It’s that season–back to school. We have had a great summer in our house, and while I do love the routine and structure the school year provides, I am a little sad to let the lazy and fun days of summer go. 

One plus of school starting is the fun reading that’s in store for us, especially some back to school themed books. I do love a reading theme and working it into my monthly TBR. I put together a back to school themed list, and I’ve marked the ones I’ve read with an asterisk. And of course I added titles to my never-ending TBR. 

Fiction Titles: 

What You Wish For* by Katherine Center – “Samantha Casey is a school librarian who loves her job, the kids, and her school family with passion and joy for living. But she wasn’t always that way. Duncan Carpenter is the new school principal who lives by rules and regulations, guided by the knowledge that bad things can happen. But he wasn’t always that way. As the school community spirals into chaos, and danger from all corners looms large, Sam and Duncan must find their way to who they really are, what it means to be brave, and how to take a chance on love—which is the riskiest move of all.”

A Skeleton in the Family* (Family Skeleton Mystery #1) by Leigh Perry – I had a smile on my face the entire time I was listening to this. I am definitely team Sid the talking skeleton. Georgia Thackery is a single mom of a teenage daughter and an adjunct professor. She’s always struggling to stay afloat so it’s a good thing that she’s offered a position at a local college in her hometown. Her college professor parents are away on sabbatical so Georgia and her daughter can stay rent free in her family home. This also brings her closer to Sid, the family’s talking skeleton. Sid is charming and Georgia funny and strong. And I love the two of them together. 

Class Mom* (Class Mom #1) by Laurie Gelman – “Jen Dixon is not your typical Kansas City kindergarten class mom–or mom in general. It’s her second time around the class mom block with five-year-old Max–this time with a husband and father by her side. Though her best friend and PTA President sees her as the-wisest-candidate for the job (or oldest), not all of the other parents agree.” This series is laugh-out-loud funny and you must read them all in order. So much fun! 

Fiction Titles Added to My TBR:

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

Murder at the PTA (Maya and Sandra Mystery, #1) by Lee Hollis 

Rush by Lisa Patton

Young Adult Fiction:

The Agathas* by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson – I gobbled this up in under 24 hours on audio (and it’s a 416 page book in print). This was pure fun and I could not, would not stop listening. Even when there were bonkers parts involving a horse, I was 100% in. If you’re a mystery lover and a YA reader, get your hands on this. I adored the shout outs to Agatha Christie and the formation of strong female friendships. And the whole teenagers solving crimes adults can’t…yep, I loved it all. Oh and it’s a great one for Fall as well! “Welcome to Castle Cove — a town cursed with missing girls, bad boyfriends, family secrets, and some very steep cliffs.” And then when you finish this one, you can move on to book 2: The Night In Question

Ace of Spades* by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé – This book. Reviews described Ace of Spades by Faridah Abike-Iyimide as “Gossip Girl meets Get Out.” This is a ya thriller that totally creeped me out but I couldn’t put down. So good. 

True Biz* by Sara Nović – I read this for an in-person book club. What a great book to discuss. I learned so much reading it and loved talking about it. The ending was :o. But google the ending and read what the author has to say. It’s so important. Such a good book.

Young Adult Titles Added to My TBR:

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson 

Truly Devious: A Mystery by Maureen Johnson

A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro

Middle Grade Fiction:

Shirley and Jamila’s Big Fall* (Shirley & Jamila #2) by Gillian Goerz – “For fans of Raina Telgemeier and Victoria Jamieson, this middle grade graphic novel series tells the story of Shirley and Jamila, two girl detectives on a mission to stop their school’s biggest bully once and for all.” 

Witchlings* (Witchlings #1) by Claribel A. Ortega – “A magical adventure for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers and Nevermoor, about three witchlings who must work together to do the impossible if they have any hope of earning their full powers.” This is such a great work of middle grade fantasy. I listened to this one and was swept away by the characters and plot. I love how the story makes nods to famous middle grade fantasy series, but gives it its own unique spin. This is not a copycat. So much fun. 

Harbor Me* by Jacqueline Woodson – I listened to this in one day, I just couldn’t stop. I fell in love with those kids and couldn’t believe I had waited so long to read this. And it’s just amazing to me that the book is short (192 pages) and packs such a punch–I was invested in all the characters. And oh my gosh, the audiobook I listened to had an interview between Woodson and her son at the end about diverse books, writing, reading, race, racism…it was beautiful and made me want to hug them both. (And that her son loves audiobooks so much!) So so so good. 5 big glowing sparkly stars.

Middle Grade Fiction Titles Added to My TBR:

Spy School by Stuart Gibbs

The Tryout: A Graphic Novel by Christina Soontornvat (Author), Joanna Cacao (Illustrator)

Tangled Up in Luck by Merrill Wyatt 

Wishing you a wonderful school year and many happy reading experiences!