Books of 2025

Books read: 47
Fiction: 26
Nonfiction: 21
Adult: 29
Teen: 6
Children's: 12
Graphic Novels: 2
Classics: 4
Longest: 1312 pages
Shortest: 60 pages 

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen 

The 1995 adaptation of this movie, written by Emma Thompson and directed by Ang Lee is one of my all-time favorite movies, so I was bound to love the book. I love the characters and how they often contrast each other—especially Elinor and Marianne, sense and sensibility, so to speak. Willoughby, beautiful, unmoderated, reckless and selfish, acts as a perfect foil to Edward and Colonel Brandon who are good, honorable and unassuming. I appreciated Austen’s portrayal of relationships and the effects of romantic feelings and entanglements on the two sisters. Truly, very little has changed in 200 years. Austen’s descriptions are spot on and she does it all with wit and grace.

I Wish I Didn’t Have to Tell You This: A Graphic Memoir by Eugene Yelchin 

I was immediately pulled in by this graphic memoir by Eugene Yelchin, set in 1980s Soviet Russia. Yevgeny is an artist, showing a self-portrait at an illegal art show, when his eyes meet with an American girl's through the crowd. He falls hard, and much of the book involves their relationship, but the specter of the Soviet Union always looms. KGB eyes watch, people go missing or die unexpectedly (in "accidents") and a draft for the Afghanistan War (that isn't really a war, it's a "military operation") threatens Yevgeny. He takes a job painting sets in Siberia to avoid the draft. Yelchin's art is arresting. He evokes not only the cold and dark of the snow but the oppressiveness of the country. The backgrounds are grainy like old film reels, and images of Soviet propaganda and leadership  are constantly featured. Yelchin creates cinematic moments with his panels, like when Yevgeny and Lizzy meet, you get the distinct feeling that time has stopped as their eyes meet through the crowd. And I love the faces--so expressive, never especially beautiful, but that's what I loved. The effect is powerful. Yelchin’s story is harrowing and brutal. It blew me away, and I hope Yelchin continues to share more of his story through literature. (The book that came before this, about his childhood (and written for a younger audience), The Genius Under the Table, is also excellent, as is his fictional children’s book, Breaking Stalin’s Nose.) (Teen)

I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You by Miranda Hart 

Miranda Hart is virtually unknown in the US, but in the UK, she’s a well-loved comedian with a TV show called Miranda. I loved that show. It made me laugh and, in some ways, feel less alone, because she was awkward and silly. For the last 10 years or so, she’s been living out of the spotlight, largely because of chronic illness. This book is a bit of a memoir, but it’s largely about living with chronic illness and the “treasures” that have helped her to approach it in a mentally healthy way and experience more joy, peace and confidence in her life. I really loved this book. For one, I loved hearing the stories from her life—especially how she met someone and fell in love in the most unlikely circumstances and eventually got married at the age of 51. But I also loved her realistic approach to her treasures. She describes how much she rolled her eyes at certain platitudes, how much she resisted optimistic and zen attitudes, and how she came to believe she could have a good life in her difficult circumstances. I listened to this book and have listened to it again at times when I needed a boost or comfort or encouragement. 

The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Dr. Edith Eger 

Edith Eger was sent to Auschwitz as a teenager. She survived and returned home, married, had a baby and then fled the communist takeover of her homeland. She immigrated to America where she and her family started from scratch, enduring poverty and prejudice before finally settling in El Paso, TX, which, for her, was a land of tolerance and freedom. But no matter where she went or what she did, the trauma of her experiences at the hands of the Nazis came with her. She went on to study psychology, wondering, much like Viktor Frankl, what it was that allowed some survivors of the Holocaust to thrive. Her story is a fascinating one, and her ability to forge ahead in spite of her stolen youth, murdered family, and horrible trauma is impressive, to say the least. She is one of those people with a gift for resilience, but she doesn’t sugar-coat trauma or view the world through unrealistic rose-colored glasses. The book has lots to offer—an interesting life story as well as psychological wisdom that she’s gleaned over the years both from her own experiences and from counseling others in her psychology practice.

Cabin Head and Tree Head by Scott Campbell 

I don’t even know how to explain this book. Who are Cabin Head and Tree Head? Best friends who like to say hello to other heads, like Mossy Rock Head and Telephone Pole Head. They have six stories, plus one chapter that is a collection of stories read to them by Library Head during storytime. In one story, Leaf Head asks for an overly ambitious “leaf cut” (think haircut but for a tree) of “a dolphin jumping over a wave made of stars with an octopus surfing on it eating a taco covered in planets and a tiger wearing a hat.” Needless to say, it doesn't go well. In another story Cabin Head and Tree Head go around offering enthusiastic “hellos” to everyone in sight and startle Volcano Head so much that he starts to erupt and they must find a way to calm him down. The illustrations are well done and give kids plenty to look at–-there are so many heads participating in various activities. The book has Frog and Toad and Noodleheads vibes. It’s a graphic novel, but would probably work as an easy reader and/or an easy chapter book. Delightful, funny, silly, weird. It’s great. (Children's)

The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook by Hampton Sides 

An account of Captain Cook’s fateful and final voyage. I was pretty drawn in from the beginning of this book. Hampton Sides has written an interesting narrative that pulls you in while also providing a balanced, fleshed out account of Captain Cook, somewhere between the extremes of hero and villain. He used sources from native Hawaiians as well as the first-hand accounts of crewmembers and commentary from modern historians. I found everything about the story interesting. There was so much I didn’t know, hadn’t heard. And as is so often the case, truth is often stranger than fiction. (Adult)

Infidel: My Life by Ayaan Hirsi Ali 

Ayaan Hirsi Ali was born in Somalia but spent portions of her childhood in Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia and Kenya. As an adult in her 20s she fled an arranged marriage on her way to Canada by claiming refugee status in the Netherlands. Her life and perspective were so interesting to read about—her experiences in different countries, her relationship to her religion, and then her experience living in a Western country for the first time. I especially appreciated hearing her take on Europe--seeing the West from an outsider’s perspective rather than someone who grew up in it. This book was written years ago, when she was a quite vocal atheist. But fascinatingly, she announced her conversion to Christianity in 2023. I very much hope she will publish a book about that part of her life to add to this one. 

Heidi by Johanna Spyri 

I read Heidi because of an upcoming trip to Switzerland. Heidi is raised by her grandfather up in the mountains with goats and goat-herding neighbors. She’s not educated and doesn’t go to church, until her aunt whisks her away to the big city to become a companion to a young teen confined to a wheelchair. Heidi is too young and uncivilized for the position but charms most everyone with her exuberance, spunk, and frankness. I was charmed too. Heidi is funny, heartwarming, and surprisingly religious. It’s about the healing power of nature, friendship, faith, and that Secret Garden trope of you can be healed from your wheelchair-confining illness if you just get some fresh air and try to walk. Also, it gives the distinct impression that Swiss farmers subsisted mostly on milk and cheese. (Children's)

Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor 

I loved this book. Marty is presented with a moral and ethical dilemma: he finds a dog that doesn’t belong to him and wants to keep him. To make matters worse, the dog rightfully belongs to Judd, a mean man who is known to abuse his dogs. Marty knows he can care for and love the dog better than his true owner. Marty first tries theft and dishonesty, hiding the dog at home, knowing that his parents won't approve. (spoilers follow) But keeping Shiloh in a hiding spot in the woods puts him in danger. When Shiloh is attacked by another dog, Marty must get him to the vet, revealing his secret to everyone, and sending Shiloh back into the hands of Judd. Next, Marty sees an opportunity to blackmail Judd into getting Shiloh back, but Marty’s naivete leads him into a worthless contract with no leverage. What I really loved was what Marty does once Judd reveals he’s not going to honor the deal: Marty continues to work, fulfilling his promise, and doing his part to earn the money to buy Shiloh. It’s in this honorable act that Marty gets to know Judd a little bit better, and Judd's heart is softened to the point that he gives Shiloh to Marty as originally promised. (Children's)

George Orwell: A Sage for All Seasons by Michael Shelden

A lecture series from the Great Courses--does that count? Because it absolutely was one of my favorite things I listened to this year. Orwell lived a fascinating and adventurous life. Michael Shelden wrote the authorized biography of Orwell, speaking to many people who knew him personally and gaining access to letters. I read a number of essays alongside the lectures, notably "The Prevention of Literature" and "Politics and the English Language," both of which are incredibly relevant today. I admire many things about Orwell--for one, his willingness to get dirty. Instead of just talking about class, he lived amongst the working class and got to know them and their challenges first-hand, he even fought in the Spanish Civil War. But even more than that, I admire his pursuit of truth and his determination to speak truth no matter what (and in the midst of a mess of propaganda and ideology). He saw hypocrisy and called it out, even when it was coming from people supposedly pushing his own ideals.  

Honorable Mention

Raising Hare: A Memoir by Chloe Dalton 

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas 

The Wish Swish by Lynn Painter 

On Democracies and Death Cults: Israel and the Future of Civilization by Douglas Murray

In the Hands of the Lord: The Life of Dallin H. Oaks by Richard E. Turley Jr.

The Wild River and the Great Dam: The Construction of Hoover Dam and the Vanishing Colorado River by Simon Boughton

All the books:

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen • Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor • The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman • Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan • Heidi by Johanna Spyri • I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You by Miranda Hart • Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White • Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger • Infidel: My Life by Ayaan Hirsi Ali • Sidney Chambers and the Shadow of Death by James Runcie • The Wood at Midwinter by Susanna Clarke • The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness by Simon Wiesenthal • You’re the Boss by Brian Weisfeld & Bonnie Bader • The Wild River and the Great Dam: The Construction of Hoover Dam and the Vanishing Colorado River by Simon Boughton • Build the Life You Want by Arthur C. Brooks • Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton • The Wish Switch by Lynn Painter* • The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas • The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins • What Happened to Rachel Riley? By Claire Swinarski • Fahrenheit 182 by Mark Hoppus* • George Orwell: A Sage for All Seasons by Michael Shelden •1984 by George Orwell • It’s Only Drowning: A True Story of Learning to Surf and the Search for Common Ground by David Litt* • I Am Rebel by Ross Montgomery* • The Art Thief by Michael Finkel • Class Clown: The Memoirs of a Professional Wiseass: How I Went 77 Years Without Growing Up by Dave Barry* • The Midnight Library by Matt Haig • The Magician of Tiger Castle by Louis Sachar* • O Pioneers! By Willa Cather • The Ride: Paul Revere and the Night that Saved America by Kostya Kennedy* • Homecoming by Kate Morton • I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang* • Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A. S. King • The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Edith Eger • Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim* • The Gift: 14 Lessons to Save Your Life by Edith Eger • The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas • On Democracies and Death Cults: Israel and the Future of Civilization by Douglas Murray •  I Wish I Didn’t Have to Tell You This: A Graphic Memoir by Eugene Yelchin* • In the Hands of the Lord: The Life of Dallin H. Oaks by Richard E. Turley Jr. • The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook by Hampton Sides* • The Village Beyond the Mist by Sachiko Kashiwaba* • Hostage by Eli Sharabi* • Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen • 100 Years of Healing: The Legacy of a Missionary Doctor by Evelyn E. Cook

* indicates published in 2025

Best Picture Books of 2023

 Here's my list of favorite/best picture books published in 2023

The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish by Chloe Savage

Dr Morley goes to the arctic with a skilled crew to find the legendary giant Arctic jellyfish, which no one has ever seen. As they search, they see beluga whales, orcas, narwhals, and polar bears; they see the aurora and icebergs; they dive into the depths of the sea and travel to new places. They work very hard, but still no jellyfish. Eventually the failure of their trip starts to sink in and they prepare to return home, when Dr Morley catches a glimpse of something--"could that be?" What the illustrations reveal that my description does not is that the jellyfish is there the whole time, hiding. Children will undoubtedly see this as they read. The ink and watercolor illustrations are beautiful and transporting. On some pages, we see intricate cross-sections of the boat, revealing every room and every person at work. Other pages display explorations and magnificent scenery both above and below the water. What made this a favorite of mine is the meaning, which I think could be summed up as: Have faith. Don't lose hope. 

How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank Morrison

In 1936, eight grader Macnolia Cox won the Akron, Ohio spelling bee. She was the first African American to win, and she and another girl were the first African American students to advance and compete in the National Spelling Bee in Washington DC. This book tells the story of her academic excellence and the discrimination she faced on her way to prove that African American students were just as smart as everyone else. Macnolia excelled at the National Spelling Bee and only made a mistake when asked to spell a word that was not in the dictionaries provided by the spelling bee to study. "Can you spell U-N-F-A-I-R?" the narrator asks. Frank Morrison really takes this book to the next level with his illustrations. The colors are saturated and vibrant. The emotions are palpable. I love looking at Macnolia. She looks small on stage with her nerves, serene when studying, fierce when facing racism, and proud, knowing who she is. Wonderful.

Dim Sum Palace by X. Fang

Liddy is so excited to go to Dim Sum Palace, she can hardly sleep. But before she knows it, she's following an irresistible smell to the kitchens of Dim Sum Palace. There are treats of every size and shape, but before she can eat, she tumbles into a bowl of dumpling filling and gets folded into a dumpling to be served to a very hungry empress. This was a delight. I love the style of the illustrations--particularly all those round cheeked-faces. Now I need to go get some dim sum...

Afikomen by Tziporah Cohen and Yaara Eshet

In this wordless picture book, loved ones gather round the table to celebrate Passover. The children steal the afikomen and climb under the table with it, only something strange happens. When they pass under the tablecloth, they find themselves in Egypt. They watch a woman place her baby in a basket and put it in the river. They follow the basket, trying to keep it safe until it's found by Pharaoh's daughter. My favorite part of this book is the page where the children open the basket themselves to see Moses. Yaara Eshet captures the most wonderful moment of awe on the children's faces. I love how this book combines reverence and childlike play.

Have You Seen My Invisible Dinosaur? by Helen Yoon

The little narrator in this picture book is looking for her invisible dinosaur. It's a challenge because once she cleans him, he's...invisible. Many of her schemes to find him (like putting up Lost Dinosaur flyers which contain an empty square for a picture, because the dinosaur is invisible, after all) fail, until suddenly, she does find him. Funny, silly, and whimsical.

Roll, Roll Little Pea by Cécile Bergame, illustrated by Magali Attiogbé

In this picture book for younger readers, a pea rolls away across the floor, under the stairs, past the mouse and the cat, and you get the idea. There's some nice repetition and eye catching bold and bright illustrations.

You Go First by Ariel Bernstein, illustrated by Marc Rosenthal

There's a new slide in town, and Cat and Duck are excited to try it. Or at least Duck is. Cat is not so sure. Cat finds lots of ways to procrastinate trying the slide and eventually warns Duck of all that could go wrong. When Cat sees that Duck doesn't want to go anymore because of the worries he introduced, he sees the only solution is to show her how fun the slide is. A funny and sweet story about overcoming fears and being a good friend.

Simon and the Better Bone by Corey Tabor

Simon the dog sees another dog with a bone better than his. Only it's not another dog, it's his own reflection and he doesn't realize it. He tries various tactics to get the bone, but they mostly don't work (for obvious reasons). When he thinks his new friend has lost his bone, he offers him a new one. Based of Aesop's "The Dog and his Reflection," this one is sweet and funny. Tabor illustrated it so that you hold the book horizontally instead of vertically, so that the reflection is on the bottom and Simon is on the top. Fun.

The Biggest Mistake by Camilla Pintonato

Lion thinks catching gazelles will be easy, but each time he tries, he learns that maybe it's not so easy. Bright, bold and fun.

A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney and Brian Pinkney

A boy finds an envelope with a map from his father who recently passed away. He goes into the woods and finds a box his dad made when he was his son's age. It's filled with drawings of and poetry about the woods. One of the things that makes this book really special is the story behind those that made it. Celebrated illustrator Jerry Pinkney died before this books could be finished. But he had made the sketches for the book, and they were used for the illustrations. Then Jerry's son Brian finished the sketches by adding color in his own style. They're pretty fantastic. So this is book about a boy grieving the loss of his father and walking in the woods as his father loved to do, illustrated by a son grieving the loss of his father who loved to take walks in the woods. Beautifully written by Nikki Grimes, and beautifully illustrated by the Pinkneys. 

Honorable mention:

The Real Story by Sergio Ruzzier

The Red Fruit by Lee Gee Eun

Problem Solved! by Jan Thomas

See the Ghost by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka

Mine! A Story of Not Sharing by Klara Persson, illustrated by Charlotte Ramel

How to Count to 1 by Caspar Salmon, illustrated by Matt Hunt

Picture Books of 2022

Here's my list of favorite/best picture books published in 2022

 

1. Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall

Farmhouse tells the story of an old farmhouse and the family of fourteen that lived there. It was a home where the children's changing heights were measured, where arguments transpired followed by apologies, where the children slept, and read and whispered secrets, where cows were milked, stalls were mucked, and apples were picked. After long and happy lives were lived within its walls, it was eventually abandoned. And then raccoons and rain and leaves made their way inside. And then the author of the book found this old farmhouse and cleaned it up, finding treasures along the way—remnants of the lives previously lived there and used some of those remnants to write this book. The result is beautiful, heartwarming, and even a bit meta. She explains in the author’s note how she used layers on layers of items found in the house to create collage illustrations, and the book and story seem to have layers themselves. This book feels like family and childhood and growing up. A real work of art. 

2. Knight Owl by Christopher Denise 

Owl has always dreamed of becoming a knight. The only problem is that he’s about the size of a knight’s foot. But when there’s knight shortage, Owl applies to knight school and is accepted. The only question is whether he can perform when a terrifying enemy shows up at the castle? Great storytelling with beautiful, cinematic illustrations and some humor. 

3. A Bear, A Bee, A Honey Tree by Daniel Bernstrom, illustrated by Brandon James Scott 

What happens when a hungry bear sees a drool-inducing, honey-filled beehive in a tree? It’s no picnic. Simple and lots of fun. 

4. Big Truck Little Island by Christ Van Dusen 

A big, oversize load-carrying truck gets stuck while on the way to deliver his load, blocking the only road going from one side of the island to other. The families stuck on either side have appointments to keep and errands to run and homework to do. Only cooperation will solve the predicament. The illustrations give the reader a great sense of the size of this truck by playing with perspective. Based on a true story. 

5. Pizza! A Slice of History by Greg Pizzoli 

A bold and graphic tribute to pizza, that answers questions like: Who made the first pizza? Where does pizza come from? How did it come the US? How much pizza do we eat? What does pizza look like around the world? So much fun. 

6. Parfait, Not Parfait by Scott Rothman, illustrated by Avery Monsen 

A hilarious book of wordplay and rhyming that even includes a sort of visual rhyme hunt. 

7. A Day for Sandcastles by Jonarno Lawson 

A wordless picture book about a trip to the beach, that perfectly captures and spirit and essence of a beach day. The illustrations are wonderful and full of details and happenings for children to examine and discover. 

8. Walter Had a best Friend by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier 

The title says it all. Notice the tense? Walter’s best friend makes a new friend and Walter ends up alone more often than not. After giving himself some time to grieve, he lets go of hurt, anger and resentment, and goes out looking for something new. And that’s exactly what he finds. 

9. Cornbread and Poppy by Matthew Cordell 

Cornbread loves to plan and prepare, getting everything ready for winter, while his friend Poppy prefers adventures and living in the moment, which means she’s procrastinated her own winter preparations so much that it’s too late. For this reason, she decides to go to Holler Mountain, the scary and dangerous mountain that Ms Ruthie never came back from. 

10. Mina by Matthew Forsythe 

Mina’s father is always bringing home surprises (i. e. random stuff). One day he brings home a particularly worrisome surprise, a “squirrel” that looks an awful lot like a cat. Mina is skeptical, but her father assures her, “Everything will be fine.” They notice the the “squirrel” isn’t eating...and then he shows up with some friends, but I won’t spoil the end. I love Matthew Forsythe’s rich gouache, watercolor and colored pencil illustrations. 

Honorable Mention:

Frances in the Country by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Sean Qualls 

A History of Underwear with Professor Chicken by Hannah Holt, illustrated by Korwin Briggs 

Bublebee Grumblebee by David Elliott 

Dragon Bones: The Fantastic Fossil Discoveries of Mary Anning by Sarah Glenn Marsh, illustrated by Maris Wicks 

Best Picture Books of 2021

1. Watercress by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Jason Chin

This was one of the first 2021 books I read, and I wondered if it was too soon to declare it the best of the year. Every word and brushstroke is chosen with care to tell the story of a girl learning to connect with her past through watercress found by the side of the road. A beautiful story, beautifully written and beautifully illustrated. (It deals with her mother's life in China during the Great Famine when her brother died, so be aware.)

2. The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess by Tom Gauld

A childless king and queen go to an inventor and a witch to try to get the children they always dreamed of. They get a wooden robot and a log princess. The princess transforms into a log when she falls asleep and back into a princess when the magic words are spoken. But one of the maids doesn't know this, and she throws the princess in log form out the window. A grand adventure begins for the little wooden robot as he tries to find and rescue his sister. At two points the narrator sums up the many challenges and adventures faced along the way with titles and illustrations but no more detail than that. So readers will be left to wonder about "The Old Lady in a Bottle" and "The Mischievous Pixies," or they could make up the stories themselves. Spoiler alert, they all live happily ever after with some help from friends. This is a new fairy tale that children will love. The illustrations are excellent as is the story.

3. Wonder Walkers by Micha Archer

"Is fog the river's blanket?" "Are trees the sky's legs?" "Is the moon the world's night light?" These are the imaginative questions of two small "wonder walkers." It's amazing what Archer can do with collage. Each page is a feast for the eyes.

4. Off-Limits by Helen Yoon

"I'm just looking," a little girl says when going into her father's "off-limits" office. "...and I don't think anyone would miss one piece of tape." I think you can tell where this is going. The girl's facial expressions are priceless. Exuberant celebration of office supplies might be one way to describe this book.

5. The Lost Package by Richard Ho, illustrated by Jessica Lanan

A little girl in NYC carefully puts a package together and drops it off at the post office. But on the road the package falls out of the truck and lands in a gutter. Fortunately, a conscientious little boy whose family happens to be moving to the package's destination finds it and hand delivers it once they pack and drive all their stuff across country. I think more than one thing can be gathered from this story. The package arrives at its destination despite obstacles and detours. It's also a story of kindness and friendship--the girl who sent the package in the first place, the boy who rescued the package, the family who decided to make sure it reached its destination, the new friendships that formed as a result. Also, I loved seeing the workings of the post office. The illustrations have a cinematic feel. 

6. Mel Fell by Corey Tabor

Mel decides that today is the day she will learn to fly, so she jumps off her high branch and falls and falls, page after page, passing all sorts of animal onlookers. This journey downwards is pretty funny as the animals attempt to save her (of course no one is better than snail who speaks as slowly as he moves). Mel hits the water, catches a fish, flips back up and flies all the way back up, passing all the animals who are now cheering her on. She is a kingfisher, after all. The orientation of the book changes with the direction Mel is going. Funny and charming.

7. Norman Didn't Do It (Yes, He Did.) by Ryan T. Higgins

Norman the porcupine's best friend is a tree named Mildred. They play catch (you can imagine how that goes) and "tree" and chess. But Norman becomes jealous when another tree starts to sprout, and he thinks that the new tree threatens his friendship with Mildred. So Norman digs up the tree under cover of night and takes it away to an island, hopefully never to be seen or heard from ever again. Problem solved, right? Funny, funny stuff.

8. Moon Pops by Heena Baek

When the moon begins to melt in the oppressive heat, Granny catches the drips and makes the perfect cooling treat with them: moon pops. Everyone in her apartment building experiences relief from the heat thanks to her moon pops. But then two discombobulated rabbits show up at the door worried about their home which has melted away. Granny will figure out something. A note at the beginning explains the Korean folklore than suggests there are rabbits on the moon. Baek has illustrated the story with dioramas and charcoal drawn cutouts. LED lights illuminate the moon and its pops.

9. We Wait for the Sun by Dovey Johnson and Katie McCabe, illustrated by Raissa Figueroa

Before dawn, Dovey and her Grandmother leave the warmth of their home and venture into the darkness of the forest to pick berries and watch the sunrise together. It's a sensory experience filled with descriptive language and illustrations that are all about light. It's also more than a fond remembrance of a beloved experience, though. It's a story about patience, perseverance, and courage in the darkness. It's a story about the sun rising literally and figuratively. It's a story about a grandmother loving her granddaughter, spending time with her, and teaching her to be strong and have hope. 

10. The Great Stink: How Joseph Bazalgette Solved London's Poop Pollution Problem by Colleen Paeff, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter

Any book that has the phrase "poop pollution problem" in its title bound to be good, right? It's a book that combines humor, colorful language (including almost every word for poop imaginable) and good storytelling with the factual story of the development of sewers which saved London from stinkiness and cholera.

Honorable Mention:

The Night Walk by Marie Dorleans

The Longest Storm by Dan Yaccarino

The Rock from the Sky by Jon Klassen

Chez Bob by Bob Shea

Boo Stew by Donna L. Washington, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler

Magic Candies by Heena Baek

Books of 2021

Total books read in 2021: 83

Adult: 13

Teen: 18

Childrens: 52

Published 2021: 26

Fiction: 70

Nonfiction: 83

Graphic Novels: 17

Unlike last year, I read a lot this year. Here are my top 10 in no particular order, and plentiful honorable mentions. As usual, these are my favorite books. There are many more I thought were excellent, that I could wholeheartedly recommend but just didn't occupy the same place in my heart as these.

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

I went into this book knowing almost nothing. At first, I wondered if I wanted to continue. I had a hard time figuring out what was going on, there didn't seem to be anything happening. But I persisted and was rewarded. It's almost like a puzzle that unfolds gradually and then all at once into something thrilling and even beautiful. I will reread it at some point, though it will never quite have the original magic of discovery this first read did. (Adult)

All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat

A tribute to humanity--and specifically to the people of Thailand. Ingenuity, selflessness, creativity, generosity. It will restore your faith in humanity. It will make your heart tense with worry and then swell with joy. And the most amazing thing of all? They did it. They saved all thirteen. They accomplished the impossible. (Children's/Teen)

The Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher

As soon as I read "her familiar is a sourdough starter," I knew I had to read this, and it did not disappoint. The wonders of dough magic never cease in this whimsical, entertaining, and funny fantasy. (Teen/Adult)

Hamster Princess: Harriet the Invincible by Ursula Vernon

A wicked fairy curses Princess Harriet Hamsterbone to prick her finger on an enchanted hamster wheel and fall into a deep sleep on her 12th birthday. When Harriet learns about the curse at age 10, she celebrates what she sees as 2 years of invincibility by jumping off the tallest tower into the moat and starting a career on the professional jousting circuit. Humor, adventure, twists and turns, a fairy tale unlike any you've seen before. Thoroughly entertained by this one. Also, Ursula Vernon = T. Kingfisher. (Children's - Easy chapter book)

The Dragon with the Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis

A young dragon beguiled by chocolate. Delightful and charming. It's the kind of story that makes your heart feel as warm as the molten chocolate you're bound to want to drink as you read. (Children's)

Mere Christianity and The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis

I love C. S. Lewis's philosophical approach to religion.

Red, White and Whole by Rajani LaRocca

My heart! Fictional, but also drawing on the author's experiences growing up in and Indian family in an American city in the 80s. While the author has a unique perspective of growing up in those two worlds, the book ends up being a universal story of family, friends, resilience, loss and sorrow, love, strength, and acceptance. Beautifully written. And it may make you cry. (Children's/Teen)

Skyward by Brandon Sanderson

Thoroughly entertaining book! Action, humor, adventure, charm, secrets, great characters and good pacing. (Teen)

When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

The true story of Omar Mohamed's experience living in a refugee camp. On the one hand, it tells a story so different from our experience in the US--a story that teaches us about the hardship and suffering that others experience. But it also tells a story of being human, a story that feels familiar in so many ways, because things like trying to maintain friendships, caring for family members, struggling with dashed hopes are universal experiences that we can all relate to. It's a beautiful story of friendship community, faith, resilience, and hope. (Children's)

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

This and its sequel acted as comfort food for me in early in 2021. Later I watched the miniseries which performed the same comfort food function. I just love the characters and setting. Audiobook version is very good. (Adult)

Lighten Up by Chieko Okazaki

Written in 1993, but it feels modern and relevant to today. I appreciated her perspective, stories, and wisdom.

Honorable Mention

Friends Forever by Shannon Hale & LeYuen Pham

Josephine Against the Sea by Shakirah Bourne

Pity Party by Kathleen Lane

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

While I Was Away by Waka T. Brown

Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

Uprooted by Naomi Novik

The Curse of the Mummy: Uncovering Tutankhamun's Tomb by Candace Fleming

Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown by Steve Sheinkin

The Haunted Mask by R. L. Stine

Seventh Son by Orson Scott Card

Everything I read in 2021:

Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret by Judy Blume • Frindle by Andrew Clements • The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith • Tears of the Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith • Sarah Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan • The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware • The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare • A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle • The Haunted Mask by R. L. Stine • Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien • Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbett • Lighten Up by Chieko Okazaki • Magyk by Angie Sage • Just Listen by Sarah Dessen • Maniac McGee by Jerry Spinelli • We Had to Be Brave: Escaping the Nazis on the Kindertransport by Deborah Hopkinson • Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis • A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin • Nat Enough by Maria Scrivan • Class Act by Jerry Craft • Piranesi by Susanna Clarke • Stepping Stones by Lucy Knisley • All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat • When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson • The Chosen by Chaim Potok • Eventide by Sarah Goodman • The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. by David Levithan* • The Inheritance Games by Jennier Lynn Barnes • Amber and Clay by Laura Amy Schlitz* • Red, White and Whole by Rajani LaRocca* • Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera* • My Last Summer with Cass by Mark Crilley* • The Crossroads at Midnight by Abby Howard • Skyward by Brandon Sanderson • Monster and Boy by Hannah Barnaby • Dustborn by Erin Bowman* • Normal: One Kid’s Extraordinary Journey by Magdalena and Nathaniel Newman • Ophie’s Ghosts by Justina Ireland* • Twins by Viran Johnson & Shannon Wright • Golden Arm by Carl Deuker • The Postman from Space by Guillaume Perreault • Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd, illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter* • The Montague Twins: The Witch’s Hand by Nathan Page & Drew Shannon* • Wink by Rob Harrell • Long Distance by Whitney Gardner* • Oh My Gods! by Stephanie Cooke & Incha Fitzpatrick, illustrated by Juliana Moon* • Seventh Son by Orson Scott Card • Red Prophet by Orson Scott Card • While I Was Away by Waka T. Brown* • Katie the Catsitter by Colleen AF Venable & Stephanie Yue* • Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch by Julie Abe • How to Be Yourself by Simon Doonan • Bunnicula by James Howe • The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis • Josephine Against the Sea by Shakirah Bourne* • Rival Magic by Deva Fagan • Mary Shelley: The Strange True Tale of Frankenstein’s Creator by Catherine Reef • Shark Summer by Ira Marks* • Pity Party by Kathleen Lane* • Friends Forever by Shannon Hale* • The Curse of the Mummy: Uncovering Tutankhamun's Tomb by Candace Fleming* • Born Behind Bars by Padma Venkatraman* • A Separate Peace by John Knowles • Foundation by Isaac Asimov • The Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher • Bad Sister by Charice Mericle Harper, illustrated by Rory Lucey* • Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen* • Hamster Princess: Harriet the Invincible by Ursula Vernon • Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown by Steve Sheinkin* • Catfishing on Catnet by Naomi Kritzer • The Genius Under the Table: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain by Eugene Yelchin* • The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes • One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia • Clementine by Sara Pennypacker • The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman • Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor • The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis • My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier • The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katharine Peterson • You Can’t Say That! Writers for Young People Talk About Censorship, Free Expression, and the Stories They Have to Tell edited by Leonard S. Marcus* • Kaleidoscope by Brian Selznick* • Uprooted by Naomi Novik • Alien Nation by Sandro Bassi*

If you are ever interested in content warnings or other info on any book I've read, feel free to ask!