayley Morell | Dec 16, 2020

A charming middle grade debut featuring a fractious, poetic parrot and a lonely little boy. *The Simple Art of Flying by Cory Leonardo. Aladdin, 2019. ...

*A Long Road on a Short Day by Gary Schmidt

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 4, 2020

The unspoken bond of family comes through in this gentle winter's tale by Gary Schmidt and his late wife Elizabeth Stickney. *A Long Road on ...

Willa the Wisp by Jonathan Auxier

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 4, 2020

With Willa the Wisp, Jonathan Auxier introduces a magical chapter book series . The Fabled Stables: Willa the Wisp by Jonathan Auxier, illustrated by Olga ...

*Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake and illustrated by Jon Klassen

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 13, 2020

Skunk and Badger are a delightful new odd couple in chapter book format, perfect for newly independent readers. *Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake and ...

Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 8, 2020

Ryan Hart, a next-generation Ramona Quimby, makes sunshine out of challenges in this warm-hearted series opener. Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson. Bloomsbury, 2020, ...

Noodleheads Find Something Fishy by Tedd Arnold

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 5, 2019

The Noodleheads series, by the author of Fly Guy, draws from classic simpleton stories to give early readers a chuckle. Noodleheads Find Something Fishy (Noodleheads, ...

Time Twisters Series by Steve Sheinkin

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 17, 2019

In the “Time Twisters” series, Steve Sheinkin has fun with a discipline he usually takes seriously, starting with Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln, Pro Wrestler (Time ...

A Squirrelly Situation by Jacqueline Kelly

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 17, 2019

A series of charmingly old-fashioned chapter books set in the early 20th century features Newbery protagonist Calpurnia Tate. A Squirrelly Situation (Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet ...

STEM Girls: a Roundup

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 13, 2019

The range of fields encompassed by Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) are the new educational Holy Grail, replacing history, social science, and the humanities. ...

Mercy Watson, the Porcine Wonder (books by Kate DiCamillo)

By Betsy Farquhar | May 13, 2019

Meet Mercy Watson, the Porcine Wonder My kids and I first met Mercy Watson, the porcine wonder, in the pages of her first book: Mercy ...

Rickshaw Girl by Mitali Perkins

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 18, 2019

Naima loves to draw, but how can she use that gift to help her poor Bangladeshi family earn some much needed income? Rickshaw Girl by ...

Knights vs. Dinosaurs by Matt Phelan

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 4, 2018

Three boastful knights bite off more than they can chew in this legendary tale by a popular graphic novelist. Knights vs. Dinosaurs by Matt Phelan. ...

*Wicked Nix by Lena Coakley

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 4, 2018

Wicked Nix, “foulest of the fairies,” encounters a magic that resists all the standard fairy spells: the power of human love. *Wicked Nix by Lena ...

Toaff’s Way by Cynthia Voight

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 26, 2018

A squirrel with a mind of his own navigates the seasons of his first year in this gentle animal story. Toaff’s Way by Cynthia Voight. ...

Can You Identify the Five Nonfiction Categories?

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 21, 2018

The Juvenile nonfiction designation has exploded, especially since the push for Common Core standards was supposed to increase factual reading. Common Core seems to be ...

Back to School with Babymouse and Og the Frog

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 16, 2018

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 Tragic Tale of Narcissa Whitman by Cheryl Harness

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 30, 2018

The Tragic Tale of Narcissa Whitman eloquently captures the hardships the early pioneers faced, the missionary ardor that inspired the Whitmans, and the unfortunate events ...

Power Forward by Hena Khan

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 15, 2018

Zayd's dream of playing basketball on his school's A-team clashes with his Muslim family's goals for him. Ages 6-10 Power Forward (Zayd Saleem, Chasing the ...

Survivor Diaries by Terry Lynn Johnson

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 6, 2018

The Survivor Diaries series present 10-and-11 year olds in life-threatening situations, who find the courage to persevere and . . . survive! Ages 7-11 Survivor Diaries: ...

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson: the Kids Discuss….

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 5, 2017

Four middle grades kids discuss The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: what stands out in this funny, modern Christmas classic? The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara ...

The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill

By Megan Saben | Nov 29, 2017

Bottom line: When the big trucks take over the streets of New York, the pushcarts push back. Support your local vendor. The Pushcart War by ...

Retro Read: Mr. Revere and I by Robert Lawson

By Megan Saben | Nov 21, 2017

Mr. Revere and I: History as told by a horse in this humorous middle grades historical fiction. Mr. Revere and I: An account of a ...

The Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library by Linda Bailey

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 28, 2017

The six-legged "Tiny Hero" of this gentle fantasy takes on a challenge far bigger than his size. The Tiny Hero of Ferny Creek Library by ...

*Cody and the Fountain of Happiness by Tricia Springstubb

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 1, 2017

Eight-year-old Cody's enthusiasm for life is contagious in this sunny chapter-book series. Cody and the Fountain of Happiness (Cody series #1) by Tricia Springstubb, illustrated ...

Wisdom and Wonder Booklist – Week 1

By Alysha | Jun 12, 2017

Wisdom & Wonder Week [1] Booklist: Weekly Theme: Turning towards God and Away from Sin Wise-Up #1 (Real Wise Man) and #2 (Heart of the ...

The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies

By Betsy Farquhar | May 8, 2017

Winner takes all in a bet between siblings Jessie and Evan Treski as they battle it out lemonade-stand style in this realistic fiction novel for ...

Kentucky Derby Book List: A Bakers Dozen

By Betsy Farquhar | May 4, 2017

Calling all horse lovers! The Kentucky Derby runs this Saturday like it does every first Saturday of May. Will there be another Triple Crown winner ...

Retro Reads: Mei Fuh by Edith Schaeffer

By Betsy Farquhar | May 1, 2017

This is a guest post by Candice Watters, blogger at Family Making. Her original, longer review of Mei Fuh appeared there first. Welcome, Candice! Travel ...

*Anna Hibiscus Series by Atinuke

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 30, 2016

An illustrated chapter book series set in contemporary Africa that celebrates large families, its childlike protagonist, and traditional values. Enjoy this review from the archives! Originally published ...

By Megan Saben | Dec 30, 2016

A modest, well-read boy detective solves crimes great and small in these classic mysteries. Enjoy this post from the archives! (originally published July 8, 2015) ...

*The Imagination Station (Series) by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 30, 2016

More than simply a "Christian version" of the popular Magic Treehouse books, the Imagination Station books are a solid chapter book time travel series. Enjoy this post from ...

*Sam the Man and the Chicken Plan

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 25, 2016

Likeable characters and a gently-humorous style introduces early-elementary readers to the rewards of hard work and free enterprise. *Sam the Man and the Chicken Plan ...

Missy Piggle-Wiggle and the Whatever Cure by Ann Martin

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 25, 2016

Popular children's author Ann Martin updates a series from the 1950s for a new generation of children who could use some shaping-up. Missy Piggle-Wiggle and ...

Spirit Week Showdown by Crystal Allen

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 2, 2016

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 ...

A Complicated Case by Ulf Nilsson

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 30, 2016

A funny, chapter book mystery for newly independent readers! A Complicated Case (Detective Gordon) by Ulf Nilsson and illustrated by Gittee Spee. Gecko Press, 2016. ...

Fantastic Frame #1: Danger! Tiger Crossing by Lin Oliver

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 3, 2016

The Fantastic Frame chapter-book series introduces early-elementary-age readers to great works of art. Fantastic Frame #1: Danger! Tiger Crossing by Lin Oliver, illustrated by Samantha ...

Commander in Cheese #1: the Big Move by Lindsey Leavitt

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 3, 2016

Commander in Cheese, a new series for beginning readers, pairs a mouse family in the White House with the family of a brand-new president. Commander ...

The Revolutionary War by Mort Kunstler

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 4, 2016

Key events of the American Revolution are celebrated by one of our nation’s preeminent historical painters. The Revolutionary War 1775-1783 (See American History Series) by ...

Frank Einstein and the Anti-Matter Motor by Jon Schieszka

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 1, 2016

Though not to be taken at all seriously, this wacky series by Jon Schieszka threads some real science into its far-out storylines. Frank Einstein and ...

By Megan Saben | May 30, 2016

This post is part of our "Summer of Great Family Reads" series. Don't miss the initial post full of more excellent recommendations! McBroom’s Wonderful One-Acre ...

My Life in Pictures by Deborah Zemke

By Janie Cheaney | May 11, 2016

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 ...

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 16, 2015

Prolific author Jean Fritz turns 100 today! During her long life, she has written numerous books--mostly biographies--for children. Before picture book biographies were so prevalent, ...

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 21, 2015

The Doll People Series, by Ann Martin and Laura Godwin. Disney/Hyperion Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 7-12 (mostly girls) Bottom Line: ...

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 7, 2015

Ranger in Time: Rescue on the Oregon Trail and Danger in Ancient Rome by Kate Messner. Scholastic, 2015. About 125 pages, plus author note. Reading ...

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

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 16, 2015

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 ...

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 22, 2015

If you recognize names such as Jack and Annie or Patrick and Beth, know that mysteries can be ordered A to Z, or believe in ...

*Lulu and the Rabbit Next Door by Hilary McKay

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 20, 2015

*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 ...

Jasper John Dooley: You’re in Trouble! by Caroline Adderson

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 23, 2015

Jasper John Dooley: You're in Trouble! by Caroline Adderson and illustrated by Ben Clanton. Kids Can Press, 2015. 124 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages ...

cover of Jasper John Dooley: Left Behind

Jasper John Dooley: Left Behind by Caroline Adderson

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 23, 2015

Jasper John Dooley: Left Behind by Caroline Adderson and illustrated by Ben Clanton. Kids Can Press, 2011. 132 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 4-8 Recommended ...

The Chicken Squad by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Kevin Cornell

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 1, 2014

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure by ...

Pigsticks and Harold and the Incredible Journey by Alex Milway

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 7, 2014

Pigsticks and Harold and the Incredible Journey by Alex Milway. Candlewick, 2014. Reading Level: Early Chapter Book, Ages 4-8Recommended for: All ages Charmingly illustrated with ...

Boy + Dog = Good Read

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 11, 2013

Boy + dog is a solid formula that's been in play in the literary world for decades. How many of you read Old Yeller in ...