Books that continue to hold a place in my mind, even years later. Whether I read them alone or with my children, they are still with me.
Sections
3
My Favorites
Kid Picks
Kids Extra
My Favorites
These are the books that immediately come to mind during book talks with others.
One of the first books I couldn't put down.
East of Eden by John Steinbeck, Paperback
I often think of Miss Havisham and Pip
Great Expectations (Signature Classics) by Charles Dickens, Paperback
A woman on my flight slammed her copy on the tray table. She told me she was mad she finished. Upon landing, I immediately purchased a copy for the flight home.
The Girl on the Train: A Novel by Paula Hawkins, Paperback
Hope can grow anywhere.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, Paperback
Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in 1944. His life was fascinating and incredible, making for a great read.
Yeager an Autobiography: Gen Chuck Yeager
Love the journey of Emma Harte's life from humble beginnings to business empire.
A Woman of Substance (Harte Family Saga)
Hands down, my favorite cookbook of all I own. I use this almost every day. I have gifted this book to two of my friends.
Come Hungry: Salads, Meals, and Sweets for People Who Live to Eat|Hardcover
Kid Picks
These are the books that have stayed with my kids, stories that made them think, feel, and fall in love with reading one chapter at a time
Perfect for middle school kids who like games and puzzles.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library (Mr. Lemoncello Series #1)
Reading The Outsiders is a rite of passage for all middle schoolers.
The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton, Paperback
The Hundred Dresses was published in 1944 yet the message resonates today.
The Hundred Dresses - Eleanor Estes
My son loves history and the you choose books were perfect for him. This particular book has 167 choices and 45 possible endings.
The Revolutionary War: An Interactive History Adventure by Elizabeth Raum ...
A powerful story about friendship and bravery in WW2 Denmark.
Number the Stars
Prisoner B-3087 is a powerful survival story; 10 camps, 1 brave boy, based on true events.
Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz, Hardcover
Loved sharing this series with my children.
Little House on the Prairie Book Series
A touching tale of a gorilla who dreams big and shows the power of friendship
The One and Only Ivan (Newbery Medal Winner)
A story of hope and courage in WW2.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Paperback
Luckiest Matilda is a book I wrote for my children. It began as a poem about Matilda's journey to our family and slowly evolved into a book. Matilda is the sweetest dog, and we are so blessed to have her in our family.
Luckiest Matilda
I remember reading Tuck Everlasting when I was young. A great book to reread with your child, still as good as it was the first time.
Tuck Everlasting
The Percy Jackson series stands out as my daughter's favorite.
Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief
Kids Extra
The extra list came about after a conversation with my 17 year old daughter. She believes these are must haves for any kid.
Following the Alden children as they solve clever mysteries, The Boxcar Children helps young readers learn the author’s cadence. The repeated reading builds fluency, boosts speed, and strengthens confidence with every page.
The Boxcar Children
Traveling through time with Jack and Annie, Magic Tree House invites children on exciting adventures while teaching them the author’s rhythm. Repetition in the series develops reading fluency, increases speed, and builds confidence.
Magic Tree House Books 1-4
My daughter and I loved reading the Dork Diaries series together.
