Hi All! Here are (most of) the books I read in 2022. They are primarily middle grade novels with a few that might classify as YA. I wrote very brief thoughts about each and they are in no particular order. I am happy to give in person recommendations when I can. Enjoy!
“The Anti Book” by Raphael Simon
This was a fun read. It had a quirky, dream-like “Phantom Tollbooth” vibe but a little less trippy. It is also set in a desert town, so lots of Tucson feels. (Also, we have signed copies in the store!)
“We Dream of Space” by Erin Entrada Kelly
So, so good. One of those stories I kept thinking back to for weeks. The backdrop is 1988, right before the Challenger launch. It has family conflict, sibling relationship dynamics, and middle school angst and confusion.
“The Stars Did Wander Darkling” by Colin Meloy
Fun and Creepy! Feels like reading a horror movie. Not too scary for younger readers, but some definitely spooky, under your skin content. I LOVED it. Stuck with me for a while.
“Keeper of the Lost Cities” by Shannon Messenger
This was sort of cheesy and yet, I couldn’t put it down. It felt like Harry Potter but with fairies. It definitely draws you in with drama and suspense.
The Endling Series by Katherine Applegate
Possibly one of my favorite reads of the year. Applegate has a way with words (always), but this series is even more poignant and touching than usual. Here, she has created an entire world, with species, languages, and traditions, and tragic history. Her knack for social commentary is one of the things I love most about her work. In this series, it is done through the creation of a faraway land where she speaks to justice, revenge, hope, and love. So, so, so, good.
“Amari and the Night Brothers” by B.B. Alston
This was super fun! It has a great heroine and lots of intrigue and magic. Definitely going to read the next one.
“Paola Santiago and the River of Tears” by Tehlor Kay Mejia (NOT PICTURED)
LOVED this. It is set in Arizona with the La Llorona story as the backdrop. I loved the coming of age aspect as the main character relates to friends, enemies, and family.
“The Nest” by Kenneth Oppel
This was good and super creepy. If you have a fear of bees or wasps, then a thousand times creepier. Reads like a twilight zone episode.
“Mac B Kid Spy” by Mac Barnett
80s kids unite! This is so funny and fun and silly and if you are 35-42…maybe more so? Great throwback to being an 80’s kid and full of Barnett humor that is so on point, in a way only he can do.
“The Aquanaut” by Dan Santat
Going to admit, this was my first graphic novel. I read it because I love Dan. And guess what…I loved this too! It is visually stunning (duh) and full of heart. Glad this was my intro to the genre.
“The Missing Piece of Charlie O’Reilly” by Rebecca K.S. Ansari
I could not stop thinking about this book. In fact, I still think about it from time to time. It has parallel stories that you are just waiting to connect and it is beautiful and heart wrenching and wonderful. You should read it.
“Skunk and Badger” by Amy Timberlake
Sweet and charming. An older kids version of Frog and Toad. Like, F&T 2.0 — grown up and living in San Fran. (PS-I don’t actually think it takes in SF)
“Witchlings” by Claribel A. Ortega
Surprisingly great. It was a bit of a slow start for me, but it picked up and I loved it. The darkness and intrigue won out and I’m a total fan.
“Kaleidoscope” by Brian Selznick (NOT PICTURED)
Beautiful and thoughtful, but also sad. Definitely for deep thinkers.
“Mananaland” Pan Munoz Ryan
This was a lovely story. It follows a teenage boy on a journey to learn about his past and the secrets carefully guarded by the family.
“Front Desk” by Kelly Yang
This was a sweet book that felt like a painfully accurate telling of the Chinese immigrant experience in the United States. I loved this as an introduction for non-immigrant young people to the experiences of immigrant families. Even more, I love the opportunity for those children who emigrate from their home to the United States to feel seen and represented in literature.
“The Beatryce Prophecy” by Kate DiCamillo
DiCamillo always writes beautifully and her work is consistently thoughtful and touching. This doesn’t disappoint! Leaves you weepy and warm fuzzy at all the right times.
“Mysterious Benedict Society: The Riddle of the Ages” by Trenton Lee Stewart
I loved this as the nice rounding out of this series. It follows the MBS kiddos in “real time” meaning they are all about 5 years older than they were in the last book. Stewart continues with the fun puzzle solving and espionage antics. It was a tasteful and satisfying end to the Mysterious Benedict Society stories. (P.S. I am NOT a fan of the Netflix show.)
“Eventown” by Corey Ann Haydu (NOT PICTURED)
This was very enjoyable. It was like Stepford Wives but for tweens. A little eerie and sad, but also triumphant and healing.
“Spy School” and “Spy Camp” by Stuart Gibbs (NOT PICTURED)
I love these books and I am super excited to continue the series. I was nervous that the sequel wouldn’t hold up and our main character, Ben Ripley, would lose his witty, self-deprecating edge. I was wrong. All of the characters came back stronger and better. The twists and turns keep you guessing the entire time. I read each one in less than 24 hours.