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’Engle

God 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.

JANIE CHEANEY is the author of six novels for young readers and a regular contributor to WORLD Magazine. She also writes and records commentary for The World and Everything in It news podcast. Wordsmith, her writing curriculum for 4th-grade through high school, has been distributed by Common Sense Press since 1992.

BETSY FARQUHAR holds Masters degrees in Children’s Literature and Information and Library Science. She taught middle and high school English, homeschooled her three children, and has served on many book award committees. Her greatest love when it comes to books is matching up the perfect book with its ideal young reader.

HAYLEY MORELL When she is not reading or writing, you can find Hayley trying new recipes, knitting, or chatting with her parrot. Hayley loves traveling and lived abroad in Europe and Asia. She and her husband live in Wisconsin in an old house overflowing with books and are active in their local community.

Megan Saben earned Masters degrees in Children’s Literature and in Library and Information Science, has served as a children’s librarian, and writes picture books, including Something Better Coming and New House, New Home. She enjoys coffee dates with her husband, homeschools her boys, and knits everywhere. She loves sharing her discoveries of Truth in Story.