The Redeemed Reader: Cultivating a Child's Discernment and Imagination Through Truth and Story

by Janie Cheaney, Betsy Farquhar, Hayley Morell, Megan Saben

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802436139
Publisher:	Moody Publishers
Publication date:	09/02/2025
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

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.

Editorial Reviews

The Redeemed Reader is exactly the kind of thoughtful, grace-filled resource Christian families need today. Much like the website I’ve trusted for years, the authors don’t shy away from hard questions or complex books. Instead, they offer wise, grounded guidance for navigating literature with conviction and curiosity. This book doesn’t ask parents to compromise their values—it equips them to engage deeply with the stories shaping our culture while honoring their conscience. Reading The Redeemed Reader felt like sitting down with my most bookish, insightful friends—only these friends come prepared with years of literary wisdom and spiritual discernment. The pages brim with rich conversation about stories, ideas, and how we help our kids (and ourselves!) read well in a complex world. If reviews came with sound effects, you’d hear me whistling, laughing, crying, questioning, and smiling my way through this gem. It’s a revelatory and celebratory read. This book is a rare treasure: it encourages Christian families to wrestle honestly with contemporary books rather than retreat from them. The authors neither dismiss nuance nor demand compromise—they model how to explore a wide range of literature with both discernment and delight. The Redeemed Reader reminds us that reading is not just safe or unsafe—it’s an opportunity to grow, to ask questions, and to form readers who are both wise and compassionate.”
AMBER O’NEAL JOHNSTON, Author of Soul School and A Place to Belong

“The Redeemed Reader is an excellent resource from a trustworthy band of wise women. I am grateful for their faithfulness and generosity, their clarity and kindness. Thoughtful parents looking for help in navigating the world of children’s literature will find here good words from faithful friends.”
S. D. SMITH, Author of The Green Ember Series

“As a long-time follower and supporter of Redeemed Reader, I am thrilled to see and read this book. It seems both right and fitting that this team of writers would expand their work to a book-length product. Now that they have done so, I am certain it will benefit both readers and future readers.”
TIM CHALLIES, Pastor, speaker, and author of Epic: An Around-the-World Journey Through Christian History

“This valuable resource for parents, teachers, and librarians presents a framework for viewing stories and literature in the context of biblical truth. It illustrates how this approach guides the selection of reading materials across genres. The book addresses “messy topics” with courage and sensitivity, aiding in appropriate book selection for a child’s age and emotional maturity. Crafted in a graceful and thought-provoking style, The Redeemed Reader is a welcome contribution to discussions on selecting and introducing books for your child.”
MARK HUNT, Coauthor with Gladys Hunt of Honey for a Child’s Heart, Updated and Expanded

From the Publisher