I’m so glad to be back! I’ve got one kid in high school now and one in 6th grade. She’s still at our small PreK-8th grade school here in Denver, but it’s the first time they’ve ever been at different schools, so it’s taken me a minute to get used to the transition..and all the extra driving! But here I am, ready to chat about nonfiction.

Because I spend a lot of time reading and writing about children’s nonfiction, I’ve thought a lot about the misconception many kids have (and let’s face it, many adults have) that nonfiction is boring. I’ve also thought about the different types of nonfiction and what draws kids to one format over another.

Traditional nonfiction uses clear, straightforward language to explain a topic, appealing to kids who like to dig into a subject and learn the facts. Browsable nonfiction lets readers dip in and out, choosing what they want to explore, which can be especially appealing to kids who like to follow their curiosity. And active nonfiction, like books of projects, experiments, or “how-to” guides, is perfect for kids who would rather create, explore, or just DO something.

But I think one of the best types of nonfiction to share with kids is narrative nonfiction, specifically biography. Incorporating biographies into read aloud time can be an easy way to develop an early love for nonfiction. Rather than waiting for it to be presented in a school setting, we can simply make it part of the stories we share, not something “in addition” to fiction.

Biographies introduce kids to inspiring individuals who have overcome real challenges to succeed. Kids might see themselves in these characters; they may not, but they’ll definitely absorb the message that while life is not always easy or fair, they can persevere and perhaps even turn their obstacles into something beautiful.

While I seldom write about picture books, these are special. They both feature two incredible people who were underestimated by others and had more than their fair share of sadness, yet went on to achieve remarkable things. They’ll appeal to any young reader– just caught my 14-year-old flipping through one yesterday! Enjoy.

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Beatrix and her Friends, by Anne Lambelet (2026)

When Beatrix Potter was a young girl, she felt most alive in nature during her family holidays, but trapped in her London home. With the help of her brother, Beatrix turned her nursery into a menagerie of animals they collected and cared for– snakes, birds, frogs, mice, bats 😱, and many more pets she drew and painted, including a special rabbit named Peter.

Eventually, Beatrix began writing stories featuring many of her animal friends. Although her work was initially rejected, it finally caught the eye of a publisher, and her “little stories for little hands” became immensely popular. But her animals were more than the inspiration for her work—they were a source of comfort and companionship, especially when Beatrix experienced tragic loss. By leaning into her bond with animals and the natural world, she slowly found a way for her heart to heal.

This is such a lovely story about friendship, creativity, grief, and the difference one person can make in the world. It beautifully shows how Beatrix turned her passions into her livelihood and eventually into something even bigger. As she watched the countryside disappear over her lifetime, she used the substantial wealth from the success of her books and purchased more than 4,000 acres of land to protect it from development.

Children will love author-illustrator Anne Lambelet’s intricate drawings of Beatrix and her animal friends across various natural settings. I especially loved how she depicted the bond between them– gathering around her as she grieves the death of her fiancé and keeping her company as she writes her stories and works around her farm.

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Fauja Singh Keeps Going, by Simran Jeet Singh (2020)

When Fauja Singh was a young boy in the Punjab region of India, his legs were so thin and fragile that his family thought he was crippled. Because he was told his legs were too weak to walk, let alone play cricket and run around like the other children, he was bullied and excluded. With the support of his mother, Singh practiced and prayed until he gained enough strength to walk. He continued building this endurance throughout his life, working on a farm, raising a family, and eventually discovering a love of running.

When Singh was about 80 years old, he moved to London to live with one of his children and their family. He was grieving the loss of his wife and son and began jogging as a way to cope with that grief.

At age 89, he ran his first marathon in London, and over the next few years set numerous age-group world records. In 2011, at age 100, Singh became the first centenarian to complete a marathon.

But despite these amazing statistics, the book isn’t really about his athletic achievements. What makes his story so powerful is that despite incredible hardships, Singh spent his whole life making his mind, body, and spirit stronger and achieved extraordinary things through his determination to keep moving forward.

The mixed media illustrations— a combination of digital tablet and pen, with fabrics and textures scanned in for collage—are beautiful and warm. My daughter especially loved the details in the clothing, which bring Singh’s Sikh heritage to life and help make his identity and culture an essential part of the story. My favorite element is how the illustrator captured Singh’s joyful expressions while running!

This is one I’d especially recommend as a classroom read aloud. I brought it to my daughter’s class years ago, and it sparked such thoughtful conversations about disability, ageism, bullying, and the importance of believing in yourself—even when no one else does.

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🏃🏼‍♀️And if you want to read more books about running (that aren’t really about running), check out this post from a few years back.🏃🏾‍♂️

Wishing you hours and hours of reading magic,

Katie

🚨P.S. ‼️ As a reminder, I created a storefront through Bookshop.org. Each purchase financially supports independent bookstores (more on that here).

I am also an Amazon affiliate. I realized that Amazon often (not always, but often) has great deals on books and the shipping just can’t be beat!

If you purchase through one of my links or by visiting my storefront, I earn a teeny tiny commission, which supports my work on this newsletter.

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We’re headed out of town for the next little bit, but before we go, I wanted to pop in here with a few fun recommendations directly from kids. I’ve done this before with my own two children, and you can read some of their older recs from 2022 and 2025. This year, I wanted to expand the project to include more readers with a wider range of interests and reading levels. So, I conducted a very informal little poll and asked kids about their favorite book from this past school year. Since it was so close to summer break, I told their parents I only needed a sentence or two. 😉

I’ve only read five of the eleven books or series on this list, so instead of my usual personal summaries, I included publisher descriptions (using the first book when a recommendation is part of a series).

I thought I’d leave you with an extra large list since I won’t be back until late July. These kids are all experts in their own ways, and I was delighted by the variety of titles they recommended. Hopefully there’s enough here to keep the young readers in your life happily occupied for quite a while!

I want to know I’m on the right track, so if you like this post, please let me know– and share with a friend! Also, since this post is free, I’d love it if you used my affiliate links to purchase one of these fantastic books.

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P.S. Housekeeping: this post is LONG, and may be truncated in your email. I promise you it’s well worth clicking on the link.

The Inheritance Games (series), by Jennifer Lynn Barnes 2021-2025

Avery Grambs has a plan for a better future: survive high school, win a scholarship, and get out. But her fortunes change in an instant when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery virtually his entire fortune. The catch? Avery has no idea why—or even who Tobias Hawthorne is.

To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into sprawling, secret passage-filled Hawthorne House, where every room bears the old man’s touch—and his love of puzzles, riddles, and codes. Caught in a world of wealth and privilege with danger around every turn, Avery will have to play the game herself just to survive.

📚I enjoyed this series because it was so suspenseful and always surprised me. I’m reading another series by this author right now, actually. (The Grandest Game). Any teenager who likes mysteries and riddles would like this book.📚

Connor, 14

✨If your teen enjoyed this series and is looking for similar books, check out this article I wrote for Reading Middle Grade.✨

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What Happened to Rachel Riley, by Claire Swinarski (2024)

Anna Hunt may be the new girl at East Middle School, but she can already tell there’s something off about her eighth-grade class. Rachel Riley, who just last year was one of the most popular girls in school, has become a social outcast. But no one, including Rachel Riley herself, will tell Anna why.

As a die-hard podcast enthusiast, Anna knows there’s always more to a story than meets the eye. So she decides to create her own podcast around the question that won’t stop running through her head: What happened to Rachel Riley?

With the entire eighth grade working against her, Anna dives headfirst into the evidence. Clue after clue, the mystery widens, painting an even more complex story than Anna could have anticipated. But there’s one thing she’s certain of: If you’re going to ask a complicated question, you better be prepared for the fallout that may come with the answer.

📚I liked this book because the mystery really kept me hooked. I liked how a lot of it is written as a series of text messages between the kids, because it felt more realistic and how we communicate. It also made me think a lot about rumors, gossip, and the choices we make, good or bad, that have a big impact.📚

Katharine, 13

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Merci Suárez (series), by Meg Medina, 2020-2023

Merci Suárez knew that sixth grade would be different, but she had no idea just how different. For starters, as strong and thoughtful as Merci is, she has never been completely like the other kids at her private school in Florida, because she and her older brother, Roli, are scholarship students. They don’t have a big house or a fancy boat, and they have to do extra community service to make up for their free tuition. Things aren’t going well at home, either: Merci’s grandfather and most trusted ally, Lolo, has been acting strangely lately — forgetting important things, falling from his bike, and getting angry over nothing. And Merci is left to her own worries, because no one in her family will tell her what’s going on. Winner of the 2019 Newbery Medal.

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📚I love Merci because she was really fun and kind but not perfect–she made a lot of mistakes but learned from them. I loved her friends and family, too. I have read this series probably 5 times.📚

Piper, 11

Good Boy, by Andy Hirsch (2025)

Charlie’s life is a series of obstacles, not least of which is an uncontrollable urge to barf when his anxiety overwhelms him. Ralph is an unpredictable rescue dog with more energy than manners. The two make an unlikely pair but are the best of friends. When Ralph follows Charlie to school and causes a scene, the pair are encouraged to try dog agility training to bond. For Charlie, it’s a chance to connect, build confidence, and maybe even step outside his comfort zone.
Can this anxious kid and his unstoppable dog take a leap of faith and make it to the finish line together?

📚The best book I read this year was Good Boy. It is a graphic novel about a boy who has a lot of worries but then gets a dog. The dog becomes his friend, and the boy trains him to do agility competitions. I liked this book because it wasn’t about sports like basketball or soccer. I don’t really like sports like basketball or soccer and a lot of books for boys have sports in them.📚

Andre, 10

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Scarlet Morning, by ND Stevenson, (2025)

Viola and Wilmur have been waiting for their parents for fifteen boring years in the colorless town of Caveat. Their lives are a drudge of salt, trash, pirate stories, and what-ifs . . . until one very stormy night, when Captain Cadence Chase breaks down their door. They cut a deal with the captain: Chase can take their most prized possession, a mysterious Book, but only if she takes them, too. Setting sail into the treacherous and beautiful world beyond Caveat, the two inseparable friends must uncover the facts behind legend—and the key to saving all of Dickerson’s Sea from obliteration—before the truth tears them apart.

📚“It was so fun and had so much adventure. It was about two best friends who were orphans and lived together their whole lives. And when a total stranger shows up they agree to go with them. It was so cool to see how far they went! I think this book is good for 4th-6th graders.📚

Mira, 10

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The Selection (series), by Kiera Cass, 2013-2017

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape a rigid caste system, live in a palace, and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon. But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her, and competing for a crown she doesn’t want. Then America meets Prince Maxon—and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

 📚I loved this series because it was so entertaining. It has romance, adventure, and sadness. All the things the competitors had to do to win the Selector’s heart were so interesting. Good for 5th graders and middle school kids.📚

Saige, 11

(Katie note: this series falls under a YA category and publisher’s age rec is 12+)

Stealing the Score, by Sylvia Liu, (2026)

Soccer superfans Ethan, Sasha, and Mateo are thrilled that the biggest sporting event in the world is coming to their backyard. When a contest offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to attend the World Cup is announced, they are all ready to do whatever it takes to win. To do so, they must complete a scavenger hunt throughout Miami to find a replica pair of the lucky cleats worn by their favorite player, El Botín (or The Boot). What starts as a strictly strategic alliance to solve the scavenger hunt clues takes a turn when El Botín’s real cleats go missing. The fate of the whole tournament could be in jeopardy―unless the new friends can uncover the truth!

📚I liked this book because it is fun to learn about the different characters. There is one mystery they have to solve!📚

Charlie, 8

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Trapped in Hitler’s Web, by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch, 2020

In the grip of World War II, Maria has realized that her Nazi-occupied Ukrainian town is no longer safe. Though she and her family might survive, her friend Nathan, who is Jewish, is in grave danger. So Maria and Nathan flee -- into the heart of Hitler’s Reich in Austria.There, they hope to hide in plain sight by blending in with other foreign workers. But their plans are disrupted when they are separated, sent to work in different towns.With no way to communicate with Nathan, how can Maria keep him safe? And will they be able to escape Hitler’s web of destruction

📚I liked this book because it was really interesting to learn all the details like how one of the people who kept prisoners ended up helping them by giving them extra food and letting them run away.📚

Henry, 11

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Diary of a Wimpy Kid (series), by Jeff Kinney, 2007

Middle school is a survival game. Greg Heffley’s just trying not to lose. Navigating the wild world of middle school, Greg just wants to survive the bullies, embarrassing moments, and his mom’s over-the-top family bonding ideas. Spoiler: it’s not going smoothly

📚I loved Diary of a Wimpy Kid. All of them; I can’t pick one. They are so good because they actually tell what kids feel like. And they’re funny, too.📚

Grace, 9

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Loot, by Jude Watson, 2015

On a foggy night in Amsterdam, a man falls from a rooftop to the wet pavement below. It’s Archibald McQuinn, the notorious cat burglar, and he’s dying. As sirens wail in the distance, Archie manages to get out two last words to his young son, March: “Find jewels.”But March learns that his father is not talking about hidden loot. He’s talking about Jules, the twin sister March never knew he had. No sooner than the two find each other, they’re picked up by the police and sent to the world’s worst orphanage. March and Jules have no intention of staying put. They know their father’s business inside and out, and they’re tired of being pushed around. Just one good heist, and they’ll live the life of riches and freedom that most kids only dream about. . .

📚I liked this book because of the theme: it takes a crook to catch a crook!

-Dean, 8

I liked this book because it had mystery and adventure and they got to travel around the world

-Skylar, 11📚

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Fortunately, the Milk, by Neil Gaiman (2013)

“I bought the milk,” said my father. “I walked out of the corner shop, and heard a noise like this: t h u m m t h u m m. I looked up and saw a huge silver disc hovering in the air above Marshall Road.”

“Hullo,” I said to myself. “That’s not something you see every day. And then something odd happened.”

Find out just how odd things get in this hilarious story of time travel and breakfast cereal, expertly told by Newbery Medalist and bestselling author Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Skottie Young.

📚We loved this book because it’s fun, creative, unique, and funny!📚

-Dean, 8

-Skylar, 11

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Wishing you hours and hours of reading magic,

Katie

🚨P.S. ‼️ As a reminder, I created a storefront through Bookshop.org. Each purchase financially supports independent bookstores (more on that here).

I am also an Amazon affiliate. I realized that Amazon often (not always, but often) has great deals on books and the shipping just can’t be beat!

If you purchase through one of my links or by visiting my storefront, I earn a teeny tiny commission, which supports my work on this newsletter.

I wanted to take a break from my normal book recommendations to talk about a project I’m really excited about, one I think you’ll love too.

As many of you know, I write for Reading Middle Grade, a blog dedicated to championing the best books for kids ages 8-14. Since 2021, the founder, Afoma Umesi, has created an incredible summer reading guide, and this is the first year we have a dedicated nonfiction section—curated by yours truly!

I read almost 20 brand new books for this project and chose several I’m confident kids will love. (This includes picture books for older readers, by the way.. 20 longer books would have been insane!)

We spent months putting this guide together, and recently recorded a podcast about our process, the books that we’re super excited about, and the ones that didn’t quite make the cut. We had so much fun recording— laughed a ton and went way over time.

Check out our podcast here. We’d really love your support!

Oh, and I promise I don’t swivel in my chair the entire time— nerves! 🤦🏼‍♀️

Where to download the guide

If you want to learn more about the 2026 Summer Guide and what you get (it’s a LOT), Afoma explains it all here. There’s also a link to download.

The guide is available below the paywall. If you already subscribe to the Reading Middle Grade Substack or Patreon, you get it for free. And if you’re not a paid subscriber, it’s $15 on its own.

I’m biased, but I promise you, it is 100% worth it.

Can you tell I’m proud?

📚I’ll pop in again soon with a few more recommendations straight from my own kids, ages 11 and 14.📚

Thank you for taking the time to read this. It means so much to me.

Wishing you hours and hours of reading magic,

Katie

Hope you’re having a wonderful spring. The past few months have been a bit “meh” for me! I injured my foot in January, and not being able to run has been really tough, especially with the beautiful (warm) winter we had here in Colorado. One small upside to being sidelined is that I’ve had the chance to read a lot more, both for work and for pleasure.

Over the past few months, I’ve been slowly making my way through the 2026 ALA Youth Media Award winners and have loved most of the year’s honored books. I was so happy to see the variety of titles chosen and truly think there’s a book here for every type of reader. With that in mind, I wanted to highlight three that offer a window into the diverse experiences of young people across different times and places. The storytelling is just as varied, from a gentle slice-of-life narrative for chapter book readers, to an epic historical adventure, and finally, the 2026 Newbery Medal winner, a deeply moving story of loss, grief, and healing.

This is the first time I’ve read books solely because they won awards, regardless of whether they originally caught my attention, and it’s been a really rewarding experience! I likely wouldn’t have picked up half these books if not for this little assignment I set for myself, so I hope you find something special here.

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The Summer of the Bone Horses, by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve (2025)

Eddie loves his grandparents, who live on the Rosebud reservation in the Black Hills. But when he must stay for the whole summer so his dad can have important surgery, Eddie feels nervous about spending so much time away from his parents in a place where he has no friends and has even forgotten his books and toy cars.

As he settles in, his grandfather teaches him how to make bone horses, a traditional Lakota craft that uses small carved buffalo bones to create miniature horses and cows. Eddie also helps his grandparents with chores he has never done before, including washing laundry by hand, hauling water for Buck, the family’s horse, and weeding the garden with his grandmother. Through these tasks, he slowly gains independence and learns the value of community and the rewards of hard work.

While there is little character development, the story’s purpose is truly to present a slice-of-life narrative based on the experiences of the author’s brother and give kids insight into a different way of life.

The short, illustrated chapters make it perfect for early chapter book readers, showing how summer on the reservation taught Eddie confidence, resilience, and respect for tradition. I thought it was incredibly sweet and authentic, and I think it would appeal most to 7-9 year olds.

The American Indian Library Association named Summer of the Bone Horses a 2026 honor book. The AILA biennially honors “the best youth books by and about Native American and Indigenous peoples, highlighting their full humanity across past, present, and future.”

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The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli, by Karina Yan Glaser (2025)

731 China.: Han Yu helps his father run a steamed bun stall in the bustling capital of Chang’An. When a plague ravages the city, and his family becomes ill, he sets off on the trade routes (now known as the Silk Roads), first to earn the money his family desperately needs, and then to find the legendary healing grasses that might save them.

1931 New York City: Luli Lee lives in Chinatown during the Great Depression and dreams of one day running her parents’ dim sum restaurant. As the Depression worsens and the family is in danger of losing the restaurant and their home, Luli is determined to do anything to save them.

Both Han Yu and Luli find independence and inner strength to help their families, while also learning the importance of relying on community. Their stories are tied together through food, art, family love, and one mysterious piece of silk.

Both Han Yu’s dangerous journey along the Silk Road and Luli’s creative efforts in Depression‑era New York feel equally important and immediate. The author does an amazing job with the alternating timelines, and their voices are distinct enough that young readers will feel close to both protagonists. I often feel like supporting characters in stories with multiple points of view can become an afterthought, but here, Han Yu and Luli’s friends are nearly as well-developed and likeable as the main characters.

At 432 pages, this is a long middle grade book! However, the short chapters and shifting perspectives, along with plenty of action, will keep readers totally engaged.

Han Yu and Luli won multiple awards, including a 2026 Newbery Medal Honor Book, and is the perfect choice for middle grade readers drawn to historical fiction.

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All the Blues in the Sky, by Renée Watson (2025)

This beautiful novel in verse and prose follows thirteen‑year‑old Sage, whose life is shattered when her best friend dies in a hit‑and‑run accident. Overwhelmed by grief, guilt, and confusion, Sage struggles to make sense of this incredible loss. She begins attending a school grief group where she meets other young people who have also lost someone close to them, but it doesn’t offer her immediate connection and healing. Sage feels as though her loss is worse than anyone else’s and that no one understands her devastation.

However, with the support of new friends, the adults in her life, and difficult but honest reflection, Sage gradually begins to understand that healing is unpredictable and that it is possible to feel sadness and hope at the same time.

All the Blues in the Sky won the 2026 Newbery Medal, reflecting its literary merit and impact.

Honestly, I love my work as a children’s book reviewer. As a lifelong bookworm, getting to spend my days with entertaining stories for kids and teens is truly a dream! But I also feel a certain responsibility to champion the stories that don’t shy away from the hard stuff, the ones that reflect the difficult, sometimes tragic events that kids experience.

This book is a perfect example: an emotional, honest portrayal of the grief journey that captures the confusion and anger that come with loss.

Having watched my husband volunteer with a children’s grief organization for over two decades, I’ve learned just how much a book like this matters. It isn’t just a story; it’s a vital resource that reminds grieving kids they are never alone.

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Wishing you hours and hours of reading magic,

Katie

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🚨P.S. ‼️ As a reminder, I created a storefront through Bookshop.org. Each purchase financially supports independent bookstores (more on that here). If you purchase through one of my links or by visiting my storefront, I earn a teeny tiny commission, which supports my work on this newsletter.

I also recently became an Amazon affiliate. I realized that Amazon often (not always, but often) has great deals on books, and the shipping just can’t be beat! If you use one of these links, I also make a few pennies:)

I recently wrote about this and discussed it on a podcast (we’d love for you to listen!), but I still read to my older kids in the evenings. However, it looks much different than in the past.

Both are swamped with homework, especially my 14-year-old, and my 11-year-old plays tons of sports. They’re pretty independent, but I’ve realized they actually do still want to connect with me, even though it often doesn’t seem that way.

I’ve always made reading aloud time very low-pressure, and now even more so. For example, my son and I have been reading the same book for several months now.

We may read for 10 minutes twice a week, sometimes even less, but that’s ok! We’re both excited to get back into it when we can (sometimes we need to reread for a refresher), and I’m so grateful for the time to connect with him, time where I’m not nagging him to do something/not do something. 😉 Honestly, having an 8th grader is tough.

Anyway, today’s two books are both great read alouds for slightly older kids. One is a sweet, whimsical story, perfect for taking a tween’s mind off the increasing pressure of late elementary/early middle school, while the other is an important, thought-provoking read that sparks meaningful conversation with kids 10+.

I’d love it if you would pass this newsletter along to a friend. Enjoy!

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The Kate in Between, by Claire Swinarski, 2021

When we meet 12-year-old Kate, her mom has suddenly moved away, eager to embrace her “own potential” as a True U cosmetics consultant. Kate is dropped off with her police officer father, and while he is kind and supportive, she feels unsettled and unwanted. She’s determined to make a fresh start, even if it means icing out her best friend, Hattie, for a place in the popular clique.

When the group targets Hattie and throws her hat onto an ice-covered pond, Hattie falls through when trying to retrieve it. A video captures the moment Kate saves her, and the footage quickly goes viral. Kate becomes a hero, but she knows she stood by as the group bullied her friend before the camera started rolling. As the truth begins to surface, Kate is forced to confront who she really is: a bully, a liar, a follower, a hero…or something in between.

This novel explores how the desire to belong can make doing the right thing feel nearly impossible, especially under intense peer pressure and the instant, viral nature of social media posts and videos. Kate is a deeply relatable narrator— readers become invested in her and desperately want her to make better choices.

I recommend this book as an important read aloud with any child 10+. It sparks important conversations about empathy, responsibility, and the courage to stand up for the right thing. My daughter and I loved this one.

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Library of Unruly Treasures, by Jeanne Birdsall, 2025

When Gwen is sent to spend the summer with an uncle she’s never met, she’s honestly relieved. Her parents are terrible, and Uncle Matthew, his quirky dog Pumpkin, and their precocious neighbor Julia seem to actually enjoy her company.

Soon after arriving, Gwen makes two discoveries: one, the town library is named after her family, the MacKinnons, and two, the library is home to a clan of tiny creatures with wings called the Lahdukan. Only Gwen and the youngest children can see them, and the Lahdukan believe that Gwen is the only one who can help save their future. Gwen is certain they’re wrong– she’s not special in the least, and she’s definitely not a hero. Or is she?

This book received mixed reviews, and from what I can tell, most of the criticism stems from the fact that people are disappointed that Library is such a departure from Birdsall’s beloved and bestselling series, The Penderwicks. I agree– The Penderwicks is one of my all-time favorites, and this book doesn’t have the same enduring charm.

However, I think this book is still enjoyable and totally worth reading! Many kids, especially ages 9-11, will love it.

So my advice is this: don’t go into it expecting The Penderwicks. Instead, enjoy this book for what it is: a unique, cozy read-aloud with lovable characters, an interesting plot, and a satisfyingly happy ending.

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Wishing you hours and hours of reading magic,

Katie

🚨P.S. ‼️ As a reminder, I created a storefront through Bookshop.org. Each purchase financially supports independent bookstores (more on that here). If you purchase through one of my links or by visiting my storefront, I earn a teeny tiny commission, which supports my work on this newsletter.

I also recently became an Amazon affiliate. I realized that Amazon often (not always, but often) has great deals on books, and the shipping just can’t be beat! If you use one of these links, I also make a few pennies:)

(Honestly, I’m just proud of myself for getting teacher gifts done early enough this year to order them from Etsy instead of Amazon!)

If you need a few more gifts to round out your own holiday shopping, you’ll enjoy this short list of four stocking stuffers for tweens and teens, along with five books I’m giving my kids (11 and 13) this Christmas.

Also, check out my guides from 2022, 2023, and 2024– over 30 more recommendations!

2022- Chapter and Middle Grade Book Gift Guide

2023- The Books I’m Actually Gifting My Kids for Christmas

2024- Gift Books for Kids (puzzle, crossword, stickers, coffee table books, etc!)

Remember, if you use my Bookshop or Amazon links, I make a teeny tiny commission…. which eventually allows me to buy a cup of coffee on a cold Colorado day 😉.

Also, I’d be really grateful if you shared my newsletter with a friend.

Hope you love this random little assortment. Happy holidays!

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📚Books📚

The First Unicorn Rider: A World of Skandar Story

A.F. Steadman (2025)

The Skandar books are a huge hit with the middle grade audience, so if your reader is hooked on this series about a 13-year-old boy and his world of fierce, terrifying unicorns, check out the newly published prequel. This novella follows George, the teenager who first discovered the Island:

George longs for adventure, but his family still treats him like a baby. On the night before his 13th birthday, he slips out to find his own excitement. A violent storm leaves him shipwrecked on a deserted island, where he learns that unicorns are real and dangerously unpredictable. After gaining the trust of one, he discovers that something far more sinister is lurking on the Island.

If your child hasn’t read the original series, my son highly recommends it. We just bought the first book for my daughter’s fantasy loving 11-year-old friend, and according to her mom, she can’t put it down.

Merci Suarez Plays It Cool, Meg Medina (2022)

This is the third and final book in the wonderful Merci Suarez trilogy, which follows a girl navigating school, friendships, and big, confusing family changes. The first book won the 2019 Newbery Award, and we highly, highly recommend it! I lost my beloved grandmother and great aunt to Alzheimer’s disease, an important topic in this story, so it hit especially close to home. It was probably the best middle grade book we read this year, so I linked the whole set.

Seraphina, Rachel Hartman (2014)

The Seraphina series follows a gifted young musician living in a kingdom where humans and dragons coexist…uneasily. Seraphina hides a dangerous secret about her own identity while becoming tangled in political tensions, royal intrigue, and the threat of war. As she searches for the truth about herself, she’s drawn into a larger conflict that could change her world forever. Seraphina hooked me from the start, and I know my son will love this older MG fantasy series.

Murdle

I’ve covered Murdle and Murdle Jr. before, so if you haven’t heard about these murder mystery logic puzzles, read about them here and here. There are now 6 books in the series, and Volume 2 is on my son’s Christmas list.

The Fairy Atlas: Fairy Folk of the World

This is the first year my younger child has “become a Santa.” Even though I think she knew last year, and classmates have certainly tried to spoil it for a while, the whole house of cards has now fallen. I’m not sure about your kids, but this new understanding was tough on her. She has always been such a magical, colorful little person, so I feel a bit of a loss, too!

I’ve been trying to make sure our home still feels as special as it did on Christmases past. One thing that has kept that spark alive is exploring myths and legends about magical creatures from different cultures.

She already has the Mermaid Atlas, and I found this fairy edition a few years ago but never ended up buying it– now is the perfect time.

Feels like a more “grown up” way to hold on to that sense of wonder.

🎄Stocking Stuffers🎄

Runamok Sparkle Maple Syrup

Speaking of fairies, this sparkle maple syrup is a fantastic stocking stuffer. The edible sparkles are a fun surprise, and the syrup honestly tastes great, too!

Time Management Cube

Have to give credit to my husband for this one. Our youngest child has literally no sense of time (not sure when that will change, if ever), and I realized that yelling up the stairs

“We’re leaving for school in ten minutes!! Five minutes!! We’re walking out the door in ONE MINUTE PIPER!”

means approximately nothing to her. This cute little time management cube has saved the day: quickly flip it to 5, 10, or 25, or (randomly) 50 minutes, and the timer starts immediately.

Merry Christmas Bruh Money Holder

I don’t know about you, but my kids have called me “bruh” more times than I can count. Getting this for my teenage boy feels like admitting I think “bruh” is cool, which is probably the fastest way to make him stop saying it. Also, money.

Your City’s Sports Trivia Game

I wrote about this trivia pack in one of our Reading Middle Grade gift guides (check out our top picks!), but it’s worth mentioning again—it’s a great gift for any loyal sports fan. Each deck of cards highlights a hometown or state with 500+ trivia questions covering all local teams—baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and more. My son is a massive Chicago sports fan, so this is the perfect stocking stuffer.

✨That’s all for today—I hope this was helpful! Wishing you hours and hours of reading magic,

Katie

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Where did October go? (and eek, half of November!)

Ours was fast and furious, but honestly, pretty fun getting back into the swing of school and activities. We’ve got one kid applying to high schools right now, and I don’t know how that happened… I swear it was yesterday that I published this post about the end of his elementary school years.

Anyway, like I’ve said before, I really love this little hobby, and while posting every month isn’t exactly ambitious, I’m committed to keeping it free for now. The trade-off is that it sometimes needs to take a backseat to work and life.

Today, though, I have two great middle grade books to share, both published in 2025. One is a murder-mystery thriller, a genre I’ve never recommended here before. I don’t come across many strong thrillers for this age group, and my kids don’t gravitate toward them either, so they rarely make it onto my list– I only recommend books my kids or I have personally read. However, this one is excellent and inspired me to branch out and read more. If you want to see more thrillers, let me know! The other book is a thoughtful middle grade story about a girl searching for hope, healing, and connection with her estranged family.

Both would make great gifts for a young reader! 🎁

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Blood in the Water, by Tiffany D. Jackson (2025)

Watching all these rich Black people walk around in fancy clothes, living in million-dollar homes, driving cars that cost as much as some people make in a year…makes me realize how different they are. No one is broke, or worried about how they’re going to put food on the table, or has a father in prison. Everyone here glows like they ate the sun for dinner.

But on the other hand, they sure have a lot of rules to follow, and it seems like everyone is just out to impress. Bragging and fronting, rumors flying, all trying to one-up each other. They seem harmless, but you never know.

Much like that shark I saw on the ferry.

Kaylani McKinnon is a Brooklyn native and loves her urban environment, so when her mom insists she spend the summer with family friends on Martha’s Vineyard, Kaylani knows she won’t fit in among the wealthy residents, especially since she’s sure people will judge her for her incarcerated father. So she’s surprised when she makes a few friends who show her around, and actually thinks she might enjoy spending the summer in a town of beautiful beaches, rich Black history, and plenty of great food.

Just as she settles in, a local teen is found dead, and Kaylani dives into a murder-mystery that uncovers shocking and sinister secrets. This book was so well done! I’d never read anything by Tiffany Jackson before, but I immediately put two of her other books on hold.

I was struck by how much she respects her middle grade audience, treating serious themes with care. Her Kaylani is smart, capable, and tenacious, and the clever plot, quick pacing, and emotional depth make the book truly hard to put down. Jackson weaves social commentary and historical context into a twisty, suspenseful story that will appeal to middle grade readers, teens, and adults.

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Racing the Clouds, by Sydney Dunlap (2025)

When my grandparents invited me to come here, I thought I could fix everything. That I could just meet them and talk to them about everything, and they’d finally all be able to make up. And that would help Mom a lot… I also thought if I found something to bring back–even just one thing that was really special and important to her–it might help her find her way back to herself again.

Thirteen-year-old Sage lives with her father in rural Virginia after a devastating day changed her life, a day she still feels responsible for and desperately wishes she could redo. She obsessively replays scenarios in her mind where she makes different choices and remains convinced that everything is her fault.

When her maternal grandparents, whom she has never met, invite her to spend a week with them in Ohio, Sage jumps at the chance despite her dad’s hesitation. Sage’s mother (readers aren’t sure where she is for most of the story) has been estranged from her parents for years, and Sage hopes this visit might bring everyone closer together.

Once she arrives, though, she realizes that connecting with her grandparents is much more difficult than she expected. With the help of a few friends and the arrival of a sweet rescue dog, Sage slowly begins to face her past, uncover long-hidden family truths, and find forgiveness for herself and her family.

Although the book addresses family estrangement and substance abuse, it treats these topics with sensitivity and care. Sage goes through a lot in this book, but supportive friendships, a strong relationship with her dad, and growing bond with a sweet little dog help her find her way.

Because addiction is part of the plot, this novel can help start important conversations with older tweens. It may even be worth reading together if you haven’t discussed these issues already—sharing a book with your child can make it so much easier to start talking about really tough topics.

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That’s all for today! I’d love to know what you think of these recs.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving break and I’ll see you in early December,

Katie

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🚨P.S. ‼️ As a reminder, I created a storefront through Bookshop.org. Each purchase financially supports independent bookstores (more on that here). If you purchase through one of my links or by visiting my storefront, I earn a teeny tiny commission, which supports my work on this newsletter.

I also recently became an Amazon affiliate. I realized that Amazon often (not always, but often) has great deals on books and the shipping just can’t be beat! If you use one of these links, I also make a few pennies:)

I loved it just as much, but this time, I was struck by how powerful such a short novel can be. In just 100 pages, Lois Lowry explores memory, emotion, individuality, and the importance of human connection in a story that continues to resonate across generations. His English teacher has assigned this book for years, but it still feels eerily relevant, perhaps even more so today.

Since school brings a lot of assigned work, especially for older kids, shorter books are perfect for those who still want to read for pleasure but don’t have much time. At just over 100 pages each, these two books prove that a short read can make a big emotional impact.

Both feature African-American boys facing real challenges and emerging stronger, wiser, and more confident. Even though Langston and Garvey come from different eras, it’s easy to imagine them as friends—and readers will want to be friends with them, too.

Enjoy, and I’ll see you next month!

(Also, quick PSA– don’t lend a 13-year-old your old copy of a favorite novel… mine is now floating around his school, lost somewhere among gym socks and waterbottles.🙄)

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Finding Langston, by Lesa Cline-Ransome (2018)

Following his mama’s death, 11-year-old Langston moves to Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, and it couldn’t be more different than his home in Alabama. Chicago is noisy and chaotic, and everyone is “too busy to say a decent ‘mornin’’ when you see them on the street.”

His classmates make fun of the way he talks and dresses, and his grieving father barely looks in Langston’s direction. He’s terribly lonely until he stumbles across the Chicago Public Library. Unlike Alabama, the library is open to African Americans, and soon Langston finds comfort in the words of a poet who shares his name– Langston Hughes.

Set in 1946 during the second Great Migration, Finding Langston tells the story of a boy searching for his identity while navigating the loss of his mother and the home he left behind. In just over 100 pages, the novel tackles themes of segregation, bullying, grief, and isolation, while also celebrating the power of literature, especially poetry. This book brought me to tears, and I absolutely loved it.

On another personal note, I sometimes struggle to find books with complex themes to share with my very sensitive 5th grader because she tends to “over identify” with stories of pain and injustice.

If this sounds familiar, know that the author introduces difficult issues, yet Langston shares his world with young readers in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming. At the same time, the book has an incredible amount of emotional impact, enough to stay with the reader for a long time.

Recommended for ages 8+

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Garvey’s Choice, by Nikki Grimes (2016)

Excitement beaming

From dad’s face, he bounces in

Palms a basketball

Look what I’ve got for you, son!

Want to go work up a sweat?

Who’s he talking to?

After all these years, you’d think

He’d start to know me.

Will he ever stop trying

To make me someone I’m not?

Garvey loves books, outer space, chess, and music. What he doesn’t love are sports, much to his father’s disappointment. His dad desperately wants him to be a jock and is frustrated that Garvey has no interest in football, basketball, or roughhousing like a “normal” kid. Garvey just wants his dad to see him for who he is, but he feels hopeless and turns to food for comfort. The more his classmates and even his well-meaning sister comment on his weight, the more he overeats to soothe his hurts.

My mirror throws back

Reflections of a round boy

Whose face looks like mine

Who is he? And how have I disappeared inside his skin?

When his best friend encourages him to join the school chorus, Garvey discovers a passion for singing that slowly boosts his confidence. Garvey’s supportive friends help him realize that he has a choice—he can choose to define himself, choose to embrace his talent, and choose which words (and people) to allow in.

Before long, his chocolate stash lasts much longer, because, as he puts it, “music makes me full.” As Garvey learns to love himself, he begins to form a real relationship with his father.

Award-winning author and poet Nikki Grimes tells Garvey’s story through tanka poems, a five-line form of Japanese poetry with short, rhythmic verses. I love this format for reluctant readers who might feel overwhelmed with too much text. Even with so few words on each page, the language is powerful– Grimes packs so much emotion in just 105 pages!

I was especially moved by Garvey’s descriptions of racing to the locker room to change before anyone could see him and convincing himself to “try harder” to lose weight by starving all day (and consequently overeating at dinner). Sadly, those scenes just felt so real and relatable. I loved how Garvey begins to accept himself at any size while also choosing to care for his body in healthy ways.

This is also a great book for younger readers to see layered, multidimensional characters. As Garvey realizes that his dad pushes sports on him because his father did the same, and it was the only way they knew how to connect, we see their relationship differently. At first, readers might expect Garvey’s dad to remain the “bad guy,” but the author reminds us that everyone carries their own hurts and complications.

Garvey’s Choice is a moving and hopeful book that will resonate with any middle grade reader who has ever felt unseen, lonely, or misunderstood—so basically, all of us. Garvey is incredibly likable, and his resilience is inspiring. Highly recommend!

Recommended for ages 8+

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Wishing you hours and hours of reading magic,

Katie

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🚨P.S. ‼️ As a reminder, I created a storefront through Bookshop.org. Each purchase financially supports independent bookstores (more on that here). If you purchase through one of my links or by visiting my storefront, I earn a teeny tiny commission, which supports my work on this newsletter.

I also recently became an Amazon affiliate. I realized that Amazon often (not always, but often) has great deals on books and the shipping just can’t be beat! If you use one of these links, I also make a few pennies:)

My kids loved Jack and Annie’s adventures, and my husband and I loved seeing how the books sparked their curiosity about history and the world around them. Watching them get swept up in the stories was honestly magical, and as you can probably guess, that’s why this newsletter is called The Magic Book House. ☺️

So when I had the chance to interview Mary for Reading Middle Grade last year, I think I actually jumped up and down. Her answers to my (many) questions were as thoughtful and gracious as I knew they’d be. I especially loved hearing how she had to audition to narrate her own books, how poetry influences her writing process, and another passion she hopes to pursue.

When I heard about two new graphic novel adaptations coming out on Tuesday, September 2nd– Midnight on the Moon and SPACE– I reached out again for an update and permission to run the interview here.

You can read our exchange below, but here are some quick insights from me—I was able to read these books this summer and am really excited for all the space-loving kids who get to read them soon, too!

I hope you love learning more about Mary Pope Osborne and her incredible career. And please, share this with a Magic Tree House fan!

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Midnight on the Moon (Graphic Novel), 2025

In this adventure, the magic treehouse takes Jack and Annie to the moon… and the future! They arrive on a moon base built in 2031, searching for a final clue to break the spell cast on their friend, the sorceress Morgan LeFey. As the siblings bounce along the moon in their new space suits, they drive a moon buggy, dodge a meteorite, and meet a mysterious moon man who might just hold the key to completing their mission. This graphic novel combines space exploration and time travel, with bright, engaging artwork that brings the magic of the original books to life. This one is going to be a huge hit for elementary-aged readers!

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Graphic Novel: SPACE, 2025

After their trip to the moon, Jack and Annie wanted to learn everything about space! As they explain to the readers, they became space “fact trackers” by researching online, going to the library, visiting museums, and talking to experts. In these graphic novels, the siblings share what they’ve discovered in a fun, conversational way that will make readers feel like they’re chatting with friends.

The Fact Trackers work especially well in graphic novel format– the speech bubbles and bold, vibrant artwork make complex topics like space more accessible and much less intimidating for reluctant readers or younger kids just exploring nonfiction. Highly recommend for curious kids who want to dig deeper into the topics behind Jack and Annie’s adventures!

An Interview with Mary Pope Osborne

How did you come up with the characters of Jack and Annie? Are they based on you or on children you knew?

Jack and Annie basically represent the relationship I shared with my two brothers when we were children. Since we grew up in the military, we moved constantly, and for this reason, we were best friends, playing outside, inventing games of the imagination and working together to explore our ever-changing environments. Their names? I simply like the names Jack and Annie and thought they went well together.

My children listened to the audio versions of every single Magic Tree House book on family road trips and other long drives– and you’re a fantastic, engaging narrator! I know you had a brief theater background before college, but did you always want to narrate your own books? Was it a challenge to give (literal) voice to your characters, or something that came naturally to you?

I actually had to audition to read my own books. The audio company preferred a good reader to a reader who was also the author. It comes naturally to me to read Jack and Annie’s adventures – I sort of live the story as I write it; and I live it as I read it. This “acting” ability prompted me to perform in theater throughout high school and college.

In addition to audiobooks, eight of your Magic Tree House books have been adapted into graphic novels. Do you have a hand in these adaptations? How do you feel about your books in graphic novel format?

I consented to the graphic novel format after learning that graphic novels can help many children learn to read. I asked my close friend Jenny Laird, a playwright and co-creator of the Magic Tree House musicals, to be the adaptor of the graphic novels. I know Jack and Annie are good hands with Jenny, so I’m happy to concentrate on my own books, while she works independently on the graphics. The same was true when my husband Will created the Magic Tree House Fact Trackers and wrote the first eight – and when my sister Natalie wrote forty more.

I know that your fascination with myths, legends, and actual history influenced the Magic Tree House series, and I also read that poetry helps you find inspiration for your books. I’m interested in hearing more about this connection. How does poetry influence and guide your writing process?

Writing poetry demands paying close attention to words. Writing well for children also depends on finding the best words (often simple words), to bring the world alive. Playing with words is one of my greatest joys.

You’ve said that the Super Edition: World at War, 1944 is your favorite book in the series, and it’s my son’s favorite as well. Will you write another Super Edition?

I’d love to write another super edition. Hopefully I will when I can carve out enough time and find the right subject.

Generations of kids have read and loved the Magic Tree House books. Have the types of questions you receive from readers changed over the years?

The beauty of writing these books is that my readers (between the ages of 5 and 10) don’t seem to change very much. No matter the changes in the world over the last 30 years, those ages have always seemed open, curious, playful and kind to me. It’s the main reason I can’t stop writing the books.

Speaking of questions from kids, my daughter wondered: If you had a magic tree house, where would you go? Who would you meet? How would you help them?

If I had a magic tree house, I’d go meet George Washington and sit alone with him and tell him what’s gone on in the US since his time. Ben Franklin would join us. I imagine they would laugh and believe I was crazy, but also think that I had the greatest imagination they’d ever encountered.

You have an incredible ability to write stories that are magical, entertaining, thought-provoking, and informative–without being condescending or didactic. It seems so effortless, but has this always come naturally to you? You have great respect for children.

I love the openness of children and I try to meet them at their level. It’s not hard for me to do that as part of me never grew up – the part that loves to play and invent other worlds.

Magic Tree House Fact Trackers are always a favorite in elementary classrooms, and we’re especially excited for the September 2nd release of Space, along with the graphic novel adaptation of Midnight on the Moon. For young space enthusiasts who haven’t read the originals, can you give us a sneak peek of what’s in store?

We have a new addition to our Magic Tree House graphic novel Fact Tracker series called SPACE. Filled with bright illustrations, the book takes Jack and Annie into outer space where they learn amazing facts about early astronomy, telescopes, meteors, planets, stars, and UFOs! It’s one of their most thrilling journeys.

Finally, what’s one thing (personally or professionally) that you haven’t done yet but really want to do?

I’ve always wanted to paint flowers. Over the years, I’ve collected many tubes of beautiful paints, all sizes of brushes and blank sketchbooks. But honestly, I’ve never taken the time to actually sit down and paint. Hopefully, one day I will.

That’s all for now! Thank you to Mary and to her team at Penguin Random House.

Also, would love to hear if you’re interested in reading more author interviews in future newsletters.

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✨Wishing you hours and hours of reading magic,

Katie

‼️As a reminder, I created a storefront through Bookshop.org. Each purchase financially supports independent bookstores (more on that here).

If you purchase through one of my links or by visiting my storefront, I earn a teeny tiny commission, which supports my work on this newsletter. I’d really appreciate it. Thank you.

This newsletter is a bit later than I’d wanted. I scrapped my original draft, which was to feature books about summer camp, which obviously would have been horrible and incredibly inappropriate, given the tragedy in Texas. Like everyone else, I’m so sickened and deeply sad for everyone affected and know nothing I can say will help or even matter– but I can at least NOT publish those planned recommendations.

So, I decided to focus on just one fantastic series that my son and I are reading together.

Before I dive in, I wanted to share something you might enjoy. As many of you know, I contribute to Reading Middle Grade—a widely loved book review site and a trusted resource for parents and teachers looking to help kids and teens discover great books. Not long ago, the site’s founder, Afoma Umesi, invited me on her podcast for a conversation, and the episode is out now!

We chatted a bit about my background, but the heart of the conversation is all about what to do if your child doesn’t enjoy reading and how to keep older children, especially teenage boys, engaged and excited about books. We also talk a bit about breaking into the freelance writing industry, and spend time nerding out over the titles we’re personally excited about. (I actually think we forgot we were recording!)

You can listen to our entire conversation on Patreon, and I promise the episode is worth your while. I’d love it if you listened. ❤️

Afoma also posted video clips for her 50K (!!) Instagram followers, so you can find those here.

My son and I began reading the Harry Potter series together at the end of third grade, and it took us about a year and a half to complete all seven books. When we turned the final page, I had this overwhelming feeling that experiencing that series with him was one of the greatest joys of my reading life! Sounds so cheesy, but that’s exactly how I felt.

Even though he’s going into 8th grade now, I still remember that moment. At the time, I figured out read-aloud days were winding down. After all, he was getting older and busier, and I honestly didn’t know what series to share that would even hold a candle to Harry Potter.

So when he turned to me and said, “What are we going to read next?” I had to play it cool, even though I was so relieved—I wasn’t ready to give up that time together. But if HE was, I didn’t want him to feel pressured.

I knew our next pick had to be something truly special to keep his interest. Since he was still all-in on fantasy, I stuck with that genre, did some research, and discovered Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend.

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Nevermoor, by Jessica Townsend (2017, 2018, 2020, 2025)

Born on Eventide, Morrigan Crow is believed to be a cursed child, blamed for every misfortune in the Wintersea Republic and doomed to die on her eleventh birthday. But moments before the clock strikes midnight, the mysterious Jupiter North whisks her away to the magical city of Nevermoor. There, Morrigan learns that Jupiter has chosen to sponsor her so she can compete for a place in the prestigious Wundrous Society.

For acceptance, Morrigan must complete four dangerous trials against hundreds of other children, each with a unique “knack” that sets them apart from other candidates. Problem is, Morrigan doesn't seem to have any talents at all! But as she competes in the trials and adjusts to life in the vibrant and mysterious Nevermoor, Morrigan discovers that she may be more powerful than she ever imagined.

From the very first page, we were completely hooked. The rich world-building, the eccentric and memorable characters, and Morrigan as an unlikely hero navigating a strange new world all felt very Harry Potter. I loved the descriptions of Morrigan’s new home, the grand Hotel Deucalion, with its regrowing chandelier, rooms that change depending on the moods or needs of their occupants, and the head of housekeeping: Fenestra, a giant Magnificat.

The city itself is whimsical and magical, with special elements like the “Brolly Rail,” where passengers use enchanted umbrellas to travel along invisible rail lines. Readers will love these quirky, imaginative touches, but the narrative has enough emotional depth and intense moments that prevent it from feeling too childish.

For example, the villain is truly evil, having committed some really horrific crimes. Still, Townsend manages this darkness in a way that’s appropriate for younger readers, never tipping into nightmare territory. Each book is packed with humor, mystery, and the right amount of creepy for an older middle grade reader.

As Morrigan finds home and belonging at the Hotel Deucalian and with her new “found” family, she realizes that she might not be cursed after all. She slowly starts to understand her worth and overcomes the shame she felt before arriving “home” to Nevermoor. I know her journey toward self-acceptance will resonate deeply with many readers.

Book four (Silverborn: The Mystery of Morrigan Crow) was delayed more than once, and we searched for updates regularly, along with millions of other fans! Finally, it was released last month (five years after book 3), and we were so excited to jump back into Morrigan Crow’s world.

If you’re looking for a read-aloud to keep your older child engaged, the Nevermoor series is a great choice.

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow

Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow

Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow

Silverborn: The Mystery of Morrigan Crow

‼️As a reminder, I created a storefront through Bookshop.org. Each purchase financially supports independent bookstores (more on that here).

If you purchase through one of my links or by visiting my storefront, I earn a teeny tiny commission, which supports my work on this newsletter. I’d really appreciate it. Thank you.

✨Wishing you hours and hours of reading magic,

Katie

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I’m going to keep this intro short because I’m really excited about our books today. We’ve got a list of SEVEN middle grade and younger YA books curated by my son and daughter, ages 13 and 10.

As always, I include a summary and a few of my own thoughts, but then my kids jump in with their own very brief reviews. (I resisted the urge to edit, although I simply had to change “kinda” to “kind of” in one of them! 😂)

As much as I love reading and reviewing children’s books and have a pretty good sense of what young readers enjoy, nothing makes me happier than hearing straight from kids themselves and sharing in their excitement about books they love.

There are plenty of excellent summer reading guides, but I think ours has a wide variety of special, unique picks for middle grade readers. I hope you agree, and I’d love to hear from you. ❤️

P.S. If you’re not sure where to start, our favorites are The Islanders and Enhanced, so definitely check out those two reviews below.

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Nat Enough, by Maria Scrivan, series published 2020-2025

Nat has always felt inadequate. She’s not athletic enough, popular enough, and she definitely doesn’t have enough friends. Even though she’s surrounded by her supportive family, Nat feels less than, and it doesn’t help when her best friend ditches her for a group of more popular kids.

Across all six books in this graphic novel series, Nat struggles with her self-worth as she navigates the tricky world of middle school. Before reading, I thought I might get a little tired of the “poor me” mentality, but I was completely wrong!

The author does a great job balancing Nat’s insecurities and search for self-acceptance with warmth and humor. She’s a wonderfully relatable character that all readers, no matter how old they are, will love. I think we’ve all got a bit of Nat in us😉.

My 10-year-old wrote about Nat a Chance, the 6th book in the series, where Nat agrees to train for a triathlon.

Piper, rising 5th grader:

Nat a Chance is a book about believing in yourself. The kind of people I think would like this book are people who sometimes need extra help believing in themselves! My favorite character is Nat, the main character. I like her because she tries her best, even when the doubt gremlins creep in! I recommend this book because it is fun and has a good moral, which is “always believe in yourself.”

Recommended for ages 8-11

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Westfallen, by Ann and Ben Brashares, published 2024

In Westfallen, a group of middle schoolers from 2023 discover a radio that connects them with kids living in 1944. At first, the connection is exciting, but before long, their interference accidentally creates a world where the Nazis won World War II. As the kids from both timelines grapple with the devastating consequences of their actions, they must figure out a way to set things right.

This book was absolutely fabulous and would appeal to a wide variety of middle grade readers. Even those who aren’t normally drawn to historical fiction, sci fi, or stories about alternate history will be captivated by the fast-moving, high-stakes plot.

Although there are a lot of characters, they’re well developed, which makes the reader care even more about the outcome. We can’t wait for the next book, which will be released this September.

Connor, 13 years old, rising 8th grader:

I loved Westfallen. I liked how it kind of flipped on a dime and one day they were talking to these kids from 1944 who were in the middle of WWII, but soon they had time-traveled there themselves and altered history. The book was really creative and made you consider what would have happened if Hitler had won the war.

Recommended for ages 10-13

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The Islanders, by Mary Alice Monroe, 2024

After his father is wounded in Afghanistan, 11-year-old Jake is sent to live with his grandmother on Dewees Island, a tiny nature sanctuary without paved roads, stores, or restaurants. His grandmother doesn’t believe in cable or the internet, and Jake doesn’t know what he’ll do without his cell phone (which he accidentally dropped into the ocean) and video games. However, he quickly meets two new friends, both harboring their own secrets and struggles, and begins to adjust to life on the unplugged island.

But when a mistake lands the friends in community service, their “punishment” is dawn beach patrol, checking for loggerhead sea turtle tracks and protecting a nearby nest from predators.

As Jake connects with the natural world, he realizes the importance of conservation, finds the strength to deal with his challenges, and connects with his father through daily letters. My 10-year-old received The Islanders as a Christmas gift and said it was her favorite read of 2024.

Piper:

The Islanders is a really good book! I liked this book because it is set on an Island called Dewees Island, which is actually a real island in South Carolina! Also, the main characters Jake, Lovie, and Macon have lots of adventures, from finding an old fishing boat and watching baby turtles hatch. My favorite character in this book is Lovie because she always wants to explore the island and she LOVES animals. The main character in the book is actually Jake, who is visiting his grandma because his dad has been hurt in war in Afghanistan. I think that anyone would like this book, but especially someone who loves animals, nature, and having adventures. I really recommend this book because it has many lessons and is just fun to read!

Recommended for ages 8-12

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The False Prince (The Ascendance series), by Jennifer Nielsen, published 2013

In a discontented kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner's motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword's point -- he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's palace, layers of deceit unravel, until a truth emerges that may be more dangerous than all the lies combined.*

Connor:

I really love this medieval fantasy book and the entire series because these types of stories draw you in and keep you entertained. I like how the plot is unpredictable because it makes you want to keep reading, which is a great quality in a book. Sage was my favorite character because he was rebellious but was always able to outsmart others. I’d recommend this series for 5th-8th grade readers.

Recommended for ages 10-14

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*Since I haven’t read this book, this is the publisher’s summary.

Click (series), by Kayla Miller, published 2019-2025

In “Click”, the first book in this graphic novel series, Olive is a friendly, thoughtful girl who has always “clicked” with everyone in the 5th grade. She’s inclusive and kind, so when she suddenly feels left out, Olive must figure out what it means to truly belong.

In each of the seven books, Olive navigates school challenges, issues at summer camp, and social dynamics. My 10-year-old blew through this series, and here’s what she has to say:

Piper:

This series is so so fun to read! There’s one about camp, there’s another about acting and many many more! The main character in these books is Olive. Olive learns to be able to make time for all of her friends, old and new. She also decides to do many other things (mom note: participating in her school talent show, running for student council, and learning that despite her many interests, she can’t do everything ) With the help of Aunt Molly, Goober, and many more people, Olive begins to discover who she really is.

Recommended for ages 8-12

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The Great Texas Dragon Race, by Kacy Ritter, published 2023

When her grandmother falls ill and bills start piling up at her family’s dragon sanctuary ranch, 13-year-old Cassidy wants to compete with her dragon in the annual Great Texas Dragon Race, hoping to use the prize money to help her family. There’s only one problem: her mother died handling a poisonous dragon, and her father has forbidden her from competing.

Undeterred, Cassidy secretly enters the race. Facing grueling challenges, Cassidy learns teamwork, confronts her fears, and fights to honor her late mother’s legacy. I originally read this book in order to write a review for Reading Middle Grade, but liked it so much I passed it on to my son. Here’s what he had to say:

Connor

I liked this book because it was fantasy, but it also kept you connected to the real world. It was cool learning about the different dragons that the author created, and I loved the descriptions of all the action. If the author wrote a sequel, I’d definitely read it, and I would recommend this book for 4th-7th grade kids.

Recommended for ages 9+

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Enhanced (The Hybrid Series), by Candace Kade, published 2023

In a world where DNA determines your future, being born a “Natural” means being forced to live in the dangerous Outskirts and lead a life of minimal opportunity.

Lee Urban, a Natural secretly adopted into a wealthy Enhanced family, must hide her true identity, especially when she’s accepted into the elite Peking University.

Enhanced dives headfirst into a not-so-distant future world where the privileged use gene editing to create a super-human class. Both my 13-year-old and I were pretty obsessed with this book and its sequel, Hybrid.

Connor:

This was a great read and probably one of my favorite dystopian books I’ve ever read. I like how it is really futuristic and all the cool tech they mention which really helps you visualize their world. The second book (Hybrid) reveals so much more than Enhanced but I know there are still a bunch of questions left unanswered. I would recommend the book for 7th-10th grade level.

Recommended for ages 13-17 (but I think mature younger kids can totally handle)

Buy on Bookshop.org

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Wishing you hours and hours of reading magic,

Katie

🚨P.S. ‼️ As a reminder, I created a storefront through Bookshop.org. Each purchase financially supports independent bookstores (more on that here).

I also recently became an Amazon affiliate. I realized that Amazon often (not always, but often) has great deals on books and the shipping just can’t be beat! If you use one of these links, I make a few pennies:)

If you purchase through one of my links or by visiting my storefront, I earn a teeny tiny commission, which supports my work on this newsletter.

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And while I really do love having brothers, I still find myself drawn to stories about the unique bond between sisters. Both of today’s books explore those relationships, with the second also capturing the healing connection between a girl and a horse.

I’d love to hear about what kind of books you loved as a kid. Stories about sisters, horses, or something else? Do you still find yourself gravitating to those types of books today? Would love to hear from you.

I’ll see you next month! As always, thank you for reading. ❤️

Stella and Marigold, by Annie Barrows & Sophie Blackall (2024)

“I’m Stella. I’m your sister. I’m going to tell you all the secret things I know. I would never tell them to anyone else, but I’ll tell them to you. Forever and ever.”

Marigold had only been in the world for 35 hours, and she had only known Stella for one of them, but she knew right away that Stella was saying something very important. She stared at Stella and decided she loved her.

It’s hard being a baby. Everyone knows more than you do. But from that moment on, Marigold knew one thing for sure: Stella.

Stella kept her promise. Of course, Mom and Dad taught Marigold important things too. They loved her and took care of her, and Marigold loved them back. But it was Stella who told her secrets. It was Stella who explained the world to her.

The instant Marigold was born, she and her older sister Stella became each other's whole world. Their warm, loving bond is at the heart of this book–whether one of them is sick, struggling with friendship, or mad at their parents, they share stories and secrets that help them navigate childhood together.

This isn’t a story of siblings vs. parents (though Marigold does suggest they run off to Japan without them!), but one that celebrates close family relationships and the power of imagination to make sense of the world.

This book really reminded me of the Ramona series, with characters who navigate the frustrations and misunderstandings of childhood in ways that feel honest and relatable to readers of any age.

Parents will appreciate the positive portrayal of family relationships, and I think this book makes a perfect gift for any child with a sibling. Like I mentioned above, I don’t have a sister, but I do have brothers, and one in particular who makes me feel the same way Stella feels about Marigold.

(I also wanted to highlight that the author/illustrator duo Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall of Ivy and Bean fame created this book. I know Ivy and Bean can be kind of polarizing, but my daughter read these over and over, so if your reader hasn’t, I highly recommend checking them out!)

Recommended for ages 5-9

Bea and the New Deal Horse, by L.M. Elliot (2023)

The horses were still asleep–except for the chestnut. He was gazing out his stall’s back window, away from the sunrise toward the dark, toward the mountains. If I were a poet, I could explain it better–but there was a what-the-heck-will-this-darn-day-want-of-me apprehension about him, a bring-it defensiveness. If a horse could have a proverbial chip on his shoulder, his was the size of a barn.

Somehow, seeing his angst, his desolation, in a moment all the other horses were sleeping blissfully-just like I had snuck out into the night, twitchy with disappointments and questions, while my sister and Mrs. Scott slumbered–made my heart ache. For him. For me. It’s as if that horse embodied all the fury and fear and loneliness, the self-doubt and what’s-coming-next anxiety I was feeling that morning. Heck–had felt every second since Daddy disappeared.

Virginia, 1932: With the US in the midst of the Great Depression, thirteen-year-old Beatrice and her eight-year-old sister Vivian are abandoned by their father in the hayloft of a horse farm. The owned by Mrs. Scott, a respected horse trainer and a longtime family connection the girls have never met.

Before the sisters are discovered, Bea tends to a dangerous horse with colic, saving his life and revealing herself to Mrs. Scott. Desperate to make herself useful around the farm, Bea works with Mrs Scott to train as a competitive rider, helping the skittish, fearful horse become a powerful jumper. Before long, Bea’s bond with the chestnut horse helps them both heal and learn to trust again.

Award-winning author L.M. Elliott blends this touching narrative with vivid historical context, communicating the effects of the stock market crash, the hopelessness felt around the country, and the eventual promise of FDR’s New Deal. Although this book is aimed at a middle grade audience, I learned so much that I had forgotten (or may have never learned in the first place!)

I don’t often come across a middle grade novel where the secondary characters are as well developed as the protagonist, but this book does that beautifully. As a result, readers care about these characters—including the horses!—as much as they care about Bea.

An emotionally fulfilling, hopeful novel.

Highly, highly recommended for ages 10-13

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✨Wishing you hours and hours of reading magic,✨

Katie

🚨P.S. ‼️ As a reminder, I created a storefront through Bookshop.org. This impactful organization donates all profits to local bookstores (more on that here).

If you purchase through one of my links or by visiting my storefront, I earn a teeny tiny commission, which supports my work on this newsletter.

(I’m obligated to keep reminding you, so sorry if you’ve read this 20 times😂)

I’m really excited to share our recommendations today. We’ve read so many excellent 4 and 5-star books lately that I wanted to share our most recent favorites instead of digging into my usual archives.

Here are three totally different middle-grade novels that my 13-year-old, my 10-year-old, or I—or sometimes all of us-have read over the past few months. Happy weekend!

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Wicked Marigold, by Caroline Carlson (2024)

Princess Marigold hadn’t yet been born when her sister, the extraordinary Princess Rosalind, was kidnapped by a dark wizard. Rosalind was so wonderful that flowers would bloom everywhere she walked (literally), and Marigold knew she could never live up to Rosalind’s legacy.

Now 11 years old, Marigold’s world is turned upside down when her sister suddenly reappears. As the kingdom of Imbervale celebrates her return, Marigold starts to wonder—if Rosalind is purely good, does that mean she herself is purely wicked? After she ruins her sister’s homecoming party, Marigold runs away–straight to the evil wizard’s lair.

This was one of the best read aloud books we’ve enjoyed in a long time! The characters are lovable and quirky, the dialogue is realistic and hilarious, and the fast-paced plot makes it perfect for reading aloud.

My daughter and I were sad to reach the end, because Marigold’s search for identity is something everyone can relate to–princess or not.

Highly recommend! Ages 8-11

The Bletchley Riddle, by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin (2024)

It’s London in the 1940s, and when we meet Jakob and Lizzie, their mother has gone missing and is presumed dead. Unlike Jakob, Lizzie refuses to believe it, knowing deep down that her mother is alive, somewhere.

The two siblings end up at Bletchley Park—the secret hub for British codebreakers during WWII. 19-year-old Jakob and other mathematicians try desperately to decode German ciphers, while 14-year-old Lizzie is on a secret mission to uncover the truth about her mother.

My son and I read this book separately, and we both came away with a deeper understanding of Bletchley Park and the crucial work done there (I learned later that the youngest codebreaker was just 17!) I’m a sucker for historical photographs, and Bletchley Riddle has plenty. While packed with historical details, the book seamlessly weaves these facts into a suspenseful, fast-paced storyline.

Recommended for ages 10+

The Brotherband Chronicles (series), by John Flanagan, (2011-2022)

I recently wrote about my son’s love for the Ranger’s Apprentice series*, so if you haven’t checked it out yet, we highly recommend starting there first, since The Brotherband Chronicles is a companion series.

Skandia is a Viking-inspired land known for its fierce warriors and expert seafarers. The story follows Hal Mikkelson, a half-Skandian, half-Araluen boy who is a brilliant shipbuilder and strategist but an outsider due to his mixed heritage.

In Skandia, young boys go through a rigorous training program called Brotherband to prove themselves as warriors and sailors. Hal leads a group of misfit recruits—each with their own quirks and strengths—as they compete against other teams. Through their adventures, they face battles at sea, dangerous pirates, and intense rivalries.

Just like Ranger’s Apprentice, I haven’t read this series, so the above summary is not my own. However, my 13-year-old couldn’t put it down. Since it’s a bit older, there are only a few copies of each book at our library, and he’d ask me multiple times if the next book was ready to borrow yet. He just read the ninth book the other day and said he was so sad he finished the series– I actually haven’t heard him say that in a long time.

If your reader likes fantasy, this is considered “medieval fantasy,” – a world similar to medieval Europe that emphasizes strategy and skill over magical elements.

Recommended for ages 10+

*scroll down to the bottom to find our Ranger’s Apprentice review.

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That’s all for today! Would love to hear your thoughts below.

Wishing you hours and hours of reading magic,

Katie

🚨P.S. ‼️ As a reminder, I created a storefront through Bookshop.org. This impactful organization donates all profits to local bookstores (more on that here).

If you purchase through one of my links or by visiting my storefront, I earn a teeny tiny commission, which supports my work on this newsletter.

(I’m obligated to keep reminding you, so sorry if you’ve read this 20 times😂)

Yikes—February went by incredibly fast. I don’t know about where you live, but in Colorado, spring sports have a way of sneakily creeping up on winter sports, so the past month has felt a little insane—trying to finish up winter commitments while not missing the beginning of spring commitments. (This is impossible, btw). Suddenly, it’s the last day of the month, and I almost missed MY commitment of sending out this newsletter!

I have a big pile of middle grade books to share soon, but a friend recently asked me for book recommendations for her 1st grade twins. I wanted to point her here but realized that I haven’t posted much lately about books for a younger audience.

I do have this post and this post, as well as several others, but it’s been awhile! So, today, I thought I’d highlight two adorable books perfect for kids who are just starting to read on their own.

While one book is an early graphic novel and the other a traditional chapter book, both highlight themes of friendship, self-acceptance, and overcoming challenges—just like many books for this age range.

If these recommendations are perfect for your reader, wonderful! If not, I’d love it if you could pass them along to a reader who might appreciate them—they’re such a treat for the right audience!

Thanks, everyone!

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Birtle and the Purple Turtles, by Tara J. Hannon, 2024

Tootie loves playing tag, but none of the other turtles in Turtletown want to join in. That is, until Tootie meets Teeny, who also loves the game! Tootie just assumes Teeny is another turtle—despite how different she looks. Since Teeny’s not sure what she is, she agrees! But when Teeny realizes she might not be a turtle after all, she worries that Tootie won’t want to be friends anymore. Even after Tootie assures her that Teeny is perfect just the way she is, Teeny feels ashamed of her differences. Tootie stays by her side until Teeny slowly begins to embrace her unique self.

Can I say that this book actually made me tear up a little? Not shocking if you know me in real life, but still—I wish every child (and adult) could experience such a supportive, loving, and FUN friendship with someone who accepts them completely.

This book also features a dyslexia-friendly font!

Highly recommend for ages 5-8

Superfairies (series), by Janey Louise Jones, 2015-2018

The Superfairies live in Peasblossom Woods, where they use their special superpowers to rescue forest animals that need help:

Each book in the series follows a familiar pattern, which is comforting to young readers. For example, in Violet the Velvet Rabbit, a velvet rabbit takes a dare to ski down a snowy slope and gets caught in a (very tiny, very mild) avalanche. In The Snow Fairy, a greedy magpie steals a special crown. In the Copper Queen, forest animals play a trick on bossy Basil the bear cub, which results in a small accident. You get the idea!

Each time, the Superfairies receive a warning signal, view the problem on their “strawberry computer,” and often fly their fairycopter out to perform the rescue. Yes, these stories aren’t breaking any new ground, but they are very cute, and the bright illustrations are whimsical and darling—perfect for fairy lovers. My daughter (now 10) adored these books. In fact, when I pulled them out earlier this week, she actually gasped and said “Oh I LOVED that series!”

(Her recommendations are usually spot on, just saying😉)

P.S. I linked to the collection on Bookshop.org, but you can buy the individual stories on Amazon. Hard to find elsewhere!

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Please do let me know if these books are a hit with your reader—I’d love to hear from you!

Wishing you hours and hours of reading magic,

Katie

🚨P.S. ‼️ As a reminder, I created a storefront through Bookshop.org. This impactful organization donates all profits to local bookstores (more on that here).

If you purchase through one of my links or by visiting my storefront, I earn a teeny tiny commission, which (one day) will support my work on this newsletter.

Skipping the intro today because this newsletter ended up long enough, so let's dive right into two beautiful books our family loved. They’re very different, but we wholeheartedly recommend both. Hoping they make your morning a bit brighter on the last day of a really tough January.🔆❤️

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Wildflower Emily, by Lydia Corry (2024)

When you hear the name Emily Dickinson, what comes to mind? Do you picture a reclusive poet, scribbling verses on scraps of paper, her words discovered only after her death? That was always my impression—a lonely, eccentric woman, shut off from the world.

I never gave much thought to her early life or why she might have withdrawn from society. Although I truly do love her poetry, I saw her as more of a caricature than an actual person.

It was only after reading Wildflower Emily that she felt real—complex, vibrant, and deeply human.

Told in graphic novel form, Wildflower Emily brings Dickinson’s childhood to life, capturing her adventurous, curious spirit. Young Emily loved exploring the outdoors with her big dog Carlo, a loyal companion and protector. Long before she discovered poetry, she was fascinated by botany, studying and reflecting on the flowers she found in her classroom and in nature.

Far from being a lonely figure, Wildflower Emily portrays Dickinson as a joyful, passionate girl eager to share her discoveries with those around her. She had close friendships, and even though she was always a little different, she was loved and supported throughout her entire life.

Instead of feeling like an “extra info” section tacked onto the end (which kids often skip), the author does a wonderful job offering tidbits of Emily’s later years.

These moments offer a deeper look at Emily’s life—her love of baking, bookmaking, and the special bond with her dog– while also hinting at what may have led to her eventual withdrawal from society.

And if your child isn’t typically drawn to graphic novels (mine usually aren’t!) don’t let that hold you back. The illustrations are warm, inviting, and essential to understanding Emily’s world. They don’t just complement the story—they draw the reader into Emily’s life in a way that words alone couldn’t. We loved this one.

Recommended for ages 7+

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The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman, by Gennifer Choldenko (2024)

11-year-old Hank has always looked out for his little sister, Boo. Their mom often disappears for days, but this is the longest she’s ever been gone. They’ve run out of food, money, and because he must watch Boo—Hank hasn’t been to school in a week. When their landlord slaps an eviction notice on their door, Hank knows he has no choice: he must track down the stranger listed as their emergency contact. But the moment he asks for help, everything changes.

This was, without a doubt, the best middle grade book we read last year. Hank’s character is vividly drawn and his emotions are so real. His anxiety over uprooting his life, the fear of losing his mom, his desire for stability, and the desperate hope that he and Boo can stay together—you feel every bit of the crushing weight he carries.

Yes, this book tackles heavy stuff, but it also offers moments of relief. Hank finds kindness in unexpected places—his new classmates welcome him, he discovers a passion for basketball, and a neighbor becomes a steady presence he can trust.

If you're concerned that this book might be too heavy for your middle grade reader, you know them best. However, I’ll also argue that the emotional depth of this story makes it well worth the read. Even a month after finishing it, I still find myself thinking about Hank and Boo.

Most importantly, you should know that things do end well for them.

This would make an incredible read-aloud for older kids. My 12-year-old read it on his own, but I honestly wish we had experienced it together. (Although my “ugly” cry toward the end would have for sure annoyed him😉).

Recommended for ages 10-13 (although a mature 10, I think)

✨Wishing you hours and hours of reading magic✨,

Katie

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🚨P.S. ‼️ As a reminder, I created a storefront through Bookshop.org. This impactful organization donates all profits to local bookstores (more on that here).

If you purchase through one of my links or by visiting my storefront, I earn a teeny tiny commission, which (one day) will support my work on this newsletter.

Usborn Sticker Books (Sticker Dolly Dressing on Vacation)

Oh I go down a rabbit hole of sticker books every year! There are so many incredible ones for all ages, but I’m often drawn toward the “Usborn” brand for gift-giving. They’ve got sticker books for older and younger kids on a variety of topics: fairies, bugs, dragons, mermaids, space, dogs–lots of options for whatever your kid is into.

Even though she’s 10 and almost out of her sticker book phase, my daughter still secretly loves them. She’s had princesses, and fairies, but has recently gotten interested in drawing dresses and accessories, so I think this “Dolly Dressing on Vacation” will be perfect for our plane ride during winter break.

Sorry, guys! Enjoy!

I’ve already bought several for my 10 and 12-year-old, along with some great fiction I’ll share soon. December can get so hectic, so I hope this list takes some stress off your plate and sparks an idea or two for the young readers in your life. I’ll be back in January. Happy Holidays!

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The Wonderous Workings of Science and Nature Coloring Book, by Rachel Ignotofsky

I’ve written before about my love for Rachel Ignotofsky’s amazing nonfiction books for kids. She’s an incredible illustrator, so her books are both beautiful and educational.

We own What’s Inside a Bird’s Nest and The Wonderous Workings of Planet Earth, and although my kids aren’t drawn to picture books like they used to be, Ignotofsky’s books are truly collectibles.

I was excited to pick up Ignotofsky’s science and nature coloring book for my daughter. She loves art and is especially drawn to Ignotofsky’s unique style, so I think she’ll really like this one.

If your reader isn’t into coloring books, she’s got a few gorgeous jigsaw puzzles to check out. My personal favorite is Women in Art, but it’s currently back ordered. Keep checking though, because Bookshop.org restocks quickly.

I also loved this quote from her website: Rachel believes when you take the time to organize complex information—and then take the next step to make it beautiful with art — you can reach even the most reluctant learner. Illustration is a powerful tool when it comes to education.

Usborn Sticker Books (Sticker Dolly Dressing on Vacation)

Oh I go down a rabbit hole of sticker books every year! There are so many incredible ones for all ages, but I’m often drawn toward the “Usborn” brand for gift-giving. They’ve got sticker books for older and younger kids on a variety of topics: fairies, bugs, dragons, mermaids, space, dogs–lots of options for whatever your kid is into.

Even though she’s 10 and almost out of her sticker book phase, my daughter still secretly loves them. She’s had princesses, and fairies, but has recently gotten interested in drawing dresses and accessories, so I think this “dolly dressing on vacation” will be perfect for our plane ride during winter break.The Antiquarian Sticker Books (Older Tweens and Teens)

Let’s say you have an older child who loves stickers but is firmly past the Usborn style—there are still plenty of options for them! I haven’t purchased these, but I’ve had them in my list forever– they might like these antiquarian sticker books. They’re so gorgeous– be sure to check out how substantial they are! Part of a 3 book series that also includes Imaginarium and Bibliophilia.

I linked to Bookshop.org (because I’m an affiliate and want to support local booksellers) but I’d feel bad not saying that these particular books are much cheaper on Amazon.

Amazon

NYT Mini Crosswords

My 12-year-old has been getting into crossword puzzles lately—he loves to help me with mine, even though some of them can be a bit daunting. These mini crosswords seem like the perfect fit for him: challenging enough, but manageable–and not too overwhelming. Small enough to fit into a stocking!

The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World

Wowowow this book is stunning! I initially bought it for my son but think I might make this a family coffee table book, and I can’t wait to take the cellophane off. What a gorgeous gift for anyone who loves travel, art, photography, and of course—books.

Murdle Jr.: Curious Crimes for Curious Minds

I featured Murdle in last year’s gift guide, and it was a big hit with my (then) 6th grader—I actually enjoyed the puzzles too! That said, my 3rd grader tried to solve some of the “beginner” puzzles at the start of the book wasn’t quite able to figure them out independently.

(Of course, just because my 9-year-old struggled doesn’t mean yours will! In fact, her good friend had a great time with the original Murdle and found the puzzles manageable.)

That said, my daughter was a bit disappointed she couldn’t quite do it, so I was excited to discover the release of Murdle Jr.! Although the publisher recommends it for ages 10+, I think many kids as young as 8 could enjoy these puzzles. Regardless, you’ll likely be able to gauge the best level for your child. Highly recommend!

Epic Snow Adventures of the World

Like I’ve said before, living in Colorado, we’re definitely mountain people and my kids and husband are great skiers. (I am a very very average skier but they wait for me😂)

Anyway, I thought my whole family would love this new coffee table book to add to our collection. Lonely Planet does such a great job with these types of books–tons of interesting information for older kids and adults, vibrant drawings, and unique photographs.

Amazon

Sports Illustrated College Football’s Greatest

Finally, I realized I hadn’t included any books for sports-loving kids, apart from the ski book. So, I wanted to share one I got my son for his birthday last year. This is a big, heavy book with glossy photographs and lots of information. As you can see, ours is VERY well-loved :)

You can find it on Amazon or Bookshop.org (was on backorder when I linked this, but might be back)

I’d really love to know what gift books you’ve found for your readers (or yourself!!)

Also, I know it’s harder to engage with a newsletter that posts monthly instead of weekly, but that’s all I can do right now to keep this free for everyone–and I promise I read every comment and appreciate them all!

✨Wishing you hours and hours of reading magic,✨

Katie

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🚨P.S. ‼️ As a reminder, I created a storefront through Bookshop.org. This impactful organization donates all profits to local bookstores (more on that here).

If you purchase through one of my links or by visiting my storefront, I earn a teeny tiny commission, which (one day) will support my work on this newsletter.

That said, I realized I’ve never shared much about the other work I do in the children’s book world, and it might be something you’d find helpful for yourself or the young readers in your life.

After stepping away from teaching and tutoring, I transitioned into freelance writing. It’s been a great fit—super flexible and perfect for working during school hours so I can be with my kids in the afternoons and on weekends. Most of my work involves creating educational content for various companies, but my favorite role is the one I wanted to discuss today. 

For over a year now, I’ve been a children’s nonfiction reviewer at Reading Middle Grade. It’s a fantastic gig.  Not only do I often collaborate with a great team, but I also get to read and recommend a ton of great nonfiction books for kids. I also contribute fiction recommendations for gift guides and read-alike posts. 

Anyway, with the holiday season coming up, we’re busy putting together 2024 gift guides for a variety of ages. We’ve got several in the pipeline, but have already posted a few, including gifts for ages 6-8 , 9-11, and 12+.

 Today, I wanted to share some of the nonfiction books I’ve recommended for Reading Middle Grade—ones that were a big hit with my own kids. There’s honestly no need for boring textbooks when you’ve got nonfiction that engages, entertains, and educates kids on so many interesting topics! The quality is honestly incredible, way better than I had in the ‘90s. 

 Enjoy, and head over to Reading Middle Grade to check out more of my nonfiction recs– you can also follow the founder, Afoma, on Instagram at @whatafomareads 

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The Mona Lisa Vanishes (2023)

This narrative nonfiction book details the Mona Lisa’s creation and, centuries later, the theft and recovery that made this previously insignificant painting the most famous artwork in the world. 

In alternating sections, readers learn about Leonardo DiVinci’s interesting life and the 1911 theft, which is full of conspiracy theories and well-known suspects, including J.P. Morgan and Pablo Picasso. The author highlights how the public has always been drawn to scandal, even when the truth is evident. After all, he says, “We’re all suckers for a better story.” 

Even though I’ve been to the Louvre and visited the Mona Lisa, I only (embarrassingly) had a vague understanding of its theft. I loved the audiobook, my 7th grader read the print version and especially enjoyed the parts about Leonardo DiVinci’s life, and now my husband (who does not usually read for fun) is totally into it.  

The publisher suggested an age range of 10-14 but I’d say the interest level is more like 11/12+  The narrative jumps back and forth between the 1500s (DiVinci’s time) and 1911 (the year the Mona Lisa was stolen). There are a lot of names and situations to keep track of which might be a little frustrating for younger readers.

Yummy: A History of Desserts (2021)

Tasty: A History of Yummy Experiments (2023)

Guided by three food sprites named Fee, Fada, and Peri, Yummy explores the fascinating history of desserts, answering questions like “Who put the first chocolate chip in cookie dough?” This book is both lighthearted and informative, exploring the history and cultural influences on desserts and the science behind their creations. 

Tasty is similar, except this time the sprites explore the origins of foods like cheese, pickles, soda, and pizza.

Kids will love the graphic novel format—I point parents toward these books when they tell me their kids are interested in food or history but don’t especially like traditional nonfiction. 

Even if your readers aren’t especially clamoring to learn where gelatin comes from, they’ll love the illustrations and recipes to try at home. 

My 10-year-old repeatedly checked these out from her school library until I bought her her own copies;).

Ages 8-12

Reaching for the Moon: The Autobiography of NASA Mathematician Katherine Johnson (2020) 

Katherine Johnson was a NASA mathematician who played an essential role in several missions during the Space Race, including calculating the trajectory Apollo 11 needed to get to the moon and back. Katherine’s accomplishments alone are incredibly impressive, but that she succeeded in a world rife with racism and sexism is what makes this autobiography truly inspiring.

Her narrative style is conversational and familiar, and she breaks down complex ideas and events in a way that young readers will understand.

I loved listening to this book on Audible and found myself taking extra-long walks with my dog, completely engrossed in the captivating narration and Katherine’s remarkable life story.

Ages 10+

Railway Jack (2020)

Jim was a train track operator in South Africa in the late 1800s. After he lost his legs in an accident, he was unable to perform all the tasks necessary to keep his job. Then Jim met a chacma baboon named Jack who began to help him at home and at work, and the two formed an incredible bond.

Railway Jack tells the story of their friendship and highlights the importance of perseverance and resilience despite unimaginable hardship. 

We loved this one! The book is incredibly well-researched and includes historical photos, discussion questions, and a history of service animals. There’s a lot of information and resources packed into a relatively short book, but it never becomes dense or boring.

I was so impressed by the accessible, engaging writing and the inspiring story of a lesser-known individual who overcame tragedy and discovered a unique path to continue working and living a fulfilling life—gaining a true friend along the way.

Ages 7-10

✨Wishing you hours and hours of reading magic,✨

Katie

🚨P.S. ‼️ As a reminder, I created a storefront through Bookshop.org. This impactful organization donates all profits to local bookstores (more on that here).

If you purchase through one of my links or by visiting my storefront, I earn a teeny tiny commission, which (one day) will support my work on this newsletter.

Hope you’ve had a great month! 🍁

Just a quick intro today because my kids have a half day and then no school Friday 🙄, but at least we’ll have plenty of time to read. If you’re on the hunt for page-turners to keep your readers happily occupied through the weekend, then these two recommendations—though quite different from one another—might be perfect. We loved these, and I hope you do too.

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Mac B., Kid Spy (series), by Mac Barnett (2018-2021)

One afternoon the phone rang, and it was for me. It was the Queen of England. “Hello?” I said. “Hullo,” she said. “Can I speak to Mac?” “Speaking,” I said. “Mac, this is the Queen of England,” she said. “I would like to ask you for a favor.” “OK,” I said. Whenever somebody asks you for a favor, it is a good idea to ask them what the favor is before you say OK. But I had never talked to a queen before. So I said OK. “Wonderful,” said the Queen. “I will tell you a secret. Last night, somebody stole the Crown Jewels!” “No!” I said. “Yes,” said the Queen. “This is the favor: You shall find the missing treasure and bring it back to me.” This was very exciting.

But I had a question. “I have a question,” I said. “I hope it is a quick question,” said the Queen. “Why me?” The Queen of England sighed. “That is a stupid question.” “My teacher says there is no such thing as stupid questions.” The Queen of England frowned. (I could tell she was frowning, even over the phone) “That is just something teachers say in America. But I am not a teacher from America. I am a queen, from England.”

Mac B. Kid Spy is a hilarious chapter book series about an ordinary kid who unexpectedly becomes a spy for the Queen of England. Presented as a “mock memoir” of the author’s childhood in the 1980s, the series is full of witty dialogue and dry humor (much like the quote above!)

Mac travels all over the world to tackle his missions, and between the absurd scenarios and fun illustrations, the author sneaks in a ton of historical and cultural insights. This series is smart, silly, and makes a great read aloud—this is one I’ve recommended a lot to parents of reluctant readers aged 7-10.

buy Mac. B, Kid Spy on Bookshop.org

The Liars Society (Book 1), by Alyson Gerber, 2024

I’ve wanted to be a student at the Boston School ever since Dad’s journal was sent to me a few months ago, just after Skip and I signed up to sail in this regatta and our names were listed in the paper. Everythin about my dad is mysterious like that. I never met him. Peter Graff. He moved to Switzerland before I was born, and then he died. Mom doesn’t like to talk about Dad, and I know she’d be freaked out that his journal was delivered with no return address and a note that said: Weatherby, this is your dad’s journal…

I feel a prick of guilt the way I always do when I think about how I didn’t tell Mom—but it’s too late to go back now.

Weatherby is a newcomer to the prestigious Boston School, thrilled to finally be in the same world as her late father and hoping to fit in with her new sailing team. But she’s hiding a big secret that could ruin her fresh start.

Jack comes from a wealthy family with a long history at Boston School, but he feels like his father is constantly disappointed in him—and he’s hiding a secret of his own.

Weatherby and Jack start off as rivals, but when their sailing coach assigns them to the same boat, they begin to trust one another. Their lives become further intertwined when they receive mysterious messages indicating they’ve been “tapped” to join Last Heir, a secret society connected to Boston School.

Weatherby, Jack, and three of their classmates soon realize that the mystery is much more complex—and dangerous—than they ever imagined.

We love a good prep school/boarding school mystery, and this one has it all: sports rivalry, extreme wealth, powerful families, deception, corruption, and a cast of (somewhat) relatable characters.

The Liars Society is a total page-turner with twists and a cliffhanger ending, making it a perfect escape for middle grade readers. My kids (10 and 12) were completely hooked on this one, and I was, too. I also loved that it was appropriate for my sensitive 4th grader (not too scary, etc.) but still intriguing enough for my 7th grader to devour in one weekend.

Recommended for ages 10-13

buy The Liars Society on Bookshop.org

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✨Wishing you hours and hours of reading magic,✨

Katie

🚨P.S. ‼️ As a reminder, I created a storefront through Bookshop.org. This impactful organization donates all profits to local bookstores (more on that here).

If you purchase through one of my links or by visiting my storefront, I earn a teeny tiny commission, which (one day) will support my work on this newsletter.

My kids headed back to school this week, and I’m just baffled that I have a 4th and 7th grader now. Neither seem very little anymore, and this summer especially made me realize how fast they are growing up. I try to be a “present” parent but I still feel like I’m constantly grasping at what was—feeling an uncomfortable sort of nostalgia.**

The past few months I noticed a distinct switch– where I used to feel like I needed to fill the time, now I feel like I have to find the time– for most things, reading aloud included.

But although our summer reading looks slightly different than during the school year, we still found several fantastic 4 and 5-star books that I’m excited to share. And while I’m kind of allergic to the “back to school” season (I know I’m in the minority here, but I just love summer and get less excited about the school rush /pressure/stress), it will be nice to get back to a more structured schedule– reading routines included.

Enjoy these books—fantasy, historical fiction, realistic fiction—there’s something for everyone here!

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**Claire Zulkey from Evil Witches just published a newsletter today on this topic, so check it out here if you’re interested—I felt a lot better after reading it;).

Victoria Stitch (series), by Harriet Muncaster (2020, 2022, 2023)

“Have you been spying on me?” asked Victoria Stitch after a few moments. Her voice was low and measured, but Celestine could sense the danger in it.

“No,” she stuttered. “I was checking to see…if you were all right.” 

“You were spying!” shrieked Victoria Stitch, throwing her door wide open. Her glassy expression twisted into anger, her eyes becoming little slits. Celestine stepped back.

“How dare you betray me!” screeched Victoria Stitch. “You of all wisklings!” 

Victoria Stitch is a “wiskling”-- a glamorous, gothic fairy-like creature– who feels cheated out of her rightful place as queen of Wiskling Wood because of a flaw in the diamond in which she and her twin sister, Celestine, were born. Celestine (who was supposed to rule alongside her) has accepted this fact, but Victoria is determined to claim the throne—by any means necessary.  

My 10-year-old tore through the first three books of this “gothic fantasy” series. The unique world of the wisklings, the sibling rivalry, and the engaging, twisty plot will hook readers who are ready for something a bit longer and darker than the author’s popular Isadora Moon series. (Which we highly recommend for chapter book readers!)

Oh, and the illustrations are so fantastic! Check them out on the author’s website

Recommended for ages 8-12

Max in the House of Spies: A Tale of World War II, by Adam Gidwitz (2024) 

Max doesn’t want to be sent to London. He’s never left Berlin. He barely speaks English. He doesn’t want to live with strangers. Most of all, he doesn’t want to leave his parents behind.

On the Kindertransport boat to England, Max has never felt more alone–until he meets two unexpected travelling companions: a kobold named Berg and a dybbuk named Stein.

Germany is becoming more and more dangerous for Jewish families, but Max is still determined to go home. He’s hatching a plan to get back to Berlin. It merely involves accomplishing the impossible: convincing the British to make him a spy. 

Connor and I both really liked this book– we became huge Gidwitz fans after reading The Inquisitor’s Tale– truly, one of the best middle grade novels I’ve ever read. 

The characters, especially Max, feel real and immediate. Readers will love how he stands up to an antisemitic teacher and schoolyard bullies. They’ll also love his cleverness and how he manages to convince the British intelligence that they want an almost 12-year-old for a spy. 

Gidwitz is an incredible storyteller with such a strong, unique narrative voice. In this book, he is especially good at balancing serious, dark, historically accurate events with humor, charm, and a bit of magic. 

I recently read a wonderful interview between the author and Melissa Taylor of Imagination Soup. In the interview, Gidwitz discussed what he hopes the world will take away from his book. He emphasized the importance of readers enjoying the story: if they aren’t turning the pages, it doesn’t matter what “highfalutin” idea the author wants to share. However, when readers are truly invested, the author can pose important questions that readers will want to wrestle with and think critically about. 

And Gidwitz says that the big question in this book (and its sequel, due out next year) is: 

Max in the House of Spies ends in a total cliffhanger—just an FYI. We are chomping at the bit for the release of the next book, Max in the Land of Lies. 

Recommended for ages 11+

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Saint Ivy: Kind at All Costs, by Laurie Morrison (2022) 

Nana sighed. “I worry about you with your big, soft heart. Your brother–he lets everything out. But that heart of yours is like a sponge.” 

What did that even mean, that Ivy’s heart was like a sponge? It was a good thing that Ivy cared about other people and tried to help them.

Having a kind heart–doing generous things and caring for other people–that was the thing that made Ivy special. It was the thing that made her Ivy. 

She wasn’t a genius like Kyra–that had become obvious once they’d started middle school. She wasn’t an amazing singer like Peyton or a star athlete like Will. But she was kind.

The kindest. 

Saint Ivy is the story of an 8th-grade girl who finds joy in being kind to others but is uncomfortable being as compassionate to herself. Ivy constantly pushes away her feelings about significant changes in her life– including how she really feels about her mom’s surrogacy, her parents’ divorce, and her changing relationship with her best friend. 

When she receives a mystery email from someone who needs her help, Ivy jumps at the chance to show once again that being kind is her “thing”. However, her refusal to accept kindness or help from others causes tension and misunderstanding with her friends and family. 

Such a warm, realistic, and relatable middle grade novel. While Ivy is 13 years old, the author presents her identity struggle in a way that even much younger readers will identify with— this would be a great read-aloud for parents with 4th-7th graders. 

Recommended for ages 9-12

The Ranger’s Apprentice (series), by John Flanagan (published 2004- 2024) 

‘The Rangers are a mysterious group of people,” the Baron said. “But there’s nothing about them to be frightened of–unless you’re an enemy of the kingdom.”

He could see that the boy was hanging on his every word, and he added, jokingly, “You’re not an enemy of the kingdom, are you, Will?”

This fantasy series is set in a world resembling medieval Europe and follows the adventures of Will, an orphan who dreams of becoming a knight. Instead, on his 15th birthday, Will is deeply disappointed when he is chosen to become an apprentice Ranger, because the Rangers and their “shadowy” ways have always made Will nervous. This mysterious group is revered for their stealth, camouflage, knife skills, and long-range weaponry. However, Will quickly realizes that the Rangers are crucial to the safety of the kingdom. 

My son likes the blend of adventure and fantasy and how the characters constantly travel from one place to the next. The author introduces the reader to a different land (and with it, a different culture) in almost every book of the series. The battle scenes are intense and detailed, and my son said that the characters are “so real and you want to know what happens to them.” Superb world-building, intense action, characters that the readers care about? Definitely the recipe for a great older middle grade/ young YA book series. 

There are 12 books in the original Ranger’s Apprentice series and 6 in the newer Royal Ranger series, with the 7th releasing this fall.

You can buy the first 3 books as a collection here

or

You can buy individual books or various collections on Amazon. (I’m not an Amazon affiliate, just sharing the link to make it easier for you!) 

Recommended for ages 11+

Wishing you hours and hours of reading magic,

Katie

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🚨P.S. ‼️ As a reminder, I created a storefront through Bookshop.org. This impactful organization donates all profits to local bookstores (more on that here).

If you purchase through one of my links or by visiting my storefront, I earn a teeny tiny commission, which supports my work on this newsletter.

(I’m obligated to keep reminding you, so sorry if you’ve read this 20 times😂)