poetry

Julie Fogliano, Children’s Poet

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 9, 2024

Julie Fogliano's poetry for children expects them to read between the lines, to appreciate a delicate, spare language. And it works. She understands the essence ...

Small Poems and Peacock by Valerie Worth (and illustrated by Natalie Babbitt)

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 8, 2024

Small poetry books full of small poems and small drawings: just right for small hands and small listening ears. All the Small Poems and Fourteen ...

*One Big Open Sky by Lesa Cline-Ransome

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 26, 2024

One Big Open Sky fills a history gap with the story of black settlers heading west in wagon trains. *One Big Open Sky by Lesa ...

A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes and Jerry Pinkney

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 9, 2023

A Walk in the Woods features Jerry Pinkney’s last illustrations in a sensitive portrayal of childhood grief. A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes, ...

*Enemies in the Orchard by Dana VanderLugt

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 2, 2023

In Enemies in the Orchard, an American girl and a German POW discover a shared humanity among the tragedy of war. *Enemies in the Orchard ...

My Head Has a Bellyache and More Nonsense by Chris Harris

By Megan Saben | Aug 23, 2023

Poems about nail clippings, sausages, and page numbers?! Yes, and many more. My Head Has a Bellyache and More Nonsense by Chris Harris, illustrated by ...

Beach Books! (Librarians’ List)

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 6, 2023

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 ...

Enter the Body by Joy McCullough

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 1, 2023

Enter the Body engages three tragic heroines of Shakespeare in a discussion of love, oppression, and what they might have done differently. Enter the Body ...

Songs of America by Jon Meacham and Tim McGraw

By Janie Cheaney | May 29, 2023

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 ...

At Jerusalem’s Gate by Nikki Grimes

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 10, 2023

At Jersualem's Gate offers poetic meditations on what people involved in the events leading to Christ's resurrection might have thought and felt. At Jerusalem's Gate: ...

Gladys Hunt on Enjoying Poetry with Children

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 10, 2023

Editor's Note: This month we're reading the two chapters in Honey for a Child's Heart that address poetry. Do you enjoy poetry? Would you like ...

Poetry on Earwigs (and Also Goats With Beaks)

By Megan Saben | Jan 16, 2023

My husband still teases me about my first poem, which has hitherto never been published. There once was a goatWho lived in a boatHe went ...

2023 Newbery Buzz #2: The Door of No Return

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 16, 2023

Back for our second buzz, Janie and Betsy talk over a troubling but moving verse novel. Out of Africa Janie: Kwame Alexander scored a gold ...

The Real Dada Mother Goose by Jon Scieszka

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 5, 2023

In The Real Dada Mother Goose, popular humorist Jon Scieszka subjects familiar nursery rhymes to every possible variation. The Real Dada Mother Goose: A Treasury ...

Gladys Hunt on The Scent of Thanksgiving

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 18, 2022

Editor's Note: Are the smells of sage and pumpkin spice already wafting through the house? In this post, Gladys Hunt finds wonderful smells in the ...

The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 15, 2022

The Door of No Return uses beautifully modulated verse to communicate the humanity of the Ashanti people and the horrors of the African slave trade. ...

God Rescues and Taste & See: 2 Picture Books

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 29, 2022

God Rescues and Taste & See, new picture books from New Growth Press, offer parents colorful ways to introduce big theology concepts to children. God ...

*Marshmallow Clouds by Ted Kooser and Connie Wanek

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 29, 2022

In Marshmallow Clouds, two poets look at the world, both the sublime and the mundane, through expressive wordplay. *Marshmallow Clouds: Two Poets at Play among ...

*When Daddy Prays by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Tim Ladwig

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 6, 2022

When Daddy Prays shows a child's view of his pastor father, praying during all of life. Beautifully illustrated. *When Daddy Prays by Nikki Grimes and ...

Alias Anna by Susan Hood and Greg Dawson

By Janie Cheaney | May 4, 2022

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 ...

For Every Little Thing by June Cotner and Nancy Tupper Ling

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 25, 2022

For Every Little Thing invites children to celebrate each moment of the day through poems and prayers drawn from a wide range of religious and ...

Favorite Gardening Books for Kids

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 11, 2022

Spring has officially begun, and the garden beckons. Do you garden with your kids? If they're not interested, try a gardening book just for kids: ...

*Something Better Coming by Megan Saben

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 1, 2022

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 ...

Picture books for boys (and girls) who love action and humor

By Megan Saben | Dec 22, 2021

A reader-inspired hunt for a roundup of favorite picture books for boys and girls who love action and humor A reader asks: "What I continue ...

Picture Books about 9/11: The Survivor Tree

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 2, 2021

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 ...

Stealing Home: Jackie Robinson against the odds

By Megan Saben | Aug 25, 2021

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: ...

*Kiyoshi’s Walk by Mark Karlins

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 27, 2021

In a simple, direct way, Kiyoshi’s Walk answers the question, “Where do poems come from?” *Kiyoshi’s Walk by Mark Karlins, illustrated by Nicole Wong. Lee ...

*Amber & Clay by Laura Amy Schlitz

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 12, 2021

Amber & Clay is a fascinating immersion into classic Greek civilization, seen through the eyes of two children, Socrates the sage, and a host of ...

The One Thing You’d Save by Linda Sue Park

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 1, 2021

The One Thing You’d Save asks middle-graders in a fictional classroom to consider the value they give material objects. The One Thing You’d Save by ...

New Picture Books: Milo Imagines the World, Outside Inside, and Off to See the Sea

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 22, 2021

Milo Imagines the World, Outside Inside, and Off to See the Sea plunge readers into a child's eye view of public places, pandemics, and bathtime. ...

*All He Knew by Helen Frost

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 19, 2021

All He Knew pictures grace in the midst of gloom as a deaf child learns to navigate life in an institution. *All He Knew by ...

Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 5, 2021

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 ...

Three New Christmas Picture Books: The Night Before Christmas, The Christmas Feast, and Native-American Night Before Christmas

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 19, 2020

Two versions of "The Night before Christmas" and one classic trickster tale make great additions to under-the-tree reading. Fun for ages 4-up. The Night Before ...

On the Horizon by Lois Lowry

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 29, 2020

On the Horizon recalls two pivotal events of World War II through the eyes of witnesses, victims, and two children who would meet much later. ...

Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 22, 2020

Jacqueline Woodson's poignant verse novel explores the cost of professional athletics to some families. Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson. Penguin Random House (Nancy ...

*The Roar on the Other Side by Suzanne Underwood Rhodes

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 17, 2020

Is poetry writing obsolete? It doesn't have to be, especially for Christians. *The Roar on the Other Side: A Guide for Student Poets by Suzanne ...

Gyo Fujikawa: It Began With a Page….

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 13, 2020

Gyo Fujikawa When you grow up with an author/illustrator's books, they become part of your definition of "home" or "reading" or "friend." Gyo Fujikawa is ...

Pirates by David Harrison and Dan Burr

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 2, 2020

In Pirates, a collection of poems by David Harrison, adventure on the high seas was only a small part of life. The rest was boredom, ...

Epic Poetry: Learning to Read–and Enjoy–It in 5 Steps

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 13, 2020

Epic Poetry in School Do you remember reading (or being assigned to read) one of the following in school? The IliadThe OdysseyThe AeneidBeowulf Your teacher ...

Soul-Shaping Poetry: 2 Books for Teens and Adults

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 13, 2020

Soul-Shaping Poetry Have you ever stopped to think about how much poetry has shaped the Christian soul? Poetry is an intrinsic part of our worship ...

The Guaranteed, Irresistible, Effortless Introduction to Poetry for People Who Doubt That They Like It

By Megan Saben | Apr 9, 2020

If you or your children aren't sure how to develop a taste for poetry, especially if you haven't decided whether you ought to feel obligated ...

It Rained Warm Bread by Moishe Moskowitz

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 12, 2020

The recollections of a 13-year-old Holocaust survivor find poetic expression in It Rained Warm Bread. It rained Warm Bread: Moishe Moskowitz’s Story of Hope by ...

*Long Ago, on a Silent Night by Julie Berry

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 3, 2019

What happened "Long Ago on a Silent Night" resonates down the ages, in this lovely, evocative picture book. *Long Ago, on a Silent Night by ...

“The Reading Life,” junior edition

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 11, 2019

Two picture books by much-awarded authors and illustrators celebrate the joys of books and reading—sometimes extravagantly. This Book of Mine by Sarah Stewart, Illustrated by ...

We Met Dragons: A Celebration of Children’s Literature

By Hayley Morell | Oct 10, 2019

Last week, in our newsletter, we asked our readers what books they thought of when they saw this poem by Jack Prelutsky. Photo from Division ...

The Delights of Childcraft, part 2

By Megan Saben | Aug 22, 2019

Yesterday I introduced a set of books that impressed me as a child, and I appreciate them more now as a parent and home educator. ...

The Delights of Childcraft, part 1

By Megan Saben | Aug 21, 2019

I remember the first book that taught me to love poetry as a child. "Antonio, Antonio," by Laura E. Richards, was in the second volume ...

Superlative Birds by Leslie Bulion

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 6, 2019

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 ...

Swing and Solo by Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 22, 2019

Swing and Solo: two novels-in-verse for teens that grapple with music (jazz and rock and roll), baseball, young love, and what's really important in life. ...

*O Captain, My Captain by Robert Burleigh

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 5, 2019

O Captain, My Captain encapsulates the Civil War through the eyes of its most famous poet. *O Captain, My Captain: Walt Whitman, Abraham Lincoln, and ...

Voices: the Final Hours of Joan of Arc by David Eliot

By Janie Cheaney | May 10, 2019

Anachronistic values mar this otherwise compelling account of the short career of Joan of Arc. Voices: the Final Hours of Joan of Arc by David ...

Every Month is a New Year by Susan L. Roth

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 21, 2018

This picture book gives a neglected holiday its due, celebrating “New Year” around the world with brilliant collage illustrations. Every Month is a New Year: ...

*Sing a Song of Seasons: A Nature Poem for Each Day of the Year

By Megan Saben | Nov 28, 2018

*Sing a Song of Seasons: A Nature Poem for Each Day of the Year selected by Fiona Waters, illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon. Nosy Crow, 2018, ...

*Wild Bells: A Literary Advent by Missy Andrews

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 12, 2018

Wild Bells: A Literary Advent offers a beautiful Christian literary work, such as a poem, along with a reflection for each day of the Advent ...

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanha Lai

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 20, 2018

Inside Out and Back Again is a beautiful, timely middle grades verse novel about a young Vietnamese girl's refugee experience. Inside Out and Back Again ...

With My Hands by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 24, 2018

With My Hands, a poetry collection for ages 5-10, celebrates the endless creativity of humans from the earliest ages. With My Hands: Poems about Making ...

Rebound by Kwame Alexander

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 23, 2018

Charlie is struggling to rebound after his dad's death in this well crafted, middle grades verse novel full of comics, basketball, and a strong family ...

It’s National Poetry Month – Let’s Write a Poem! (Free Download)

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 20, 2018

In honor of National poetry month, here's a sample lesson from Wordsmith Apprentice to help reluctant writers produce original verse. "Poetry" is a scary word ...

Hidden City by Sarah Grace Tuttle and Amy Schimler-Safford

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 16, 2018

Hidden City is an exuberant, colorful picture book that looks at the hidden and overlooked moments of beauty around us. Hidden City: Poems of Urban Wildlife by ...

Martin Rising by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 9, 2018

Martin Rising is a exuberant, poetic homage to Martin Luther King for middle grades. Martin Rising: Requiem for a King by Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrated ...

*I’m Just No Good at Rhyming by Chris Harris and Lane Smith

By Megan Saben | Feb 2, 2018

If you want to read this hilarious and thoughtful poetry book, hide it from your kids or else you'll never get a turn. I'm Just ...

2018 Newbery Buzz #4: One Last Word and I’m Just No Good at Rhyming

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 2, 2018

Betsy, Megan, and Janie continue our Newbery Buzz discussions with One Last Word and I'm Just No Good At Rhyming, poetry books that are quite different from ...

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 5, 2018

In Long Way Down, a grief-stricken and confused 15-year-old in "the projects" has a desperate choice to make after the death of his brother. Long ...

Poe: Stories and Poems: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Gareth Hinds

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 11, 2017

Poe: Stories and Poems is just as gripping, psychological, and scary in this well done graphic novel format as it is in the original prose. ...

*Voices of Christmas by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Eric Velasquez

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 28, 2017

Voices of Christmas is a beautiful and poetic exploration of the different characters in the Christmas story--perfect for middle grades kids! *Voices of Christmas by ...

Poetry for Young People Series

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 20, 2017

Poetry is for Children Children love poetry. They really do. And it doesn't need to be "children's poetry," either. Sure, they love the silly rhymes ...

One Last Word by Nikki Grimes

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 20, 2017

One Last Word showcases poems from the Harlem Renaissance alongside contemporary poems by Grimes that build on and reflect those earlier poets. One Last Word: ...

Garvey’s Choice by Nikki Grimes

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 5, 2017

Garvey's Choice, a gentle verse novel, charts the course of an overweight African American preteen toward self-respect. Garvey's Choice by Nikki Grimes. Wordsong, 2016, 105 ...

10 New Picture Books for All Ages, All Interests, Fact and Fiction!

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 2, 2017

New picture books! Brand, spanking, new! Beautiful, silly, thoughtful, informative, and downright fun. Take a look! (Several of these made it onto our Back-to-School ...

* My Daddy Rules the World by Hope Anita Smith

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 15, 2017

Just in time for Father's Day, this picture-book collection of poems celebrates the daily presence of a loving dad in the household. *My Daddy Rules ...

Freedom over Me by Ashley Bryan

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 8, 2017

An actual slave ledger from 1828 inspires this group portrait of eleven African Americans who remain free to dream. Freedom over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their ...

You Can Fly by Carole Boston Weatherford

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 7, 2017

You’re black. It’s 1941. Uncle Sam’s poster I WANT YOU doesn’t include you and your dream of becoming a pilot. But sometimes dreams do come ...

2017 Newbery Buzz: Ghost and Booked

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 11, 2017

Janie: Last Friday, we discussed two middle grade novels that were filled with sadness. Today we turn to a couple of sports-related novels by authors ...

Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photo by Roxanne Orgill

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 21, 2016

An iconic photograph comes to life in this well-crafted sophisticated, artistic picture book. This is a review by Pamela Palmer, a new addition to our Redeemed ...

*Freedom on Congo Square by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated R. Gregory Christie

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 22, 2016

Congo Square held a unique place in the slavery experience and holds a special reminder for Christians as we all look forward to Sunday! *Freedom ...

*When Green Becomes Tomatoes by Julie Fogliano

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 26, 2016

Short, free verse poems as journal entries over the course of a year capture the feel of changing seasons in this well-illustrated book for elementary ...

By Alysha | Nov 6, 2015

As a teacher, I’ve had various conversations with parents about how to get their children engaged in reading. The flip side of that conversation comes ...

By Megan Saben | Apr 29, 2015

Over the Hills and Far Away: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes by Elizabeth Hammill, illustrated by various artists. Candlewick, 2015. 160 pages. Reading Level: Picture ...

By Megan Saben | Apr 29, 2015

Little Poems for Tiny Ears by Lin Oliver, illustrated by Tomie dePaola. Nancy Paulsen Books, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-4 Poetry ...

By Hayley Morell | Apr 14, 2015

A Castle Full of Cats by Ruth Sanderson. Random House, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Once upon a time a king ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 10, 2015

Audacity by Melanie Crowder. Philomel, 2015. 389 pages, including historical notes. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Recommended for: Young Adults, ages 15-18 Bottom Line: ...

Blue Birds by Caroline Starr Rose

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 30, 2015

Blue Birds by Caroline Starr Rose. Putnam, 2015. 400 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: Ages 10-12 Bottom Line: This historical novel-in-verse ...

By Hayley Morell | Feb 21, 2015

Each Peach Pear Plum by Allan Ahlberg. Puffin Books,reprint edition, 1986. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-4 Recommended for: ages 0-4 Bottom Line: Young and ...

By The Redeemed Shall Read | Feb 5, 2015

I Haiku You by Betsy Snyder. Random House, 2012. 32 pages. Bottom Line: This Valentine's Day themed picture book is a wonderful introduction to the ...

Hi, Koo! by Jon Muth

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 26, 2015

Hi, Koo!: A Year of Seasons by Jon Muth. Scholastic, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-8Recommended for: All ages It is hard to describe ...

Winter Poems by Barbara Rogasky and Trina Schart Hyman

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 26, 2015

Winter Poems selected by Barbara Rogasky and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman. Scholastic, 1994. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books (ages 4-10)Recommended for: Ages 4 and ...

*Firefly July by Paul Janeczko and Melissa Sweet

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 26, 2015

*Firefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems selected by Paul Janeczko and illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Candlewick, 2014. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ...

By Megan Saben | Jan 21, 2015

We are trying a new feature on Redeemed Reader and hope our readers will participate! Periodically we will choose a storytime theme that may be enjoyed at ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 12, 2015

The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Shane Evans. Little, Brown, 2014. 319 pages, including notes and glossary. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages ...

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 9, 2014

*On the Wing by David Elliot, illustrated by Becca Stadtlander. Candlewick, 2014. 30 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Maturity level: 2 (ages 4-8) ...

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 4, 2014

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson. Penguin, 2014. 320 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 5 (ages 12-14) Bottom line: Award-winning author ...

A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 6, 2014

A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Eerdmans, 2008. 34 pages. Reading Level: Picture ...

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 16, 2014

The Carnival of the Animals, by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Mary GrandPre. Knopf, 2010, 32 pages (CD included). Reading Level: Picture book, ages 4-8 Maturity ...

A Leaf Can Be…by Laura Purdie Salas

By Megan Saben | Sep 10, 2014

A Leaf Can Be... by Laura Purdie Salas, illustrated by Violeta Dabija. Millbrook, 2012, 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture BookMaturity Level: All Who would have imagined that ...

By Hayley Morell | Sep 5, 2014

The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy by Kate Hattemer. Alfred A. Knopf, 2014, 323 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, Ages 15 - 18 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15 ...

Achoo! Bang! Crash!: The Noisy Alphabet

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 1, 2014

Achoo! Bang! Crash!: The Noisy Alphabet by Ross MacDonald. Neal Porter Books, 2003. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 This ...

Hickory Dickory Dog by Alison Murray

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 13, 2014

Hickory Dickory Dog by Alison Murray. Candlewick, 2014 (first published in U.K. in 2012), 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture BookRecommended for: All ages Murray applies her ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 22, 2014

Shakespeare Bats Cleanup by Ron Koertge. Candlewick, 2003, 116 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, 10-12 Maturity Level: 5 (Ages 12-15) One-line Summary: Kevin, age 15, ...

*The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 22, 2014

*The Crossover by Kwame Alexander. Harcourt Mifflin Harcourt, 2014. 237 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grade, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 4 (ages 10-12) and up Bottom ...

Who Do Men Say That I Am?

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 24, 2013

Christmas brings into focus the mystery of the incarnation, when God, in the person of Jesus Christ, took on human flesh in order to meet ...