Redeeming Rhubarb earns Certified Great Read honor

Reading With Your Kids has named Bob Richley’s middle-grade novel Redeeming Rhubarb a Certified Great Read, citing its focus on compassion, forgiveness and family discussion. The recognition puts a spotlight on a Colorado-set adventure tied to the state’s 2013 floods and aimed at helping kids and adults talk about prejudice and character.

Why it matters: - Reading With Your Kids selected Redeeming Rhubarb as a Certified Great Read, a designation meant to highlight books that entertain children and help families talk about kindness, prejudice, redemption and compassion. - The honor gives the novel added visibility in the family literacy space, where books are often judged on both story quality and their ability to spark meaningful conversations.

What happened: - Reading With Your Kids named Bob Richley’s Redeeming Rhubarb a Certified Great Read on July 24, 2026. - The recognition came from the Reading With Your Kids Podcast, which presents the Certified Great Read designation. - The novel is a middle-grade adventure set against Colorado’s historic 2013 floods. - The story follows animal characters whose journey centers on forgiveness, courage, empathy and judging others by character rather than appearance.

The details: - Reading With Your Kids praised the book as "A powerful adventure that reminds us the bravest hearts choose compassion over prejudice." - The review also said, "Redeeming Rhubarb proves that understanding begins when we're willing to see beyond first impressions." - Host Jed Doherty said the strongest children's books create conversations that last beyond the final page. - Doherty said Redeeming Rhubarb gives families a chance to discuss kindness, forgiveness, courage and choosing compassion over fear. - Richley said he wrote the book to remind readers that people should be judged by their actions, not assumptions or prejudice. - Richley said he is honored that Reading With Your Kids recognized both the story and the family conversations it can inspire. - The podcast says it has more than 2,400 episodes focused on literacy, family connection and children's literature. - Past guests include LeVar Burton, Kate DiCamillo, Jerry Spinelli, Ziggy Marley, Angela Santomero, Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt and Dr. Kathryn D. Sullivan.

Between the lines: - The certification signals that the book is being positioned as both entertainment and a tool for values-based reading at home. - The emphasis on compassion and looking beyond appearances suggests the novel is designed to meet a growing demand for children's books with social and emotional themes. - The recognition also aligns the title with a podcast brand that has built credibility around family literacy and children's publishing.

What's next: - The Certified Great Read label may help Redeeming Rhubarb reach more parents, educators and young readers looking for books that combine adventure with moral discussion. - The author and Reading With Your Kids are likely to continue using the designation to promote the book's message of understanding and hope. - More information is available through the author’s social channels, including Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X.