starred reviews

*Houses with a Story by Seiji Yoshida

Houses with a Story offers both a fascinating tour of storybook dwellings and a springboard to imagination. *Houses with Story: A Dragon’s Den, a Ghostly ...
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*Once a Queen by Sarah Arthur

Sarah Arthur's YA fantasy novel Once a Queen imagines a world like ours where stories come to life, but individuals have to return to reality. ...
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*African Heroes by Jerome Gay, Jr.

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: ...
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*Daughter of Arden Trilogy by Loren Warnemuende

The Daughter of Arden Trilogy is an epic retelling of an older fairy tale; in its new version, strong echoes of Christian faith mingle with ...
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*Saving H’Non: Chang and the Elephant by Trang Nguyen

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 ...
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*Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by Richard Adams, James Sturm, and Joe Sutphin

The graphic-novel version of Watership Down combines the dramatic force of the original story with winning art. *Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by Richard Adams, ...
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The Hiding Place, A Christmas Carol, Hinds Feet on High Places, and Les Miserables: An Engaging Visual Journey

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 ...
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*Memories of Survival by Esther Nisenthal Krinitz and Bernice Steinhardt

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 ...
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The Weary World Rejoices, edited by Melissa Kruger

The Weary World Rejoices is a collection of Advent readings from the Gospel Coalition that relate to the Advent wreath. For teens and up. The ...
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Awaiting the Manger by Ocieanna Fleiss

Awaiting the Manger, an Advent devotional for teens and up, uses stories from the Old Testament to point to the coming of Jesus. Awaiting the ...
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He Came Down From Heaven by Laurel Sauder

He Came Down From Heaven offers 25 days of biblical readings and cultural enrichment for families who celebrate Advent. He Came Down From Heaven: A ...
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*Enemies in the Orchard by Dana VanderLugt

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 ...
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*The Miracle Seed by Martin Lemelman

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. ...
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*Seeds of America Trilogy by Laurie Halse Anderson

The Seeds of America Trilogy powerfully examines some of the complex ideas of the American Revolution: freedom, justice, and equality for all. Seeds of America ...
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*The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo

The Puppets of Spelhorst is a bittersweet fairy tale with engaging characters and an enthralling conclusion. *The Puppets of Spelhorst: A Norendy Tale by Kate ...
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*Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider by Jessica Lanan

A girl and a spider share adventures. Don't overlook this masterpiece of creation that probably lives in your own backyard. *Jumper: A Day in the ...
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*The Vanderbeekers Ever After by Karina Yan Glaser

The Vanderbeeker family faces their greatest challenge yet in this last volume of a beloved series. The Vanderbeekers Ever After by Karina Yan Glaser. Clarion ...
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*Charis in the World of Wonders by Marly Youmans

Charis in the World of Wonders is a richly satisfying novel of a young Puritan woman who learns much about the world and herself through ...
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*William’s House by Ginger Howard

Wouldn't it make sense that a house built in the style of a home in England would work just as well in America? *William's House ...
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God, You Are by William R. Osborne

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 ...
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Teaching the Faith: *The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism

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 ...
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*Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins

Hope in the Valley captures one girl’s momentous summer as she processes grief, grapples with change, and finds her own voice along the way. *Hope ...
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*Land of Hope by Wilfred McClay

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 ...
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*Nearer My Freedom by Monica Edinger and Lesley Younge

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 ...
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*Arthur, the Always King by Kevin Crossley-Holland

The lavishly-illustrated Arthur the Always King communicates the doomed majesty of the Arthurian legend. *Arthur, the Always King by Kevin Crossley-Holland, illustrated by Chris Riddell. ...
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*The Labors of Hercles Beal by Gary Schmidt

The title character of The Labors of Hercules Beal works through his grief by duplicating, in contemporary terms, the 12 "labors" of his mythical namesake. ...
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Two Books about Sexuality for Kids and Teens

Books about sexuality for kids and teens are not new, but these days, it's getting harder to separate the wheat from the chaff. Well-meaning titles ...
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*Make Way by Angel Burke Kunkel

Make Way tells the story of a very famous family of ducks, the man who made them famous and the woman who made them a ...
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The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri: A Book Discussion

The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri: Betsy and Janie Discuss Betsy: Janie, you and I both (eagerly) received advance ...
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*A Little More Beautiful by Sarah Mackenzie

Lou Alice loves to make the world a little more beautiful. But what happens when she's old and bedridden? *A Little More Beautiful by Sarah ...
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*Dragonfly Eyes by Cao Wenxuan

Dragonfly Eyes is a slowly-unfolding, beautiful picture of family love and loyalty during the stressful days of China’s Cultural Revolution. *Dragonfly Eyes by Cao Wenxuan, ...
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*Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien

A glorious story of heroism in which a mother's deep love for her children shines brightly. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert ...
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The Really Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thornton

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 ...
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*My Brother Is Away by Sara Greenwood

My Brother Is Away offers an empathetic glimpse into what it's like, from the child's perspective, to have a brother (or sister) off in jail. ...
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trafficking books for teens

Trafficking Books for Teens: A Round-Up

I rarely visit a public restroom these days without seeing a notice for women who are in troubling situations: the text usually reads, "Need Help? ...
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*A Dragon Used to Live Here by Annette LeBlanc Cate

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

Berliners is the story of a family scarred by war, politics, and false ideology in postwar Germany. *Berliners by Vesper Stamper. Knopf, 2022, 413 pages. ...
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*The Star that Always Stays by Anna Rose Johnson

In a debut novel reminiscent of Maud Hart Lovelace and Laura Ingalls Wilder, a young girl discovers new friends, family, and hope. *The Star that ...
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*This is the Feast by Diane Z. Shore

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 ...
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*The Story of Us by Mitali Perkins and illustrated by Kevin & Kristen Howdeshell

The Story of Us tells the full redemptive story of Scripture in poetic form, using the classical 4 elements of earth, air, fire, and water. ...
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*Church History by Simonetta Carr

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 ...
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*The Red Palace by June Hur

Eighteenth century Korea comes to life in The Red Palace, a gripping—and gritty—historical mystery for teens. *The Red Palace by June Hur. Feiwel and Friends, ...
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Our Hymns, Our Heritage by David and Barbara Leeman

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 ...
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*Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key by S.D. Smith and J. C. Smith

Jack Zulu finds adventure where he least expects it in this new middle grades fantasy series opener from S. D. Smith. Jack Zulu and the ...
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*The Song that Moves the Sun by Anna Bright

The Song that Moves the Sun takes four teens through the cosmos of Dante, with revelations on harmony, love, and friendship. *The Song that Moves ...
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Science Picture Books: *The Beak Book, Nano, and Building

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

The Tree Street Kids series continues as Jack, Ellison, Roger, Ruthie and Midge develop new and better friendships, and also solve a mystery. Tree Street ...
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*Marshmallow Clouds by Ted Kooser and Connie Wanek

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 ...
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*Love and Other Great Expectations by Becky Dean

*Love and Other Great Expectations puts romance in its place as part of life’s great adventure (but not all of it). Love and Other Great ...
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*Wonderfull: Ancient Psalms Ever New by Marty Machowski

Wonderfull is a guide to the Psalms that introduces young people to modeling their devotional life after that of the Psalmist. Wonderfull: Ancient Psalms Ever ...
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*Room for Everyone by Naaz Khan, illustrated by Mercè López

A lively rhyming story about a generously overcrowded daladala on its way to the beach in a delightful read-aloud about siblings in Zanzibar. Room for ...
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*Watership Down by Richard Adams

Richard Adams' classic tale employs noble themes of vision, courage, and sacrifice among some of the most humble and ordinary of animals in their quest ...
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*Psalm Twenty-Three and *The Lord’s Prayer, both illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Tim Ladwig illustrates two well-known Biblical texts, using Black families in urban settings in these picture books. *Psalm Twenty-Three, illustrated by Tim Ladwig. Eerdmans, 1997. ...
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*When Daddy Prays by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Tim Ladwig

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 ...
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*The Sower by Scott James

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 ...
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*Wild Things and Castles in the Sky from Square Halo Books

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 ...
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*God’s Attributes by Jill Nelson

God’s Attributes is an accessible, kid-friendly way to approach the greatness of God as we learn to trust Him. *God’s Attributes by Jill Nelson. P&R, ...
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*The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin DeYoung

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 ...
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*A Duet for Home by Karina Yan Glaser

A Duet for Home portrays the plight of the homeless as far from hopeless—or helpless. *A Duet for Home by Karina Yan Glaser. Clarion Books, ...
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*Out of My Mind and Out of My Heart by Sharon Draper

Out of My Mind and its sequel, Out of My Heart, welcome readers into the rich inner life of Melody Brooks, a bright pre-teen with ...
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A Cloud of Outrageous Blue by Vesper Stamper

A peasant girl in pre-Plague England holds the key to key to healing and "outrageous blue" hope. *A Cloud of Outrageous Blue by Vesper Stamper. ...
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*Easter Stories: Classic Tales for the Holy Season

Easter Stories is a lovely—and literary—collection of short stories from authors both old and new. *Easter Stories: Classic Tales for the Holy Season. Plough Publishing ...
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*Carved in Ebony by Jasmine Holmes

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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*The Double Dangerous Book for Boys

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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Bible Review: ESV Reformation Study Bible, Student Edition

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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*Tales from Deckawoo Drive Series by Kate DiCamillo

Deckawoo Drive: Home of Mercy Watson and her Neighbors Even though my children are all teenagers now, and long past the chapter book stage, we ...
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*The Swallow’s Flight by Hilary McKay

The Swallow’s Flight gracefully unfolds the lives of two English girls and two German boys against the backdrop of World War II.   *The Swallow’s ...
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*Big Questions Series by Chris Morphew

The Big Questions Series raises—and answers—life's big questions on a level that middle schoolers will understand and appreciate: suffering, life after death, and more. *The ...
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*Little Hearts Prepare Him Room by Holly Mackle

Little Hearts Prepare Him Room by Holly Mackle is a simple Advent devotional with deep theology, suitable for a variety of ages. Little Hearts Prepare ...
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The Expected One and The Risen One by Scott James

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

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 Dawn of Redeeming Grace by Sinclair Ferguson

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

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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*Little Pilgrim’s Progress

The greatest allegory of the Christian life, retold for younger children, is significantly improved with masterful illustrations. Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen Taylor, Illustrated by ...
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Population Picture Books: *If the World Were 100 People and We Are a Garden

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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*Steeped in Stories by Mitali Perkins: a Discussion

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

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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*The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe by Tricia Springstubb

A shy, timid girl learns that "the most perfect thing in the universe" is right under her nose. *The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe ...
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*The Ship of Stolen Words by Fran Wilde

The Ship of Stolen Words is light, enjoyable fantasy anchored by a worthy theme. *The Ship of Stolen Words by Fran Wilde. Abrams, 2021, 386 ...
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*Reading and Talking about Sexuality

*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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*American History by Thomas Kidd

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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*Recovering the Lost Art of Reading by Leland Ryken and Glenda Faye Mathes

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

Authentic characters and classic themes shine in a God-honoring series about Jack, his sister, friendship, and a great clubhouse. Tree Street Kids series by Amanda ...
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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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5 Minutes in Church History and In the Year of Our Lord

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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*Truths We Confess by R. C. Sproul

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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*Surviving Religion 101 by Michael Kruger

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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*Kiyoshi’s Walk by Mark Karlins

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 ...
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*Proverbs For You and Solomon Says: 2 Books for Graduates

Two recent, excellent books on Proverbs offer biblical wisdom and counsel, perfect for new graduates. Note: both of these books target new adults (and up). ...
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*Tell God How You Feel by Christina Fox

Tell God How You Feel equips parents and teachers to help kids with hard emotions from a biblical framework. *Tell God How You Feel: Helping ...
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*Amber & Clay by Laura Amy Schlitz

Amber & Clay is a fascinating immersion into classic Greek civilization, seen through the eyes of two children, Socrates the sage, and a host of ...
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*Go and Do Likewise! by John Hendrix

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

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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*10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin

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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*All He Knew by Helen Frost

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 ...
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Enclave Escape Round-up: YA Fantasy & Dystopia

Two series end and one begins in this round-up from Enclave Publishing, a Christian publishing house. Enclave's mission is "to get Christian speculative fiction directly ...
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Retro Review: *Let Justice Roll Down by John Perkins

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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*Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt

Just Like That, Gary Schmidt's latest book for teens, humorously and poignantly explores love and loss. Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt. Clarion, 2021. ...
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*Catherine’s War by Julia Billet

An excellent new graphic novel translated into English, Catherine's War tells the story of one Jewish girl’s life in occupied France, often through the lens ...
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*Creative God Colorful Us by Trillia Newbell

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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