​The Coronavirus is creating a lot of stress and anxiety for kids and teens right now. As parents we like to think that our kids have nothing to worry about, but it’s simply not true. No matter how much we try to shelter our kids from the hard news of the world, they still know. My oldest is only six and she is absolutely worried and being affected by what is happening. A Twitter friend asked me to suggest some gentle reads for teens. After reaching out to other librarians and bloggers, I have narrowed the suggestions to the following funny, happy, or cozy books and series, to help young readers relax.
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Historical Fiction. As soon as Anne Shirley arrives at the snug white farmhouse called Green Gables, she is sure she wants to stay forever . . . but will the Cuthberts send her back to to the orphanage? Anne knows she's not what they expected—a skinny girl with fiery red hair and a temper to match. If only she can convince them to let her stay, she'll try very hard not to keep rushing headlong into scrapes and blurting out the first thing that comes to her mind. Anne is not like anyone else, the Cuthberts agree; she is special—a girl with an enormous imagination. This orphan girl dreams of the day when she can call herself Anne of Green Gables.
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Contemporary Romance. Self-proclaimed fat girl Willowdean Dickson (dubbed “Dumplin’” by her former beauty queen mom) has always been at home in her own skin. Her thoughts on having the ultimate bikini body? Put a bikini on your body. With her all-American beauty best friend, Ellen, by her side, things have always worked…until Will takes a job at Harpy’s, the local fast-food joint. There she meets Private School Bo, a hot former jock. Will isn’t surprised to find herself attracted to Bo. But she is surprised when he seems to like her back.
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Fiction. Stanley Yelnats is under a curse. A curse that began with his no-good-dirty-rotten- pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather and has since followed generations of Yelnats. Now Stanley has been unjustly sent to a boys' detention center, Camp Green Lake, where the warden makes the boys "build character" by spending all day, every day, digging holes: five feet wide and five feet deep. It doesn't take long for Stanley to realize there's more than character improvement going on at Camp Green Lake. The boys are digging holes because the warden is looking for something. Stanley tries to dig up the truth in this inventive and darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment—and redemption.
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Fantasy. Lucy is the first to find the secret of the wardrobe in the professor's mysterious old house. At first her brothers and sister don't believe her when she tells of her visit to the land of Narnia. But soon Edmund, then Peter and Susan step through the wardrobe themselves. In Narnia they find a country buried under the evil enchantment of the White Witch. When they meet the Lion Aslan, they realize they've been called to a great adventure and bravely join the battle to free Narnia from the Witch's sinister spell.
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​Fantasy. Moral allegory and spiritual autobiography, The Little Prince is the most translated book in the French language. With a timeless charm it tells the story of a little boy who leaves the safety of his own tiny planet to travel the universe, learning the vagaries of adult behavior through a series of extraordinary encounters. His personal odyssey culminates in a voyage to Earth and further adventures. 
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Romance. Mia Thermopolis is pretty sure there’s nothing worse than being a five-foot-nine, flat-chested freshman, who also happens to be flunking Algebra. Is she ever in for a surprise. First Mom announces that she’s dating Mia’s Algebra teacher. Then Dad has to go and reveal that he is the crown prince of Genovia. And guess who still doesn’t have a date for the Cultural Diversity Dance?
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Fantasy. It was 1798 when the Morningstarr twins arrived in New York with a vision for a magnificent city: towering skyscrapers, dazzling machines, and winding train lines, all running on technology no one had ever seen before. Fifty-seven years later, the enigmatic architects disappeared, leaving behind for the people of New York the Old York Cipher—a puzzle laid into the shining city they constructed, at the end of which was promised a treasure beyond all imagining. By the present day, however, the puzzle has never been solved, and the greatest mystery of the modern world is little more than a tourist attraction.

Romance. Pepper and Jack’s spat turns into a viral Twitter war. Little do they know, while they’re publicly duking it out with snarky memes and retweet battles, they’re also falling for each other in real life. As their relationship deepens and their online shenanigans escalate, their battle gets more and more personal, until even these two rivals can’t ignore they were destined for the most unexpected, awkward, all-the-feels romance that neither of them expected.

I tried to include a good variety of books from a lot of genres, but ended up relying heavily on classic fiction. If you have any suggestions for books published in the last couple of years that steer clear of sensitive topics, please add them in the comments section.

This is a mix of Juvenile and Young Adult titles. If you have questions about the suggested reading or age level of a specific book please comment or email me.

Summary excerpts from Goodreads.com

Check back on Tuesday for a No Spoiler Book Review of Ten Thousand Doors of January.

As I am writing this my county is on lockdown. I know many people across the world are living under similar orders, whether they are official or not. We are dealing with empty grocery stores. Worrying for the first time in our lives, if we will be able to get milk for our babies. We are not allowed to leave our homes, except for groceries, medicine and daily outside exercise. We must maintain a social distance and not spend time with anyone outside our household. It is a real-life nightmare.
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A Twitter friend asked me to find gentle reads for her kids and I thought I should do the same for adults. I am limiting my entertainment to light comedies as much as possible right now and I figure lots of other people are doing the same. Here are some options from a variety of genres that will hopefully help you relax. I have included a summary excerpt from Goodreads followed by my thoughts on the books.  
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Historical Mystery. Isabella Waverly only means to comfort the woman felled on a London street. In her final dying moments, she thrusts a letter into Bella’s hand. It’s an offer of employment in the kitchens of Buckingham Palace, and everything the budding young chef desperately wants: an escape from the constrictions of her life as a lowly servant. In the stranger’s stead, Bella can spread her wings.
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This is the perfect time to read something by Rhys Bowen. She writes cozy historical mysteries that are thoroughly enjoyable and completely engaging. No Spoiler Book Review of Above the Bay of Angels.
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Fiction. An Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried near the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles in his path. But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a discovery of the treasure found within. 
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This short novel has the feel of a folk tale or a parable. It’s comforting, affirming, and inspirational. This is an older book, so there is a good chance you can check out the ebook for free from your library with no wait.
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Memoir. Tina Fey was just a young girl with a dream: a recurring stress dream that she was being chased through a local airport by her middle-school gym teacher. She also had a dream that one day she would be a comedian on TV. She has seen both these dreams come true. Tina Fey reveals all, and proves what we've all suspected: you're no one until someone calls you bossy.
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If you are a fan of Tina Fey or 30 Rock and somehow never read this memoir, now is the time. A laugh out loud choice that is probably available as a library ebook right away.
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Non-Fiction. On a cool June evening in 2009, twenty-year-old American flautist Edwin Rist boarded a train for a suburban outpost of the British Museum of Natural History (Tring). The Tring museum was full of rare bird specimens whose gorgeous feathers were worth staggering amounts of money to the men who shared Edwin’s obsession: the Victorian art of salmon fly-tying. Once inside the museum, the champion fly-tier grabbed hundreds of bird skins–some collected 150 years earlier–and escaped into the darkness.

I know what you’re thinking, how can this possibly be good? There are like three people who are interested in this subject. But I am telling you this book is wild! Also, probably available for check out with no wait online!
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Contemporary Romance. Tiffy Moore needs a cheap flat, and fast. Leon Twomey works nights and needs cash. Their friends think they’re crazy, but it’s the perfect solution: Leon occupies the one-bed flat while Tiffy’s at work in the day, and she has the run of the place the rest of the time. They’re about to discover that if you want the perfect home you need to throw the rulebook out the window…
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I just finished this book, but I wish I could read it again for the first time, right now. Even if you do not love romance, you will love this outlandish and adorable book. No Spoiler Book Review of Flatshare.
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Memoir. Lawson takes readers on a hilarious journey recalling her bizarre upbringing in rural Texas, her devastatingly awkward high school years, and her relationship with her long-suffering husband, Victor. Chapters include: “Stanley the Magical, Talking Squirrel”; “A Series of Angry Post-It Notes to My Husband”; and “My Vagina Is Fine. Thanks for Asking”.
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This VERY personal memoir had me laughing from the first page. Lawson is a bit of an over-sharer, so skip this if you are easily offended. Otherwise, this is a great choice if you need a laugh. There is a good chance you can check out the ebook for free from your library with no wait. 
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Historical Romance. The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and her proud beau, Mr. Darcy, is a splendid performance of civilized sparring. And Jane Austen's radiant wit sparkles as her characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, making this book the most superb comedy of manners of Regency England.
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Any of Jane Austen’s novels would be a good choice (except maybe Northanger Abbey). Emma, Sense and Sensibility and Mansfield Park are soothing works of classic historical fiction. These titles are likely to be available for checkout from your library online right away.
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Historical Mystery. With her inquisitive mind, Charlotte Holmes has never felt comfortable with the demureness expected of the fairer sex in upper class society. When the city is struck by a trio of unexpected deaths and suspicion falls on her sister and her father, Charlotte is desperate to find the true culprits and clear the family name. It will be up to Charlotte, under the assumed name Sherlock Holmes, to challenge society’s expectations and match wits against an unseen mastermind. 

This cleverly written historical mystery will appeal to fans of Sherlock and Pride and Prejudice. There are crimes and murders, but they happen at a nice historic distance. No Spoiler Book Review of Study in Scarlet Women.

I hope that these books help you find a little peace in this stressful time. What books have you read that you think might be good options for people right now?

Summary excerpts from Goodreads.com

Check back Thursday for Funny, Happy, Cozy Books for Young Readers.

​After wading through hundreds of upcoming titles, I have narrowed the list of April New Release Books to these eight exciting titles. I flipped through book review catalogs, book blogs and library chat forums to ensure that I found the most interesting and original new books. I try to include a variety of Fiction, Non-Fiction and even Young Adult books. This month’s selections lean toward Romance and Historical Fiction, but also includes a disturbing Horror story. I exclude sequels and anything that will not have broad appeal. Starred titles have been added to my personal to be read list. 
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Conjure Women is a sweeping story that brings the world of the South before and after the Civil War vividly to life. Magnificently written, brilliantly researched, richly imagined, Conjure Women moves back and forth in time to tell the haunting story of Rue, Varina, and May Belle, their passions and friendships, and the lengths they will go to save themselves and those they love. ​Historical Fiction. ​

The world has changed around Missy Carmichael. At seventy-nine, she's estranged from her daughter, her son and only grandson live across the world in Australia, and her great love is gone. Missy spends her days with a sip of sherry, scrubbing the kitchen in her big empty house and reliving her past--though it's her mistakes, and secrets, that she allows to shine brightest. The last thing Missy expects is for two perfect strangers and one spirited dog to break through her prickly exterior and show Missy just how much love she still has to give. ​Contemporary Fiction. ​

May is a survivor. But she doesn't feel like one. She feels angry. And lost. And alone. Eleven months after the school shooting that killed her twin brother, May still doesn't know why she was the only one to walk out of the band room that day. No one gets what she went through--no one saw and heard what she did. No one can possibly understand how it feels to be her. ​Young Adult. ​

Fried Green Tomatoes and Steel Magnolias meet Dracula in this Southern-flavored supernatural thriller set in the '90s about a women's book club that must protect its suburban community from a mysterious and handsome stranger who turns out to be a blood-sucking fiend. ​Horror. ​ Follow this link for my No Spoiler Book Review. 

Naomi Westfield has the perfect fiancé: Nicholas Rose holds doors open for her, remembers her restaurant orders, and comes from the kind of upstanding society family any bride would love to be a part of. And she is miserably and utterly sick of him. Naomi wants out, but there's a catch: whoever ends the engagement will have to foot the nonrefundable wedding bill. When Naomi discovers that Nicholas, too, has been feigning contentment, the two of them go head-to-head in a battle of pranks, sabotage, and all-out emotional warfare. Now that they have nothing to lose, they're finally being themselves--and having fun with the last person they expect: each other. ​Romance. ​

Two years after losing her fiancé, Sloan Monroe still can't seem to get her life back on track. But one trouble-making pup with a "take me home" look in his eyes is about to change everything. With her new pet by her side, Sloan finally starts to feel more like herself. Then, after weeks of unanswered texts, Tucker's owner reaches out. As their flirty texts turn into long calls, Sloan can't deny a connection. There's no telling what could happen when they meet in person. ​Romance. ​

​Nina once bought into the idea that her fancy liberal arts degree would lead to a fulfilling career. When that dream crashed, she turned to stealing from rich kids in L.A. alongside her wily Irish boyfriend, Lachlan. Vanessa is a privileged young heiress who wanted to make her mark in the world. Nina, Vanessa, and Lachlan's paths collide here, on the cold shores of Lake Tahoe, where their intertwined lives give way to a winter of aspiration and desire, duplicity and revenge. Mystery. ​Follow this link for my No Spoiler Book Review. 

The Overland Trail, 1853: Naomi May never expected to be widowed at twenty. Eager to leave her grief behind, she sets off with her family for a life out West. On the trail, she forms an instant connection with John Lowry, a half-Pawnee man straddling two worlds and a stranger in both. When a horrific tragedy strikes, decimating Naomi’s family and separating her from John, the promises they made are all they have left. Historical Fiction. Follow this link for my No Spoiler Book Review. 

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Summary excerpts from goodreads.com
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Which of upcoming titles are you excited to read? Have you read any of the above books? Comment below:

What’s Up Witches!?! I don’t know about you, but I cannot resist the lure of a good book about witches! Anything from a historical fiction set in Salem to modern magical realism. The real life stories of witch hunts are fascinating and disturbing. I love that they teach us to be wary of group-think and religious fanaticism. Witch Fantasies push the boundaries of imagination and are full powerful characters. There are just limitless possibilities.

Here are a few of the best books about witches:

For a long time I couldn’t figure out why the books with “Whoever’s” Wife or Daughter as the title rubbed me the wrong way. I knew that I didn’t like them, but I didn’t know why. The realization was gradual, but I feel like I now fully understand my issue with these books.

The problem is the possession. The “This-Man’s” Wife or Daughter. Like she does not exist without that relationship. She is defined by what some male relation does for a living. She is not her own person.

Now that the dust has begun to settle on the previous year’s publishing; I have compiled a list of the most popular and acclaimed adult books from 2019. Many of these titles have won awards, and they all have at least a 4 star rating and jillions of reviews on Goodreads. I have included books from the major fiction genres and non-fiction. I excluded sequels and anything that would not have broad appeal. Starred titles have been added to my personal To Be Read List and I am in varying stages of reading and reviewing several of these books. Here are some of the most inspiring, intriguing, frightening, funny, realistic and outlandish titles from 2019.

After wading through hundreds of upcoming titles, I have narrowed the list of March releases to these seven Can’t Wait Books. I flipped through book review catalogs, book blogs and library chat forums to ensure that I found the most interesting and original new books. I try to include a variety of Fiction, Non-Fiction and even Young Adult books, however this month’s books lean toward dark adult mysteries with only a few exceptions. I generally avoid including books that are a continuation of a series. Starred titles have been added to my personal to be read list.  

There were a few years that I was infatuated with the humorous-contemporary-romance genre. I stalked these titles, stared at them in bookshop windows, and followed them around the library. I may have overdone it a little, because after a while my interest started drifting to other genres. I still like Romance, but we're "just friends".

I went through my romance obsession when the Devil Wears Prada was in style. Since then I have only picked up a handful of books that are traditional romance. Most of what I read now is romance that is also something else, like historical romance or paranormal romance. While my favorites aren’t by Nicolas Sparks or Emily Griffin; these mixed genre titles are perfect for Valentine’s Day. 

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) has announced their selections for the 2020 Alex Awards. The list is meant to highlight adult fiction and non-fiction books that are likely to appeal to, and challenge teen readers. Most selections feature teens as the main characters, although not all of them. The books include titles from diverse genres including, fantasy, science fiction, romance, and non-fiction. There are traditional novels and graphic novels. Characters are American, international, gay, straight, black, white, fictional, real and artificial. Get your To-Be-Read list ready, you’re about to add a few more titles.  

After wading through hundreds of upcoming titles, I have narrowed the list of February releases to these nine Can’t Wait Books. I scoured book review catalogs, book blogs and library chat forums to ensure that I found the most interesting and original new books. I primarily focus on Adult Fiction and Non-Fiction, but I will include Young Adult titles, if they seem like they will have a broad appeal. Starred titles have been added to my personal to be read list.

Summary excerpts from goodreads.com

Eleven years ago, I realized the futility of having a “favorite” book and decided that I would select a favorite book every year. Note: it’s just something I personally read that year, not necessarily published that year. I have never met anyone in real life that does this, but a lot of the book bloggers and twitterbrarians do it. They’re all my type of nerdy. #librarytwitter #bookbloggers

I read books that are in almost every genre. Occasionally, I will read two great books that are so dissimilar that I cannot compare them enough to decide between the two. Those rare years I will have two favorites, but for the most part, I have one very clear favorite. These books are all innovative, surprising and expertly crafted. They are profound or outstanding in their own way. 

Here are my previous selections:

​I feel like unveiling my book of the year should come with a drumroll and curtain, but I haven’t figured out how to do that on blog, so…
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​My favorite book of 2019 was The Wanderers by Chuck Wendig (Ta-Dah!!!!!) I was absolutely 100% obsessed with this book. The audio was THIRTY-TWO hours long and I finished it with time to spare on my two-week check-out. My house was spotless and I got so many steps in because all I wanted to do was walk and clean so I could listen to my book.
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The Wanderers is apocalyptic fiction set in the very near future. I would consider this to be science-fiction although the tech is only slightly more advanced than ours. So, it’s probably science-fact, we just don’t know it yet. Fans of Stephen King’s Under the Dome and The Stand will love this book. For my full review click here.

What was your favorite book this year? Comment below:

Below are the 37 books I read this year, so far. Some of these books made me laugh-out-loud, cry and check my closet for monsters. Some filled me with hope, while others left me devastated. They all expanded my world view and filled my year with new experiences.
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Note: I only rate books three stars or higher. I will not finish, rate or review a book I do not like.

Popular and engaging titles for all the kids on your list. These are some of the most exciting books released within the last few years for young readers. These titles will appeal to avid readers and reluctant readers alike. Please email me or comment below if you would like a personal suggestion for a reader on your list.

This list is organized by reading level, with suggested age ranges.

Board Books (up to 3 years old)

Baby Loves to Rock by Wednesday Kirwan – Short and engaging, pairs animals with their favorite type of music.

Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton – Silly rhyming book about a pack of adorable boat dwelling animals and their bedtime routine.

Night Night Farm by Roger Priddy – A flip the flap book that introduces babies to animal sounds.

Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle – Educational story featuring the days of the week, types of food, and the caterpillar lifecycle. Eric Carle fit a lot into a few fun pages.

Where is Baby’s Belly Button by Karen Katz – This is the classic flip the flap book, introduces babies to body parts.

Picture Books (3-7 years old)

After the Fall by Dan Santat – Perseverance is the key to overcoming, in this uplifting continuation of Humpty Dumpty.

Dear Boy by Paris Rosenthal - A loving and supportive message for boys everywhere.

Dear Girl by Amy Krouse Rosenthal – A loving and supportive message for girls everywhere.

Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith – A silly lyric book featuring a Honky-Tonkey, Wonky-Donkey.

Juvenile (7-13 years old)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney – A funny graphic novel about the awkward challenges of middle school.

Dog Man by Dav Pilkey – A hilarious comic about a half-dog/half-man’s adventures in crime fighting.

Fairy Mom and Me by Sophie Kinsella – Ella loves learning from her magical fairy mom, even if her spells don’t ever seem to turn out quite right.

Magic Misfits by Neil Patrick Harris – Young street magicians team up to fight a greedy nemesis. Books includes interactive cyphers and clues.

Young Adult (13 and older)

Looking for Alaska by John Green – A half funny/half devastating book about growing up and making mistakes. Recently made into a Hulu series.

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M McManus– Five students in detention and one ends up dead. They all have motive, so who is guilty?

Scythe by Neal Shusterman – In a world without death, teens are trained to kill to maintain population control.

Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon – This romance revolves around two lives in turmoil. Should they? Can they make it work?

Check back Tuesday for a No Spoiler Review of Pretty Things by Janelle Brown.
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What books are you giving or hoping to receive this year? Comment below:

I am a book pusher. I get a lot of entertainment from reading and I want to share that with everyone. That’s why I almost exclusively give books as Christmas presents. Since most people only read about four books a year, I try to give only the most popular and recognizable books from the last few years. People get more excited if they have heard of a book than if they have not. Here is the list I will be using this year for my gift giving:

Fantasy

Circe by Madeline Miller – A Greek god child must choose between her immortal family and humans as she discovers her abilities as a witch.

Harry Potter by JK Rowling (Illustrated editions) – Beautifully illustrated versions of Harry Potter books 1-4. These books are a real treat for fans of the series.

Historical Fiction

Great Alone by Kristin Hannah – A young family tries living off the land in post-Vietnam Alaska. Full review coming soon!

Nightingale by Kristin Hannah – Sisters, living in Nazi occupied France, do their best to survive and help those close to them.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens – A young girl comes of age in the marshes of 1960s North Carolina. One of the most coveted books of the year.

Mystery

Woman in the Window by AJ Finn – A recluse sees something she shouldn’t have, but is she a reliable witness?

Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides – A woman murders her husband, then becomes silent. Why did she do it?

Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas – Sherlock Holmes meets Pride and Prejudice. A lighter historical mystery.

Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell – A missing daughter and a mother struggling to move on. Is her new love interest connected to her daughter’s disappearance?

Science Fiction

Wanderers by Chuck Wendig – Sleepwalkers and a plague threaten to wipe out humanity, can artificial intelligence save us? For my full review click here.

Non-Fiction

12 Rules for Life by Jordan B Peterson – Tips from history, politics, religion and the natural world are presented to help you live your best life.

Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson – The mysterious theft of historic bird skins for the art of salmon fly tying. This is a fascinating book, click here for my full review.

Good Neighbor by Maxwell King – Biography of the beloved Fred Rogers.

Library Book by Susan Orlean – What caused the Los Angeles Library fire of 1986? And other library stories.

Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines – Classic recipes for gatherings, includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert.

Pioneers by David McCullough – The role of veterans in the settlement of Ohio, the narrative revolves around five individuals.

Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell – Questions of psychology and sociology dominate in this book about snap judgments.

Whiskey in a Teacup – Reese Witherspoon's southern lifestyle guide.

You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero – An entertaining and slightly naughty take on traditional self-help guides.

Check back Thursday for the list of Popular Books to Give at Christmas for Kids.

What books are you giving or hoping to receive this year? Comment below:

We have all seen the pictures of babies and toddlers meeting Santa for the first time and falling into a mild state of panic. With my daughters, I thought it was cute and funny. I see it as a right of passage. However, I know that some parents want those pristine pictures with crisp dresses and smiling faces. Here is a list of interactive, brightly colored and comforting books to help little ones meet Santa on their own terms. Hopefully, these books will help children have a more positive first interaction with Jolly Old Saint Nick.  

Baby’s Very First Slide and See Christmas by Usborne – A tactile book with engaging moving parts and bright colors. This book is about the Christmas Holiday with a special appearance by Santa.

Dear Santa by Rod Campbell – Santa tries to find the perfect gift. A lift-a-flap book.

Santa Flap Book by Usborne – Santa’s Christmas Eve journey from the North Pole to your house.

Santa’s Christmas Train by Helen Foster James – Take the Christmas train to the North Pole to meet Santa.

Santa’s Workshop by Holly Berry-Byrd – Meet Santa and his team of helpers in this colorful lift-a-flap book.

Santa’s Workshop by Roger Priddy – Santa and his helpers are busy getting ready for the big day. Lots of flaps to keep little hands busy.

Usborne Sparkly Touchy-Feely Santa Claus – Santa’s journey to deliver the world’s presents with smooth sparkling stars and soft white Santa beard.

Where’s Santa Claus by Nosy Crow – A flip-the-flap tour of the North Pole.

Check Back on Thursday for Christmas Gift Giving Guide for Librarians.

Share your thoughts on this topic. Comment below:

​Thanksgiving is a big holiday. Even if you are not hosting a Thanksgiving get together, you are still usually expected to bring a dish. These books are great for hosts that are looking for new recipes and guests that want to bring something unexpected. This list includes comforting traditional options and exotic alternatives.

Cookbooks with the Best Sides and Snacks

Dips Spreads Nosh by Kimberly Stevens – Easy charcuterie platters, interesting breads and delicious hummus recipes.

What Can I Bring by Elizabeth Heiskell – This gorgeous book includes snacks, sides, desserts and main courses. It is a great option for someone looking to bring something simple, but unique.

Best Cookbooks for Hosts

Barefoot Contessa Parties by Ina Garten – Celebratory meals and a “Not Thanksgiving” section which includes a roast turkey and traditional sides with a twist. Mashed sweet potatoes and plum tart are a couple of the alternative dishes.

Festive Holiday Recipes by Addie Gundry – This traditional holiday cookbook is organized by course including sides, main courses and desserts.

Neely’s Celebration Cookbook – This southern cookbook is organized by month. It includes recipes for a full Thanksgiving meal featuring a fried turkey in the November section.

Pioneer Woman Cooks A Year of Holidays – This book is organized by holiday and includes roast turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, dessert and more in the Thanksgiving section.

Cookbooks with the Best Desserts

Big Book of Pies and Tarts by Betty Crocker – Seasonal favorites like pumpkin, apple and pecan pie as well as unique options like Chocolate Cashew Cranberry Tart.

Martha Stewart’s New Pies and Tarts – A whole section of just holiday pies including all of the traditional options, plus daring recipes like Persimmon Tartlets with Caramel Cream.
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Perfect Pie by America’s Test Kitchen – Hundreds of recipes for every imaginable type of pie with beautiful color pictures and step by step instructions. Fig, Cherry and Walnut Tart, Anyone?

Share your thoughts on this topic. Comment below:

Check back on Thursday for a No Spoiler Review of Above the Bay of Angels.
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The best juvenile chapter books for elementary children in first through fifth grade. This list focuses on books about the traditional Thanksgiving celebration and books on being thankful.

Amelia Bedelia Talks Turkey by Herman Parish – Hilarity and confusion ensue as Amelia Bedelia attempts to help with the Thanksgiving pageant.

Don’t Be Such Turkey (Katie Kazoo) by Nancy Krulik – Katie gets switched with a Pilgrim during a class Thanksgiving field trip.

It’s Thanksgiving by Jack Prelutsky – Thanksgiving Poems for new readers and their families.

Nate the Great Talks Turkey by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat – How will Nate solve the mystery of the giant turkey?

Thank You Sarah, The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson – A picture books for older kids about the power of persistence and the Thanksgiving Holiday. Great for families to share.

Thanksgiving on Thursday (Magic Treehouse) by Mary Pope Osborne – Jack and Annie must learn how to celebrate Thanksgiving the old-fashioned way.

Thanksgiving Turkey Trouble (Ready Freddy) by Abby Klein – Nobody wants to be the Turkey in the Thanksgiving play; how will Freddy handle the role?

Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten (Junie B Jones, First Grader) by Barbara Park – Being Thankful does not come naturally to the precocious Junie B Jones.

Let's Collaborate! What chapter books do you recommend for Thanksgiving? Comment below:

Check back on Tuesday for a Thanksgiving Cookbooks List.

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The best Thanksgiving picture books to share as a family. This list features books about the traditional Thanksgiving celebration, creating your own traditions, Thanksgiving history and books on being thankful.

Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet – The story behind the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson – Friends share a simple feast in this lyrical tale of sharing and thankfulness.

Duck for Turkey Day by Jacqueline Jules – Everyone celebrates Thanksgiving in their own way, embrace your traditions and your family.

I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson – Thanksgiving feast version of the classic rhyme.

Just a Special Thanksgiving (Little Critter) by Mercer Mayer – A busy Thanksgiving holiday for Little Critter, a play, parade and dinner for the whole town.

Llama Llama Gives Thanks by Anna Dewdney – Thanksgiving is a time to eat and give thanks Llama Llama.

Pete the Cat First Thanksgiving by James Dean – Pete the Cat’s reenactment of the first thanksgiving, followed by a feast.

Ten Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston – A silly turkey-centric rendition of Ten Little Monkeys.

Thankful by Eileen Spinelli – All the big and small things we can be thankful for.

Let's Collaborate! What books do you recommend for Thanksgiving? Comment below:

Check back on Thursday for the best Thanksgiving Chapter Books.

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In case you haven’t noticed, I really love Halloween, I’ve pretty much dedicated this whole month to Halloween posts. Here is a list of creepy books to get you in the Halloween spirit. I have ranked this list from quaint and cozy to, well…Stephen King.

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen – A gothic setting and an imaginative young heroine make this classic novel a cozy Halloween read.

Discovery of Witches (Series) by Deborah Harkness – Complicated paranormal romance featuring witches, vampires and demons.

Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allen Poe – Short poetic stories with wicked twists.

Dracula by Bram Stoker – The original gothic vampire story.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley – Intriguing tale of horror and revenge.

Passage (Series) by Justin Cronin – Epic tales of survival after a vampire apocalypse.

Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson – Four strangers rent a haunted house to study paranormal activity.

Salem’s Lot by Stephen King – A terrifying vampire wreaks havoc on small town.

Shining by Stephen King - A family becomes trapped in an isolated haunted hotel and must fight for their survival.

Check back on Tuesday for a review of Haunting of Hill House.
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Let’s Collaborate! What is your favorite Halloween read? Comment below:

Fantastic stories featuring witches, vampires and other strange creatures for readers in pre-school through high school. These stories range from fun and sweet to so scary you will be checking closets for monsters!
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Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds – A fun book about being scared.

Grimelda the Very Messy Witch by Diana Murray – An adorable little witch accidentally cleans up.

Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin by Joe Troiano – A little square pumpkins saves the day.

Mary McScary by RL Stine – A little girl tries her best to be scary, scary, scary!

Pete the Cat Trick or Treat by James Dean – A spooky flip-the-flap book for little hands.
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Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson – A very inclusive witch finds room for everyone on her broom.

Bunnicula (Series) by James Howe – A fun series about a bunny vampire?!?

Goosebumps (Series) by R.L. Stine – This prolific children’s horror series features every imaginable monster and more.

Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman – Beautifully written dark tale of a boy raised in a graveyard.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz – Classic campfire stories to scare the kids.

Spooksville by Christopher Pike (Series) – Life in a small town with spooky secrets.
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Witches by Roald Dahl – A cautionary tale for children living in a dangerous world full of witches.

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake – A violent ghost story with a hint of romance.

Cirque Du Freak (Series) by Darren Shan – Creepy vampire story that is just right for brave teens.
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Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (Series) by Ransom Riggs – Strange supernatural children must fight dangerous villains.

Check back tomorrow for a Halloween Book List for Adults!

​Let's Collaborate! What is your favorite Halloween book for young readers? Comment below: