Way Too Hard But Here They Are!

some of my favorite books 🤗

Happy spring! This photo made me smile. 🥰

Photo by nadi borodina on Unsplash

It took me a while to identify what book constitutes as a “favorite” because I’ll read one and come away floored by how well it was written and how emotionally moved I was (or not). I’m also unfortunately very indecisive. To really determine what books to feature in this post, I studied my shelves and my reading journal and finally noticed a pattern: I rarely re-read books (well, until up to this year) and if I do, it’s usually the ones that stay with me years after reading it. It may not be the best written ever or contain my favorite tropes but for some reason or another, it stuck with me and begged me to go back and rediscover why it was so good. I have read all of the books below at least twice, and each either remain steadfastly as a childhood or forever favorite.

The following books are not in any specific order.

---

1. The Holy Bible

Favorite book? The “Christian” answer is the Bible, of course. But, it wasn’t until a couple years ago that the Bible actually became my most re-read and loved book. For my daily reading, I use the children’s ESV Bible that my church gave me when my parents dedicated me but for toting to church and anywhere else, I carry my Crossway ESV Bible. ❤️ Forever favorite.

2. Little House in the Big Woods Series, by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Synopsis: chronicles the Ingalls’ journey across the country in the late 1800s.

Not exactly a book but you can’t say one’s your favorite without pointing out the others in the series! I’ve actually only “read” one book and have listened numerous times to the audiobooks narrated by Cherry Jones. Amaaazing! ✨ Childhood favorite.

Perfect for: little girls, lovers of the American frontier, cozy stories

3. The Wednesday Wars, by Gary D. Schmidt

Synopsis: seventh-grader Holling Hoodhood spends Wednesdays with his strict teacher, Mrs. Baker, reading Shakespeare while others attend religious class. As he faces bullies, rats, family pressure, and a school play in yellow tights, he unexpectedly finds courage and motivation to grow up and face life’s challenges.

This one was recommended to me by Read Aloud Revival and ever since picking it up at age thirteen (I think?) I have LOVED it! There’s actually two sequels to this book, but The Wednesday Wars is my favorite. The deep lessons are incredible.

Perfect for: if you’re a contemporary middle grade reader. You’ll love this one. :)

4. Every Soul a Star, by Wendy Mass

Synopsis: three very different teens—science-loving Ally, popular Bree, and shy Jack—meet at a remote campground to witness a rare solar eclipse. As their worlds collide, they form unexpected friendships and discover new truths about themselves in this story of change, connection, and finding your place in the universe.

Honestly, any book by Wendy Mass is amazing but this one is the only one of hers I’ve re-read (or technically, re-listened) over and over again. There’s something about it that’s so good…and well-written…and delightful! The dynamic characters’ arcs are written so well!

Perfect for: if you’re a contemporary middle grade reader and/or lover of astronomy

5. The Cutters, by Bess Street Aldrich

Synopsis: the Cutters are a quirky, lovable family living in a small Midwestern town. They're not your picture-perfect TV family, but that's what makes them real and relatable. At the heart of it all is Nell Cutter—clever, creative, and always trying new things to make life better for her family. Whether she’s decorating on a tight budget or testing out parenting ideas, Nell’s charm and determination make her unforgettable.

So. Sweet! Melts my heart every time I read it. Super charming and warm. A definite keeper for my shelves!

Perfect for: the classics lover and fans of Cheaper by the Dozen

6. Christy, by Catherine Marshall

Synopsis: Christy Huddleston leaves home to teach in a poor mountain town, where she faces challenges to her faith, love, and mission to help. Caught between two men and a community resistant to change, she must find the strength to make a difference.

Ohh this one is goood. The plot. The characters. The setting. Chef’s kiss! So many pages were tabbed in my last re-read. This book screams LIFE. Realistic, not looking through the world through rose colored glasses (but also without losing wonder). So many characters have differing world views, especially on religion. There's a lot of suffering but also a lot of joy.

Perfect for: older teens, historical fiction lovers, those in love with the Tennessee mountains (hi, it’s me! 👋)

7. The Foundling, by Linda Hayner

Synopsis: one cold morning in January, 1644, Willy--four years old--is abandoned on the porch of a parish church in London. The parish constable finds him, and Willy begins a journey that requires him to rely on his natural ingenuity and his early training in order to survive.

This book is so sweet and heart warming. I went in expecting a little romance, but there was absolutely none. So well-written and charming! The main character is amazing. 🥹

Perfect for: lovers of classics, old London, and heartwarming tales

8. Under the Magnolias, by T. I. Lowe

Synopsis: after her mother dies, Austin Foster must care for her siblings and keep her family together on their struggling farm. As secrets unravel and a relationship with a wealthy boy unfolds, Austin learns that truth, while painful, can bring freedom and healing.

“T. I. Lowe's gritty yet tender and uplifting tale reminds us that a great story can break your heart . . . then heal it in the best possible way.”

This one captured my heart from the first time I read it. It’s so realistic and life-like. The characters are amazing and they grow like real people through and because of their circumstances. Super well-written. The themes are what get me. 🥹🥹🥹

Perfect for: middle to older teens and fans of deep themes, characters, and realistic fiction

9. Harry Potter Series, by J. K. Rowling

Synopsis: Harry Potter is a wizard. And a special one, at that.

Now, I understand why some families opt out of Harry Potter but my family and I LOVE this series! It is very creative and incredibly well-written! The foreshadowing and story threads throughout the series are incredible. 🤯 Also, the comedy?? The action scenes?? The characters??? Superb!

Perfect for: fans of fantasy, the Percy Jackson series, etc.

10. When Zachary Beaver Came to Town, by Kimberly Willis Holt

Synopsis: Toby’s quiet life in a small Texas town is shaken when his mother leaves to be a country singer, and his best friend’s brother goes to Vietnam. The arrival of Zachary Beaver, the "fattest boy in the world," brings even more change, making this summer one that will transform Toby's life.

🥹🥹🥹 Y’all. This book. INCREDIBLE.

Perfect for: fans of moving middle grade fiction and Gary D. Schmidt’s books

11. (bonus) A Long Way From Chicago Duology, by Richard Peck

Synopsis: join Joey and his sister Mary Alice as they spend nine unforgettable summers with the worst influence imaginable—their grandmother!

These books are hilarious!!! Perfect for long car rides, the writing easily transports you to the world of Joey, Mary Alice, and Grandma Dowdel. Listen to the audiobooks. They’re the best!

Perfect for: fans of funny realistic fiction

---

What do you think of my favorite books? Have you read any? What are some of your favorites?

Thanks for reading today’s post. I’d love to hear (or rather, read!) your thoughts in the comments below!

See you in next Wednesday’s subscriber newsletter. <3