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. Reading Level: Teen, ages 15-18 Recommended for: ages 16-up A family divided Though they are twins, Rudi and Peter Moser-Fleishchman do not resemble each other in appearance or personality. Peter is the golden one, blonde and good-looking and talented, with theater ambitions. Rudi is short, blunt, and earnest, especially regarding the Marxist ideals of East Berlin, where they reside with their parents and paternal grandmother (Oma). Both boys lead their local chapter of the FDJ, or Free German Youth, the Deutschland version of Russia’s Young…

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 Spy of World War II by Sonia Purnell. Viking, 2022, 188 pages plus notes, index, and bibliography. Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 12-18 Virginia Hall knew her own mind from an early age. Unlike most Baltimore belles, she didn’t go in for fancy dresses and finishing school. Her father encouraged her independent spirit, allowing her to study abroad and eventually seek a diplomatic career. The early death of her father and the reluctance of the state department to appoint female diplomats didn’t…

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 E. F. Barone.  Henry Holt, 2022, 239 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-15 If you know anything about World War II, you’ve heard of “Enigma,” the code system that helped Nazi forces, particularly U-Boats, wreak havoc among the Allies until its secrets were finally unlocked. Unbreakable fleshes out the mystery of Enigma with interesting personalities and little-known facts. I didn’t know, for instance, that Enigma was developed by the Germans an entire decade before the war began. Or that Polish…

Two Old Women, a legend from Alaska, reminds us to persevere and to seek the good of those around us. Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival by Velma Wallis. Harper Perennial, 2013 (reprint). Reading Level: Teens, ages 12 and up Recommended for: Ages 12 and up Ch’idzigyaak sat quietly as if trying to make up her confused mind. A small feeling of hope sparked in the blackness of her being as she listened to her friend’s strong words. She felt the cold stinging her cheeks where her tears had fallen, and she listened to the silence that The People had left behind…. Finally, more in…

Editor’s Note: We assume that most Redeemed Reader readers love books, and love to give them. But you may wonder, how can I choose for a particular child? and will this particular gift be appreciated? Gladys Hunt offers thoughts and reassurances. Give a Book!  and Giving Books (Published on the Tumblon website December 16 and 23, 2008) We are nearing the “gifting season” of the year. Remember books make the very best and most lasting presents. Suggest titles to grandparents, aunts and others who will be giving to your children. If you want your child to collect the best library make the effort to give others suggested titles. Store clerks…

What makes good gifts for book lovers besides more books (and infinite bookshelf space)? Here are some lovely things we’ve recently discovered that would be perfect to wrap in brown paper and tie up with string. Gifts that support small, independent businesses I have my preferred office store pens, but which writing instrument will I always pick up first? My fountain pen, of course. I’ve used a basic Pilot Metropolitan for a while, but recently enjoyed the privilege of trying a Lamy pen from Goldspot. If you’re looking at print magazine subscriptions, we certainly recommend the Redeemed Reader Quarterly. Gifts from Amazon Retro vintage tin signs of book covers make…

What makes good gifts for book lovers besides more books (and infinite bookshelf space)? Here are some lovely things we’ve recently discovered that would be perfect to wrap in brown paper and tie up with string. Gifts that support small, independent businesses If you have a soft spot in your heart for books, Oxford, or London, and have ever wondered what would happen if Reepicheep wandered into our world…these notecards, ornaments, and prints are just for you. The notecards would make a lovely framed trio! Here is a really lovely magazine for girls ages 8-12 filled with creative ideas, fiction and nonfiction, helpful tips, and warmhearted girlishness. A quality product.…