christian book reviews

Starboard by Nicola Skinner

Starboard takes a young reality-TV star on an involuntary voyage of self-discovery. Starboard by Nicola Skinner. Harper 2023 (US edition), 398 pages. Reading Level: Middle ...
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Sunshine by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Sunshine is the true story of a young man finding joy amid sorrow at a summer camp for seriously-ill children. Sunshine: How One Camp Taught ...
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Button Pusher by Tyler Page

Button Pusher is the graphic-novel memoir of a boy who struggled with ADHD before learning to manage it. Button Pusher by Tyler Page. First Second, ...
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Iceberg by Jennifer A. Nielsen

In Iceberg, a 12-year-old stowaway experiences history's worst maritime disaster. Iceberg by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Scholastic, 2023, 339 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 ...
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3 Picture Books about Friendship and Positivity

Silver Linings and The Bright Side showcase a positive attitude, while Friends beyond Measure puts a clever, mathematical spin on childhood best friends. Silver Linings ...
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Victory, Stand! by Tommie Smith and Derrick Barnes

Victory, Stand!, this year's ALA YA nonfiction award winner, tells the story of the notorious "Olympic fist" from a point of view that makes it ...
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The Lost Year by Katherine Marsh

The Lost Year uses multiple voices to narrate a sad chapter of history: Stalin’s deliberate starving of Ukraine. The Lost Year: A Survival Story of ...
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New From Here by Kelly Yang

New from Here looks at the recent pandemic through the perspective of an Asian-American family hoping to escape the virus in California. New from Here ...
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The Shelter and the Fence by Herman H. Finkelstein

The Shelter and the Fence relates the heartening history of how nearly 1000 Jewish refugees found welcome in America during World War II. The Shelter ...
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Each of Us a Universe by Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo

Two girls with big problems draw resilience from each other and the "Magic" of the Universe. Each of Us a Universe by Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo ...
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Endlessly Ever After by Laurel Snyder and Dan Santat

Endlessly Ever After allows readers to mix and match traditional tales to the tune of catchy rhymes and lavish illustrations. Endlessly Ever After: Pick Your ...
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Voyage of the Sparrowhawk by Natasha Farrant

In Voyage of the Sparrowhawk, two youngsters undertake a dangerous journey to find relatives missing after World War I. Voyage of the Sparrowhawk by Natasha ...
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Good News of Great Joy by John Piper

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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cover image of J. R. R. Tolkien for Kids

J. R. R. Tolkien for Kids by Simonetta Carr

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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On the Hook by Francisco X. Stork

The protagonist of Francisco Stork’s latest novel finds himself “on the hook” when his lust for revenge can’t be satisfied. On the Hook by Francisco ...
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Picture-book Roundup: The Floating Field, *Hugo and the Impossible Thing, Yes & No

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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Doggo and Pupper by Katherine Applegate

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 ...
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Learning to Find Good Books

How do we find good books? We get this question often at Redeemed Reader. Many of you are on the hunt for books: to satisfy a voracious ...
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The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family by Sarah Kepit

The Finkels, a close-knit but complicated Jewish family, pose mysteries for the two middle sisters. The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family by Sarah Kepit. ...
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Meltdown by Dierdre Langeland

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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The Ambassador of Nowhere Texas by Kimberly Willis Holt

"Nowhere Texas" is better known as Antler, the small town that Zachary Beaver visited in an earlier novel that bears his name. The Ambassador of ...
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ALA Award-Winning Picture Books

ꜟVamos! Let’s Go Eat!, Welcoming Elijah, and Miriam at the River all won 2021 ALA awards for outstanding illustration in their categories. ꜟVamos! Let’s Go ...
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Saucy by Cynthia Kadohata

Saucy, a smart, obstreperous, and very large pig tests the patience of the parents and the coherence of a set of quadruplets. Saucy by Cynthia ...
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The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice by Lisa DeSelm

The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice explores what it means to be human in an interesting twist on the Pinocchio story. The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice by Lisa DeSelm. Page ...
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All Thirteen by Christina Soontornvat

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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Wishes and Wellingtons by Julie Berry

Wishes andWellingtons is a light-hearted Victorian fantasy about being careful what you wish for. Wishes and Wellingtons by Julie Berry. Sourcebooks, 2020, 363 pages. Reading ...
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Willa the Wisp by Jonathan Auxier

With Willa the Wisp, Jonathan Auxier introduces a magical chapter book series . The Fabled Stables: Willa the Wisp by Jonathan Auxier, illustrated by Olga ...
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Picture Books for Young Writers: My Pencil and Me and How to Write a Story

My Pencil and Me by Sara Varon. First Second, 2020, 34 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 4-8 Recommended for: ages 5-7 Every writer knows ...
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Ancient Romans, Alphamaniacs, and Incredible Jobs

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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PB Roundup: Your Place in the Universe, If You Came to Earth, and I Talk Like a River

Three critically-acclaimed picture books tackle big subjects like the size of the universe, the scope of humanity, and the power of words. Your Place in ...
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Dust by Kara Swanson

Neverland spills into modern day life and sets two young people on a collision course in this YA fantasy. Dust by Kara Swanson. Enclave Publishing, ...
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Raising Lumie by Joan Bauer

In Raising Lumie, a grieving girl gets a new family and a dog-owning dream fulfilled. Raising Lumie by Joan Bauer. Viking, 2020, 267 pages Reading ...
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Pippa Park Raises Her Game by Erin Yun

In this middle-grade retelling of Great Expectations, Pippa Park tries to "raise her game" at an exclusive private school. Pippa Park Raises Her Game by ...
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Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero by Kelly J. Baptist

Isaiah Dunn's life has been trending downward, but the power of words and the discipline of work may pull him back up. Isaiah Dunn Is ...
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Road Trip USA

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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Wink by Rob Harrell

Wink, a highly-praised novel for middle-graders, offers a realistic yet engaging look at coping with cancer. Wink by Rob Harrell. Dial, 2020, 314 pages Reading ...
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A World of Discovery by James Brown and Richard Platt

A World of Discovery introduces pre-teens to the basics of technology and invention. A World of Discovery by James Brown and Richard Platt. Candlewick Studio, ...
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*The Bootlace Magician by Cassie Beasley

Welcome back to the magic that enchanted us in Circus Mirandus. The Bootlace Magician by Cassie Beasley. Dial Books, 2019, 416 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...
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*God’s Very Good Idea by Trillia Newbell and Catalina Echeverri

God's design for diversity was beautiful from the beginning but marred by sin, requiring a Redeemer to rescue us from our mess. *God's Very Good ...
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Lois Lenski Books: A Sampling

Lois Lenski books continue to be enjoyable and insightful reading for all ages. Lois Lenski Books Yesterday I shared a long-overdue introduction to an author ...
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Lois Lenski

Who was Lois Lenski? Lois Lenski was a prolific author who lived from the end of the 19th-century long into the 20th. She was a ...
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*Jesus Rose for Me by Jared Kennedy

Jesus Rose for Me expands on The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible to help young children rejoice in the Resurrection *Jesus Rose for Me (a Beginner’s ...
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*Nya's Long Walk: A Step at a Time

Nya faces tough choices when her little sister falls ill near the remote water hole. Nya's Long Walk: A Step at a Time by Linda ...
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The Night of His Birth

"Sing out, my soul, the wonder..." How marvelous the mystery of giving birth to the Son of God! What might have been the musings of ...
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Martin Luther and the Reformation by Lou Hunley

A great middle grades-level look at both Martin Luther in particular and the Protestant Reformation in general. Martin Luther and the Reformation by Lou Hunley. ...
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Beverly, Right Here by Kate DiCamillo

Beverly Tapinski, the sharp-edged friend of Raymie Nightingale, overcomes a rough upbringing in the final volume of DiCamillo's series. Beverly, Right Here by Kate DiCamillo. ...
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Breakthrough! by Jim Murphy

Three unlikely people team up to perform a dangerous new surgery in Depression-era times in this gripping nonfiction story. Breakthrough!: How Three People Saved "Blue ...
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The Seven Worst Realities About Being a Bookworm

The Seven Worst Realities About Being a Bookworm, according to a 10-year-old boy, are: 1. Appetite for reading surpasses appetite for meals ("H, what book ...
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*We are (Not) Friends by Anna Kang and illustrated by Christopher Weyant

The latest in the You are Not Small series, We Are (Not) Friends is a perfect read for new readers heading back to school. *We ...
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Superlative Birds by Leslie Bulion

Superlative Birds is a “Guiness Book of World Records” for our feathered friends, with a fun poetry angle. Superlative Birds by Leslie Bulion, illustrated by ...
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cover of harry potter

So Your Kid is Reading Harry Potter…. A Christian Family’s Response

Please note: this is a personal account of one family's actual experience, NOT a Redeemed Reader staff-wide recommendation that you read Harry Potter. This post is ...
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The Pilgrim’s Progress: A Short History

Have you seen the newest movie version of The Pilgrim's Progress? Did you know there are other movie versions? Have you read the original book? ...
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Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid by Jeff Kinney

The Wimpy Kid's long-suffering best friend takes the narrative helm in the latest from the wildly successful book franchise. Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: ...
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Reading Challenge Check-In (Spring): How Are You Doing?

Did you take part in the Redeemed Reader Reading Challenge this year? (It's never too late to start! Get a copy of the Redeemed Reader ...
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*By the Great Horn Spoon by Sid Fleischman (Retro Read)

Jack and Praiseworthy must use their wits and resourcefulness if they are to strike it rich in California's goldfields in this funny middle grades novel. ...
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Faith, Fiction, & Fellowship, Week 3: Let’s Discuss!

Ladies, are you enjoying your chosen books for our Faith, Fiction, & Fellowship read-along?  Faith, Fiction, & Fellowship Discussion, Week 3 If you’ve purchased the official ...
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Rickshaw Girl by Mitali Perkins

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 ...
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4 New Multicultural Picture Books: Gratitude, Island Culture, Rap, and Hannukah!

Several of these picture books recently won awards (or honors) in the ALA YMA in January. And one of them is brand new, hot-off-the-press in ...
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*Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria Parr

Astrid, the thunderbolt of Glimmerdal, charms readers as easily as she charms those around her in this delightful middle grades novel. *Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria Parr. Candlewick, 2018 (English language version). 320 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10Recommended For: Family read aloud, ages 6 and up "Blistering badgers!" She's managed to sled —with speed and self ...
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Cyrus Field’s Big Dream by Mary Morton Cowan

Nobody said “No” to Cyrus Field once he got his brain around a big idea that transformed the history of communication—and history itself. Cyrus Field’s ...
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Missionary Biographies and Prayer: Love Your Neighbor Book Club Edition

  The Biographies and Discussion Questions To start our year off for the Love Your Neighbor Book Club, everyone read a missionary biography of their ...
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Momlife: A Guest Post about Reading as a Mom

We welcome Bridgette Boudreaux today as she shares about her reading life as a mom.  Welcome, Bridgette! To start is great, to finish is divine ...
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The Not-So-Boring Letters of Private Nobody by Matt Landis

Oliver realizes he doesn't yet know everything about the Civil War in this engaging middle grades novel.  The Not-so-Boring Letters of Private Nobody by Matt ...
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Good News for Little Hearts: A New Christian Picture Book Series

Three new picture books in the Good News for Little Hearts series help us coach children through difficulties and point them to Christ. Zoe's Hiding ...
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Rabbit & Robot and Ribbit by CeCe Bell

Rabbit and Robot's friendship is tested when a new friend, Ribbit, enters the scene in this funny easy reader. Rabbit & Robot and Ribbit by ...
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The Lost Books: The Scroll of Kings by Sarah Prineas

An entertaining middle grades fantasy in which the books are alive, the librarian is a snarky but smart kid, and the queen isn't sure what ...
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The Tragic Tale of Narcissa Whitman by Cheryl Harness

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 ...
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The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle by Christina Uss

A ‘girl called Bicycle’s” improbable adventures during a cross-country bike trip shape the narrative of this fictional exploration of luck.  Ages 10-14 The Adventures of ...
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Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Liam, a super tall 12-year-old, goes on a cosmic adventure in this light-hearted British science fiction story that includes subtle emotional weight. Cosmic by Frank ...
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*Tangerine by Edward Bloor

A realistic sports story that is so much more than a sports story, Tangerine blends soccer, environmentalism, bullying, racism, and physical disability into a well-written, ...
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Hunger by Donna Jo Napoli

Hunger stalks Lorraine and her family as they struggle to cope during Ireland's potato famine in this historical fiction middle grades novel. Hunger: A Tale ...
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Bible Review: NIV Kids’ Quiz Bible

The NIV Quiz Bible challenges readers with over 1000 questions to answer from the text. NIV Kids’ Quiz Bible.  Zonderkidz, 2018, 1795 pages Recommended for: ...
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*Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes (Retro Reads)

75 years later, this Newbery-Award winning story about Johnny Tremain is still a great historical fiction read about the birth of America. *Johnny Tremain by Esther ...
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Picture Book Round-Up: 6 Multicultural Youth Media Award Winners

The 2018 ALA Youth Media Awards were announced last week, and children's lit fans around the country live-streamed the event (unless they were privileged to ...
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Edge of Extinction Series by Laura Martin

Living on the edge of extinction: Cloned dinosaurs plus dystopian autocratic society plus a renegade band of treetop dwellers equals a fast-paced middle grades sci-fi ...
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Bronze and Sunflower by Cao Wenxuan

Bronze and Sunflower is a gentle, thought-provoking peek into the cultural revolution in China, its effects on two children, and the importance of sacrificing for your family. ...
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Caleb and Kit by Beth Vrabel

Caleb and Kit brings together a boy struggling with Cystic Fibrosis and a girl over-compensating for a neglectful parent. Caleb and Kit by Beth Vrabel.  ...
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The Trail by Meika Hashimoto

A boy takes to the Appalachian Trail to ease a guilty conscience, in this adventure novel for middle grades The Trail by Meika Hashimoto.  Scholastic, ...
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Restart by Gordon Korman

A middle-school bully gets a chance to start from scratch—if only he can escape who he was before. Restart by Gordon Korman.  Scholastic, 2017, 256 ...
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Ben’s Revolution by Nathaniel Philbrick

This young-reader history of the early days of the American Revolution views events through the experience of 12-year-old Ben Russell. Ben’s Revolution: Benjamin Russell and ...
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Leo: Dog of the Sea by Alison Hart

A “sea dog” adventure chronicles a key event during the age of explorers: Magellan's epic voyage around the world. Leo: Dog of the Sea (Dog ...
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Joplin, Wishing by Diane Stanley

An 11-year-old girl discovers some truths about herself and her family in this novel with a touch of magic and mystery. Joplin, Wishing by Diane ...
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Shipwreck Island by S. A. Bodeen

Shipwreck Island (Shipwreck Island #1) by S. A. Bodeen.  Feiwel & Friends, 2014, 184 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 10-14 ...
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The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine

The author of Ella Enchanted creates another plucky heroine, whose destiny is to lead her people to freedom (and get the guy). The Lost Kingdom ...
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Henry and the Chalk Dragon by Jennifer Trafton

Henry is too shy to share his artistic talent, until one of his creations comes to life and threatens to wreck the whole school. Henry ...
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Way of the Warrior Kid by Jocko Willink

Underachieving Marc learns how to shape up and think straight in this fictionalized self-help book by a former Navy SEAL. Way of the Warrior Kid: ...
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Beyond the Bright Sea

An isolated girl, raised by an adoptive father on a remote island, uncovers clues to her origins while learning more about the world and herself. ...
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Storm Horse by Nick Garlick

Storm Horse pits a boy and a horse against a greedy land developer in the modern-day Netherlands. Storm Horse by Nick Garlick.  Scholastic, 2017, 242 ...
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The Sweetest Sound by Sherri Winston

A shy ten-year-old comes to recognize that both talents and personality are gifts of God and not to be disparaged. The Sweetest Sound, by Sherri ...
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Blooming at the Texas Sunrise Motel by Kimberly Willis Holt

In this likeable middle-grade novel, a grieving 13-year-old builds a new life in a new place with extended family. Blooming at the Texas Sunrise Motel ...
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Jasper and the Riddle of Riley’s Mine by Caroline Starr Rose

An enterprising 10-year-old and his teenage brother join the Alaska gold rush “stampeders” for a good-hearted “Call of the Wild” adventure. Jasper and the Riddle ...
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Fuzzy by Tom Angleberger

Fuzzy may seem far-fetched, but it raises some interesting, real-world questions in an entertaining way. Fuzzy by Tom Angleberger and Paul Dellinger.  Amulet, 2016, 253 ...
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Paper Wishes by Lois Sepahban

This quiet story takes us into the mind of a Japanese-American girl who finds herself an alien in her own country. Paper Wishes by Lois ...
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*Sam the Man and the Chicken Plan

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 ...
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Michelangelo the Christian: Interview with Simonetta Carr

Yesterday's review of Michelangelo for Kids introduced us to a Renaissance artist few people know.  Today, the author gives us more insight into her research, ...
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The Accidental Voyage by Douglas Bond

Mr. Pipes is back with Annie and Drew on a wild adventure in Italy as they simultaneously learn about the ancient church and its music. ...
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*The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross by Carl Laferton and Catalina Echeverri

This picture book beautifully brings the creation-fall-redemption story to life!  *The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross: the True Story of Why Jesus Died and ...
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Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes

A tender exploration of the aftermath of 9/11 as one girl begins to understand her father's connection to the events. Towers Falling by Jewell Parker ...
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*The Ology by Marty Machowski

In The Ology, children and families can access deep Biblical truths, carefully explained and gorgeously illustrated.   The Ology by Marty Machowski, illustrations by Andy ...
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Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan

"Don't judge a book--or a 5th grader--by its cover" is the message that comes through loud and clear in this heart-warming middle grades title. Save ...
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