Scythe is the first in a gritty dystopian trilogy about a society in which no one can die… unless a scythe gleans him or her. And scythes have a quota to fill…. Scythe (Arc of a Scythe #1) by Neal Shusterman. Simon & Schuster, 2017 (reprint). 464 pages. Reading Level: Teens, ages 15 and up Recommended For: Teens, ages 15 and up (note considerations) Scythes: The Solution for Human Immortality Citra didn’t see the visitor, as he was, at first, hidden from her view by the door when it opened. What she saw was how her mother stood there, suddenly immobile, as if her veins had solidified within her. As…

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 Linda Barrett Osborne. Abrams, 2023, 240 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-15 This chatty history begins with the jaw-dropping fact that several babies and small children were sent through the mail at the turn of the 20th century. It was cheaper than a train ticket! The post office soon put an end to the practice, or else postal facilities would now include waystation nurseries. There are still plenty of interesting facts to share. “Post Office history is America’s history,” for…

Back Porch Book Chat: A casual, virtual conversation about books. Join us as we chat with book lovers like ourselves about a topic we all love! Our guest today is Elizabeth Farquhar, senior in high school, avid writer, and avowed book lover. She chats with us about reading, writing, and more! Books are linked to RR reviews, where applicable. Interview conducted by Betsy (her proud mom). Note: the links to Crazy Writing Week and the Young Writers Workshop are affiliate links. We are excited to partner with the Young Writers Workshop because we have been so impressed with their resources. If you click through the links and sign up, you’ll…

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 Slade, illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez. Peachtree, 2023. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture book, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 An extraordinary invertebrate like the octopus takes effort to visit if you don’t live close to an aquarium, but there is certainly much to admire. Most of the narrative in this book consists of one word such as “hunting,” “building,” “gliding,” etc., accompanied by dramatic double-page spreads, with further explanation is provided on the opposite page. Read it once with the simple descriptions, then slow down…

Back Porch Book Chat: A casual, virtual conversation about books. Join us as we chat with book lovers like ourselves about a topic we all love! Our guest today is Josiah DeGraaf, director of the Young Writers Workshop. He chats with us about reading, running a writing program, publishing trends and more! Books are linked to RR reviews, where applicable. Those of you with young authors at home will be especially interested in this interview. Interview conducted by Betsy. Note: this interview was first published in our November (2023) Redeemed Reader Quarterly. We are re-publishing it here in honor of a very fun (and free) “Crazy Writing Week” that Josiah…

Evergreen is the story of a fearful young squirrel who learns bravery on her quest to obey her mother and deliver soup to ailing Granny Oak. Evergreen by Matthew Cordell. Feiwel and Friends, 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 Evergreen is a very fearful squirrel. When her mother asks her to take an acorn of healing soup to Granny Oak, Evergreen is dreadfully afraid. But, bolstered by her mother’s confidence, Evergreen dons her red shawl and goes on her way. By facing one threat after another, Evergreen makes her way across Buckthorn Forest. Sometimes her efforts to help others go unappreciated, and other times…

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 by Ginger Howard, illustrated by Larry Day. Millbrook Press, 2001. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture books, Ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 Wouldn’t it make sense to think that a house built in the style of a home in England would work just as well in America? This is a fascinating look at how one family had to adjust their expectations. In 1637, William plans to build a house in New England for his family like the one his father built in England. But over…

A heart-pounding mystery series, with hidden twists and turns at every corner and a powerful message. Note: this is a guest review. See below for more information! Code of Silence Series by Tim Shoemaker. Zonderkidz. Code of Silence: Living a Lie comes with a Price. 2013 (reprint). 348 pages. Back Before Dark: Sometimes Rescuing a Friend From the Darkness Means Going in After Him. 2014 (reprint). 384 pages. Reading Level: Teens, ages 12-15 Recommended For: Ages 12 and up; note considerations below. The Code of Silence series, written by Tim Shoemaker, has been recognized for its suspenseful plots and genuine characters. Shoemaker uses his writing to display the power of truth and love in…

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. Crossway, 2023. 160 pages. Reading Level: Adults, ages 16 and up Recommended For: ages 16 and up When I was a brand new college graduate, I read Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges with a friend. And it transformed my life. Impossible Christianity reminded me of that book, and I have no doubt it will be a breath of fresh air to many Christians who are weighed down by false guilt over unbiblical expectations. DeYoung loves a good subtitle, and this book has a significant one:…