Hello, my friends!
I love finding new books to read, don’t you? Today, I’ll be sharing some of the books I’m hoping to read over the next few months; most of them are middle-grade contemporaries and historical fiction, but I did sneak in a YA novella and a few classics.
Enjoy browsing through these books and maybe find something to add to your tbr!
the books
1. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Let’s start with a classic! Since one of my reading goals this year was to read more classics and nonfiction, the Secret Garden seems like a read perfect for spring. It’s set in the Victorian Era and besides The Little House on the Prairie series, I’ve never read anything in this time period. I’m excited to see what this book holds and maybe get inspired to write a project in the Victorian Era!
2. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
I’ve never read Anne of Green Gables before, shocking for someone who loves vintage and old time stories, I know. I’ve seen the play, and watched the Anne of Avonlea Movies which are somehow connected to Anne of Green Gables, but never actually read the book.
3. Do Hard Things by Alex & Brett Harris
Brett Harris is actually one of the writing instructors and the co-founder of the writing community I’m part of, and I know this book has inspired and changed a lot of people’s view points, so I can’t wait to see what this book does for me.
4. Love Riot by Sara Barrat
I’ve attended two online writing conferences where Sara was a speaker, and her passion is so beautiful! I’ve read her new book, Stand Up, Stand Strong, and I know this book is going to be just as amazing and inspiring.
5. Spiderweb for Two and Then There Were Five by Elizabeth Enright
I’ve read the first two books in the Melendy Quartet by Elizabeth Enright, The Saturdays, and The Four-Story Mistake, and loved them. This series is so heartwarming and sweet – Elizabeth Enright’s writing has a magic that captures the beauty of childhood and hope; her writing is something that’s inspired my writing so many times, especially in Gone Away Lake.
6. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
I watched the movie version of this book and cried through most of it. This story follows August Pullman, a boy with a facial difference, whose extraordinary face has kept him from going to a main stream school, but now, he’s starting 5th grade–This story is a reminder to always be kind, no matter what.
7. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
This book is fantasy / sci-fi. And yes, it’s on this list. (For those of you who don’t know, I strongly dislike fantasy.) So many people have said it’s good, including my sister who’s recommended a lot of books to me that I now love, that I decided to give it a try. Plus, it’s MG, so why not?
The Mysterious Benedict Society is a children’s novel that follows four children who were chosen out of dozens to go on a top-secret mission.
8. The Someday Suitcase by Corey Ann Haydu
This book looks so sweet but also really sad. It focuses on two children, Clover and Danny who are best friends. When Danny comes down with a mysterious illness, and the doctors can’t find what’s wrong with him, Clover decides to take it into her own hands. Suddenly, it seems like time is running out for Clover and Danny to be able to do all the things they planned to do together, like seeing snow and going on a trip with the suitcase they packed together. . Will science be able to save Danny, or is this the one time when magic can overcome the unthinkable?
9. A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus
I’ve heard so many good things about this book, specifically from my friend, Aliya. It’s a historical fiction novel set in World War 2. Full of adventure and cozy libraries, this novel’s blurb already has me intrigued and I’m excited to read it.
10. The Forget Me Not Summer by Leila Howland
This book looks so cute! I’ve read that it is a lot like The Penderwicks and One Crazy Summer (It’s giving me The Summer At Sunset Bay vibes! ✨) which are two books I loved, so it sounds like this is going to be another favorite! This novel follows three sisters who end up going to Cape Cod to stay with their Aunt for the summer – it’s full of moments summer adventures, the three sisters facing their fears, and the three girls learning how to band together as the strongest version of themselves: sisters.
11. You Go First by Erin Entrada Kelly
You Go First is an upper MG novel. It’s the story of Charlotte and Ben – two tweens who are exact opposites of each other. Connected by an online scrabble game, their friendship will help them navigate the turmoil of middle school, and find their place in the world.
12. Shards of Sky by E.C. Colton
Isn’t this cover gorgeous? This novella is something I wouldn’t normally read – YA – but one of my friends’ recommended it to me, and I hope I can get my hands on a copy! Shards of Sky follows Jen, a teen girl living in the Colorado mountains searching for her lost father. I’ve heard that this book is a tear-jerker, and I already know I’m going to love the theme this novella holds.
13. Should We Tell Her? by Lillian Keith
Should We Tell Her? is a middle-grade novel written by my blogging friend, Lillian Keith! Should We Tell Her? is the story of twelve-year-old Aspen and her younger sister Wren struggling to cope when their summer turns to tragedy.
now, it’s your turn!
I hope this reading list gave you some recommendations, and even if it didn’t, I hope you enjoyed reading this (and seeing those gorgeous covers)!
Was it just me or did this post feel like it had a lack of photos to anyone else, haha?Have you read any of the books on this list? What‘s one book on your tbr list? Let me know in the comments!
(hehe yes, ‘tis lacking some of pearl’s beautiful photography indeed 😜💛)
ahhhh, i read “the secret garden” for school and it was such a sweet story! 🥰
and ahhhh, my younger sisters love “a place to hang the moon”… i haven’t read it myself yet though. have you heard of “the war that saved my life”?
my sisters also started reading “mysterious benedict society”… not sure if it’s quite up my alley but i think they enjoy it so far XP
“do hard things” & “anne of green gables” are on my tbr too!
thanks for sharing, friend! this was a fantastic post (so many convo starters, hehe 😜) 💕
(^^ I second Zoey! You would probably love “the war that saved my life”, Pearl. And probably Katrina Nannestad’s WW2 books (they’re MG as well, and right up your alley) and I’ll stop now 😉 XP).
Loved this post Per! It seems like you have a lovely reading list!
^^^I second Eva and Zoey! (Or do I. . . third them? 🤔😂) i think you will loveeeee “wonder” because it is honestly my absolute favorite middle-grade novel, and we seem to have similar tastes when it comes to a lot of things. XP the secret garden & anne of green gables are such great spring reads! hope you enjoy them per <3
(You third them. 😂) I can’t wait to read it then. It sounds soo gooooooood. XD Thank you for the lovely comment, Char. <33
(Ooh, thanks, Vea! I’ll have to check them out. XD)
Glad you enjoyed it!! 🥰
(Haha well at least everyone’s post isn’t like this. xD But thank you, Zo! <3)
Aw, I can't wait to read it. I've heard of the War that Saved My Life and that it's really good. . . have you read it?
Ooh, let me know if you read it. XP
Thank you for such a sweet comment, Zo! <33
yessss, i love the war that saved my life so much! possibly one of my fav mg books. 🥰 definitely a favourite among me and my sisters ~ and the audiobook is amazing too (: ofc, my pleasure <33
Hi Pearl! I have read the Mysterious Benedict Society, and I love it so much! If you end up liking it, then definitely read the other books in the series. Great post, as usual! Love you!
I’ll definitely make sure to read the other books. (I love series!!) Thank you for commenting, Tess, and love ya! <3
Ooh, yes, The Love Riot is on my list! I’ve heard awesome things about it! And it looks like you have a lot of other great books coming up this spring/summer!
Yeah, it looks amazing and so inspiring. I just need to get a copy of it since my library doesn’t have it and I hate buying books. 😜😂 I agree!
Love this post, Pearl, I think I’ll check out some of those books on your tbr list! I’ve definitely been wanting to read Love Riot, and I can 100% vouch for Do Hard Things, it’s so inspiring and motivational.
I’m so glad you got some new reads from my list! I’m getting really excited to read it from everything I’ve learned – Let me know what you think of Love Riot!
Love this! I’ve been feeling like middle-grade fiction for a while now, and now I have a lot to add to my ever long TBR, lol. I’ve never heard of a lot of these titles, so I’m kinda excited! I think you’re really going to love Anne of Green Gables. Great post!!
Ooh, yay for making tbr lists longer and finding new books! XD I’m really excited to read Anne of Green Gables. 😁 Thank you!!
I have actually read half of these! Yes, A Place to Hang the Moon is Awesome! 😂 The Mysterious Benidict Society is a really fun read. (Though technically I listened to the audiobook). Anne of Green Gables is one of my favorite classics along with the Secret Garden. And I love Do Hard Things!
I am working through the Anne of Green Gables series (on second book) but mostly working on Lord of the Rings series for the first time!
Really? Well yay! Then I can go rant to you about them once I read them. XD Yep! I have The Mysterious Benedict Society on hold at my online library for the audiobook version, and if I love it, I’ll probably read it, too. (I’m weird like that with books. 😂)
Ooh, awesome! I’ve heard lots of good things about The Lord of the Rings and my siblings love them. Enjoy!
Looks like an amazing reading list…
Thanks, Dad!
Ohhhhh, these books look REALLY good!
*gasps* I LOVED The Mysterious Benedict Society series, equally as much as The Wingfeather Saga… I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
Also, if you weren’t aware, there is a AWESOME MBS TV series (for books one and two), so it may be worth watching those once you finish the books! Just a thought!
Thanks for sharing Pearl! <3
Is the show as good as the books? I haven’t heard much about it, but I saw a picture of Constance and she doesn’t look the same at all. It sounds interesting though!
Yeah, I personally think that the TV series is really good… at least the first season; the second season was SO inaccurate to the second book, it was a little disappointing… 🙁 But yes, Constance is quite a bit older than described, probably because they couldn’t find a actress as young as she is in the book! XD
The actress is an AMAZING cast regardless, she’s exactly how her personality is described… pretty impressive! 🙂
Try them out sometime if you get a chance! <3
I know!!
I’m really excited to read them. 😁 I’ll have to tell my sister because she loved those books and I’m sure she’d like to watch the show. Thanks for telling me and reading, Rosie!
ooooohh *updates tbr*
–it doesn’t need to be longer, Pearl, stoppit!–
I’m sorry! XD
Those are great books to read!! This is my “Year Of The Classics”, so I’m going back and reading some of the OG classic books, like Anne of Green Gables, Narnia, Little Women, Pride & Prejudice, etc.
Do Hard Things is SO good! And A Place To Hang The Moon is literally one of my favorite books!! It was really inspiring to me!
Oooh, that’s awesome! I’m considering doing that next year, but I had too many new books to read that I thought I should finish them first. XD
Really? That’s amazing! Thank you so much for reading & commenting, Bella! ❤️
I loved reading about all those books. I definitely want to check some of those out now. Thanks for sharing these with us!
I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
I love the Melendy Quartet! Years ago, I picked up “The Saturdays” at a thrift store and loved it. I’ve been seeing your updates about this series on my Goodreads feed and it’s making me want to dive into the deep end of childhood nostalgia…😆
You definitely should. 😉 I’ve been loving reading it for the first time and I’m very excited to finish reading the rest.
the mysterious benedict society is absolutely amazing!! it’s more of puzzles and mystery than fantasy so don’t worry :p but it’s one of my faves! let me know what you think! :))
Oh, that makes sense and it makes me more excited to read it – thank you for letting me know, Alyssa! (: I’ll definitely let you know what I think.
Thanks, Pearl! The Mysterious Benedict Society looks really interesting!
It does! I’m exited to read it. 😁
Ahhh this looks like such a good reading list! I really want to read “Shards of Sky” now because I love that cover and your blurb intrigued me…
I have a plane ride coming up soon, and maybe I’ll have to check some of these out so I can read them on the plane. Thanks for the recommendations (I’m always unsure on what book to read XD)
Aw, well thank you! Shards of Sky was actually written by a former YDubber – let me know what you think of it!
Ooh, I hope your plane ride goes wonderfully. (:
ooohhhhhh yes!!! ‘The Secret Garden’ is amazing! i hope you enjoy it <3 i've read a couple other books on your list, and they're all super good (:
and yes ~ i rather do miss your photos through the post <3
can you let me know what you think of Love Riot? i've been thinking of reading that one for awhile now; it sounds so good!
great post, Per <3
Aw, thank you!! <3 I'll make sure to tell you what you think of Love Riot, and maybe we can discuss it in our emails if we both read it. 😊
My family and I read A Place to Hang the Moon awhile back, and I love it! The writing is well-done, and the story is very compelling. I hope you enjoy reading it (and my other book too lol. I’m so happy to see it made it to your list!)
Oooh, I cannot wait to read it, then. 😀 (Haha, well I’m so excited to read it!!)
ooo!!! The Secret Garden and Anne of Green Gables are so good!! And I LOVED Should We Tell Her? Looks like a fun reading season, hope you enjoy all of them! 🙂
I’ve heard that they are amazing. Yayyyy! I can’t wait to read it, then. I’m pretty excited; thank you! 💕
These all sound like great books! I’ve read The Secret Garden, Anne of Green Gables, Do Hard Things (that is such an encouraging book!), and The Mysterious Benedict Society. The Mysterious Benedict Society is kinda sci-fi/fantasy, but I think it is more mystery or adventure. I’m on book 3 and it’s really good!
Oh, good to know; it makes me more excited to read it. 😄 Thanks for commenting, KJ! <3
A Place to Hnag the moon is such a good book! I’d definitely recommend it again ;). Forget me not summer seems interesting, now i want to read it 😂
I can’t wait to read it! Ooh, tell me what you think of it!
All of these books sound amazing! (Except The Secret Garden — I found it boring when I read it for school last year XD But I think it would be the kind of book you’d probably enjoy. ; ) I’m not saying you enjoy boring books, just that you like that style and genre. XD) Sadly I haven’t been reading very much lately because of school and general life (and maybe also because I don’t have as many books as I’d like XP). Maybe I can prioritize reading a bit more.
(Ahh I got you. 😂 We have very different tastes in reading, except for The Penderwicks/historical romance, probably why we had a hard time with the book list exchange. 😜) Aw, that’s hard. At least summer is coming soon which means no school and more time to read, right? 😁
Ooh, those look like interesting books!!! I’ve been really wanting to read Should We Tell Her and The Mysterious Benedict Society. Maybe I’ll get to this summer! 😀 Shards of Sky sounds really interesting! I’ll have to add that to my TBR list as well! 😉
Ooh, I hope you get to read them! And yesss, Shards of Sky looks absolutely amazing. Happy reading! 😊♥️
I love sooo many of these books, Pearl! Definitely my genre ;D You’ll have to update us and let us know how you liked them! <3
Yay! ;’D I’ll definitely be doing some reviews/rants in my monthly reviews. 😁 Thank you for the lovely comment! <3
Ooh, Shards of Sky sounds really good! YA is usually my go-to genre, so I will have to check that out!
It was actually written by a former YDubber which I think is pretty cool! I can’t wait to read it. 😀
So many exciting books!!!I own the Anne of Green Gables book and have been wanting to read it.😃
Ooh, I’d LOVE to discuss it once we both read it. Thank you, Emily! <33
Yes,we definitely should!
Aww, it makes me so happy to see Shards of Sky on this list! I hope you enjoy it. 😄
I can’t wait to read it. 😁🥰