My Favorite Books from 2017

Absolutely an all-time favorite. The entire series is delightful (try them on audio-- Katherine Kellgren reads them for Audible and does such a wonderful job). These Victorian mysteries will leave you howling with laughter while also noting down pithy and wise sayings you don't want to forget. I highly recommend them to kids 8+.

Clare Vanderpool won me over big with this book. It won the 2011 Newbery Award, and I recommend it for age 12+. Gorgeous language, a compelling plot, and characters who will stay with you long after you close the pages.

This is easily one of my "most recommended" books of the year. I found this book impossible to put down-- and so did my kids! If you have a child who hasn't fallen head-over-heels for reading yet, start here. I loved the second book (Code Name Flood) every bit as much as the first!

This book is positively exquisite, but I must insist that you listen to the audio version. You won't regret it! This has got to be one of the best audio books I've ever heard. I recommend it for anyone age 10+.

I know this book is out of print, but if you stumble on *any* essays by Katherine Paterson, I have this advice for you: snatch it up! This is my very favorite collection of thoughts about reading and writing books for kids. You can hear my interview with Katherine Paterson on episode 81 of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast.

I want to give this book to every teenager I know. It's a book that will make you want to hug a mean kid, stare at Audubon paintings, say thank you to a veteran, read Jane Eyre, and get an orchid. Gary Schmidt is a master storyteller.

This is the book that made me a die-hard Chris Van Dusen fan. I just love it! Picture books in rhyme are my favorite, as long as they are done incredibly well. This book does that. I never tire of reading it aloud to my kids-- and they never tire of hearing it!

I'm a fan of everything written by Caroline Starr Rose, but this one is my favorite yet! Follow Jasper and his brother on their search for gold during the Klondike Gold Rush. It's a page-turning mystery your kids don't want to miss! I think it's fine for 10+ but probably will be appreciated best by 12 year olds.

I can't believe this is the first time I've read this book, but it is-- and I'm so glad I made room for it in my reading stack. A touching book that has stayed with me and will be worthy of many future re-reads. I recommend this one for high schoolers and up.

This one probably isn't for your kids-- just for you. I've lost track of how many times I've read it, but every time I get it out, I feel re-inspired to live my creative best. Highly recommended.

One of the most moving stories I read all year. This gem by Sharon Draper will move you to tears and still leave you with an inspired sense of hope and wonder. Make sure your kids are ready to hear about the Ku Klux Klan before starting this one. There's nothing graphic, but it's heavy and intense. I loved this book.

This one has my vote for the 2017 Caldecott. A work of art, and a picture book that will leave you with fresh hope and eyes wide open to the beauty that surrounds you everyday.

I'm a new fan of Kyo Maclear's, and this book is one of the reasons why! My kids love hearing it read aloud before bedtime, and I'm always happy to oblige. The magic of winter is told through beautiful text and illustrations that make you want to stare a little longer than necessary.

I'm just going to say it: I have no idea why my kids and I love this book so much, but we do. It's a favorite every time I read it aloud, and we usually get to the end and then start it all over again. Ben Hatke's illustrations are hilarious!

The Wilderking Trilogy is one you don't want your kids to miss. I'd name Jonathan Rogers as one of my favorite living writers, and this trilogy is the perfect reason why. Ideal for kids 9-14, though you'll enjoy it every bit as much as your kids will.