2024 Top 5 Middle Grade Books

Each evening I read a chapter or two with each of my kids before bed. Since my kids are in elementary school, we read ample middle grade books (ages 8-12).

As I thought about some of the books we read, I landed on my favorite five books for 2024.

Best Family Ever had great characters with an engaging plot. I appreciated the way the author wove her story around a healthy family.

The Boy Who Met a Whale was an adventure based in Sri Lanka with characters you cared about.

Bob is an incredible character you just love journeying alongside and joining his own growth.

This series is so much fun: Trekking around the world on treasuring find missions with characters you love. Another great story with a healthy family at the center.

The main character makes this book shine and one you can't put down. I love how the kids rally around a refugee boy and extend friendship to him.

Looking forward to another year of more wonderful books to discover together with my kids!

2024 Top 5 Adult Fiction Books

Each year I compile a spreadsheet of the books I read—almost all fiction. I sprinkled in one non-fiction book in 2024, but recruited an accountability partner to finish it. 😆 (Spoiler: It didn't make my top five list.)

I only gave four books a score of 10 (my highest ranking). Six books received a nine so I selected my favorite of those to be ranked #5. This list is for adult fiction (no kids books here—but that list is forthcoming!)

Fabulous breakout novel! The cross-cultural element added depth to the storyline.

Amazing and gripping. Characters felt real. Karen Barnett's A Vintage National Parks series are great reads, especially as I'm a fan of these beautiful parks.

Amazing storytelling and pulling together of multiple views

Super well-crafted, engaging, and suspenseful. Enjoying this series.

Loved everything about this book! The characters are amazing and Amelia is my favorite character yet! Mary Winters is my second favorite author (after Louise Penny).

May you find great reads in the coming year!