2022 was not my BEST reading year, but I did read many phenomenal stories (and even got back to reading adult fiction again). This past year, I read 74 books, most of which were middle grade fiction. I loved so many of these stories and have rounded up my best middle grade books of 2022 if you’re looking for more recommendations.
100 Exceptional Middle Grade Books to Read in 2023
It’s that time of the year again when I share the 2023 middle grade books that I’ve been dreaming of reading! This year, I’m sharing the list a bit earlier than usual because I won’t be around much in December, so I’m a bit worried I might have missed a few great (yet-to-be-revealed) titles. Regardless, the books on this list are the ones I’ve got my eye on (I’ve even read several of them already!). Many of these tackle fantastic themes and I’m looking forward to an exceptional reading year in 2023. I hope you are too.
Picture Books About Being Yourself/Being Unique
As we get older, we become prouder of our quirks, but it’s not so easy when you’re a kid — especially after the toddler years when people start to mold us into what’s “socially acceptable.” These picture books about being…
Stunning Picture Books About Art
Art is such a gift — so I love that these picture books about art celebrate wonderful works of art and also the process of creating art. If you have mini artists in your care, you’ll love our selection of children’s books about art.
Exciting Books for 12 Year Old Boys
Good books for 12 year old boys can be tough to find — books that tackle tough topics without being inappropriate. On this list, we’ve gathered a variety of stories about boys handling challenging circumstances, from moving to poverty to neighborhood drug lords.
Graphic Novel Review | Stepping Stones (Peapod Farm #1)
Stepping Stones is the first in the PeaPod Farm graphic novel series by Lucy Knisley. It features young Jen whose mother moves her from the city to a farm to live with her mother’s new boyfriend, Walter and help him care for his farm. At the farm, Jen is saddled with chores like caring for chickens and selling at the farmer’s market. Her mother’s boyfriend Walter is infuriating and dismissive of Jen’s feelings. Things get worse when Walter’s daughters Andy and Reese come to the farm on weekends. The girls are alright but Andy seems to be a know-it-all while Reese won’t stop whining. Can Jen make a life at Peapod Farm?
