Banned Book Review: Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret. by Judy Blume

Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret

Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret.
Judy Blume
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Published February 28, 2023 (Orig 1970)

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About Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret.

Margaret shares her secrets and her spirituality in this iconic Judy Blume novel, beloved by millions.

Margaret Simon, almost twelve, likes long hair, tuna fish, the smell of rain, and things that are pink. She’s just moved from New York City to Farbook, New Jersey, and is anxious to fit in with her new friends—Nancy, Gretchen, and Janie. When they form a secret club to talk about … Continue reading

Review: Brave Woman, Mighty God by Laura L. Smith

Brave Woman, Mighty God by Laura L. Smith

Brave Woman, Mighty God
Laura L. Smith
Kregel Publishing
Published March 11, 2025

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About Brave Woman, Mighty God

Find strength, hope, and resilience through God’s mighty empowerment.
You can use your gifts, say yes, be the change, stand up for what’s right, share what you have, break bad cycles, reach out for support, speak up, and so much more.
You can… because God empowers, equips, and cheers you on in everything you’re facing today, tomorrow, and every day.

In Brave Woman, Mighty God, Laura L. Smith reminds us of the steadfast love of God–of how … Continue reading

Review: A Dangerous Idea: The Scopes Trial, the Original Fight Over Science in Schools by Debbie Levy

A Dangerous Idea: The Scopes Trial, the Original Fight Over Science in Schools by Debbie Levy

A Dangerous Idea: The Scopes Trial, the Original Fight Over Science in Schools
Debbie Levy
Bloomsbury USA Children’s
Published January 14, 2025

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About A Dangerous Idea: The Scopes Trial, the Original Fight Over Science in Schools

One hundred years ago, a small-town science teacher ignited a nationwide debate over what students should learn in school–and who should decide.

  • Compelling.” –School Library Journal, starred review
  • Timely.” –Booklist, starred review
  • Insightful.” –Horn Book, starred review

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

In 1925, when Tennessee lawmakers banned the … Continue reading

Review: The Urgency of Slowing Down by Laura L. Smith

The Urgency of Slowing Down by Laura L. Smith

The Urgency of Slowing Down
Laura L. Smith
Our Daily Bread Publishing
Published December 3, 2024

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About The Urgency of Slowing Down

If Jesus took time away from the demands of life for stillness, rest, and prayer, shouldn’t His followers do the same?

Yet living in a whirlwind of constant motion is all too familiar. Our many responsibilities and relationships are important: we want to go to our child’s game and say yes to that assignment at work and help lead that group at church. But when we go, go, go at the world’s pace, the anxiety … Continue reading

Review: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Little Women
Louisa May Alcott
Naxos Audiobooks Ltd.
Published September 21, 2022 (Original story first published 1868)

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About Little Women

Grown-up Meg, tomboyish Jo, timid Beth, and precocious Amy. The four March sisters couldn’t be more different. But with their father away at war, and their mother working to support the family, they have to rely on one another.

Whether they’re putting on a play, forming a secret society, or celebrating Christmas, there’s one thing they can’t help wondering: Will Father return home safely?

Why I Read Little Women

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Review: The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

The Poet X
Elizabeth Acevedo
HarperTeen
Published March 6, 2018

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About The Poet X

Fans of Jacqueline Woodson, Meg Medina, and Jason Reynolds will fall hard for this astonishing New York Times-bestselling novel-in-verse by an award-winning slam poet, about an Afro-Latina heroine who tells her story with blazing words and powerful truth.

Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood. Ever since her body grew into curves, she has learned to let her fists and her fierceness do the talking.

But Xiomara has plenty she wants to say, and she pours all her frustration and passion onto the pages of a leather notebook, … Continue reading