Catherine recommends "The 13th Day of Christmas"

Holidays can be stressful and gift-giving can be fraught, even though filled with love. This is the story of a perplexed man who is the recipient of all of the gifts from the Twelve Days of Christmas, from the partridges in pear trees to the twelve drummers drumming. Adam Rex wrote and illustrated this book - his illustrations perfectly show the cacophony, confusion, and also the joy that results from so many people, animals, and NOISE all showing up on one man’s doorstep. In desperation, the man goes to see his mother for advice. His journey turns into a parade, and that turns into a chance meeting that gives him an idea of how he can put all of these abundant gifts towards a good purpose. Love and humor abound in this book. It is a great new Christmas story to share; it will make you laugh when you are feeling overwhelmed.  

Recommended for children (and their families!)

Catherine recommends "The Last Resort"

 

Ever since her near-death experience during a family road trip, twelve-year old Lila can see ghosts. This is a problem because her family has just moved into the house that they inherited from her grandfather – a large house that is full of ghosts (including the ghost of Lila’s grandfather) who have unfinished business.  With the help of her little brother, Caleb, and her new ghost-obsessed neighbor, Teddy, Lila tries to understand why the ghosts are so upset and how she can help them. This is a delightfully eerie book from the multiple award-winning author Erin Entrada Kelly. It is just spooky enough to satisfy elementary students who are beginning to have an interest in horror, but not so spooky it will keep them up at night.

In addition to being a great story, there is a bonus interactive element to the book that is sure to engage young sleuths and ghost-hunters: You can scan a QR code at the end of the book to learn more about some of the ghostly characters. You can even help them resolve their unfinished business by doing a few simple puzzles.

This book is the first in what will be a new series – each written by a different author -  so if you read it and enjoy it, you can find out more about Teddy in The Claiming by Jasmine Warga, which comes out in January 2026.

Recommended for upper elementary and middle school.

 

Phil recommends "Pumpkinheads"

 

In this beautifully illustrated graphic novel by Rainbow Rowell, high school seniors Deja and Josiah are working together at the local pumpkin patch as they have done every fall.  They have become seasonal best friends and this is their last night working together before they graduate and move away for college.  Deja convinces the unfailingly dutiful Josiah to loosen up and make their last night at the pumpkin patch an epic one.  Their quest involves searching for Josiah’s secret crush while hitting all of the tasty autumnal snack stations along the way.  Their night of adventure turns into hilarious misadventure as we learn more about Deja’s and Josiah’s unique and heartwarming friendship…and wonder if this might be the beginning of something more.

My wife and I both loved this book as the illustrations reminded us of Greenfield Village at Halloween; it really captures the magic and nostalgia of the season.  The humor, camaraderie, and chemistry between the two protagonists are compelling and make this a light, fun, and cozy fall read.

This graphic novel is for young adults but older readers might enjoy it, too

 

Catherine recommends "Hedgehogs Don't Wear Underwear"

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Taryn recommends "The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science"

Sisters Gertrude, Eugenia, and Dee-Dee Porch don’t belong. They don’t belong in their snooty town of Antiquarium, they don’t belong with their adoptive family, and they certainly don’t belong at Mrs. Wintermacher’s etiquette school. After the girls’ love of science and their unique personalities get them kicked out of the last etiquette school that would take them, their aunt and uncle plan to send them away for good. Then one day the Porch girls receive a mysterious invitation to a new school. At first the girls are wary of this new school where the pizza is fatal and the Dean of Students is a hermit crab, but once they realize that they will be taught by the infamous Millicent Quibb they are excited to see what adventures this new school will bring them. 

I loved this book! This book has it all; humor, adventure, oysters in a bathtub, a bus powered by gerbils. This book reads like “A Series of Unfortunate Events” for a new generation with an eccentric world that’s just bizarre enough to appeal to strange kids everywhere (and maybe a few adults). It is over the top in the best way! Also this is probably one of the most entertaining audiobooks I’ve ever listened to, and why wouldn’t it be with Kate McKinnon narrating it. I think that this is best for grades 4-6, but I could see this being a fun family read as well.

Gretchen recommends "Every Tom, Dick & Harry"

I look forward to each new novel by Elinor Lipman.  This funny romantic comedy exposes small town crushes, criminality, and clandestine rendezvous at a B&B that doubled as a brothel in this feel good love story.  As in her past novels, Lipman’s writing style is uniquely her own.  She is a keen observer of modern life and the human condition.  Emma Lewis is taking over her retiring parents’ estate sale business.  Her most daunting and potentially lucrative clients are the owners of a mansion that had a shady side hustle in its past. What ensues with the estate sale is pure charm for adults.

 

Uma recommends “The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking"

The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking by Mel Robbins and Sawyer Robbins is a transformative and empowering read that offers a refreshing perspective on emotional well-being. The core message — "Let Them" — encourages readers to stop trying to control others and focus on protecting their own peace. This practical, easy-to-read guide is packed with wisdom, providing a simple yet effective tool for overcoming overthinking and managing stress. Uplifting and insightful, it's perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed by others' expectations or seeking more clarity and balance in today's fast-paced world. A must-read for anyone looking to reclaim their emotional freedom and live with more clarity and less stress.

Adult