Nonfiction
Printz Honor Books Roundup: Last Night at the Telegraph Club, Concrete Rose, Revolution in Our Time, Starfish
By Janie Cheaney |
The Michael L. Printz Award is given by the American Library Association for “Excellence in literature written for young adults.” Last year’s winner was Everything ...
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*Something Better Coming by Megan Saben
By Janie Cheaney |
Something Better Coming builds anticipation for the Easter season as it builds faith in young hearts. Something Better Coming by Megan Saben, illustrated by Ryan ...
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Revolution in Our Time by Kekla Magoon
By Janie Cheaney |
The award-winning Revolution in Our Time offers a compelling but incomplete picture of the rise and fall of the Black Panther Party. Revolution in Our ...
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Picture Books about Transportation: From Here to There, Rescuing Titanic, and Hope at Sea
By Janie Cheaney |
From Here to There: Inventions that Changed the Way the World Moves by Vivian Kirkfield, illustrated by Gilbert Ford. HM, 2021, 82 pages plus notes, ...
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Ambushed! by Gail Jarrow
By Janie Cheaney |
Ambushed!, winner of this year's YALSA Award for nonfiction, is the absorbing, day-by-day account of of a presidential assassination and its aftermath. Ambushed! The Assassination ...
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The Apostles’ Creed by Ben Myers
By Betsy Farquhar |
A vibrantly illustrated picture book that helps parents explain the historic Apostles' Creed to their children. The Apostles' Creed: For All God's Children by Ben ...
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2022 Sidney Taylor Award Picture-Book Roundup: The Passover Guest, Nicky & Vera, Dear Mr. Dickens, and The Christmas Mitzvah
By Janie Cheaney |
The Sidney Taylor Award, named for the author of the classic All-of-a-Kind Family series, is presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries to "outstanding books ...
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Murder on the Baltimore Express by Suzanne Jermain
By Janie Cheaney |
Plotted like a step-by-step thriller, Murder on the Baltimore Express tells how Abraham Lincoln almost didn't become president. Murder on the Baltimore Express: The Plot ...
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*Carved in Ebony by Jasmine Holmes
By Betsy Farquhar |
Carved in Ebony profiles 10 inspiring Black women, looking at their lives, their callings, and their faith. *Carved in Ebony: Lessons from the Black Women ...
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Sibert (nonfiction) Roundup: The People’s Painter, The Great Stink, We Are Still Here, Summertime Sleepers
By Janie Cheaney |
The Robert F. Sibert Award, announced by the American Library Association every January, names one to six outstanding nonfiction titles written for upper elementary and ...
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Picturing a Nation by Martin W. Sandler
By Janie Cheaney |
Picturing a Nation collects some of the best Great Depression photographs by the Farm Security Agency. Picturing a Nation: The Great Depression’s Finest Photographers Introduce ...
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2022 Newbery Buzz #4: Fallout
By Betsy Farquhar |
Our annual Newbery Buzz Series is a series we run each January in which we discuss books with "Newbery Buzz." That is, books we've heard ...
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2022 Newbery Buzz #3: Gone to the Woods
By Janie Cheaney |
Today Betsy and Janie will take a closer look at Gone to the Woods, a memoir by prolific author Gary Paulsen. Paulsen has been a ...
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Nonfiction about Nature
By Megan Saben |
Reptiles Everywhere, Bruno the Beekeeper, A World of Plants, and Fungarium offer plenty of fascinating information about the natural world. Reptiles Everywhere by Camilla de ...
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*The Double Dangerous Book for Boys
By Megan Saben |
The Double Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn, Arthur, and Cameron Iggulden is a clean, engaging, fascinating, and robust book for boys, just like the ...
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Race to the Bottom of the Earth by Rebecca F. Barone
By Janie Cheaney |
Race to the Bottom of the Earth details how four men, separated by 112 years, risk life and limb to become the first to conquer ...
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Bible Review: ESV Reformation Study Bible, Student Edition
By Betsy Farquhar |
ESV Reformation Study Bible, Student Edition. Ligonier, 2021, 2400 pages. Reading Level: Teens, 12 and up Recommended for: Ages 12 and up The ESV Reformation ...
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The Woman All Spies Fear by Amy Butler Greenfield
By Janie Cheaney |
The little-known story of code breaker Elizebeth Smith Friedman gets full and masterful treatment. The Woman All Spies Fear: Code Breaker Elizebeth Smith Friedman and ...
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Fallout by Steve Sheinkin
By Betsy Farquhar |
Sheinkin brings the Cuban Missile Crisis to life in this nail-biting read for young teens. Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown by ...
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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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Something Better Coming: The life of a new author
By Megan Saben |
In which Megan's books arrive and she and her boys have fun with them, and why the books will not be sold through Amazon. The ...
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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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Picture Book Roundup: Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospel Music
By Megan Saben |
Hiding Baby Moses, Jesus and the Very Big Surprise, and Clap Your Hands bring fresh eyes to old Truths. Hiding Baby Moses by Judith L. ...
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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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J. R. R. Tolkien for Kids by Simonetta Carr
By Hayley Morell |
An interactive biographical introduction to Tolkien with 21 activities, J. R. R. Tolkien for Kids is perfect for middle grade Tolkien enthusiasts. J. R. R. ...
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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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Picture-Book Roundup: Art and Artists
By Janie Cheaney |
Three picture-book biographies introduce children to the work of three very distinct artists: Ben Shahn, Judith Scott, and Winslow Homer. The People’s Painter: How Ben ...
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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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*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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Mad for Ads by Erica Fyvie
By Janie Cheaney |
Mad for Ads opens the eyes of readers to the countless ways they are data-mined and targeted for advertising. Mad for Ads: How Advertising Gets ...
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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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Unspeakable by Carole Boston Weatherford
By Janie Cheaney |
Unspeakable exposes a terrible chapter in American history but ends in hope for reconciliation. Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by ...
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Teaching Kids Church History
By Betsy Farquhar |
Today, we're happy to welcome a friend of mine and fellow writer, Christina Fox, to RR. Christina is a real life friend of mine, as ...
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Picture-book Roundup: The Floating Field, *Hugo and the Impossible Thing, Yes & No
By Janie Cheaney |
Three outstanding new picture books demonstrate how life is better when we work together. The Floating Field: How a Group of Thai Boys Built Their ...
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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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Character picture books: Twenty-One Steps, Bartali’s Bicycle, and Nelson Mandela’s Plan
By Janie Cheaney |
Three nonfiction picture books offer examples of faithful service, reconciliation, and self-sacrifice. Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Jeff Gottesfeld, illustrated ...
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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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Meltdown by Dierdre Langeland
By Janie Cheaney |
Meltdown traces the events that might have led to nuclear Armageddon in Fukishima, Japan, 2011. Meltdown: Earthquake, Tsunami, and Nuclear Disaster in Fukushima by Dierdre ...
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Beatrix Potter, Scientist by Lindsay H. Metcalf
By Janie Cheaney |
Her scientific ambitions were dashed, but Beatrix Potter turned the natural world into beloved art. Beatrix Potter, Scientist by Lindsay H. Metcalf, illustrated by Junyi ...
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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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Nicky & Vera by Peter Sís
By Janie Cheaney |
Nicky & Vera, by Caldecott illustrator Peter Sís, celebrates the quiet heroism of Nicholas Winton, who saved 669 Czech children from the Holocaust. Nicky & ...
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Radium Girls by Kate Moore
By Janie Cheaney |
The Radium Girls tells the harrowing tale of radium poisoning and corporate irresponsibility. The Radium Girls by Kate Moore (Young Readers’ Edition). Greenwillow, 2020, 348 ...
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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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All Thirteen by Christina Soontornvat
By Janie Cheaney |
All Thirteen gives the rescue of the Thai boys’ soccer team the drama and excitement it deserves. All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the ...
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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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Courageous World Changers by Shirley Rae Redmond
By Janie Cheaney |
Courageous World Changers briefly covers the lives of 50 women throughout the world and history who lived for Christ. Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories ...
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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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Bee Fearless by Mikaila Ullmer
By Janie Cheaney |
In Bee Fearless, Mikaila Ulmer tells how she grew a multimillion-dollar business out of a lemonade stand--but not by herself. Bee Fearless: Dream Like a ...
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Chance: Escape from the Holocaust by Uri Shulevitz
By Janie Cheaney |
In Chance: Escape from the Holocaust, a Caldecott-winning illustrator recalls his harrowing wartime childhood. Chance: Escape from the Holocaust by Uri Shulevitz. Farrar Strauss Giroux, ...
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