What do you think?
Rate this book
The Redeemed Reader: Cultivating a Child's Discernment and Imagination Through Truth and Story
A book, too, can be a star, a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe.
—Madeleine L'EngleGod loves stories. We understand the world and ourselves in light of His great story. And humans reflect Him in their love to tell and immerse themselves in story. But not all stories are equal—or even good.Good books awaken us to truth, warn us from falsehood, and provide unforgettable examples. They open our hearts to beauty and wonder. They shape us. In The Redeemed Reader, parents and educators find encouragement and guidance to raise readers who can engage both heart and mind with books and the culture surrounding them.This book offers insight into how to build discernment in children
and
provides practical tips, examples, and booklists for their literary journey. Passionate about shepherding imaginations and young hearts, the authors read ahead so that you can confidently choose books for your children.Readers will discover a deeper understanding of how the gospel shines into children’s books and practical guidance for applying these principles. If you want the imaginations of your children to be formed by what is good and true, The Redeemed Reader will equip you—parents, librarians, and educators—to navigate literary culture in a fallen world and to nurture thoughtful readers.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2025
40 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 1, 2025
This is a modern day continuation of Honey for a Child's Heart. I love books about books and this one is very ambitious in its scope. I so much appreciate the thoughtfulness and grace behind this book. I also appreciate that this book highlights so many modern authors and books and helps one navigate all the different genres with discernment but giving freedom depending on personal circumstances. Above all this book gives you the tools to make your own judgements about the books you will read and will give children you love to read.
November 9, 2025
Phenomenal book on reading that while primarily aimed toward the parents of reading children, is truly valuable for any readers themselves. In an age where books (in particular kid lit) can stir up a lot of controversy in Christian circles, I deeply appreciate the authors' approach that holds biblical orthodoxy in the one hand with gentle nuance and wisdom in the other. It's rare for both qualities to be displayed so well when discussing a variety of topics like this book does. But that's exactly what this book delivers.
August 28, 2025
As a long time fan of Redeemed Reader, I was not surprised that this first time book by the authors again shone their skill as book reviewers of children’s literature. But Janie, Betsy, Hayley and Megan are more than that! Here the authors gave balanced insight across many subjects related to cultivating wholesome reading. They not only met the secondary title of “Cultivating a Child’s Discernment and Imagination Through Truth and Story” but also cultivated the discernment of this grandmother for her personal reading and what she shares with her family.
Dividing the book into 27 chapters, the authors cover a broad selection of topics. This allows adults to access this resource for specific topics in manageable chunks. I appreciate the discernment expressed in chapters about diversity and historical racism. And the chapters on poetry and classics personally challenged this adult to expand her reading diet.
Speaking of reading diet (dear grandson), I could relate to the comment about third graders only wanting to read graphic novels. I value the discernment that they can expose readers to great works of literature and be invitations to the originals. I realized that as an older adult, I was lacking in knowledge of the plot lines of great works from the likes of Shakespeare and Greek myths. I have added some graphic novel adaptations to my library list to remedy that lack and point me to the originals.
While I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher (and was not required to write a positive review), I whole heartedly give this book 5 stars. Reading a pdf copy had its merits to be able to read the book before publication, but I now excitedly wait for the book being released on September 2! I look forward to highlighting my personal copy and stocking up on copies for Christmas gifts. (Spoiler alert to my family and friends :) The book also comes with lists of starred books with a link to their website to read the reviews with just a couple clicks. Happy reading!
Dividing the book into 27 chapters, the authors cover a broad selection of topics. This allows adults to access this resource for specific topics in manageable chunks. I appreciate the discernment expressed in chapters about diversity and historical racism. And the chapters on poetry and classics personally challenged this adult to expand her reading diet.
Speaking of reading diet (dear grandson), I could relate to the comment about third graders only wanting to read graphic novels. I value the discernment that they can expose readers to great works of literature and be invitations to the originals. I realized that as an older adult, I was lacking in knowledge of the plot lines of great works from the likes of Shakespeare and Greek myths. I have added some graphic novel adaptations to my library list to remedy that lack and point me to the originals.
While I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher (and was not required to write a positive review), I whole heartedly give this book 5 stars. Reading a pdf copy had its merits to be able to read the book before publication, but I now excitedly wait for the book being released on September 2! I look forward to highlighting my personal copy and stocking up on copies for Christmas gifts. (Spoiler alert to my family and friends :) The book also comes with lists of starred books with a link to their website to read the reviews with just a couple clicks. Happy reading!
November 10, 2025
If you've ever been discouraged at troublesome content sneaking into books published for children, The Redeemed Reader is for you.
I loved it, and here’s why:
1. The booklists. Not only is there a mini list at the end of each chapter, but there is also a much larger list at the end of the book. These are enough reason to buy the book!
2. Scope. This is maybe the most comprehensive book I’ve read of its kind. So many facets to consider in what books we offer to our kids.
3. Biblical worldview. It isn’t necessary to agree on every single point presented here to appreciate the authors’ desire in wanting to shepherd young readers toward what is good, true, and beautiful.
For fans of the Read-Aloud Family, The Magic Hour, and Honey for a Child's Heart!
The Redeemed Reader is worth having on your shelf and I highly recommend it.
Many thanks to Moody Publishers for a complimentary review copy. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I loved it, and here’s why:
1. The booklists. Not only is there a mini list at the end of each chapter, but there is also a much larger list at the end of the book. These are enough reason to buy the book!
2. Scope. This is maybe the most comprehensive book I’ve read of its kind. So many facets to consider in what books we offer to our kids.
3. Biblical worldview. It isn’t necessary to agree on every single point presented here to appreciate the authors’ desire in wanting to shepherd young readers toward what is good, true, and beautiful.
For fans of the Read-Aloud Family, The Magic Hour, and Honey for a Child's Heart!
The Redeemed Reader is worth having on your shelf and I highly recommend it.
Many thanks to Moody Publishers for a complimentary review copy. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
August 11, 2025
This book is so much more than lists of quality 21st century children's literature. It contains plenty of those, but it starts by laying a foundation: what we are looking for in literature is God’s Truth wrapped in a quality Story. A solid biblical worldview informs every chapter of the book, yet the constant refrain is that we need to understand and engage our culture. Rather than censoring books, we teach our kids discernment. Rather than substituting titles, we expand our reading repertoire. Of course not all books are worth reading or appropriate for every child! The Redeemed Reader provides thoughtful questions to ask yourself as you consider what books to put before your kids, whether you're considering classics, contemporary novels, Bible retellings, or a whole slew of different genres. You'll want to watch for historical racism, misplaced nostalgia, unbiblical environmentalism, and dark topics that may be too much for your child to handle. Through it all the authors encourage you to discuss the issues with your children and teens. They also delve into the topic of loving your neighbour, including authors (Christian and secular), libraries, and the world. I can't recommend this resource highly enough.
August 28, 2025
In a world that inundates us with advice, every parent needs a curated list of trusted advisors and resources. In our home, one of those trusted sources is The Redeemed Reader, a website for Christian parents and educators that offers thoughtful book reviews as well as topical book lists, cultural reflections, and more. I regularly check The Redeemed Reader’s reviews before selecting books for my kids, and I’m always interested in the commentary and insights that come to my inbox via Redeemed Reader’s weekly newsletter. When the folks at Redeemed Reader announced that they were writing a book, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it, and I was thrilled to be welcomed on as an early reader for the book’s launch team. I gladly accepted a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review; that can get a little dicey since y’all KNOW I don’t hold back on my bookish opinions. I needn’t have worried; my already-high expectations were blown out of the water with this gem of a book.
This book was clearly written by a team who knows both their subject and their audience: THE REDEEMED READER explores an extensive range of questions, concerns, and topics related to children’s literature, referencing specific books (and thereby building parents’ TBRs!) for every idea and illustration. This is a book by and for Christian readers, and the message permeating each chapter is that God loves stories; that we as humans understand ourselves and the world in light of His great story; and that stories we read can awaken us to truth, wonder, and beauty—IF we are looking in the right books!
In Part One, the authors establish a framework upon which the remaining chapters rest. We examine the concepts of Truth and Story and how BOTH factor into the books that we (and our children) read; here, we see that “discerning appreciation of literature, from picture books to lengthy classics, comes from learning to recognize these elements and how they resonate.” I appreciated this balanced approach that takes both morality AND quality storytelling into consideration when seeking out good books for our kids. As we get further into Part One, we look at how to cultivate delight and discernment, which are our two primary goals as we shepherd young imaginations. And we end with an exploration of the ways that literature can help young readers understand the ideas of original sin and divine redemption that are foreign to most Americans.
Part Two of THE REDEEMED READER is all about practical application, with deep dives into how to read the Classics (including several pitfalls that can be associated with classic literature, such as misplaced nostalgia or assuming they are “safe” simply because they’re older books [guilty!]) and how to approach contemporary novels (with chapters offering a thoughtful, nuanced approach to hot-button issues such as representation, diversity, and environmentalism). We then get chapters dedicated to readers of all ages, stages, and interests; in these sections, the authors address the questions and concerns that many parents might have as they relate to each genre (particularly those that are harder to navigate, like Middle Grade Humor and YA Romance). Finally, we step back a bit to look at how we as Christians can reflect the light of Christ in our interactions with the bookish community (authors, librarians, etc.), our navigation of books that speak to current events, and even our approach to the curation of our home libraries.
One of my favorite features of this book is the micro booklists at the end of each chapter, as well as the final extended list of starred reviews that the R. R. team considers “library builders” in their respective categories. And the best part is that every title referenced in this book has been reviewed on The Redeemed Reader website; in fact, the book guides readers to a landing page with a full list of linked reviews. This list alone is worth the price of the book!
So much of parenting can be overwhelming, and that even includes the parts that we find great delight in, such as books! THE REDEEMED READER offers a sense of relief, and it doesn’t just help Christian parents with knowing WHAT to read (though it does do that!); it shows us how to read, how to pick the best books, and how to navigate books that are problematic but not irredeemable. THE REDEEMED READER will challenge your thinking, open your eyes to new ways of approaching books, and empower you to be a thoughtful book shepherd for your children (and maybe even yourself). And while I’ve read a number of books about children’s literature, this one stands apart thanks to its distinct Christian worldview, its practical guide to several timely issues, its inclusion of classic AND contemporary titles, and its nuanced approach to complex topics that few other books of this type have addressed. THE REDEEMED READER is a resource that deserves a place on the shelf of every Christian parent and educator, and it’s a book I know I will be turning to again and again as I continue navigate the literary landscape alongside my kids.
This book was clearly written by a team who knows both their subject and their audience: THE REDEEMED READER explores an extensive range of questions, concerns, and topics related to children’s literature, referencing specific books (and thereby building parents’ TBRs!) for every idea and illustration. This is a book by and for Christian readers, and the message permeating each chapter is that God loves stories; that we as humans understand ourselves and the world in light of His great story; and that stories we read can awaken us to truth, wonder, and beauty—IF we are looking in the right books!
In Part One, the authors establish a framework upon which the remaining chapters rest. We examine the concepts of Truth and Story and how BOTH factor into the books that we (and our children) read; here, we see that “discerning appreciation of literature, from picture books to lengthy classics, comes from learning to recognize these elements and how they resonate.” I appreciated this balanced approach that takes both morality AND quality storytelling into consideration when seeking out good books for our kids. As we get further into Part One, we look at how to cultivate delight and discernment, which are our two primary goals as we shepherd young imaginations. And we end with an exploration of the ways that literature can help young readers understand the ideas of original sin and divine redemption that are foreign to most Americans.
Part Two of THE REDEEMED READER is all about practical application, with deep dives into how to read the Classics (including several pitfalls that can be associated with classic literature, such as misplaced nostalgia or assuming they are “safe” simply because they’re older books [guilty!]) and how to approach contemporary novels (with chapters offering a thoughtful, nuanced approach to hot-button issues such as representation, diversity, and environmentalism). We then get chapters dedicated to readers of all ages, stages, and interests; in these sections, the authors address the questions and concerns that many parents might have as they relate to each genre (particularly those that are harder to navigate, like Middle Grade Humor and YA Romance). Finally, we step back a bit to look at how we as Christians can reflect the light of Christ in our interactions with the bookish community (authors, librarians, etc.), our navigation of books that speak to current events, and even our approach to the curation of our home libraries.
One of my favorite features of this book is the micro booklists at the end of each chapter, as well as the final extended list of starred reviews that the R. R. team considers “library builders” in their respective categories. And the best part is that every title referenced in this book has been reviewed on The Redeemed Reader website; in fact, the book guides readers to a landing page with a full list of linked reviews. This list alone is worth the price of the book!
So much of parenting can be overwhelming, and that even includes the parts that we find great delight in, such as books! THE REDEEMED READER offers a sense of relief, and it doesn’t just help Christian parents with knowing WHAT to read (though it does do that!); it shows us how to read, how to pick the best books, and how to navigate books that are problematic but not irredeemable. THE REDEEMED READER will challenge your thinking, open your eyes to new ways of approaching books, and empower you to be a thoughtful book shepherd for your children (and maybe even yourself). And while I’ve read a number of books about children’s literature, this one stands apart thanks to its distinct Christian worldview, its practical guide to several timely issues, its inclusion of classic AND contemporary titles, and its nuanced approach to complex topics that few other books of this type have addressed. THE REDEEMED READER is a resource that deserves a place on the shelf of every Christian parent and educator, and it’s a book I know I will be turning to again and again as I continue navigate the literary landscape alongside my kids.
Read
April 10, 2025I've read it twice already this year! Can't wait to read the next iteration 😉
August 29, 2025
As a homeschooling mom and lifelong reader, it has been my job over the past ten years to teach my children to read and then to teach them to love to read. Why? Because reading matters – humans learn best through story, and stories open us up to experiences that we have never and perhaps will never have.
Redeemed Reader’s website and newsletter has been a favorite in our house for years in my husband and my quest to fill our children’s time with not just books, but good books, and so when I heard they were coming out with a book, I knew I had to have it. When the opportunity arose to be an *early* reader I knew that was the job for me! (So for you legal types, I was given a complimentary ARC from the publisher, but I was not required to write a positive review.)
This book is geared towards Christians, and those with a Christian worldview who want to teach the children in their lives to be discerning readers, not just junk readers. It was packed to the brim with helpful information on how to create delight about reading and how to lead in discernment in reading. There were many practical tips, such as “As young children begin with soft food and finger foods, we begin with easier texts that are approachable to children, and we read aloud the harder texts until our children can read them on their own.” I highlighted nuggets like that one on almost every page.
There were, of course, wonderfully curated book lists, because how could Redeemed Reader not include lists, but what I also loved was that they included references books on each topic for adults, so that you were prepared to be able to dig in to any topic on which you needed to hear more.
I appreciated their willingness to dive into difficult topics, such as how to handle racism in old literature, what to do when I disagree with a book, or how and why to find diversity in books. These are important things to consider deeply and reading those chapters was akin to having a great discussion with good friends who are willing to get messy to talk about truth.
I also really enjoyed the last third of the book, where they dug into a variety of genres and why they are important – which will really help in my quest to convince my husband that there are more good genres outside of sci-fi.
For all of my friends that have heard me wax on about reading aloud and teaching Truth through story, this is the book I will point you to from now on so that you never have to listen to me about that again! (OK, I will probably talk about it again. :-P)
Redeemed Reader’s website and newsletter has been a favorite in our house for years in my husband and my quest to fill our children’s time with not just books, but good books, and so when I heard they were coming out with a book, I knew I had to have it. When the opportunity arose to be an *early* reader I knew that was the job for me! (So for you legal types, I was given a complimentary ARC from the publisher, but I was not required to write a positive review.)
This book is geared towards Christians, and those with a Christian worldview who want to teach the children in their lives to be discerning readers, not just junk readers. It was packed to the brim with helpful information on how to create delight about reading and how to lead in discernment in reading. There were many practical tips, such as “As young children begin with soft food and finger foods, we begin with easier texts that are approachable to children, and we read aloud the harder texts until our children can read them on their own.” I highlighted nuggets like that one on almost every page.
There were, of course, wonderfully curated book lists, because how could Redeemed Reader not include lists, but what I also loved was that they included references books on each topic for adults, so that you were prepared to be able to dig in to any topic on which you needed to hear more.
I appreciated their willingness to dive into difficult topics, such as how to handle racism in old literature, what to do when I disagree with a book, or how and why to find diversity in books. These are important things to consider deeply and reading those chapters was akin to having a great discussion with good friends who are willing to get messy to talk about truth.
I also really enjoyed the last third of the book, where they dug into a variety of genres and why they are important – which will really help in my quest to convince my husband that there are more good genres outside of sci-fi.
For all of my friends that have heard me wax on about reading aloud and teaching Truth through story, this is the book I will point you to from now on so that you never have to listen to me about that again! (OK, I will probably talk about it again. :-P)
August 20, 2025
Thank you so very much to Redeemed Reader for the ARC of their wonderful new book! It has been such a delight and truly helpful read. Even though August is such a busy month preparing for the new school year, reading this book came at a perfect time. I have been regularly referencing Redeemed Reader's book reviews for the last several years now, and it has been a much trusted guide as I find new books for our school's library collection. I have so appreciated their guidance and recommendations, and especially their mission to help believers learn to read with discernment. I am so thankful their reviews don't tell me what to think: they present the book's content and thoughtful comments on how to engage as believers with the material. They ultimately leave it up to the parents/educator's discretion, and this book did a fantastic job explaining how to do this in more depth, as well as how to help children become discerning readers and seekers of Truth. They gave specific examples for how to evaluate and interact with various genres and subject matters, ultimately deriving from Truth and Story. Thank you so much Redeemed Reader! I am SO excited to continue using this book as a resource at our school, and to recommend it to parents!
August 25, 2025
Rounded up from 4.5 stars.
Add The Redeemed Reader to your school supply list this autumn.
This helpful resource is a collaborative effort by the book reviewers at RedeemedReader.com, published by Moody Publishers. Janie Cheaney, Betsy Farquhar, Hayley Morell, and Megan Saben consider the practice of reading from every possible angle. Their goal is to help guide parents as they read with their children.
“What do these young souls need from us, the shepherds of their imaginations? They need Truth and Story, recognizing that Truth is always measured against God and His Word, not our own understanding. Story is that nearly undefinable quality of artistic excellence, particularly as it hearkens back to the Story of Christ rescuing His bride,” the authors write.
But just as you wouldn’t purchase a ruler to do what a calculator might for math class, don’t expect The Redeemed Reader to practice discernment for you.....
The rest of this review will be available at StoryWarren.com in the next week or so.
I received an ARC of this book and was not required to write a positive review.
Add The Redeemed Reader to your school supply list this autumn.
This helpful resource is a collaborative effort by the book reviewers at RedeemedReader.com, published by Moody Publishers. Janie Cheaney, Betsy Farquhar, Hayley Morell, and Megan Saben consider the practice of reading from every possible angle. Their goal is to help guide parents as they read with their children.
“What do these young souls need from us, the shepherds of their imaginations? They need Truth and Story, recognizing that Truth is always measured against God and His Word, not our own understanding. Story is that nearly undefinable quality of artistic excellence, particularly as it hearkens back to the Story of Christ rescuing His bride,” the authors write.
But just as you wouldn’t purchase a ruler to do what a calculator might for math class, don’t expect The Redeemed Reader to practice discernment for you.....
The rest of this review will be available at StoryWarren.com in the next week or so.
I received an ARC of this book and was not required to write a positive review.
September 28, 2025
I have come to appreciate the Redeemed Reader website especially as my kids have gotten old enough that I cannot pre-read everything before they do. I was so excited about the release of the book! I appreciate how the authors make me think about even topics where we do disagree, and I love the book lists. I will refer to this book regularly for book recommendations. It is definitely a different approach than the Read Aloud Handbook or the Read Aloud Family, the authors have a lot of ideas to share about reading as a Christian in contemporary America that are outside the scope of these popular reading-about-reading books.
August 15, 2025
The Redeemed Reader blog is my first stop for book recommendations or reviews, and I've been looking forward to this book. Of course, the book lists are what I looked at first, (so many new titles to find at my library!) but The Redeemed Reader is so much more than book lists. From a thoughtful look at how Truth and Story together create great books, to considering how to deal with historical racism and "messy" books, there is so much to learn and discuss. I especially enjoyed the chapters on loving my library and curating my personal library. This is a book I will dip into again and again.
I received an ARC, all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC, all opinions are my own.
November 12, 2025
4.5-partly biased review as I’ve followed their blog for years and find it so valuable in what’s out there for children’s literature. They’re all about “reading ahead” for us and when people ask where I hear about certain books it probably came from them.
I don’t agree with everything they preach here but I did feel like I took a mini children’s lit course. Lots of good info and I can’t wait to get the physical copy from the library to look up all the books they mentioned.
I don’t agree with everything they preach here but I did feel like I took a mini children’s lit course. Lots of good info and I can’t wait to get the physical copy from the library to look up all the books they mentioned.
August 29, 2025
I don’t remember when I first stumbled across redeemedreader.com, but for over a decade that website has influenced which children’s books have made their way into our home and the hearts of our family more than any other resource. When I was growing up, my book-loving mom owned and regularly referred to Gladys Hunt’s "Honey for a Child’s Heart." Now I have a book too: "The Redeemed Reader: Cultivating a Child’s Discernment and Imagination Through Truth and Story."
"The Redeemed Reader" is written by four Christian women who love books and children for Christian parents and educators who also love books and children…and who want the children they love to love books too. In Part One the authors explain the criteria they use to evaluate children’s literature: Truth and Story. As they define it, Truth merits a capital T when it aligns with the wisdom of the Bible, and Story merits a capital S when it contains elements that God uses in His grand narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. How does one discern which books contain Truth and/or Story? That’s what the rest of the book is about.
After laying their foundation, the authors offer advice on cultivating discernment and delight and discuss reading levels and genres. These initial chapters are sprinkled with snippets of wisdom. “Be wary of historical fiction that puts twenty-first-century attitudes in the minds of historical characters,” they write. “Feminism has a way of sneaking into otherwise realistic narratives, sometimes to ridiculous lengths.” In another section they maintain, “The Bible is our first resort, always, for ‘teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness’ (2 Tim. 3:16‒17). But literature that truthfully reflects life as it’s lived in the world can be a useful secondary resource—even if we’re a little uncomfortable with the content. [Books] that don’t necessarily fall in line with Christian teaching can still be worth reading and talking about if they realistically reflect the world—especially the power and effects of sin. That’s why we call them ‘discussion starters.’”
One might expect a book about books to elevate reading to a place of supreme importance. Not this book. These women are passionate but refreshingly balanced: “Reading is only a tool; it should never be an idol. Our ultimate priority is to know the Lord and nurture our children to do so likewise, not to read all the right books.” Later they reiterate, “The Bible is the only required read.”
In “Part Two: Raising Readers” the authors begin by discussing the classics. They note misplaced nostalgia—the old days were not always better—and rightfully assert that one must also read older titles with discernment. Another chapter is dedicated to three heavyweights in English literature—the KJV Bible, Shakespeare, and Pilgrim’s Progress—and their retellings. One of my favorite chapters in the book asks, “Are graphic novels literature?” To that question the authors give an enthusiastic but qualified yes. They write, “Graphic art should be understood as its own medium, not a dumbed-down version of literature.” Why? A good graphic novel is able to show, not tell. They admit that some graphic novel adaptations lose the literary value of the originals but also comment: “Graphic novel adaptations of "Watership Down" or "Beowulf" could spark an interest that will lead to more reading. Even if it doesn’t, your reader now has a deeper knowledge and appreciation of a work of literature. That is no small thing!” It isn’t! After reading this chapter, I went to our local library and checked out graphic novel adaptations not only of "Watership Down" and "Beowulf" but also "Macbeth" and "The Illiad," and those stories dominated our dinner conversation the following day!
I appreciate the perspective of the authors regarding historical racism in children’s books. Instead of substituting classic books that contain racist elements, the authors recommend introducing children to books from a variety of time periods and traditions. And what’s to be done with “messy books,” that is, books that grapple with sin—either the sins of a character or sin in general? “The question we must ask ourselves is not ‘Does this book have X kind of content?’…The real question is ‘Why is this particular content in this book?’” After all, as they acknowledge, the Bible itself is a rather messy book.
I found the discussion of environmentalism in children’s literature very thoughtful. The authors defined environmentalism as “the misguided idea that the environment ought to take precedence over human needs and wants,” and maintained a Biblical position with regard to the creation: “It is not our calling to redeem all of nature, and to presume we ought to, or even could do so, would be folly and a waste of invaluable time and energy. Instead, we seek to be faithful in our calling as stewards, not saviors of the earth.” While the authors approached diversity and identity and representation carefully, I found the chapters on those subjects less thoughtful. In our self-absorbed society, far too much is made of representation in literature. I’m a middle-aged wife and mom who’s connected with a myriad of literary characters—from hobbits to orphans to queens—not because they represent me but because I’m able to relate to them, even though at face value we have little in common. And when it comes to so-called “banned” books, I would have liked to have had it noted that “banned” is an inflated term. There are and were countries in which it is or was illegal to own certain books. In the United States today, a book may be challenged and deemed inappropriate for a school library shelf, but in almost every instance a disgruntled parent or student could visit their local bookstore or shop online and have that title in his or her hands in a matter of days. If a book was truly banned that would not be the case.
Chapter 15, “The Emerging Reader,” contained this valuable instruction: “It’s worth helping your children pick their book friends the same way they pick their real-life friends. If there are traits in book friends that you wouldn’t want in real-life friends, it’s time to break off the relationship and find better friends.” Chapter 16, “Just for Laughs,” contains brief overviews of three series I’ve never read—Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Captain Underpants, and Dog Man. Chapter 17, “Delight and Wisdom: The Joy of Poetry,” includes this delightful remark: “Think of poetry like cinnamon: no one wants to eat cinnamon plain, but no one wants to eat pumpkin bread, apple pie, or a cinnamon roll without it!” Chapter 19, “The Horns of Elfland,” cautions: “Most children’s fantasy does not portray necromancy as a good thing. However, as we are discussing magic in stories, it is worth noting this is an issue in children’s nonfiction. We have noticed a growing collection of supernatural ’nonfiction’ targeting young readers.” And I very much appreciated the vision for Christian romance presented in Chapter 20: “It is all right to love happily ever afters, but let’s not forget that our ‘ever after’ will not occur on this side of eternity, no matter how much romance we experience.”
In the final chapters the authors encourage their readers to love the authors of the books they read and to love their local libraries. And what about the library within one’s home? There’s a chapter devoted to managing and curating one’s home library too, and once again, the authors’ perspective is Biblical and reasonable: “The goal of managing a home library is to bless your family and friends and to encourage them to explore and use it. The purpose is not to have title you could possibly ever want, not to have book always readily available, but simply to be able to find it.”
Here’s a quote from Chapter 15, “The Emerging Reader,” that triggered a bit of nostalgia in my own heart: “The best easy readers will become part of your family culture, just like favorite board books and picture books because they’ll be cherished and quoted from now on.” Our family’s days of board books, picture books, and easy readers is largely past. But thanks in large part to redeemedreader.com, those days were filled with books that we will always cherish and still quote. Now "The Redeemed Reader" book has even better equipped me to judge books objectively. I also trust that the its lengthy booklists will prove priceless in directing my children and teens to chapter books that will also become part of our family culture. Thanks, Janie, Betsy, Hayley, and Megan! Your book is not only an invaluable guide for parents and educators seeking to shepherd children’s imaginations, it’s also a pleasure to read. It had me at the “In which we are introduced” of “The Chapter Before the First” and at every quotation that preceded each chapter thereafter. I read it with my library holds account, Amazon cart, and Christmas gift idea list all open, and I know I will refer to it—and recommend it—regularly in the years to come.
"The Redeemed Reader" is written by four Christian women who love books and children for Christian parents and educators who also love books and children…and who want the children they love to love books too. In Part One the authors explain the criteria they use to evaluate children’s literature: Truth and Story. As they define it, Truth merits a capital T when it aligns with the wisdom of the Bible, and Story merits a capital S when it contains elements that God uses in His grand narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. How does one discern which books contain Truth and/or Story? That’s what the rest of the book is about.
After laying their foundation, the authors offer advice on cultivating discernment and delight and discuss reading levels and genres. These initial chapters are sprinkled with snippets of wisdom. “Be wary of historical fiction that puts twenty-first-century attitudes in the minds of historical characters,” they write. “Feminism has a way of sneaking into otherwise realistic narratives, sometimes to ridiculous lengths.” In another section they maintain, “The Bible is our first resort, always, for ‘teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness’ (2 Tim. 3:16‒17). But literature that truthfully reflects life as it’s lived in the world can be a useful secondary resource—even if we’re a little uncomfortable with the content. [Books] that don’t necessarily fall in line with Christian teaching can still be worth reading and talking about if they realistically reflect the world—especially the power and effects of sin. That’s why we call them ‘discussion starters.’”
One might expect a book about books to elevate reading to a place of supreme importance. Not this book. These women are passionate but refreshingly balanced: “Reading is only a tool; it should never be an idol. Our ultimate priority is to know the Lord and nurture our children to do so likewise, not to read all the right books.” Later they reiterate, “The Bible is the only required read.”
In “Part Two: Raising Readers” the authors begin by discussing the classics. They note misplaced nostalgia—the old days were not always better—and rightfully assert that one must also read older titles with discernment. Another chapter is dedicated to three heavyweights in English literature—the KJV Bible, Shakespeare, and Pilgrim’s Progress—and their retellings. One of my favorite chapters in the book asks, “Are graphic novels literature?” To that question the authors give an enthusiastic but qualified yes. They write, “Graphic art should be understood as its own medium, not a dumbed-down version of literature.” Why? A good graphic novel is able to show, not tell. They admit that some graphic novel adaptations lose the literary value of the originals but also comment: “Graphic novel adaptations of "Watership Down" or "Beowulf" could spark an interest that will lead to more reading. Even if it doesn’t, your reader now has a deeper knowledge and appreciation of a work of literature. That is no small thing!” It isn’t! After reading this chapter, I went to our local library and checked out graphic novel adaptations not only of "Watership Down" and "Beowulf" but also "Macbeth" and "The Illiad," and those stories dominated our dinner conversation the following day!
I appreciate the perspective of the authors regarding historical racism in children’s books. Instead of substituting classic books that contain racist elements, the authors recommend introducing children to books from a variety of time periods and traditions. And what’s to be done with “messy books,” that is, books that grapple with sin—either the sins of a character or sin in general? “The question we must ask ourselves is not ‘Does this book have X kind of content?’…The real question is ‘Why is this particular content in this book?’” After all, as they acknowledge, the Bible itself is a rather messy book.
I found the discussion of environmentalism in children’s literature very thoughtful. The authors defined environmentalism as “the misguided idea that the environment ought to take precedence over human needs and wants,” and maintained a Biblical position with regard to the creation: “It is not our calling to redeem all of nature, and to presume we ought to, or even could do so, would be folly and a waste of invaluable time and energy. Instead, we seek to be faithful in our calling as stewards, not saviors of the earth.” While the authors approached diversity and identity and representation carefully, I found the chapters on those subjects less thoughtful. In our self-absorbed society, far too much is made of representation in literature. I’m a middle-aged wife and mom who’s connected with a myriad of literary characters—from hobbits to orphans to queens—not because they represent me but because I’m able to relate to them, even though at face value we have little in common. And when it comes to so-called “banned” books, I would have liked to have had it noted that “banned” is an inflated term. There are and were countries in which it is or was illegal to own certain books. In the United States today, a book may be challenged and deemed inappropriate for a school library shelf, but in almost every instance a disgruntled parent or student could visit their local bookstore or shop online and have that title in his or her hands in a matter of days. If a book was truly banned that would not be the case.
Chapter 15, “The Emerging Reader,” contained this valuable instruction: “It’s worth helping your children pick their book friends the same way they pick their real-life friends. If there are traits in book friends that you wouldn’t want in real-life friends, it’s time to break off the relationship and find better friends.” Chapter 16, “Just for Laughs,” contains brief overviews of three series I’ve never read—Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Captain Underpants, and Dog Man. Chapter 17, “Delight and Wisdom: The Joy of Poetry,” includes this delightful remark: “Think of poetry like cinnamon: no one wants to eat cinnamon plain, but no one wants to eat pumpkin bread, apple pie, or a cinnamon roll without it!” Chapter 19, “The Horns of Elfland,” cautions: “Most children’s fantasy does not portray necromancy as a good thing. However, as we are discussing magic in stories, it is worth noting this is an issue in children’s nonfiction. We have noticed a growing collection of supernatural ’nonfiction’ targeting young readers.” And I very much appreciated the vision for Christian romance presented in Chapter 20: “It is all right to love happily ever afters, but let’s not forget that our ‘ever after’ will not occur on this side of eternity, no matter how much romance we experience.”
In the final chapters the authors encourage their readers to love the authors of the books they read and to love their local libraries. And what about the library within one’s home? There’s a chapter devoted to managing and curating one’s home library too, and once again, the authors’ perspective is Biblical and reasonable: “The goal of managing a home library is to bless your family and friends and to encourage them to explore and use it. The purpose is not to have title you could possibly ever want, not to have book always readily available, but simply to be able to find it.”
Here’s a quote from Chapter 15, “The Emerging Reader,” that triggered a bit of nostalgia in my own heart: “The best easy readers will become part of your family culture, just like favorite board books and picture books because they’ll be cherished and quoted from now on.” Our family’s days of board books, picture books, and easy readers is largely past. But thanks in large part to redeemedreader.com, those days were filled with books that we will always cherish and still quote. Now "The Redeemed Reader" book has even better equipped me to judge books objectively. I also trust that the its lengthy booklists will prove priceless in directing my children and teens to chapter books that will also become part of our family culture. Thanks, Janie, Betsy, Hayley, and Megan! Your book is not only an invaluable guide for parents and educators seeking to shepherd children’s imaginations, it’s also a pleasure to read. It had me at the “In which we are introduced” of “The Chapter Before the First” and at every quotation that preceded each chapter thereafter. I read it with my library holds account, Amazon cart, and Christmas gift idea list all open, and I know I will refer to it—and recommend it—regularly in the years to come.
August 25, 2025
This book is a cup of tea, meant to be sipped slowly, relished with delight, and one flavored with so many tantalizing aromas that it will immediately become your best friend in whom you can share the delights of children’s literature, find new cozy reads, and analyze, evaluate, and discuss new literary finds across a spectrum of juvenile focused texts.
I loved this book as it was like meeting an old friend I hadn’t seen in a while, one who puts into words those exact thoughts I had on the exact subjects. I started reading, and I started sharing what I was reading before I was barely through Chapter 1. Kudos to three well-read ladies who say it with grace and wit. “Reading levels are bunk”.
'Redeemed Reader: Cultivating a Child’s Discernment and Imagination Through Truth and Story' is not meant to be read all at once, and don’t skip the introduction, there are so many rich anecdotes found in introductions, and this book is no exception.
'Redeemed Reader' is, “…a place for Christians to engage with culture through children’s books.” Though the quote below is taken from their website and quoted in their book it is the main crux of their book.
“At Redeemed Reader, we want to shape redeemed readers who engage both mind and heart in dialogue with the culture around them. Humans are story-loving and storytelling; that’s the way God made us. He Himself is a storyteller (and we may infer, a story-lover); why else would He create a universe as a stage and a tumultuous cast of varied and prolific, plot-making and plot-reacting characters called humanity? But every story has a shape and a theme, and as we grow, we need to learn to recognize what a story is trying to tell us.5”
I wish more Christian College Children’s Literature courses were engaged around this idea of Story and Truth. Mine certainly was not and I did not have a real grasp of the way Story and Truth interact in literature. I knew it was there, but not how to truly find it and pull it out, or even how to share it except through rich children’s literature I had read as a child.
I have raised two passionate readers and have five more rising on the steps their siblings raised. 'Redeemed Reader' shares chapters on different genres, and what to watch for, appreciate, and also discuss at each literary stage. Each child reads differently, at different speeds and even picks up reading at different ages, but if we keep sharing a love of books, and by books, good books that promote Story and Truth, then with the Lord’s help they will come to naturally pick up and enjoy books that share those same ideas. This is true in my home, even my husband and I gravitate towards different genres within children’s literature and learned to read at different ages.
What are TRUTH and STORY and what do they play in reading literature? Those of us who are avid Charlotte Mason educators know all about ‘Twaddle’ in children’s literature, and the Redeemed Reader team also talks about the spin offs, trite tales, and highly moralistic reads with no story. “Story at its core, reflects the experience of the human condition, while Truth within the story points to God’s ultimate reality…Sometimes it is hard to separate Stories from Truth because the Story narrative can be exceptionally well-told. Even when the conclusion is flawed, we can still delight in the craftsmanship.”
While reviewing 'Redeemed Reader', I did find that it was helpful to read either one of the post-chapter book recommendations while reading that specific chapter or even reading just a piece of literature and then make the connections between both Truth and Story, and the relating chapter questions. I used 'Frontier Wolf' by Rosemary Sutcliff, an author who has been one of my teatime friends since my early teen years, but I digress. I keep a Reading Journal, so I put my thoughts on Truth and Story found in Frontier Wolf in the reflections and quote sections. Books should not just be read and nothing within the pages thought about after the closing of the covers, but should be books that when the pages close, we sigh, because we are parted from a new best friend, and who would want to hear about what we loved and lost between the pages of those classic, picturesque, or modern tomes? 'Redeemed Reader' has a passion for sharing good books full of Truth and Story, both within these pages and on their website as well, with the next generation of readers, so that we don’t end up as a society who completely live on simple reads, and overly agenda(ized) kids lit.
What I loved most about this book was that it is like an addendum to the classic 'Honey for a Child’s Heart' by Gladys Hunt, it fills in all the information for why we read books, why we gravitate towards 'lists', and what happens if we like Pilgrim take the greener or wider ‘literary’ paths, will those books truly fulfill our longings, or just leave us empty and emphatic towards anything related to books? 'Redeemed Reader' also lays out excellent questions when talking about discernment in books, especially as our children get older and start branching out on their own. Will they be able to recognize Truth and Story, or the lack of it, and can they lay books down or never pick some up, even if peer pressure and society say, ‘read on’? Thank you, ladies, for this timely resource, and for allowing me to review before the masses converge upon it. We should have tea again.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I wrote a review based on my personal thoughts after reading 'Redeemed Reader'.
I loved this book as it was like meeting an old friend I hadn’t seen in a while, one who puts into words those exact thoughts I had on the exact subjects. I started reading, and I started sharing what I was reading before I was barely through Chapter 1. Kudos to three well-read ladies who say it with grace and wit. “Reading levels are bunk”.
'Redeemed Reader: Cultivating a Child’s Discernment and Imagination Through Truth and Story' is not meant to be read all at once, and don’t skip the introduction, there are so many rich anecdotes found in introductions, and this book is no exception.
'Redeemed Reader' is, “…a place for Christians to engage with culture through children’s books.” Though the quote below is taken from their website and quoted in their book it is the main crux of their book.
“At Redeemed Reader, we want to shape redeemed readers who engage both mind and heart in dialogue with the culture around them. Humans are story-loving and storytelling; that’s the way God made us. He Himself is a storyteller (and we may infer, a story-lover); why else would He create a universe as a stage and a tumultuous cast of varied and prolific, plot-making and plot-reacting characters called humanity? But every story has a shape and a theme, and as we grow, we need to learn to recognize what a story is trying to tell us.5”
I wish more Christian College Children’s Literature courses were engaged around this idea of Story and Truth. Mine certainly was not and I did not have a real grasp of the way Story and Truth interact in literature. I knew it was there, but not how to truly find it and pull it out, or even how to share it except through rich children’s literature I had read as a child.
I have raised two passionate readers and have five more rising on the steps their siblings raised. 'Redeemed Reader' shares chapters on different genres, and what to watch for, appreciate, and also discuss at each literary stage. Each child reads differently, at different speeds and even picks up reading at different ages, but if we keep sharing a love of books, and by books, good books that promote Story and Truth, then with the Lord’s help they will come to naturally pick up and enjoy books that share those same ideas. This is true in my home, even my husband and I gravitate towards different genres within children’s literature and learned to read at different ages.
What are TRUTH and STORY and what do they play in reading literature? Those of us who are avid Charlotte Mason educators know all about ‘Twaddle’ in children’s literature, and the Redeemed Reader team also talks about the spin offs, trite tales, and highly moralistic reads with no story. “Story at its core, reflects the experience of the human condition, while Truth within the story points to God’s ultimate reality…Sometimes it is hard to separate Stories from Truth because the Story narrative can be exceptionally well-told. Even when the conclusion is flawed, we can still delight in the craftsmanship.”
While reviewing 'Redeemed Reader', I did find that it was helpful to read either one of the post-chapter book recommendations while reading that specific chapter or even reading just a piece of literature and then make the connections between both Truth and Story, and the relating chapter questions. I used 'Frontier Wolf' by Rosemary Sutcliff, an author who has been one of my teatime friends since my early teen years, but I digress. I keep a Reading Journal, so I put my thoughts on Truth and Story found in Frontier Wolf in the reflections and quote sections. Books should not just be read and nothing within the pages thought about after the closing of the covers, but should be books that when the pages close, we sigh, because we are parted from a new best friend, and who would want to hear about what we loved and lost between the pages of those classic, picturesque, or modern tomes? 'Redeemed Reader' has a passion for sharing good books full of Truth and Story, both within these pages and on their website as well, with the next generation of readers, so that we don’t end up as a society who completely live on simple reads, and overly agenda(ized) kids lit.
What I loved most about this book was that it is like an addendum to the classic 'Honey for a Child’s Heart' by Gladys Hunt, it fills in all the information for why we read books, why we gravitate towards 'lists', and what happens if we like Pilgrim take the greener or wider ‘literary’ paths, will those books truly fulfill our longings, or just leave us empty and emphatic towards anything related to books? 'Redeemed Reader' also lays out excellent questions when talking about discernment in books, especially as our children get older and start branching out on their own. Will they be able to recognize Truth and Story, or the lack of it, and can they lay books down or never pick some up, even if peer pressure and society say, ‘read on’? Thank you, ladies, for this timely resource, and for allowing me to review before the masses converge upon it. We should have tea again.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I wrote a review based on my personal thoughts after reading 'Redeemed Reader'.
September 4, 2025
There are so many different things vying and appealing for the attention of us and our children these days. Quietly books stand among them waiting to be grabbed, but even a cursory glance will reveal that there is a plethora of literature at our fingertips, and such a finite amount of time. How does one distinguish between what is True and what is twaddle, what is good and what is garbage, what is beautiful and what is merely babble? And how do we lovingly point our family, our friends, and our neighbors to the same when there are so many other distracting titles on the shelves?
Enter The Redeemed Reader. I discovered the book review website of these lovely ladies several years ago when I could no longer keep up with my voraciously reading son. He had started a series that had been recommended by a relative, and was halfway through when he told me I just had to read it. Alarm bells were ringing as I read the first book; I ended up setting it down unfinished, and began sleuthing for more details, not only about the series, but on a reliable and current source that could fill in where Honey for a Child's Heart ended. Their website became a trusted resource, and I was overjoyed when I heard they would now have something tangible that I could hold in my hands without reverting to a screen.
From the beginning I was captivated. The authors begin by explaining the necessity of finding books that weave Truth (God’s wisdom) and Story (the biblical narrative plot sequence) into their plot while being watchful for counterfeits. Next they delve into the misdirected reading levels while offering a holistic alternative, before they go chapter by chapter showing the redeeming value as well as words of warning for multiple genres ranging from poetry to dystopia. The importance and ways of engaging with culture while discerning the message of the book is skillfully woven through the book. They don't shy away from tougher issues. I have to admit that I was humbled to rethink my caustic view of some genres (eg- school boy humor, to which I hear enough WITHOUT literary encouragement). Within each chapter, there are not only questions to ask yourself, but discussion starters to help start and strengthen open communication with your child AND further/recommended reading at the end of each chapter. I’ve already taken notes, tabbed areas where I want to return, and have even created my list from books they mentioned throughout, though there is the continual reminder that only ONE Book is truly needed to be read. This book is easily one where you can flip to the pertinent chapter that meets your current needs, though I read it front to back, and it still flowed smoothly. And the end! Multiple pages of recommended books. Oh the joy of my heart!
My favorite chapters were the bookends of this book. The reminder of how the best stories are woven with the eternal Truths and the glorious Story of our God are foundational. At the end they point out how we can not only love our home and local library (directing us to resources to help our books from becoming too “well-loved”), but engage with our neighbors and our world through the literature of the messy issues we read, and the simplifying of our own home libraries… yes. They even went there. I was humbled to realize that I need to C.U.R.A.T.E. my own library, even as we are called to allow the Master Librarian to curate our lives.
I could not have been more grateful with this book, and the sage wisdom offered within. It is the counsel offered by a mentor while smelling the spiced aroma of a cup of tea by the warm fire. It is the encouragement to remember the children we are called to shepherd as you watch them joyfully play outside. It is the gentle rebuke of a dear friend that is pointing out your book idolatry. It is the blessing of a few women who saw their calling to help us navigate this earthly literary world and the culture around us while keeping our eyes fixed on heaven and the Author of our story.
Though this book was given to me free in advance in exchange for an honest review, I would have purchased it otherwise, and plan to do so for family and friends even as I have often directed many to their website.
Enter The Redeemed Reader. I discovered the book review website of these lovely ladies several years ago when I could no longer keep up with my voraciously reading son. He had started a series that had been recommended by a relative, and was halfway through when he told me I just had to read it. Alarm bells were ringing as I read the first book; I ended up setting it down unfinished, and began sleuthing for more details, not only about the series, but on a reliable and current source that could fill in where Honey for a Child's Heart ended. Their website became a trusted resource, and I was overjoyed when I heard they would now have something tangible that I could hold in my hands without reverting to a screen.
From the beginning I was captivated. The authors begin by explaining the necessity of finding books that weave Truth (God’s wisdom) and Story (the biblical narrative plot sequence) into their plot while being watchful for counterfeits. Next they delve into the misdirected reading levels while offering a holistic alternative, before they go chapter by chapter showing the redeeming value as well as words of warning for multiple genres ranging from poetry to dystopia. The importance and ways of engaging with culture while discerning the message of the book is skillfully woven through the book. They don't shy away from tougher issues. I have to admit that I was humbled to rethink my caustic view of some genres (eg- school boy humor, to which I hear enough WITHOUT literary encouragement). Within each chapter, there are not only questions to ask yourself, but discussion starters to help start and strengthen open communication with your child AND further/recommended reading at the end of each chapter. I’ve already taken notes, tabbed areas where I want to return, and have even created my list from books they mentioned throughout, though there is the continual reminder that only ONE Book is truly needed to be read. This book is easily one where you can flip to the pertinent chapter that meets your current needs, though I read it front to back, and it still flowed smoothly. And the end! Multiple pages of recommended books. Oh the joy of my heart!
My favorite chapters were the bookends of this book. The reminder of how the best stories are woven with the eternal Truths and the glorious Story of our God are foundational. At the end they point out how we can not only love our home and local library (directing us to resources to help our books from becoming too “well-loved”), but engage with our neighbors and our world through the literature of the messy issues we read, and the simplifying of our own home libraries… yes. They even went there. I was humbled to realize that I need to C.U.R.A.T.E. my own library, even as we are called to allow the Master Librarian to curate our lives.
I could not have been more grateful with this book, and the sage wisdom offered within. It is the counsel offered by a mentor while smelling the spiced aroma of a cup of tea by the warm fire. It is the encouragement to remember the children we are called to shepherd as you watch them joyfully play outside. It is the gentle rebuke of a dear friend that is pointing out your book idolatry. It is the blessing of a few women who saw their calling to help us navigate this earthly literary world and the culture around us while keeping our eyes fixed on heaven and the Author of our story.
Though this book was given to me free in advance in exchange for an honest review, I would have purchased it otherwise, and plan to do so for family and friends even as I have often directed many to their website.
September 1, 2025
The ladies at Redeemed Reader have produced the ultimate guide for parents, teachers, librarians, and anyone who loves children’s literature and its importance in the lives of young readers. This book is one I’ve dreamed should be available one day, covering all the nuances of literature for children, as well as opening the door for how to address the touchy subjects in books your child might want to read, or that they encounter in “required” reading.
Each chapter of The Redeemed Reader addresses unique topics regarding literature, beginning by explaining the importance of “Story” with a capital S, (reflecting the experience of the human condition), vs “story”––lowercase “s”––as well as “Truth” (pointing to God’s ultimate reality) vs “truth” (“trite-but-harmless books . . . that don’t leave a lasting impression on the audience” is one way lowercase “t” stories can be described.) “Story is the winsome vessel of Truth,” quotes the authors. This becomes a tender issue for all young readers, as it permeates book genres throughout time and place: history, fiction, fantasy, and so on. What makes Story so compelling? What part does Truth play, vs truth (small “t”)? This book covers that basic construct in an easy-to-comprehend manner, and the reader will come away with more understanding of how to evaluate the good, the bad, and the questionable in literature, and especially to recognize the value of Truth and the quality of the Story that conveys it, and why these books are the ones that last in our minds and hearts.
The Redeemed Reader is a guide to understanding and gauging content (as opposed to outright censorship), giving parents the skills and encouragement to come alongside their young readers and help them engage their culture through the stories in their hands. The book does not hold back on discussing hard topics, with chapters such as, “Worldview and Discernment in Literature,” “The Risks and Rewards of Reading the Classics,” “Graphic Novels: Are They Literature?,” “‘Savages’ and ‘Slaves’: Historical Racism in Children’s Books,” and “‘Messy Books’: What Do We Do with Them?” I was pleased to find that just about any topic of discussion regarding children’s literature is addressed in this book, and I cannot say enough about its usefulness, no matter on what side of the “censorship” aisle a person may stand.
A quality reference, this resource is for those who want to get a feel for how books can be carefully reviewed and curated, without surprises, giving parents and caregivers a “known path,” rocks and all, from which to select and use books. God bless the Redeemed Reader crew, who are reading ahead for those who don’t have time to check out the myriads of books available. This book also provides short booklists representative of each chapter’s topic, plus 19 pages of lists of what the authors have deemed “library builders” in multiple categories, basically the best of the thousands of books the Redeemed Reader staff have reviewed over 14 years. The booklists alone, which focus on materials published in the 21st Century, make this a great contemporary reference for the bookshelves of adults who are attentive and involved in children’s reading lives. Additionally, at the website of Redeemed Reader (redeemedreader.com) the authors are constantly updating lists as they review the latest in children’s books and make recommendations.
I received an Advance Reader’s Copy for my review of The Redeemed Reader and was not required to give a positive review, but I was thrilled to participate in an early read of what I knew would be a delightful text for grasping the ins and outs of evaluating children’s, middle grade, and young adult literature, especially because I believe reading can compel our understanding of God, culture, sin, hardships, goodness, truth, and beauty. Frankly, I came away feeling like this book could easily be used as an academic resource, though this is not a tome needing a “slog through”; it’s more of an educational and extremely helpful feast through topics of interest for anyone who has a heart for children’s literature and what makes quality stories so vital to the human spirit.
Each chapter of The Redeemed Reader addresses unique topics regarding literature, beginning by explaining the importance of “Story” with a capital S, (reflecting the experience of the human condition), vs “story”––lowercase “s”––as well as “Truth” (pointing to God’s ultimate reality) vs “truth” (“trite-but-harmless books . . . that don’t leave a lasting impression on the audience” is one way lowercase “t” stories can be described.) “Story is the winsome vessel of Truth,” quotes the authors. This becomes a tender issue for all young readers, as it permeates book genres throughout time and place: history, fiction, fantasy, and so on. What makes Story so compelling? What part does Truth play, vs truth (small “t”)? This book covers that basic construct in an easy-to-comprehend manner, and the reader will come away with more understanding of how to evaluate the good, the bad, and the questionable in literature, and especially to recognize the value of Truth and the quality of the Story that conveys it, and why these books are the ones that last in our minds and hearts.
The Redeemed Reader is a guide to understanding and gauging content (as opposed to outright censorship), giving parents the skills and encouragement to come alongside their young readers and help them engage their culture through the stories in their hands. The book does not hold back on discussing hard topics, with chapters such as, “Worldview and Discernment in Literature,” “The Risks and Rewards of Reading the Classics,” “Graphic Novels: Are They Literature?,” “‘Savages’ and ‘Slaves’: Historical Racism in Children’s Books,” and “‘Messy Books’: What Do We Do with Them?” I was pleased to find that just about any topic of discussion regarding children’s literature is addressed in this book, and I cannot say enough about its usefulness, no matter on what side of the “censorship” aisle a person may stand.
A quality reference, this resource is for those who want to get a feel for how books can be carefully reviewed and curated, without surprises, giving parents and caregivers a “known path,” rocks and all, from which to select and use books. God bless the Redeemed Reader crew, who are reading ahead for those who don’t have time to check out the myriads of books available. This book also provides short booklists representative of each chapter’s topic, plus 19 pages of lists of what the authors have deemed “library builders” in multiple categories, basically the best of the thousands of books the Redeemed Reader staff have reviewed over 14 years. The booklists alone, which focus on materials published in the 21st Century, make this a great contemporary reference for the bookshelves of adults who are attentive and involved in children’s reading lives. Additionally, at the website of Redeemed Reader (redeemedreader.com) the authors are constantly updating lists as they review the latest in children’s books and make recommendations.
I received an Advance Reader’s Copy for my review of The Redeemed Reader and was not required to give a positive review, but I was thrilled to participate in an early read of what I knew would be a delightful text for grasping the ins and outs of evaluating children’s, middle grade, and young adult literature, especially because I believe reading can compel our understanding of God, culture, sin, hardships, goodness, truth, and beauty. Frankly, I came away feeling like this book could easily be used as an academic resource, though this is not a tome needing a “slog through”; it’s more of an educational and extremely helpful feast through topics of interest for anyone who has a heart for children’s literature and what makes quality stories so vital to the human spirit.
September 11, 2025
First of all, I don't exactly fit the intended audience of this book. However, a lot of my homeschooling friends do, and besides that I still use and recommend the Redeemed Reader website a lot. That's why I decided to subscribe to be a proofreader for this book, and the team send me an ARC.
I really appreciate this book in many ways. It has extensive booklists and a lot of food for thought. I distance myself from most, if not all, of the ideology* that comes with the worldview of the writers, but despite that still got quite a lot out of it.
What I think is very valuable, is the fact that the Redeemed Reader team does not shy away from 'messy' subjects, but give parents a heads up about them. (This is why I love to read their reviews, so I know what we are up for and whether I think my child (or me!) is ready for that or not.) They don't tell parents to let their children only read books that align with their own worldview (or worse, that preaches said worldview. In fact, they warn parents to be very careful with books that are written to 'preach'.). On the contrary, they view books as a good way to help children navigate the world they are in. They advocate for using them as conversation starters, which I can only applaud. I have seen with my own children 0f all ages, that this is exactly the way to create critical thinkers and connect together. We might differ on what kind of things we view as problematic or not, or what makes someone a critical thinker, and yes, sometimes I strongly disagree with their opinions. But that is exactly the idea, right? :) From chapter 7: "Discernment, not comfort, is the goal." From chapter 4: "The purpose of fiction... is not to provide correct answers to life's problems, but to raise appropriate questions."
Some thoughts taken from my notes:
About the YA genre, and their usually heavy themes (amongst them often abuse, suïcide etc.). This really reflects my own experience with this genre when I was a teenager.
"The evil, the false and the ugly are possible to bear only if one knows something of the true, the good and the beautiful." (Chapter 13)
I loved chapter 7 on graphic novels, especially since one of my children can't read because of severe developmental delays. I want him to enjoy books, too, and am so happy to see writers confirm the benefits of this specific genre, that a lot of 'real readers' might look down upon. They have a lot of recommendations, too!
There is quite a lot written on old books and their merit, as well as their problems. Another thing I don't often hear Christians talking about. The idea that old books are automatically okay because they are written from a Christian worldview and/ or don't deal with modern 'problems', is just wrong, and I am so glad they mention this! There is often a lot of racism and other problems in these books, because of the writers' backgrounds and limited views. The authors of the Redeemed Reader handle that, as expected, with grace. They do take a firm stance against these sentiments, but also give context. "There is no leisure for thinking outside the box, when all you can do is survive inside the box" (chapter 8) is a quote I'll definitely use when talking about Ma Ingalls view on 'Indians', just to name one.
Chapter 3, on literary genres, gave me new ideas for worlds to explore. I realized that, though I am an avid reader myself, I often tend to stick to a couple of genres, and as a result, so do my children. I am encouraged to try new things! "Literary genres are as rich and varied as life itself. Try to encourage a variety of reading matter while the children are still young, and it will serve them well throughout life."
All in all, this book is definitely worth the read for Christian parents, and probably also for people who don't mind reading through some stuff they don't agree with. (See notes at the end of this review.)
Thank you, Janie & team, for writing this resource that will hopefully fill a lot of young people's lifes and bookshelves with a varied feast!
*Two quotes that show the kind of ideology that is (quite) problematic for me, in case people didn't get the idea from other reviews. It's worth to note that this is the theme throughout the book, not just a couple of thoughts here and there. It might need a trigger warning for some.
"God's Word is the only inspired, infallible text, and, as such, is the only required reading."
"The human condition includes our depravity, our hopelessness without Christ, our need for redemption..." etc.
I really appreciate this book in many ways. It has extensive booklists and a lot of food for thought. I distance myself from most, if not all, of the ideology* that comes with the worldview of the writers, but despite that still got quite a lot out of it.
What I think is very valuable, is the fact that the Redeemed Reader team does not shy away from 'messy' subjects, but give parents a heads up about them. (This is why I love to read their reviews, so I know what we are up for and whether I think my child (or me!) is ready for that or not.) They don't tell parents to let their children only read books that align with their own worldview (or worse, that preaches said worldview. In fact, they warn parents to be very careful with books that are written to 'preach'.). On the contrary, they view books as a good way to help children navigate the world they are in. They advocate for using them as conversation starters, which I can only applaud. I have seen with my own children 0f all ages, that this is exactly the way to create critical thinkers and connect together. We might differ on what kind of things we view as problematic or not, or what makes someone a critical thinker, and yes, sometimes I strongly disagree with their opinions. But that is exactly the idea, right? :) From chapter 7: "Discernment, not comfort, is the goal." From chapter 4: "The purpose of fiction... is not to provide correct answers to life's problems, but to raise appropriate questions."
Some thoughts taken from my notes:
About the YA genre, and their usually heavy themes (amongst them often abuse, suïcide etc.). This really reflects my own experience with this genre when I was a teenager.
"The evil, the false and the ugly are possible to bear only if one knows something of the true, the good and the beautiful." (Chapter 13)
I loved chapter 7 on graphic novels, especially since one of my children can't read because of severe developmental delays. I want him to enjoy books, too, and am so happy to see writers confirm the benefits of this specific genre, that a lot of 'real readers' might look down upon. They have a lot of recommendations, too!
There is quite a lot written on old books and their merit, as well as their problems. Another thing I don't often hear Christians talking about. The idea that old books are automatically okay because they are written from a Christian worldview and/ or don't deal with modern 'problems', is just wrong, and I am so glad they mention this! There is often a lot of racism and other problems in these books, because of the writers' backgrounds and limited views. The authors of the Redeemed Reader handle that, as expected, with grace. They do take a firm stance against these sentiments, but also give context. "There is no leisure for thinking outside the box, when all you can do is survive inside the box" (chapter 8) is a quote I'll definitely use when talking about Ma Ingalls view on 'Indians', just to name one.
Chapter 3, on literary genres, gave me new ideas for worlds to explore. I realized that, though I am an avid reader myself, I often tend to stick to a couple of genres, and as a result, so do my children. I am encouraged to try new things! "Literary genres are as rich and varied as life itself. Try to encourage a variety of reading matter while the children are still young, and it will serve them well throughout life."
All in all, this book is definitely worth the read for Christian parents, and probably also for people who don't mind reading through some stuff they don't agree with. (See notes at the end of this review.)
Thank you, Janie & team, for writing this resource that will hopefully fill a lot of young people's lifes and bookshelves with a varied feast!
*Two quotes that show the kind of ideology that is (quite) problematic for me, in case people didn't get the idea from other reviews. It's worth to note that this is the theme throughout the book, not just a couple of thoughts here and there. It might need a trigger warning for some.
"God's Word is the only inspired, infallible text, and, as such, is the only required reading."
"The human condition includes our depravity, our hopelessness without Christ, our need for redemption..." etc.
September 2, 2025
The Redeemed Reader is a hugely inspiring and practical resource for learning to nurture children's discernment and delight in books. It covers an impressive amount of ground, and while I would love to see another book by these authors on any one of the individual areas discussed, the thorough exploration of the children's book world and the thoughtfully curated booklists offer a solid starting place for encountering all kinds of books as a family.
In the first few chapters, these four authors lay a strong foundation of appreciation for Truth and Story in the best books, as well as how to discuss the worldview a book comes from and how to engage healthily with books that have their issues (like every book written by a fallen human) or even books that lack redeeming qualities. They share a wonderful big-picture vision where old, new, easy, difficult, overtly Christian, and secular books all fit together to shape our children into deep thinkers and lovers of truth and goodness. The only required book is the Bible... but countless other books are worthy of a place in a child's healthy reading diet, and the provided booklists are a good place to start.
The remaining chapters apply those principles to numerous areas in the book world, with just a few topics being the dangerous side of classics, historical racism, environmentalism, picture books, poetry, fantasy, romance, Bibles and devotionals, and taking care of your home library. These chapters bring a nuanced analysis of what various corners of the book world currently look like from a Christian worldview, along with wise practical recommendations for approaching them and finding good books. (The one thing I would have liked to see more of was insight on mythology/fairytales/folktales, especially since there was a chapter on introducing kids to other foundational stories in our culture like those of Shakespeare and Bunyan, but other resources out there can introduce families to those.)
Overall, I couldn't recommend this book more highly for parents eager to guide their children in discovering the world around them through books, but uncertain where to start. It's insightful, relevant (as in clearly written for the time we're living in right now), and motivating. It's a unique book that many, many 21st century families need.
I was honored to receive a complimentary ARC from the publisher. I was not required to leave a positive review.
In the first few chapters, these four authors lay a strong foundation of appreciation for Truth and Story in the best books, as well as how to discuss the worldview a book comes from and how to engage healthily with books that have their issues (like every book written by a fallen human) or even books that lack redeeming qualities. They share a wonderful big-picture vision where old, new, easy, difficult, overtly Christian, and secular books all fit together to shape our children into deep thinkers and lovers of truth and goodness. The only required book is the Bible... but countless other books are worthy of a place in a child's healthy reading diet, and the provided booklists are a good place to start.
The remaining chapters apply those principles to numerous areas in the book world, with just a few topics being the dangerous side of classics, historical racism, environmentalism, picture books, poetry, fantasy, romance, Bibles and devotionals, and taking care of your home library. These chapters bring a nuanced analysis of what various corners of the book world currently look like from a Christian worldview, along with wise practical recommendations for approaching them and finding good books. (The one thing I would have liked to see more of was insight on mythology/fairytales/folktales, especially since there was a chapter on introducing kids to other foundational stories in our culture like those of Shakespeare and Bunyan, but other resources out there can introduce families to those.)
Overall, I couldn't recommend this book more highly for parents eager to guide their children in discovering the world around them through books, but uncertain where to start. It's insightful, relevant (as in clearly written for the time we're living in right now), and motivating. It's a unique book that many, many 21st century families need.
I was honored to receive a complimentary ARC from the publisher. I was not required to leave a positive review.
September 2, 2025
I have a handful of favorite books-about-books for children, and this one earned a place on the shelf both for its modern book suggestions and its encouragement to engage purposefully and joyfully on my own and with children about a wide variety of topics and genres. I would have loved to have this book for reference in my earlier parenting and homeschooling years but am thankful it can help infuse my current journey with plenty of suggested titles and ideas to ponder and discuss.
Inside this book, I found an engaging invitation to apply solid, biblical understanding to using and appreciating a variety of books. I love the pervasive emphasis on choosing books that respect the child and shine a light on common grace. The chapter on Messy Books and the content about many messy topics running throughout the book equip me to deal more confidently with (rather than avoid) some of the issues we face today. I appreciate the authors’ acknowledgment that readers will need to listen to the Holy Spirit as they make their own choices about when and if books are appropriate for their children. The book made me rethink a dislike for graphic novels and select a few titles to try this year.
The book moves along at a good pace. Each chapter has thoughtful questions for consideration and discusses books and topics in a way that can help when talking with children. The authors don’t try to tackle every current issue, but each issue covered provides an excellent pattern of thinking which can be applied to other (not-covered) topics. The book’s excellent organization makes it simple to regularly return for a quick reference to guide discussions with children on a variety of topics, for abundant book suggestions (really just the tip of the iceberg, since the Redeemed Reader website is brimming with more thoughtful suggestions and reviews), for homeschool planning, and for gift ideas for readers of all types.
I was pleasantly surprised by the simple but effective suggestions in the chapter about organizing the home library. It made me realize I’ve done a better job than I had thought of curating and arranging the books on my shelves; it also motivated me to be more purposeful in labeling the contents of stored book boxes and helped me consider how to cull books without guilt. Even though I received a complimentary ARC, I was not required to write a positive review.
Inside this book, I found an engaging invitation to apply solid, biblical understanding to using and appreciating a variety of books. I love the pervasive emphasis on choosing books that respect the child and shine a light on common grace. The chapter on Messy Books and the content about many messy topics running throughout the book equip me to deal more confidently with (rather than avoid) some of the issues we face today. I appreciate the authors’ acknowledgment that readers will need to listen to the Holy Spirit as they make their own choices about when and if books are appropriate for their children. The book made me rethink a dislike for graphic novels and select a few titles to try this year.
The book moves along at a good pace. Each chapter has thoughtful questions for consideration and discusses books and topics in a way that can help when talking with children. The authors don’t try to tackle every current issue, but each issue covered provides an excellent pattern of thinking which can be applied to other (not-covered) topics. The book’s excellent organization makes it simple to regularly return for a quick reference to guide discussions with children on a variety of topics, for abundant book suggestions (really just the tip of the iceberg, since the Redeemed Reader website is brimming with more thoughtful suggestions and reviews), for homeschool planning, and for gift ideas for readers of all types.
I was pleasantly surprised by the simple but effective suggestions in the chapter about organizing the home library. It made me realize I’ve done a better job than I had thought of curating and arranging the books on my shelves; it also motivated me to be more purposeful in labeling the contents of stored book boxes and helped me consider how to cull books without guilt. Even though I received a complimentary ARC, I was not required to write a positive review.
September 1, 2025
This book is a needed addition to the genre of 'books about books' that Christian parents and educators will find particularly helpful. It is distinctly Christian; the authors do a wonderful job of drawing readers back to the first and most important Story and to the ultimate source of Truth. Their main concern is in guiding parents, educators, and other adults as they seek to make children and young people into Kingdom disciples who are equipped to be salt and light. That sometimes means engaging wisely, in an age-appropriate way, with unbiblical worldviews and "messy" books. This book walks readers through many sets of questions and considerations as they seek to shepherd the hearts and minds of the children in their care and to raise discerning readers.
As a librarian, I love books about books, and this book adds a number of things to the discussion that I have not seen before. First, the ladies at Redeemed Reader are focused on new books released in the current century. Their many book lists offer a number of titles that you won’t find in other books. They also caution wisely that just because a book is old doesn’t mean you can automatically give it a “pass.” Older books need discernment just as much as newer books.
Some other worthy topics addressed in this book:
- How to evaluate if a retelling of a classic work is worthy of introducing to young audiences
- How to evaluate if a graphic novel version is right for you
- Considerations/questions to ask if you want to ban or ask a teacher/school/library to remove or relocate a troubling book
- How to approach a variety of genres with children, including historical fiction, poetry, science fiction, fantasy, and romance, along with age-appropriate guidelines and book recommendations
This book offers a number of other topics, including how to evaluate children’s Bibles and even how to cultivate and organize a home library. It is a very thorough treatment of the place of books in the life of the Christian family and will be a valuable resource for anyone who strives to make young disciples who love God and their neighbors.
* I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher; I was not required to write a positive review.
As a librarian, I love books about books, and this book adds a number of things to the discussion that I have not seen before. First, the ladies at Redeemed Reader are focused on new books released in the current century. Their many book lists offer a number of titles that you won’t find in other books. They also caution wisely that just because a book is old doesn’t mean you can automatically give it a “pass.” Older books need discernment just as much as newer books.
Some other worthy topics addressed in this book:
- How to evaluate if a retelling of a classic work is worthy of introducing to young audiences
- How to evaluate if a graphic novel version is right for you
- Considerations/questions to ask if you want to ban or ask a teacher/school/library to remove or relocate a troubling book
- How to approach a variety of genres with children, including historical fiction, poetry, science fiction, fantasy, and romance, along with age-appropriate guidelines and book recommendations
This book offers a number of other topics, including how to evaluate children’s Bibles and even how to cultivate and organize a home library. It is a very thorough treatment of the place of books in the life of the Christian family and will be a valuable resource for anyone who strives to make young disciples who love God and their neighbors.
* I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher; I was not required to write a positive review.
September 5, 2025
Redeemed Reader’s website has long been my most trusted resource for its thoughtful, balanced reviews of children’s books from a Christian perspective. This book is simply expanding on that important work. More than just a collection of book lists (though there are plenty in here, trust me!), The Redeemed Reader offers a simple and practical approach for parents, educators, and librarians to evaluate the books that they encounter with their children.
In Part I of the book, we are introduced to the idea of “Truth” and “Story,” the two elements that the Redeemed Reader team considers when evaluating any book. This is the foundation on which the rest of the book is built. The best books not only reflect Truth that is consistent with Scripture, but they do so in a way that is well crafted and satisfying. But even if a book lacks Truth, “we can still delight in the craftsmanship” (p. 23) of a story well written—and a book with a non-Christian worldview may nevertheless be well worth reading. What we need are tools for discernment. The remainder of the book sets out to equip us with those tools.
Part II is a practical guide on how to look for Truth and Story in any book we encounter. The authors do not shy away from difficult books—there’s a whole chapter devoted to “messy” books, as well as chapters on environmentalism, identity, diversity, and dark themes in YA fiction. I appreciate the Redeemed Reader team’s balanced approach to such topics. Each of these chapters includes helpful discussion questions, as well as resources for further reading, which parents and educators will find extremely valuable. As a parent, I am grateful for the way that the discussion starters have helped me to refine the questions I’m asking, making think even more deeply and specifically about what really makes a good book. I feel more equipped to guide my children as they learn to evaluate what they read for themselves.
Other popular books have been written on this subject. (Honey for a Child’s Heart, The Read-Aloud Family, and Wild Things and Castles in the Sky are all great resources.) But one of the things sets The Redeemed Reader apart from these is its inclusion of two critical chapters: “Who Is My Neighbor? Loving Authors” and “Finding Book People: Loving Your Library.” In a cultural climate of cancelation and book bans, where many families have grown increasingly wary of public libraries, the temptation to avoid them can be strong. The Redeemed Reader team offers a down to earth and practical approach for engaging wisely and meaningfully with authors and librarians. Authors of messy books are human. Our librarians are human. Instead of avoiding what we don’t want to see and here, the Redeemed Reader team encourages parents and educators to lean in with grace, encouraging any good that we see. These chapters will equip and embolden readers to love their authors and libraries well.
All in all, I highly recommend The Redeemed Reader. It is a valuable resource that I know I’ll be returning to again and again.
[I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review.]
In Part I of the book, we are introduced to the idea of “Truth” and “Story,” the two elements that the Redeemed Reader team considers when evaluating any book. This is the foundation on which the rest of the book is built. The best books not only reflect Truth that is consistent with Scripture, but they do so in a way that is well crafted and satisfying. But even if a book lacks Truth, “we can still delight in the craftsmanship” (p. 23) of a story well written—and a book with a non-Christian worldview may nevertheless be well worth reading. What we need are tools for discernment. The remainder of the book sets out to equip us with those tools.
Part II is a practical guide on how to look for Truth and Story in any book we encounter. The authors do not shy away from difficult books—there’s a whole chapter devoted to “messy” books, as well as chapters on environmentalism, identity, diversity, and dark themes in YA fiction. I appreciate the Redeemed Reader team’s balanced approach to such topics. Each of these chapters includes helpful discussion questions, as well as resources for further reading, which parents and educators will find extremely valuable. As a parent, I am grateful for the way that the discussion starters have helped me to refine the questions I’m asking, making think even more deeply and specifically about what really makes a good book. I feel more equipped to guide my children as they learn to evaluate what they read for themselves.
Other popular books have been written on this subject. (Honey for a Child’s Heart, The Read-Aloud Family, and Wild Things and Castles in the Sky are all great resources.) But one of the things sets The Redeemed Reader apart from these is its inclusion of two critical chapters: “Who Is My Neighbor? Loving Authors” and “Finding Book People: Loving Your Library.” In a cultural climate of cancelation and book bans, where many families have grown increasingly wary of public libraries, the temptation to avoid them can be strong. The Redeemed Reader team offers a down to earth and practical approach for engaging wisely and meaningfully with authors and librarians. Authors of messy books are human. Our librarians are human. Instead of avoiding what we don’t want to see and here, the Redeemed Reader team encourages parents and educators to lean in with grace, encouraging any good that we see. These chapters will equip and embolden readers to love their authors and libraries well.
All in all, I highly recommend The Redeemed Reader. It is a valuable resource that I know I’ll be returning to again and again.
[I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review.]
August 27, 2025
I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I’m not sure exactly what I expected, but I definitely got much more than my initial assumption. I thought it was going to be similar to Tending the Heart of Virtue by Vigen Guroian, but they are quite different, and each shines in its own way! Guroian’s book is more so a case study on several classic stories, whereas the bulk of this book is more of a reference, covering the big picture ideas to consider when thinking through different types of literature. Part One establishes the necessity of both Truth and Story in any good work and has a helpful breakdown of reading levels and genre descriptions. Part Two covers MANY different topics, with the main sections being classics, contemporary issues, “ages, stages, and genres,” and a practical application section (like using your library well!). Most chapters have recommendations/considerations for different reading levels from picture book up through YA which I am excited to revisit as my 7 year old progresses through the years.
I think the most helpful part of the book is the list of questions in each chapter, either to think through when you are assessing if your child is ready for a certain book, or to discuss with your child as they are growing in their own discernment. For example, if a book has a sort of “fuzzy spirituality,” asking questions like "To whom or what are the characters praying? From where is help expected?” Or considering the purpose of “messy” content in a book- “Does the story also show repentance, disgust at sin, or the negative consequences of sin? Or is the sinful act/thought seen to be only pleasurable or desirable?”
Overall, this book was very helpful and prompted a lot of good thoughts, both challenging and encouraging. I felt personally called out on trusting classics a little too much just because they’re old! All books deserve careful thought and discernment, and this was quite a thorough guide in that process.
I think the most helpful part of the book is the list of questions in each chapter, either to think through when you are assessing if your child is ready for a certain book, or to discuss with your child as they are growing in their own discernment. For example, if a book has a sort of “fuzzy spirituality,” asking questions like "To whom or what are the characters praying? From where is help expected?” Or considering the purpose of “messy” content in a book- “Does the story also show repentance, disgust at sin, or the negative consequences of sin? Or is the sinful act/thought seen to be only pleasurable or desirable?”
Overall, this book was very helpful and prompted a lot of good thoughts, both challenging and encouraging. I felt personally called out on trusting classics a little too much just because they’re old! All books deserve careful thought and discernment, and this was quite a thorough guide in that process.
September 1, 2025
This book masterfully meets the needs of Christian parents and educators alike - at once accessible to those who need direction in how to help their children choose good books to read that will not lead them away from what is good and true and beautiful, while at the same time offering a Biblically informed and thoughtful analysis of why and how to develop a careful and discerning love of literature in the young people in our lives (and ourselves as well!)
As both an educator who is making decisions that will impact all of the children in my care, as well as a mom of four kids who love books and stories, I felt that this book was a resource that I could use to help pick out books for my own children, but I also felt that it gave me frameworks to consider and language to describe what matters in the literature that we choose and promote in our school.
I loved the well articulated style of writing, and if at times I found myself wanting to disagree with their premise, I found the authors answering my concerns and communicating what I was wrestling with. It felt like a conversation between friends I trust who read good books, and it has prompted several conversations and decisions I've made since beginning reading it that I now feel I have language to express after reading this book.
Parents and teachers will benefit from this book in the way that it helps us to think both Biblically and critically about how what we read shapes our worldview, desires, and thought patterns. I learned as much about why these choices matter as I did about what good options are out there, and I'm thankful for that.
I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher; I was not required to write a positive review.
As both an educator who is making decisions that will impact all of the children in my care, as well as a mom of four kids who love books and stories, I felt that this book was a resource that I could use to help pick out books for my own children, but I also felt that it gave me frameworks to consider and language to describe what matters in the literature that we choose and promote in our school.
I loved the well articulated style of writing, and if at times I found myself wanting to disagree with their premise, I found the authors answering my concerns and communicating what I was wrestling with. It felt like a conversation between friends I trust who read good books, and it has prompted several conversations and decisions I've made since beginning reading it that I now feel I have language to express after reading this book.
Parents and teachers will benefit from this book in the way that it helps us to think both Biblically and critically about how what we read shapes our worldview, desires, and thought patterns. I learned as much about why these choices matter as I did about what good options are out there, and I'm thankful for that.
I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher; I was not required to write a positive review.
August 26, 2025
This is the book I’ve been waiting for for years. My children are avid readers and I absolutely love stories, but I also don’t trust everything out there. I’ve utilized book lists but I did crave something deeper—our own discernment guide. And it’s here in The Redeemed Reader! This book is organized and to the point, guiding and teaching the reader to actively think about the books they read instead of passively taking in the content.
This book affirmed the belief I had that stories matter and discussing/pondering the ideas found within do too. I’ve also long belived there aren’t easy black and white determining factors for if a book is “good” or not—it’s very subjective, BUT there are things to consider and The Redeemed Reader can help.
I really appreciated how this book discussed in depth multiple specific topics, each with their own chapter (messy books, environmentalism, diversity, classics, fantasy, etc). It makes it easy to reference quickly as reminders when reading. I also benefited from the guidance in how to discuss books with your children while teaching them how to handle content.
There was even a section on tips for curating/managing your own library which was a really fun chapter!
I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves stories and wants to grow in wisdom and discernment over them—both for your own understanding as a parent as well as helping your children think through what they read and encounter. It is one I will reference frequently as I raise readers.
I did receive a complimentary ARC from the publisher but I was not required to write a positive review.
This book affirmed the belief I had that stories matter and discussing/pondering the ideas found within do too. I’ve also long belived there aren’t easy black and white determining factors for if a book is “good” or not—it’s very subjective, BUT there are things to consider and The Redeemed Reader can help.
I really appreciated how this book discussed in depth multiple specific topics, each with their own chapter (messy books, environmentalism, diversity, classics, fantasy, etc). It makes it easy to reference quickly as reminders when reading. I also benefited from the guidance in how to discuss books with your children while teaching them how to handle content.
There was even a section on tips for curating/managing your own library which was a really fun chapter!
I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves stories and wants to grow in wisdom and discernment over them—both for your own understanding as a parent as well as helping your children think through what they read and encounter. It is one I will reference frequently as I raise readers.
I did receive a complimentary ARC from the publisher but I was not required to write a positive review.
September 3, 2025
“Books that hold the most Truth not only show that we need a savior, but that there is a Savior, and therefore we have hope.”
This book is a treasure for parents and educators who want to grow in their discernment and nurture their children’s or students’ imaginations through the power of literature. It serves as a delightful guide into the enchanting world of children’s books while emphasizing the essential connection between Truth and Story, as beautifully explored by the team at the Redeemed Reader.
What I truly admire is how The Redeemed Reader acts as a biblical guide for cultivating discernment in our reading journeys. Encouraging each individual and family to embrace the role of active readers—asking thought-provoking questions of the text, engaging deeply with stories, and connecting with the broader culture as Christians. There are also several wonderful lists of books to begin this journey, ensuring that parents and educators can find a wide array of delightful reads for children of all ages.
I must say, my tbr stack has grown significantly after diving into this book! It’s an inspiring resource that invites us to explore literature with Jesus by our side, making the adventure of reading an act of worship.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 3, 2025
There is so much grace, kindness, compassion and love sprinkled throughout this book! And humility, but with confidence. These four women are all very good at what they do, while also acknowledging that the Lord is the Lord over all. I feel as though I have been discipled through the book and am more equipped to disciple my children and those around me because of their love and commitment to Jesus. The book challenged me as a parent and book-lover, to look over my shelves and into my heart and ask some honest questions.
Even my 13-year-old son was carefully looking over the booklists to find something new to read!
I am so thankful for the obvious "heart" work that was poured into this. I believe it would make a great gift for expectant parents BEFORE they have those sweet library-building baby showers...the booklists would translate very well into a registry! And what a treasure for grandparents and other family members who aren't' sure what to buy for grandkids, etc.! Well done, Redeemed Readers!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher; I was not required to write a positive review.
Even my 13-year-old son was carefully looking over the booklists to find something new to read!
I am so thankful for the obvious "heart" work that was poured into this. I believe it would make a great gift for expectant parents BEFORE they have those sweet library-building baby showers...the booklists would translate very well into a registry! And what a treasure for grandparents and other family members who aren't' sure what to buy for grandkids, etc.! Well done, Redeemed Readers!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher; I was not required to write a positive review.
September 12, 2025
The Redeemed Reader is a goldmine. It is a treasure trove to be read and reread by anyone who loves books. As a mom of three teens and a pre-teen who all love to read, I am so thankful for the tools this book provides. Not only are there book recommendations, which I love, but there are also sample questions to help discuss all different types of books with my kids. The authors did not vilify any book, but provided my sometimes-overwhelmed mom-brain with areas of concern and most importantly, how to discuss these areas with my teens who are branching into genres I don’t usually frequent.
My favorite quote from the book was, “Learning to read should be a quest, not a task, with just enough knowledge to provide the skills to overcome the obstacles for the sake of the treasure at the end.” Raising discerning readers is also a quest, and I am thankful to The Redeemed Reader for providing knowledge and skills to overcome the many pitfalls and obstacles inherent to raising children who read with delight and discernment.
*Disclaimer: I received an ARC, but all the opinions are my own.
My favorite quote from the book was, “Learning to read should be a quest, not a task, with just enough knowledge to provide the skills to overcome the obstacles for the sake of the treasure at the end.” Raising discerning readers is also a quest, and I am thankful to The Redeemed Reader for providing knowledge and skills to overcome the many pitfalls and obstacles inherent to raising children who read with delight and discernment.
*Disclaimer: I received an ARC, but all the opinions are my own.
August 25, 2025
The Redeemed Reader will help you feed your children’s hunger for Truth and Story. This book is for parents and teachers who care about what and how their children – from toddlers to teens - read. Book recommendations are included in each chapter, but the book is not a compilation of reviews, rather a conversational guide for parents shepherding children through the pleasures and dangers of reading. It will get you thinking about what to look for in reading material and how to read to/with/alongside your children. Different chapters will be applicable to readers at different stages of development, but there’s something here for all ages. My children are in their teens and avid readers. I wish I had had this book when they were little, but it was also helpful to read the authors’ perspective on teen reading. I have relied on Redeemed Reader book reviews for years to help me choose books and recommend them to others, so I am excited that now I can share their book as well! (I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher; I was not required to write a positive review.)
August 28, 2025
After reading this book, I feel like I am more equipped to choose quality books for my kiddos. It was truly a blessing to work thru each of the chapter topics with a Christian perspective while also not running from the hard topics or ‘messy’ books.
The chapter on Dominion vs Demolition in regard to handling nature/environment in our kids books was eye-opening. It truly brought up things I had never thought of and gave words to ideas I’ve had in my head for years. As parents/caretakers it really is about finding “…a balance between nature stewardship and nature worship”.
The booklists at the end of each chapter are such a nice little bonus grab for those individual topics, but the lists at the end are substantial! I cannot wait to start working thru some of these titles.
The Redeemed Reader is a great fit for any parent looking for some insight on book choices, wanting to work thru some touchy book topics with a Christian worldview, or some encouragement for raising readers who always look for Truth and Story.
The chapter on Dominion vs Demolition in regard to handling nature/environment in our kids books was eye-opening. It truly brought up things I had never thought of and gave words to ideas I’ve had in my head for years. As parents/caretakers it really is about finding “…a balance between nature stewardship and nature worship”.
The booklists at the end of each chapter are such a nice little bonus grab for those individual topics, but the lists at the end are substantial! I cannot wait to start working thru some of these titles.
The Redeemed Reader is a great fit for any parent looking for some insight on book choices, wanting to work thru some touchy book topics with a Christian worldview, or some encouragement for raising readers who always look for Truth and Story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews