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The Frances Series by Russell Hoban: Picture Books or Easy Readers?
Does it matter whether your child reads an easy reader adaptation of a picture book rather than the original? Among my family’s top all-time favorite picture books are the stories about Frances, a young badger who is truly childlike in her sensibilities. She and her little sister, Gloria, are loved by their wise and patient… The post The Frances Series by Russell Hoban: Picture Books or Easy Readers? appeared first on Redeemed Reader.
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New Music Friday: A Fresh Spin for Your Eardrums
Got music stuck on repeat since last week, last month, or maybe even since 2005? We get it. That’s exactly why CCM Magazine is here to give your ears a much-needed refresh. This week’s New Music Friday playlist delivers a curated, easily digestible batch of new Christian songs worth your time. The good news? This week is packed with names you already know and love … a couple new voices to make you sound cool to your friends. CeCe Winans – “For Your Glory” We’re starting with the Queen of Christian music herself. CeCe Winans continues a career run that feels somehow stronger with every release. Not that she ever needed a…
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Newbery Roundup #1: The Poetry of Car Mechanics, A Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation, and Outside
Newbery buzz among librarians begins early in the year, and all three of these books have appeared on speculation lists. All are worthy of some attention, but what kind of chance do they have? The Poetry of Car Mechanics by Heidi E. Y. Semple. Wordsong (Astra), May 2025, 248 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages10-12… The post Newbery Roundup #1: The Poetry of Car Mechanics, A Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation, and Outside appeared first on Redeemed Reader.
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A Miracle Happened
This past Sunday was a normal trip home from a soccer event, but I never expected tragedy to hit. Pulling into our driveway, there is a little hill that leads down to our garage. This day, we pulled into the driveway, joyous. Why? Because right before hitting our driveway, we were talking about God’s love. I shared how I recently heard data from a neurologist who said that spending 15 minutes a day thinking about God’s love for us, changes our brain. My whole family liked that idea. My son, since this conversation, has even put that into practice and noted how he felt God’s presence. So, we…
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World War II Close Up: They Battled in Blizzards by Deborah Hopkinson
They Battled in Blizzards introduces middle-graders to the complexity of World War II’s “Battle of the Bulge.” The post World War II Close Up: They Battled in Blizzards by Deborah Hopkinson appeared first on Redeemed Reader.
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Newbery Buzz 2026: The Teacher of Nomad Land by Daniel Nayeri
Hayley and Betsy discuss The Teacher of Nomad Land and evaluate its chances for a Newbery Award. The post Newbery Buzz 2026: The Teacher of Nomad Land by Daniel Nayeri appeared first on Redeemed Reader.
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Newbery Buzz 2026: The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner
The ALA Youth Media announcements are less than two weeks away! Today, Janie and Megan mull what we both consider to be a strong contender. (Read our review of The Trouble with Heroes, and find previous Newbery speculations, along with the actual winners, on our Newbery Buzz Page.) Janie: We’ve reviewed several books by Kate… The post Newbery Buzz 2026: The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner appeared first on Redeemed Reader.
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Jason Gray’s Son Shows Fight: Update on Jacob’s 2nd battle with Cancer
When the Christian music community talks about being family, moments like this reveal what that really means. In 2019, Jason Gray invited fans into one of the most vulnerable chapters of his life when his son Jacob was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Back then, the story ended in celebration. “When he rang the bell at the end of treatment, we believed that chapter of his life was behind him,” Jason wrote. “He said that during the fight he hadn’t had space to think about the future—but now that he was going to live, he was glad to start imagining the rest of his life.” That hope carried Jacob through…
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Angel Studios Surpasses 2 Million Guild Members
Sometimes an industry milestone feels big because of the number attached to it. Other times it feels big because of what it represents. Angel Studios crossing two million Angel Guild members is both, and for those of us who have watched this journey closely, it feels like a genuine moment worth celebrating out loud. According to the old rules this isn’t supposed to happen to a values-driven studio. In less than a year after surpassing one million members in March 2025, Angel Studios doubled its Guild, growing another 25 percent just since the third quarter. What makes this milestone especially meaningful is how Angel has grown. From the beginning, the…
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The Seventh Wish by Kate Reynolds
When a magic fish grants Charlie wishes, she thinks hard about what to wish for; the seventh wish is the most significant… or is it? The post The Seventh Wish by Kate Reynolds appeared first on Redeemed Reader.
