Read: July 2026

Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez

When social media manager Samantha adopts a special needs cat, she isn’t expecting to form a crush on her veterinarian Xavier. Nor is she expecting a long-distance relationship to be sustainable when she moves from Minnesota to California to help care for her mother, who has dementia. I appreciate how Jimenez threads love stories into real-world heaviness, and still crafts a believable happily ever after. (Open door.)

Read via: home library

The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds & Homer

I’ve never read The Odyssey before, but this graphic novel provided a great overview, which is a perfect preparation for soon seeing the new Christopher Nolan movie. This, along with the Percy Jackson books and Circe by Madeline Miller, has helped me, a novice at Greek mythology, better understand these classic characters and their interconnected stories.

Read via: academic library interlibrary loan

The Night Wet Met by Abby Jimenez

Featuring friends of Xavier’s from Say You’ll Remember Me, we return to Minnesota where Larissa has begun dating Mike, but became friends with Mike and Xavier’s mutual friend Chris on the same night. While Mike has good intentions, his struggles with mental health and alcohol create a series of problems, and it’s up to Chris to help Larissa pick up the pieces. This story dealt with heavier issues, in my opinion, but still ended with a happily ever after.

Read via: Libby audio

The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver

In Kingsolver’s debut, she introduces us to Taylor Greer and her adopted daughter Turtle, a Cherokee girl, whom she was not expecting to adopt, on her cross-country move from Kentucky to Arizona. The supporting cast of characters in their lives is warm, supportive, and hopeful.

Read via: home library

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

Hands down, Prisoner of Azkaban is my favorite Harry Potter book and it was a delight to listen to this with my husband. We began it on vacation in our rental car driving north from Seattle and loved Stephen Fry’s delightful narration. As always, the themes of friendship, bravery, and found family bring my readerly heart great joy!

Read via: Hoopla audio

The Misfits: A Royal Conundrum by Lisa Yee

On this year’s Mark Twain reading list, this was a long-distance buddy read I shared with my dear friend Megan. Olive is smart and soft spoken and her grandmother is her favorite person, especially since her parents are often traveling for work. But after her grandmother goes away, Olive is enrolled in RASCH, a school for gifted & talented kids. After being tested, she is placed in a group of eclectic kids who are also misfits, like her, and who, together, solve the mystery of a famous jewel thief. This was a silly caper, filled with heart, smarts, and cats!

Read via: public library

Heroes by Alan Gratz

Also on this year’s Mark Twain reading list, Gratz sets the stage of this middle grade historical fiction thriller from the perspective of two boys who are best friends and whose dads are stationed at Pearl Harbor. Frank and Stanley’s free time is spent co-creating a graphic novel until the Japanese attack when their worlds forever change. Gratz is an empathetic story-teller and I enjoyed the themes of friendship, bravery, and anti-prejudice.

Read via: Hoopla audio

The Bright Side of Disaster by Katherine Center

Engaged and pregnant, Jenny Harris believes she has a bright future ahead of her: giving birth to her firstborn child, marrying her fiancée Dean, and finding ways to creatively restore furniture and antiques. But life doesn’t go according to plan and it’s up to Jenny to reimagine a new future for herself with her daughter and someone other than Dean. Center has come a long way since this 2007 debut, and How to Walk Away, What You Wish For, and Hello Stranger remain favorites. Now all I lack is Everyone is Beautiful and I will be a Katherine Center completist!

Read via: public library

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That’s a wrap for July! As the calendar turns a page into August I’m excited about reading Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth for my neighborhood bookclub and Abby Offsides by Anna McCallie, as well as finishing Brawler by Lauren Groff, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling, and Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman (the current read-aloud with my husband). What’s on your August TBR?

Read: June 2026

The Calamity Club by Katherine Stockett

Told in dual perspectives during the Great Depression in Mississippi, we meet 20-something Birdie Calhoun, whose family is struggling financially, and 11 year old Meg Lafleur, a whip-smart orphan who hasn’t given up hope in reuniting with her mother. Birdie thinks her sister’s well-to-do husband might be able to help their family, but he’s in the midst of a personal & financial crisis. Meanwhile, Birdie connects with Meg’s mother Charlie, and together they concoct a scandalous money making venture, which will pull the Calhouns out of financial ruin, and give Charlie a fresh start with Meg.

My thanks to NetGalley and Spiegel & Grau for access to the digital ARC, and Spotify Audiobooks for the audiobook ARC.

Whistler by Ann Patchett

When Daphne was a young girl, her mother was briefly married to a man named Eddie Triplett, whom young Daphne loved dearly. One winter’s evening Daphne and Eddie are in a non-fatal car accident together and, shortly thereafter, her mother divorces Eddie, with 40+ years going by before Daphne runs into Eddie again, this time at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Second chances, the complexities of family, untold secrets, and an unconventional but heartfelt love between a father & daughter are gently woven into this beautiful novel.

Pre-ordered from Parnassus Books in Nashville, this was my bookish companion during a work trip in the Ozarks, a family reunion in Missouri, the audiobook guided me to the airport at 4:00 a.m., accompanied me on a flight & work trip to the suburbs of Philadelphia, and I finished it in a quiet hotel room early one morning.

You’re seeing this book everywhere for good reason. It’s featured in the Modern Mrs. Darcy Summer Reading Guide, is a New York Times best seller, and is my book club’s selection for July. I loved it and it will definitely be on my end of year favorites list!

Read via: home library and my thanks to NetGalley and Harper for access to the digital ARC.

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Last read in July 2022 for my LSU Young Adult Literature course, this was my selection for our neighborhood book club this month (and a quick read-aloud with my husband). Surprisingly, none of my Oklahoma neighbors had ever read it before! We had a good conversation about how the themes of poverty, education, ignorance, and a desire for a better life, still resonate today. Still to come: watching the movie, visiting The Outsiders house in Tulsa, and seeing the Broadway musical on tour this fall!

Read via: home library

The Fine Art of Lying by Alexandra Andrews

Featured in the Modern Mrs. Darcy Summer Reading Guide, Clare is an art historian with an ABD, abandoned after the birth of her daughter, but she continues to be a student of “Longfin,” a famous work by (ficticious) painter Webley. Attending a swanky NYC mixer with her lawyer husband, Clare is introduced to art dealer Gabriel, who knows of her research, and invites her to a private viewing of “Longfin.” Gabriel’s attention awakens lost passions, but the worst possible thing happens when tragedy strikes and “Longfin” is stolen. Who is behind this theft and who can Clare trust?

My thanks to NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult for the audiobook ARC.

Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid

From the get-go, this debut novel from Jenkins Reid allows the reader to know her plot style: a love story that is filled with heartbreak, but hopefulness that healing with come and life will continue. On New Year’s Day, Elise Porter meets Ben Ross at a local pizza joint, where they find instant chemistry. A whirlwind romance and marriage later, tragedy strikes and Elsie must not only meet Ben’s mom Susan for the first time, but figure out how they can support each other in their shared grief and unexpected loss.

I now only lack reading Carrie Soto is Back and I will be a Taylor Jenkins Reid completionist! Huzzah!

Read via: public library

The Reservation by Rebecca Kauffman

Recommended by my friend Meg from Meg’s Reading Room podcast, this story unfolds throughout one evening at a fine dining restaurant in a small midwestern town. The team, from owner to dishwasher, anticipate the arrival of author John Grisham eating in their establishment, but, hours before his arrival, several ribeye steaks go missing. Part mystery, part character study, Kauffman explores the lives of hardworking, everyday restaurant employees; their worries, insecurities, and loyalties to each other.

Read via: home library

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June has been filled with travel, but July should afford me much more time at home to read in the air conditioning, thanks be to God. A bookish highlight of July will be reading Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver and getting to meet her at a knitting literary retreat at the end of the month! What are you enjoying reading or looking forward to reading this summer?

Read: May 2026

Stepping Up by Kiara Valdez & Diana Tsai Santos

Told as a memoir, this YA graphic novel, has readers join Kiara Valdez as she becomes a student at Andover prep school. At first it’s difficult for her to fit in, but she finds her place with a supportive group of friends and by joining SLAM, the rhythmic step team. This was an easy read and accompanied me to New Jersey & NYC at the start of the month.

My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Children’s Books for access to the digital ARC, which releases on August 4.

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

Natalie Heller Mills seems to have it all: an idlyllic life on an Idaho farm, a passel of children, and an Ivy League husband turned farmer – all of which are publicly shared on her social media channels. However, when she awakens in 1855 and discovers the harsh reality of being a homesteader, rather than a 21st century tradwife, this is the hook that kept me wondering how the story would unfold. While Natalie is not a likeable character, I found this satirical story about the pitfalls of a performative life, as well as toxic Christianity and gender roles, so compelling. This will definitely be on my list of best books read in 2026!

My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Knopf for access to the digital ARC.

Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line by Elle Cosimano

7th in the series, hijinx continue as Finlay is on a mission to cross state lines and help prove Vero’s innocence. With the unpredictable help of whiz kid Cam, they hack into Vero’s ankle monitor to extend her travel range, allowing them to get to the bottom of her alleged theft. Big changes await Vero and Javi in the book that is to come!

Read via: Libby audio & my thanks to NetGalley for access to the audio ARC preview.

Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict

The feminist in me chafes at stories like these: intelligent, mistreated, and underrepresented women. However, when my neighbor Kathy selected this for our May book club, I knew I needed to read it and am glad I did. In this post-WWII historical fiction novel, an overdue light is shone on the scientific contributions of Rosalind Franklin, x-ray crystallographer and DNA pioneer.

Read via: public library

Big Fan by Alexandra Romanoff

Bought in Tulsa, this was my bookish companion in Minnesota; begun along the banks of the Mississippi River in St. Paul, accompanying me to the Minneapolis Institute of Art while enjoying a yummy lavender latte at Agra Culture, and finished from the comfort of my own home. D.C. hotshot Maya is recovering from a very messy, public divorce, and is looking for a new campaign where she can reestablish herself with a fresh start. However, when she is approached by former boy band musician Charlie (her teenage crush) to help promote his new solo album, she begins to examine her future and happiness, both professionally and personally. (Open door.)

Read via: home library

Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston

Told in intersecting timelines, two women – Camille and Aubrey – have skeletons in their closet, axes to grind, and secrets to hide. But when Camille’s husband Ben is murdered, it will take both of them, plus a close circle of friends, to unearth the truth that has been buried for over a decade, and find his killer.

Read via: Libby audio & my thanks to NetGalley for access to the digital ARC.

The Lord God Made Them All by James Herriot

The penultimate book in the All Creatures series, James Herriot returns to Yorkshire following his service in WWII, and more stories abound in his recollections about being a country vet, his small children getting older, plus memorable voyages to Russia and Instanbul. What a cozy and predictable series this is for my husband and I to read aloud together!

Read via: home library

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Summer reading is here! On my TBR for June are Whistler by Ann Patchett, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, finishing The May House by Jillian Cantor and The Calamity Club by Katherine Stockett, and House Rules by Erica Bauermeister. What have you enjoyed reading this month and/or looking forward to reading in June?

Learn: Spring 2026

What I will remember about this spring:

• Traveling to the Ozarks one last time to help my momma prepare for her estate sale and permanent move to Oklahoma
• Participating in Middle Grade March
• Traveling to Orlando for a sponsored work trip: a fancy suite at the Hilton Conrad Evermore, palm trees outside my room, gorgeous weather, and a barely-made flight home
• An amazing Spring Break trip to the Southwest: Albuquerque to visit family, Sandia Peak, Petroglyph National Monument, cups of tea from Old Barrel Tea Company in Old Town, birria tacos, and evening walks — Road trip to the Grand Canyon: “standing on the corner of Winslow, Arizona,” Meteor Crater, Railway Hotel in Williams, Arizona, gorgeous weather at the Grand Canyon, and the Petrified Forest National Park
• Joining neighbor ladies for book club discussions of The Echo of Old Books, Theo of Golden, and Her Hidden Genius
• Helping my momma transition to her new home across town and sharing meals with her in her new retirement apartment
• Completing 300,000+ steps in the month of April during our university-wide walking challenge
• Watching Ted Lasso with my husband (favorite quote: “This thing didn’t happen to me; it happened for me.”)
• Having my uncle & aunt, plus dear friend Megan & her family visit us from MO
• Being wowed (as always) by the musical genius of Chris Thile, in solo concert at the Walton Performing Arts Center
• Being voted Outstanding Staff Member of the Year by our 2nd year students
• Picking strawberries from our garden patch
• Traveling to New Jersey/New York City with fellow musician friend Holly to see Anna Lapwood in concert playing the world’s largest organ at Boardwalk Hall, where she premiered her Lord of the Rings Organ Symphony. We also enjoyed a lovely meal at Chef Vola near the Boardwalk, shopped at the Strand Bookstore in NYC, ate dinner at the Blue Box Cafe at Tiffany & Co. (& I did a little bit of shopping afterwards), saw Schmigadoon on Broadway, and more!
• Celebrating a dear friend’s 50th birthday where we all wore fake beards in his honor
• Cheering on our nephew & niece perform in their school production of The Little Mermaid and shopping at All Too Novel bookstore in Gentry, AR
• Attending a sweet mother’s day tea with my dear momma
• Turning 45 in Minneapolis with my husband for a work conference and attending a Twins baseball game, shopping at the Mall of America and Galleria, visiting the Mississippi River Visitor Center in St. Paul, eating at Murray’s and Ciao Bella, shopping at Birchbark Books, and sitting contentedly in front of a Van Gogh at the Minneapolis Institute of Art
• Celebrating my belated birthday over tacos & lemon cupcakes with friends, my husband, and momma
• Having my first colonoscopy (not as scary as I anticipated!)
• Getting four more stamps in my National Parks Passport: Petroglyph National Monument, Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest National Park, and Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
• Visiting several art museums and seeing three more VanGogh paintings! The MoMA in NYC (Olive Trees with the Alpilles in the Background and The Starry Night), Crystal Bridges in Bentonville (America 250 exhibit + Rosie the Riveter), and the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Olive Trees with Yellow Sky and Sun). See below!

What I have learned this spring:

Rain sounds on my iPhone while traveling

As mentioned above, I have been doing an exceptional amount of traveling this spring, with more to come this summer (favorite spots in the Ozarks, Philadelphia, Washington/B.C.)! Several years ago, I learned how to activate the background noise feature on my iPhone, which has come in handy as a makeshift sound machine when I’m away from home. It’s been so comforting!

• Settings
• Accessibility > Audio & Visual
• Background Sounds and toggle the switch on
• Sound > Rain

Sgt. Pepper & Apple start-up sound

It had been a while since I listened to The Beatle’s album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, but this was my selected kitchen companion during a rare relaxed weekend at home. At the end of “A Day in the Life,” I was startled to make the connection that the giant chord, climaxing after the atonal run, is closely mimicked by Apple as the start-up sound for Macs & iPhones.

Appreciating & investing in reciprocated friendships

Now in my mid-40s, the older I become, the more I have come to appreciate long-lasting, reciprocated friendships. Time spent in person this spring with dear friends Megan and Holly has been such a gift. I am also so grateful to have reconnected with my childhood friend Lindsey, and am chuffed to bits when receiving online messages or pen pal letters from my sweet friends Hayley, Lauren, Meg, and Erin. Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold.

Bring me all the lemons!

Until recently, I had never made the connection of just how much I love a lemon dessert or special drink. But, when I think back on it, of course this is the case! I loved lemon cookies at Christmas as a child and our wedding cake included a lemon filling, for goodness sake. To this, I can now add to the list: Chick-Fil-A’s frozen lemonade, homemade lemon cupcakes (made by my husband for my birthday), Crystal Light lemonade packets, an amaretto sour, or a lemon drop martini. YUM to all of the above!

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What new things have you learned about yourself or the world around you this spring? Please feel free to share in the comments below!

Book Review: The Shippers by Katherine Center

The Shippers by Katherine Center

After a series of failed relationships, Jojo thinks her love life is cursed, and the only solution is to reconnect with her childhood crush, Finn, the supposed bestower of her first kiss, during her sister’s Caribbean wedding cruise. However, it’s her childhood best friend and neighbor, Cooper, who arrives unannounced from London, who Jojo coerces into helping her woo newly divorced Finn. However, the more she gets to know Finn, the more she realizes how much she has missed Cooper, remembers how he has always been quick to come to her rescue, realizes why he fled to Europe after college, and the truth behind her first kiss all those years ago.

This friends-to-lovers story is filled with loving family members, changed hearts, and hopeful futures; the true essence of happily ever after.

My thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for access to the audio ARC.

Read: April 2026

Dog Trouble by Kristin Varner

Winner of this year’s Sequoyah Award, I enjoyed this story of Ash, a young boy who gets into minor trouble and his summer in the PNW is spent offering community service at an animal shelter to atone for his wrongdoing. As he gets to know and walks the dogs available for adoption, he gains confidence in himself, learns how to love and grieve, and open himself up to new relationships.

Read via: public library

Poems & Prayers by Matthew McConaughey

For National Poetry Month, this collection of poems and prayers from actor Matthew McConaughey was a fascinating way to catch a glimpse of his inner workings and musings.

Read via: public library

Today, may I be available to see myself as God sees me and faithful enough to believe it. (p. 151)

Death of a Mad Hatter by Jenn McKinlay

Second in the Hat Shop Mystery series, when Scarlett and Viv are tasked with designing hats for an Alice in Wonderland themed tea, things don’t go according to plan when one family member winds up dead. Family secrets come to light as the truth of his killer is revealed.

Read via: Hoopla audio

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I’m close to being a Taylor Jenkins Reid completionist (just lacking Carrie Soto and Forever, Interrupted)! With all of the recent “moon joy” of the Artemis II mission, the time was right to read this love story of two female astronaut pioneers during the Space Shuttle era in the 1980s.

My thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for access to the digital ARC.

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

Selected by my neighbor Holly for our monthly book club selection, I loved this gentle story of a privately mysterious man named Theo who opens himself up to friendships, conversation, connection, and art in the deep southern town of Golden. The community of Golden had a strong sense of place in my readerly imagination and I felt Levi created a memorable story with a satisfying resolution.

Read via: home library

The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke

Six lesser-known authors are invited to the private Scottish island of murder mystery king Arthur Fletch. NDAs are signed, technological devices are stored away under lock & key, and then the truth is revealed: Arthur Fletch recently died and a competition has just begun to see which author can complete the unfinished, final book in Fletch’s beloved mystery series. The premise of this was compelling, but there wasn’t a satisfying twist or conclusion, which left me feeling disappointed.

My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Audio Adult for access to the audio ARC.

American Fantasy by Emma Straub

Boy Talk, an aging boy band, and their decades-long fan base are setting sail on the American Fantasy cruise ship for four days in the Caribbean. Sarah is a talent wrangler, appeasing (and cleaning up the messes) of the band members. Annie is a 50 year old divorcee, who wishes her younger sister could be a part of the experience. Keith is one of the members of Boy Talk, but is struggling with creative fulfillment. As a childhood fan of New Kids on the Block, I enjoyed this boy-band inspired story of nostalgia, middle-aged longing, purpose, and identity.

My thanks to NetGalley and Riverhead for access to the digital ARC.

Mascot by Antony John

As the summer began, Noah was the starting catcher on his little league baseball team. But, as the school year begins, he is now confined to a wheelchair, struggling with not only paraplegia, but the death of his father. This heartwarming middle grade story, set in St. Louis (go, Cardinals!), creates a carefully genuine look at grief, determination, newfound friendship, and the love of the game.

Read via: home library

The Shippers by Katherine Center

Jojo is convinced her love life is cursed, ever since imprinting on Finn, the bestower of her first kiss. Her plot to reconnect with grow-up Finn hatches during her sister’s wedding cruise, and it’s going to take the help of her childhood best friend and neighbor Cooper to make it happen. This friends-to-lovers story is a feel-good happily ever after to begin summer reading. Please look for my full review on May 19.

My thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for access to the audio ARC.

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It’s been a really good reading month and I’m glad I’ve tackled several ARCs (sometimes they languish…). Looking ahead to May, I’m excited to dive into Big Fan by Alexandra Romanoff, plus ARCs of The Calamity Club by Katherine Stockett and The May House by Jillian Cantor. What about you? What’s on your May TBR?

Book Review: Joyful, Anyway by Kate Bowler

Joyful, Anyway by Kate Bowler

Drawing from a deep well of personal experience, Kate Bowler – a modern-day theologian, Duke Divinity School professor, and cancer survivor – takes readers on a journey to find what it looks like to actively and truly seek joy. Despite life’s difficult circumstances, unwanted diagnoses, and everyday rejections, we have the ability, and can make a conscious choice, to tap into a part of our spirit and humanity that helps us experience glimmers of the good, which can sustain us, even when uncertainty, tragedy, and affliction inevitably happen.

My thanks to NetGalley and Random House for access to the digital ARC.

Read: March 2026

The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis

This story-within-a-story was our neighborhood book club selection for the month of March. When bookseller Ashlyn comes across a beautifully bound, anonymously written book, she isn’t sure if it’s a diary or love letter. She is soon connected with the donor, the great-nephew of the writer, who also discovers its companion response, and together they begin working to help reconcile these star-crossed lovers from long ago.

Read via: home library

The Moffats by Eleanor Estes

Told in a series of vignettes, the four Moffat siblings are ever on adventures around their small New England town, as their widowed mother attempts to provide for them after their father’s death in World War I. This fulfilled the Middle Grade March prompt of a book where siblings are the main character.

Read via: Hoopla audio

Will’s Race For Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Will, along with his father, mother, and grandfather, who are former slaves, live in Texas, and work as sharecroppers for a local farmer. Therefore, the prospect of owning their own land elsewhere is a dream come true. Filled with bravery and adventure, Will’s journey from Texas to Oklahoma during the land-rush is an exciting one! This fulfilled several Middle Grade March prompts: a book with a name in the title, historical fiction, and a book written by a BIPOC author.

Read via: public library

All the Blues in the Sky by Renée Watson

Written in verse, this Newbery medal winner examines the loss and grief Sage experiences with the death of her best friend, right on the cusp of becoming a teenager, with patience, beauty, and healing. This fulfilled the Middle Grade March prompt of a book written by a BIPOC author.

Read via: academic library interlibrary loan

Radiant by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Read on a lazy Sunday afternoon, I was transported to the 1960s with protagonist Cooper as she learns to shine brightly, despite being bullied by a white boy who is facing his own heartache and grief. Written in verse, this fulfilled the Middle Grade March prompts of historical fiction and a book written by a BIPOC author.

Read via: academic library interlibrary loan

Ban this Book by Alan Gratz

(Mostly) read during a quick trip to Orlando, I was rooting for Amy Anne to find her voice and grow as a leader as she and her friends cunningly defend their right to read banned books from their school library. This fulfilled the Middle Grade March prompt of a book with books on the cover.

Read via: public library

Twins: A Graphic Novel by Varian Johnson & Shannon Wright

Maureen and Francine are twin sisters entering 6th grade and starting middle school. Francine is typically the outgoing one, but after her JROTC teacher challenges Maureen to get out of her comfort zone and run for student council, this creates a head-to-head rivalry between the sisters. I enjoyed this graphic novel about growing pains, sisterly love, and devotion. This also fulfilled the Middle Grade March prompt of a book where siblings are the main character.

Read via: Hoopla e-book

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

Set during the Dust Bowl and reminiscent of Sarah, Plain and Tall, we join Billie Jo, an aspiring pianist, in the panhandle of western Oklahoma with a series of opportunities and setbacks; heartbreaks and silver linings. Also written in verse, this Newbery winner accompanied me on Spring Break to Albuquerque, and fulfilled the Middle Grade March prompt of a historical fiction story.

Read via: home library

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

First read as an ARC in October 2020, my husband and I finished this re-read as we were driving in the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, just in time to see the new movie in IMAX a few days later! Rocky remains our favorite alien!

Read via: home library

Max in the House of Spies by Adam Gidwitz

Germany is no longer is a safe place for Jews during World War II, so young Max is sent to live with a Jewish family in London. One of his host uncles works for British intelligence, who realizes Max’s ability to think several steps ahead, plus understanding of radios, could be of benefit to the Allied effort by sending Max back to Germany as a British spy. In addition to this being the Middle Grade March group read, it also fulfilled the prompts of a book with a name in the title and a historical fiction selection.

Read via: public library

Cloche and Dagger by Jenn McKinlay

A few years ago I loved reading Jenn McKinlay’s Cupcake Bakery Mysteries and decided to give her older Hat Shop Mystery series a try! Scarlett, a dual American & British citizen, has endured a mini-scandal in the US and is ready for a fresh start in London to reunite with her cousin Viv, who co-owns their late grandmother’s millinery shop, Mim’s Whims. But upon arriving in London, Viv is nowhere to be seen, and, in short order, one of their wealthy customers is murdered, found wearing one of Viv’s creations. I look forward to continuing with this cozy mystery series!

Read via: Hoopla audio

Counterweights: An Essential Practice for Holding Hope in a Heavy World by Shannan Martin

Each time I read the essays of Shannan Martin, I’m challenged to see beyond myself and to look for how I am connected to those different from me in my community. In her newest book, she shares everyday joys that serve as counterweights in this heavy world. (I’m a particular fan of her seasonal curtains and tea mugs.)

Read via: Hoopla audio

The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli by Karina Yan Glaser

Recipient of a recent Newbery Honor, this dual timeline middle grade novel follows Han Yu in 8th century China and Luli in 1930s New York City. Both children desire to help their families in need: Han Yu with his family battling tuberculous and Luli’s family facing the Great Depression. Steamed buns, resilience, and devotion make this an award winner for a reason.

Read via: home library & my thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Children’s Books for access to the digital ARC.

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

In preparation for our local community theatre production’s of this classic novel, my husband and I chose this Poirot murder mystery as our next read-aloud, which was bought in London at Hatchard’s, began in Arizona over Spring Break, and finished at home. While this is my first Agatha Christie, it certainly won’t be my last!

Read via: home library

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Looking ahead to April, I’m excited about reading Theo of Golden by Allen Levi for our neighborhood book club, some poetry in honor of National Poetry Month, and beginning the Read the USA Challenge in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. How about you? What have you enjoyed reading in March and/or what are you looking forward to reading in April? Please feel free to share in the comments below.

Middle Grade March TBR – 2026

It’s time! One of my favorite times of the year…Middle Grade March! I’ve loved middle grade stories since I was a reader in this target demographic (3rd-8th grades) and have never outgrown these stories of hopefulness, resilience, and kindness. I hope you haven’t either!

For anyone wishing to participate, reading just one middle grade book this month means you have completed the read-along challenge! Join me, won’t you?

Group Read:

Max in the House of Spies by Adam Gidwitz

Max, a Jewish refugee, has had to move from Germany to London, despite not wanting to do so, and is scheming for a way to return home. With hints of magic, this looks to be a great one to discuss with our read along group at the end of the month, especially since it could also fulfill prompts #1 & 4!

Prompt #1: A book with a name in the title

Will’s Race For Home by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Set during the Oklahoma land rush, Will and his family are seeking to claim land they can own in the west, now that the Emancipation Proclamation is giving them newfound opportunities of freedom. It sounds thrilling and could also fulfill prompts #4 & 5.

Prompt #2: A book with books on the cover

Ban This Book by Alan Gratz

When From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is banned in Amy Anne’s school (one of my childhood favorites, too), it’s up to the kids to defend their right to read. Yes!

Prompt #3: A book where siblings are the main characters

The Moffats by Eleanor Estes

When in elementary school, I loved The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes and, if that’s any indication, I’m going to find this story of 4 siblings and their widowed mother set during WWI, and published in 1941, charming.

Prompt #4: A historical fiction book

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

This historical novel in verse, set during the Dust Bowl, remains on my unread shelf at home. I’m excited to have new motivation and pick up this 1998 Newbery winner!

Prompt #5: A book by a BIPOC author

Radiant by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Set in the 1960s, with key events of that era playing a role in the plot – President Kennedy’s assassination, The Beatles playing on The Ed Sullivan Show – and more, I’m looking forward to reading this historical novel in verse (another example of prompt #4), about which my friend Meg of Meg’s Reading Room Podcast recommended and loved.

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If I have time, I would also enjoy reading All the Blues in the Sky by Renée Watson (this year’s Newbery winner), Fowl Play by Kristin O’Donnell Tubb, Lasagna Means I Love You by Kate O’Shaughnessy, and The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli by Karina Yan Glaser…plus maybe a few more books with these reading prompts in mind.

How about you? Are you participating in Middle Grade March this month? If so, what titles are on your TBR?

Read: February 2026

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling

When I’m in a reading slump, returning to Hogwarts in the persnickety Ford Anglia, meeting dodgy Tom Riddle for the first time, and laughing when Hermoine’s polyjuice potion accidentally turns her into a cat always brings comfort. The British narration of Stephen Fry just adds to the magic.

Read via: Hoopla audio

One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter

My neighbor Ellen selected this for our monthly neighborhood book club and it was outstanding! Set in Italy during WWII we journey with Lili, a Jewish woman, as she bravely seeks safety in her own country with a myriad of challenges, setbacks, difficulties, but a hopeful future.

Read via: public library

And Now, Back to You by B. K. Borison

The companion novel to First-Time Caller, here we are reunited with Jackson, Aidan’s colleague & Baltimore radio station meteorologist, and Delilah, a Baltimore TV station meteorologist, who are paired together to cover the snowstorm of the century over the airwaves and on-air. Opposites attract in this smart, open door romance.

My thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for access to the digital ARC.

The Black Wolf by Louise Penny

Picking up where The Grey Wolf left off, Chief Inspector Gamache has his suspicions that the crime they helped prevent at the end of the last book may not be the end of the story. Quietly and methodically, Gamache, Beauvoir, and Lacoste bring in trusted colleagues both in Canada and the U.S. to uncover the true cause for alarm: not a plot to poison the water, but water scarcity, and how intentional misinformation would cast doubt on those who should be trusted. This eco-terrorism novel kept me guessing until the very end!

Read via: public library

Work in Progress: Confessions of a Busboy, Dishwasher, Caddy, Usher, Factory Worker, Bank Teller, Corporate Tool, and Priest by James Martin, S.J.

This memoir by Jesuit priest, Father James Martin, reminds readers of how humble origins grow and shape us into the person we’re meant to become. Humorous and approachable, Father Jim doesn’t shy away from sharing difficult seasons and gives the reader hope that God uses all things for His glory.

My thanks to NetGalley and Harper One for access to the audiobook ARC.

The Favorites by Layne Fargo

Kat and Heath are competitive ice dancers driven by a desire for Olympic greatness (Kat) and a desire for someone to call home (Heath). Their sweeping love story is a complicated and compelling one and was a perfect read as the Winter Olympics wrapped up. I heard great things about the audio and it did not disappoint! For fans of Daisy Jones and the Six, this driven and dramatic athletic romance will be one you’ll remember for a long time to come.

Read via: Hoopla audio

Exit Lane by Erika Veurink

Bought in Boston at Beacon Hill Books, this was my bookish companion in Atlanta; read in my hotel bathtub at the Omni, while eating lunch at Shake Shack, waiting for Uber rides, and over a memorable lavender-vanilla latte with habanero sugar at Perc. Marin and Teddy meet the day of their graduation from the University of Iowa as Teddy gives Marin a ride to NYC, where they are both moving to begin their next chapters. A shared kiss at a dive bar in Illinois lingers in both of their memories for years to come despite the distance they keep from one another. This romance novella took me out of my comfort zone, but was the right book at the right time. (Open door.)

Read via: home library

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What a fun reading month it’s been! And I’m thrilled that Middle Grade March starts tomorrow, with a blog post coming to share my TBR for this annual tradition. What books have accompanied you through February?