There are still a couple days left in the year and I've got two more books I'll finish up before the start of 2026, leaving my total books read in 2025 at 280. An awesome amount of books, so many of them are ones that I'd love to talk about with others.
Today I'm focusing on my favorite middle grade and young adult titles of 2025.
The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer Choldenko - this is perhaps my favorite by Choldenko. Hank's mother doesn't come home one day, he continues to take care of his little sister, Boo. But when food runs out, Hank realizes he needs help. However, asking for help has consequences and Hank has some secrets he's been keeping for his mother.
Rabbit Rabbit - by Dori Hillestad Butler - an Iowa author - Alice and Bea are cousins, but they don't know each other at all since their parents and grandparents have become estranged. One family lives in Seattle and is liberal which isn't in line with the conservative midwestern part of the family. They are all together to celebrate the grandparents' anniversary, and Alice and Bea want to be friends and understand what has kept their family apart.
This Thing Of Ours by Frederick Joseph - Ossie has always identified as a basketball player, but an injury forces him off the court he struggles to find a place for himself in the affluent mostly white school he attends. When a teacher encourages him to join a highly regarded writing program, Ossie finds a new purpose, but challenges are still ahead.
All The Blue In The Sky by Renee Watson - novel in verse; Sage's thirteenth birthday is marked by the death of her best friend. Now Sage finds herself alone, missing the one person who was always there for her. Through grief counseling she meets a group of people who are also grieving and learns a lot about how unique each person's situation is and the many different emotions that losing someone brings.
Candle Island by Lauren Wolk - Candle Island is a remote place where Lucretia and her mother move after the death of Lucretia's father. Lucretia's mom is also a reclusive artist, so their new home is safely away from reporters who want to know more about her work. As the two start over, Lucretia meets another island girl who may understand what Lucretia is going through more than she realizes. There is also a secret that Lucretia and her mother have been keeping that may change their lives if it is ever found out.
Truth, Lies and the Questions In Between by L. M. Elliott - set in 1973, Patty is one of the first female Congressional pages. She's caught between the traditional roles she has grown up with and the questions that some of her new friends are asking.
The Last Dragon on Mars by Scott Reintgen - fantasy - so not my thing. And dragons. And I loved it. I've already checked out the second book.
Three Things I Know Are True by Betty Culley - a novel in verse about a boy who accidentally shoots himself while at his neighbor's house and requires round the clock help. Devastatingly sad, and yet so, so good.
Kyra Just For Today by Sara Zarr - Kyra's mom is a recovering alcoholic and although she's in a good spot, Kyra can't really relax and feel as though things might get bad again. And then Krya starts to notice some things that remind her of the last time her mom was drinking. Heartbreaking.
Carter Avery's Tricky Fourth Grade Year by Rob Buyea- no one writes a school story better than Rob Buyea; after several years of teachers who just don't appreciate Carter, he is lucky to have a teacher who sees the things that Carter does in a positive light, unlike previous teachers.
Tomorrow I'll be sharing my favorite nonfiction books of 2025; there are so many great books I've enjoyed this year!
And before I forget, enjoy the pictures of us in Barcelona.
Big Sister and her husband at Monterrat:
Middle Sister at the market:
Enjoying ice cream with Little Sister
The Sagradia Familia with Middle Sister, Little Sister, and college friends that came to visit
No comments:
Post a Comment