nonfiction
Growing Patterns, Mysterious Patterns, and the Power of Snow
By Megan Saben |
If fractals, Fibonacci numbers, and powers of multiplication aren't exciting to you, you need these three books and a long walk outside. Reading Level: Picture ...
Read More Saint Valentine the Kindhearted, Saint Patrick the Forgiver, Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver by Ned Bustard
By Megan Saben |
Three godly men from the church history are worthy of remembering for their character and service to Christ. Reading Level: Picture books, ages 4-8 Recommended ...
Read More The Sacred Sacrifice by Hannah Paris
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Bible Board Books: Tiny Hands and For the Bible Tells Me So
By Janie Cheaney |
Tiny Hands Series: Hymns, Promises, and Prayers, edited by Hanah Estes, Illustrated by Jessica Hiatt. P&R Publishing, 2023, 14 pages each. Reading Level: ages 0-3 ...
Read More *African Heroes by Jerome Gay, Jr.
By Betsy Farquhar |
African Heroes introduces children to heroes of the faith who are from Africa in this vibrantly illustrated picture book from New Growth Press. *African Heroes: ...
Read More 2024 Newbery Buzz #4: Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow
By Hayley Morell |
Simon Sort of Says was longlisted for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Could it win the Newbery? We're continuing our long-running Newbery ...
Read More 2024 Newbery Buzz #2: Nothing Else But Miracles by Kate Albus
By Betsy Farquhar |
Traditionally, the Newbery Medal has been awarded to many historical fiction novels. That trend has shifted a bit in recent years. Today, we're looking at ...
Read More Attacked! by Marc Favreau
By Janie Cheaney |
Attacked! is an engaging, accessible account of the “day that shall live in infamy,” seen through the eyes of individuals on both sides. Attacked! Pearl ...
Read More Who’s Got Mail? by Linda Barrett Osborne
By Janie Cheaney |
Who’s Got Mail? is a friendly introduction to the long history of an everyday convenience. Who’s Got Mail? The History of Mail in America by ...
Read More Family Style by Thien Pham
By Janie Cheaney |
In Family Style, cartoonist Thien Pham recalls his escape from Vietnam and growing up in America through a series of meals. Family Style: Memories of ...
Read More 2024 Newbery Buzz #1: A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat
By Betsy Farquhar |
A First Time For Everything has already won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Could it also win the Newbery? We're kicking off ...
Read More What It’s Like to Be a Bird by David Allen Sibley
By Janie Cheaney |
What It’s Like to Be a Bird is an endlessly browsable resource for budding birdwatchers by a well-known authority in the field. What It’s Like ...
Read More We Are Branches by Joyce Sidman
By Megan Saben |
We take branches for granted, but have you ever considered what a wise design they are, with so many applications in nature? We Are Branches ...
Read More Behold the Octopus! by Suzanne Slade
By Megan Saben |
With text that is both simple and detailed, and with beautiful illustrations, Behold the Octopus introduces a fascinating ocean creature. Behold the Octopus! by Suzanne ...
Read More Hidden Hope by Elisa Boxer
By Megan Saben |
Hidden Hope tells of a brave young lady who smuggled papers in a child's toy to save lives during World War II. Hidden Hope: How ...
Read More Two Picture Books on Words and Storytelling: Sholem’s Treasure and The Language of Angels
By Janie Cheaney |
The Language of Angels and Sholem’s Treasure illustrate how great an influence word and history has had on Jewish culture. The Language of Angels: A ...
Read More *Journey to Bethlehem by Leland Ryken
By Betsy Farquhar |
Journey to Bethlehem is a lovely anthology of historic Christmas poetry, hymns, and devotionals. Starred review! *Journey to Bethlehem: A Treasury of Classic Christmas Devotionals ...
Read More Tomfoolery! by Michelle Markel
By Janie Cheaney |
Tomfoolery! tells the story of Randolph Caldecott, the iconoclastic illustrator who lent his name to the prestigious award. Tomfoolery! Randolph Caldecott and the Rambunctious Coming-of-Age ...
Read More *Saving H’Non: Chang and the Elephant by Trang Nguyen
By Janie Cheaney |
Saving H'Non beautifully employs a graphic-novel format to tell the true story of an animal rescue and faithful human stewardship. *Saving H’Non: Chang and the ...
Read More The Hiding Place, A Christmas Carol, Hinds Feet on High Places, and Les Miserables: An Engaging Visual Journey
By Megan Saben |
The four books in the Engaging Visual Journey series provide beautiful, dignified forms to stories that are dearly loved spiritual classics. The Hiding Place by ...
Read More *Memories of Survival by Esther Nisenthal Krinitz and Bernice Steinhardt
By Megan Saben |
A Jewish woman who lived through World War II in Poland and had to hide in order to survive tells her story through fabric and ...
Read More Wicked History Series: Henry VIII, Leopold II, and Rasputin
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More *The Miracle Seed by Martin Lemelman
By Janie Cheaney |
The Miracle Seed tells the amazing story of how a tree extinct for a millennium came back to life. *The Miracle Seed by Martin Lemelman. ...
Read More The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day
By Janie Cheaney |
The Mona Lisa Vanishes tells of an astonishing theft while tracing the background of the world’s most famous painting. The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary ...
Read More 100 Things to Know About Inventions by Clive Gifford
By Megan Saben |
A fun, visual book about the history of inventions and some relationships between them, ideal for those who are mechanically minded. 100 Things to Know ...
Read More Chinese Menu by Grace Lin
By Janie Cheaney |
Chinese Menu traces the origin of everybody’s favorite Chinese dishes, from wonton soup to rice fortune cookies. Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends behind ...
Read More The Brilliant Calculator: How Mathematician Edith Clarke Helped Electrify America by Jan Lower
By Megan Saben |
The Brilliant Calculator is a good introduction to a woman engineer whose work allows us to communicate better. For that, I am grateful. The Brilliant ...
Read More Impossible Christianity by Kevin DeYoung
By Betsy Farquhar |
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. ...
Read More Impossible Escape by Steve Sheinkin
By Janie Cheaney |
Impossible Escape tells the story of one determined teenager who survived Auschwitz and became one of the first to reveal details of the Holocaust. Impossible ...
Read More Maps, by Eleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski
By Janie Cheaney |
Maps is an oversize and endlessly browseable collection of hand-drawn maps of most of the world. Maps by Eleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski. Candlewick, 2013, ...
Read More God, You Are by William R. Osborne
By Janie Cheaney |
God, You Are introduces young children to God’s character and attributes in a warm devotional setting. God, You Are: 20 Promises from the Psalms for ...
Read More SmART: Use Your Eyes to Boost Your Brain by Amy E. Herman
By Janie Cheaney |
SmART, a young-reader version of the best-seller Visual Intelligence, employs art as a way of teaching observation and interpretation. SmART: Use Your Eyes to Boost ...
Read More Stuff Kids Should Know by Clark and Bryant
By Janie Cheaney |
Stuff Kids Should Know draws from a popular podcast to detail the fascinating histories behind some everyday realities. Stuff Kids Should Know: The Mind-Blowing Histories ...
Read More Nonfiction Picture Books: We Are Starlings, Great Carrier Reef, The Book of Turtles
By Janie Cheaney |
We Are Starlings: Inside the Mesmerizing Magic of a Murmuration by Robert Furrow & Donna Jo Napoli, illustrated by Marc Martin. Random House Studio, 2023, ...
Read More Teaching the Faith: *The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism
By Janie Cheaney |
A new edition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism uses cartoon illustrations as an aid to understanding and discussion. *The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism in Modern ...
Read More The Windeby Puzzle: History and Story by Lois Lowry
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Race against Death by Deborah Hopkinson
By Janie Cheaney |
Race against Death surveys the fall of the Philippines during WWII, the fate of American prisoners left there, and the bold plan to rescue them ...
Read More Comics: Whys, Hows, and Wherefores
By Janie Cheaney |
(Originally published at Redeemed Reader on November 27, 2013) Most kids enjoy comics or their upscale cousins, graphic novels. Of those who enjoy them, many ...
Read More Summer Fun Ahead: a Picture Book Tour
By Janie Cheaney |
(Originally published at Redeemed Reader on May 21, 2013) The Not-for-Parents Travel Book, Lonely Planet Publications, 2011, 207 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 ...
Read More Talking About Money
By Janie Cheaney |
(Originally published at Redeemed Reader on June 1, 2012) We think of summertime as beach days, catch-up-on-our-reading days, vacation days, camp days (more on that ...
Read More Beach Books! (Librarians’ List)
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More *Land of Hope by Wilfred McClay
By Janie Cheaney |
Land of Hope offers a balanced, positive, and often inspiring view of American history--now available in student workbook, teacher's guide, and young-reader editions! *Land of ...
Read More *Nearer My Freedom by Monica Edinger and Lesley Younge
By Janie Cheaney |
Nearer My Freedom uses the actual text of an 18th-century memoir to create a poetic account of an extraordinary life story. *Nearer My Freedom: The ...
Read More Songs of America by Jon Meacham and Tim McGraw
By Janie Cheaney |
Songs of America takes an interesting approach to American history—tracing our story through popular tunes and lyrics. Songs of America: Patriotism, Protest, and the Music ...
Read More Abandon Ship by Michael J. Tougias
By Janie Cheaney |
Abandon Ship! tells the little-known story of a World War II sea disaster with a surprising twist. Abandon Ship! The True World War II Story ...
Read More Do Not Be True to Yourself by Kevin DeYoung
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Nonfiction Picture Books: Concrete; Luminous; The Animal Toolkit; The Universe in You; Digestion: The Musical
By Janie Cheaney |
Outstanding picture books from 2022 feature the story of a ubiquitous building material, unusual animals, basic particle physics, and a different take on the topic ...
Read More Noticing by Kobi Yomada
By Janie Cheaney |
Noticing, a picture book for tweens and older, beautifully illustrates the point that “One of the best things you can be is interested.” Noticing by ...
Read More CSK Illlustrator Roundup: Standing in the Need of Prayer, Me and the Boss, and The Talk
By Janie Cheaney |
The Coretta Scott King award, an prominent part of the annual ALA Youth Media Awards, honors African American authors and illustrators of outstanding books for ...
Read More Before Music: Where Instruments Come From by Annette Bay Pimentel, illustrated by Madison Safer
By Megan Saben |
Where does music come from and how many ways can you make it? Before Music broadens the reader's horizons on the origin and creativity of ...
Read More The Really Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thornton
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Caldecott Honor Roundup: Ain’t Burned All the Bright, Berry Song, Choosing Brave, and Knight Owl
By Janie Cheaney |
This year's Caldecott honor books explore a range of moods from wistful to whimsical. Ain’t Burned All the Bright by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Jason ...
Read More The British Are Coming (Young Reader Ed.) by Rick Atkinson
By Janie Cheaney |
The British Are Coming recounts the first 4 years of the American Revolution in an engaging style, capturing substance and detail. The British Are Coming ...
Read More Mr. Lincoln Sits for His Portrait by Leonard S. Marcus
By Janie Cheaney |
Mr. Lincoln Sits for His Portrait is an unusual and touching look at our nation's 16th president through the then-new medium of photography. Mr. Lincoln ...
Read More Productivity for Teens: A Round-Up
By Betsy Farquhar |
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 ...
Read More Agent Most Wanted by Sonia Purnell
By Janie Cheaney |
Virginia Hall, one of history’s most effective spies, is the subject of this engrossing biography. Agent Most Wanted: The Never-before-Told Story of the Most Dangerous ...
Read More Unbreakable by Rebecca Barone
By Janie Cheaney |
Unbreakable makes the complicated story of unlocking the Enigma code accessible for young readers. Unbreakable: The Spies Who Cracked the Nazis' Secret Code by Rebecca ...
Read More Peace Is a Chain Reaction by Tanya Lee Stone
By Janie Cheaney |
Peace Is a Chain Reaction tells a little-known story of World War II and how former enemies of opposite sides of an ocean came together ...
Read More *This is the Feast by Diane Z. Shore
By Megan Saben |
There aren't many picture books about Thanksgiving; This is the Feast is one of the best. This is the Feast by Diane Z. Shore, illustrated ...
Read More *Heaven and Nature Sing by Hannah Anderson
By Megan Saben |
Heaven and Nature Sing is a collection of advent essays on the curse that sin imposed on nature and the grace that allows us to ...
Read More Contending for the Faith by Joel Beeke and William Boekestein
By Janie Cheaney |
Contending for the Faith takes readers back to the English Reformation and the origins of the Westminster Confession. Contending for the Faith: The Story of ...
Read More *Church History by Simonetta Carr
By Janie Cheaney |
Simonetta Carr’s Church History is a must-have for Christian families, good for years of reference and encouragement. *Church History by Simonetta Carr. Reformation Heritage, 265 ...
Read More Our Hymns, Our Heritage by David and Barbara Leeman
By Janie Cheaney |
The Leeman’s excellent student hymnal has been republished by Moody Press, with additional songs and supplements. *Our Hymns, Our Heritage: A Student Guide to Songs ...
Read More Big Theology for Little Hearts
By Janie Cheaney |
Crossway's Big Theology for Little Hearts series attempts to introduce important Christian concepts through the medium of board books. The Church; Creation; The Holy Spirit ...
Read More American Shoes by Rosemarie Lengsfeld Turke
By Janie Cheaney |
American Shoes is the memoir of a young girl trapped in Nazi Germany with her family as the world is convulsed with war. American Shoes: ...
Read More The Visible Hand by Matthew Hennessey
By Janie Cheaney |
The Visible Hand introduces teens to basic free-market economics in a way that’s accessible and entertaining. The Visible Hand: A Wealth of Notions on the ...
Read More Science Picture Books: *The Beak Book, Nano, and Building
By Janie Cheaney |
Three outstanding picture books offer windows into nano technology, beaver life, and the beauty and variety of beak design. *The Beak Book by Robin Page. ...
Read More The Homework Squad’s ADHD Guide to School Success by Joshua Shifrin
By Janie Cheaney |
The “Homework Squad” shows attention-challenged students how to study smarter. The Homework Squad’s ADHD Guide to School Success by Joshua Shifrin, PhD, illustrated by Tracy ...
Read More Graphic-Novel History: History Comics and Who HQ
By Janie Cheaney |
Telling history and science through pictures is an obvious way to teach, but watch out when a series attempts to do more than communicate the ...
Read More Picture Books about Nature: Be Thankful for Trees, Yoshi and the Ocean, and The Whale Who Swam Through Time
By Janie Cheaney |
The Blessing of a Tree Be Thankful for Trees by Harriet Ziefert, illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald. Red Comet Press, 2022, 80 pages. Reading Level: Picture ...
Read More Trapped in Terror Bay by Sigmund Brouwer
By Janie Cheaney |
Trapped in Terror Bay takes readers into the mystery of the ill-fated Arctic voyage of the Franklin Expedition, 1845. Trapped in Terror Bay: Solving the ...
Read More Crazy Horse and Custer: Born Enemies by S. D. Nelson
By Janie Cheaney |
Crazy Horse and Custer: Born Enemies addresses the bloody and complex history of the U.S. Indian Wars with honesty and clarity. Crazy Horse and Custer: ...
Read More *The Sower by Scott James
By Janie Cheaney |
The Sower employs biblical allegories of seeds and planting to recap the story of the Bible and its effect on human history—and on us. *The ...
Read More *Wild Things and Castles in the Sky from Square Halo Books
By Betsy Farquhar |
40 different authors write eloquently about children's literature, faith in Christ, and shepherding imaginations in Wild Things and Castles in the Sky. *Wild Things and ...
Read More The Woman Who Split the Atom by Marissa Moss
By Janie Cheaney |
Brilliant physicist Lise Meitner, overlooked by history, receives her due in this well-written and -illustrated biography. The Woman Who Split the Atom: The Life of ...
Read More Hilde on Record by Hilde Lysiak
By Janie Cheaney |
Hilde Lysiak, whose doggedness as a 9-year-old investigative reporter made her a star of journalism, tells her own story. Hilde on the Record: Memoir of ...
Read More Alias Anna by Susan Hood and Greg Dawson
By Janie Cheaney |
In free verse, Alias Anna tells the story of surviving the Holocaust in Ukraine by hiding in plain sight. Alias Anna: A True Story of ...
Read More Just a Girl by Lia Levi
By Janie Cheaney |
Italian author Lia Levi adapts her memoir, Just a Girl, for young children, resulting in a fine early introduction to WWII and the Holocaust. Just ...
Read More *The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin DeYoung
By Janie Cheaney |
The "Biggest Story" brand continues with a family-friendly Bible Storybook that provides food for thought even to grownups. *The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin ...
Read More More Than a Story by Sally Michael
By Megan Saben |
More Than a Story assumes that all of Scripture is written for instruction of all ages, and that both parents and children will benefit from ...
Read More Not So Different by Shane Burcaw
By Janie Cheaney |
In Not So Different, disability activist Shane Burcaw answers questions about life as a wheelchair-bound man with a lively intellect. Not So Different: What you ...
Read More Blue by Nan Ekua Brew-Hammon
By Janie Cheaney |
What’s special about the color blue? A lot! Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and Wide as the Sky Nana ...
Read More Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers by Michelle Obama
By Betsy Farquhar |
Michelle Obama's Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers is a winsome, engaging look at how one young woman went from Chicago's South Side to the White ...
Read More Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall
By Janie Cheaney |
Prisoners of Geography helps kids understand how natural features shape history and economics. Prisoners of Geography: Our World Explained in 12 Simple Maps by Tim ...
Read More Unfolding Grace for Kids
By Janie Cheaney |
Unfolding Grace for Kids leads middle-graders and younger through the Bible with selected readings and introductions. Unfolding Grace for Kids: A 40-Day Journey through the ...
Read More 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 ...
Read More *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 ...
Read More 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 ...
Read More 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, ...
Read More 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 ...
Read More 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 ...
Read More 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 ...
Read More *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 ...
Read More 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 ...
Read More 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 ...
Read More 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 ...
Read More 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 ...
Read More *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 ...
Read More 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 ...
Read More 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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