I wanted to do something a little different in this post and give you a quick look into two weeks (more or less!) in my reading life. 🙂

Typically I read 8-10 books a month, but lately it has been a little less because I’ve had so much going on (launching my latest novel and working on other projects), but I have been enjoying some great reading and wanted to share a bit about it!

A little over two weeks ago, I finished reading Spring Begins in March by Jean Little. It is a perfect springtime read (as the title might suggest!), even though the title is really more metaphorical than literal. It’s the sequel to Mine for Keeps, Little’s first novel. I have talked about this book before in my Best Books of Spring post, but it’s worth talking about again because of the charming, realistic characters and the delightful resolution. The best part of the book is when Meg’s grandmother reads aloud Anne of Ingleside to her. This scene was taken from one of Little’s own experiences as a child, when she “read ahead” after her grandmother finished reading for the night because she had to find out what happened to Anne!

When I first read Spring Begins in March, this scene made me want to read Anne of Ingleside, which I never had before. (I had read Anne of Green Gables countless times, but had never gotten to some of the later volumes.) So I read it and loved it! In a journal entry from that time, I wrote: “I like the little vignettes, like individual episodes of a sitcom.” Readers have criticized the episodic nature of some Montgomery books, but much of the time those ‘episodes’ make the books special and unique.

So when I revisited Spring, it put me in the mood to revisit Ingleside. But there was a catch: I have been trying to read the Anne series in order for the first time EVER. I started last April with AOGG and have been (slowly!) continuing throughout the months, and I needed to read Anne’s House of Dreams in order to read Ingleside.

I decided to challenge myself to read AHOD in three days. I have always been a slow reader—I read tons of books but it typically takes me a week to read a long-ish book like the ones in the Anne series. And I love a good challenge! So I dived in and (sort of) binged AHOD. It was terrific fun! AHOD is (like other Montgomery books) essentially stitched together from various short stories that LMM wanted to revisit, but everything is seamless. In my opinion, this is perhaps the most well-crafted Anne book because there’s nothing really extraneous—everything matters, and the various subplots all work well together in harmony.

Here is a two-page spread in my scrapbook that I created while reading AHOD:

So then I went on to Ingleside, but at the moment I am only about halfway through because of two things: life became even busier, and I also received some books for my birthday (yay!) and I am starting on those. Anne of Ingleside is such a joy to read, especially the original portions that were never short stories, LOL! I just find this to be another absolutely wonderful springtime selection.

I also recently read Lizzie by May Justus, a chapter book from 1944 that was reprinted a few years ago. I’ve embarked on a different kind of reading challenge this year—I want to try reading a book set in each U.S. state! So Lizzie was my choice for Tennessee; it’s set in the mountains and is very sweet. Nothing much happens in it, but since it’s so short, that’s okay. 🙂

I just finished one of the books I received for my birthday, Lois Lenski’s Flood Friday. I had a hard time putting it down because I had to find out what happened to all the children! It was based on a real flood in Connecticut in the 1950s, and Lenski is (as usual) excellent with bringing details to life.

The next book I’m currently reading is The Adventure of the Seven Keyholes by Augusta Huiell Seaman. I love her books—she wrote vintage children’s mysteries in the early 20th century and this one, from 1925, is quite good so far.

So that’s basically two weeks in my reading life. What have you been reading lately? I’d love to hear about the last two weeks in your reading life!

I recently had the joy of chatting with Sarah Mackenzie of Read-Aloud Revival to discuss all things picture books! We talked about how they are created, Sarah’s own writing process, some of our favorite picture books, and (of course!) Sarah’s lovely new PBs, A Little More Beautiful and While Everyone Is Sleeping, both from Waxwing Books. Check out our conversation below!

If you’d like to see the rest of the conversation, you can access our bonus Q&A video, where Sarah and I talk about some favorite middle grade novels, Christmas books, and Little Women. To watch the video, you can subscribe to my Patreon for a month at $7, and you’ll also unlock immediate access to previous posts, including my new article about L.M. Montgomery’s outlining method, personalized book recommendations, and other exclusive content!

Many thanks to Sarah for participating in this interview!

Three years ago, I invited my blog readers on a Summer of Vintage Kidlit, during which we read a bunch of delicious vintage titles over the course of summer.

Guess what? It’s back!

I teamed up with my friend Faith Elizabeth Hough (who blogs HERE) to create a fun reading challenge called Vintage Kidlit Summer, and it’s *going to be amazing.*

Here’s how it’s going to work:

We will have 12 categories over 12 weeks, so each week has its own theme. All you have to do is choose a vintage/classic book that fits that week’s theme, read it, and share about it! You can write about it on your blog, or you can post your thoughts on Instagram as well, by using the hashtag #vintagekidlitsummer.

Throughout the summer, we’ll also be hosting giveaways for participants, so you won’t want to miss it!

It’s going to take place from May 27 to August 12. Here’s the full schedule:

I’m already so excited about it, and starting to plan out what I’m going to read. I’m planning to write about each title on my blog, so stay tuned!

And if you are in need of recommendations for each week, we have those too! 

(And if you’re wondering what counts as vintage, I think anything pre-1980 counts!)

Please leave a comment if you hope to join in on the Vintage Kidlit Summer!

When you hear someone talking about Noel Streatfeild books, chances are they’ll mention one of her most successful stories, usually in the Shoes series: Ballet Shoes or Theater Shoes (UK title—Curtain Up) or Skating Shoes (UK title—White Boots). And to be honest, I’m always excited when I see people talk about reading any Streatfeild book, because although some of the Shoes books achieved considerable popularity here in the USA, they just never quite attained the same status as other classic children’s novels.

Having been a Streatfeild fan since the age of nine, I’m delighted whenever I get the chance to introduce readers to some of her lesser-known stories. So without further ado, here’s a list of three books I’d love to share with you:

The Painted Garden (1949)

One of Noel Streatfeild’s favorite books was The Secret Garden, and this novel she published in 1949 is a clever retelling of that story. The Painted Garden follows ten-year-old Jane Winter, a middle child who has a tendency to get into trouble, as her family moves from rainy England to sunny California not long after World War II. Once in the picturesque town of Santa Monica, Jane (to her immense surprise) is cast as Mary Lennox in a major film production of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic story. She has to learn how to deal with a difficult co-star and manage her temper, or risk losing the role and her one chance of importance. It’s a lovely book that has memorable characters and some of Streatfeild’s best atmospheric writing. Be sure to get the UK edition with this title, though—the US version (Movie Shoes) is abridged.

Caldicott Place (1967)

This is one of Streatfeild’s most emotionally moving stories, and it completely captured my heart the first time I read it (and on many subsequent rereadings). This is the story of a family who inherits an old manor house that was once grand but is now run-down and in need of attention. But the Johnstone family is in need of a new home after their father’s car accident, and not only do they gradually fix up the house, they take in several children who also need a place to live. At first, personalities clash and there are numerous challenges and misunderstandings—the youngest child tries to run away before one of the older girls convinces her to stay—but the ending is marvelously happy and satisfying. It’s safe to say that this book has one of my all-time favorite finales. My first copy of this book was a US edition called The Family at Caldicott Place, but to my knowledge there are few differences in the two texts. The only major difference I’ve found between the two versions is that the UK publication has more chapter breaks (and, therefore, chapter titles).

The Growing Summer (1966)

I will likely be talking more about this story in the summer, when I plan to re-read it (again!), but it’s definitely worth including here too. If you haven’t yet heard me discuss this tale of four siblings and their summer adventures in a mysterious Ireland setting, you’re certainly going to want to pick it up now. This book follows the Gareth children as they are uprooted to the home of their unpredictable Great-Aunt Dymphna, where they have to learn how to cope with complex responsibilities and secrets. The reason why I recommend this book so often is because I think it will appeal those who love Elizabeth Enright’s summery books or Edward Eager’s magical tales, and I know there are tons of fans of those books. This sometimes overlooked Streatfeild story fits right in with those, and I hope you’ll give it a try! (P.S.—I recently bought my first UK copy of this story but haven’t read it yet. I don’t think there are many text changes from my US edition called The Magic Summer.)

Do you have a lesser-known Streatfeild favorite? If so, I would love to hear about it!

I can’t quite remember when I first read Happy Little Family by Rebecca Caudill, but what I do know is that I was fairly young and definitely enchanted with the story, which is set on an idyllic farm in Kentucky. Who couldn’t help but love the story of four-year-old Bonnie Fairchild, who just wants to be a little more grown-up, like her big sisters? As the youngest child in my family, I identified with Bonnie’s longing to be older. I suspect the theme is universal, because these stories have remained popular with readers for a long time (the first book was published in 1947).

And yes, this is just the first book in the series! It’s my personal favorite, but the other three tales are also delightful. My second favorite is Schoolroom in the Parlor, in which the Fairchild children are taught at home (in the parlor!) by their oldest sister during one unforgettable winter. The other two volumes in the series are Schoolhouse in the Woods and Up and Down the River. I believe all four stories are currently in print, which makes collecting them a lot easier!

Happy Little Family doesn’t have a major plot. It doesn’t really have much of a plot at all, except for the overarching theme of Bonnie’s wish to be a little older and just a bit more important. Each chapter is its own miniature story, which is the style of lots of children’s classics, a style I love.

These books are also wonderful on audio—I have listened to two of the stories on Audible; they’re narrated by Mary Sarah Agliotta. And if they sound familiar to you, it may be because I read Happy Little Family as part of my Summer of Vintage Kid Lit back in 2019. (Which, by the way, was pretty fun … should I do another one this summer?)

Here’s what I said about the book back then:

This week, we’re reading Rebecca Caudill’s “Happy Little Family,” the charming story of four-year-old Bonnie, who is the youngest of five siblings and longs to have the adventures and advantages her older brother and sisters do. I’m not sure if it ever says when the story is supposed to take place, but I’m fairly sure it’s supposed to be the early 1900s or a bit earlier.

Have you read any of the Fairchild family stories? If so, do leave a comment below! I’d love to chat about them with you. 🙂

My reading goal this year was to read 120 books, and I ended up reading 126. I always try to read at least eight books a month, and usually my goal is ten or more, which roughly comes out to 120 a year. But my new goal for 2023 is to make it to 100 books, which is still amazing, but will hopefully allow for reading more books of significant length instead of generally shorter books. That will be difficult, though, because I love short books and they seem so easy to add my challenge … 😉 So without further ado, here are my top favorites of the year (mostly vintage middle grade), organized into fun categories! I hope you find a title or two on this list to enjoy. Happy Reading!

What were some books you loved in 2022? Feel free to pass along some recommendations! I am always looking for new books, especially middle grade from the 1940s-60s!

Last year I put together a summer reading list that included some of my favorite vintage middle grade novels for the most breezy season of reading. This month I’m returning with an addition to my list: some new picks for you to enjoy this summer! [Not all of these books take place during summer, but I think they have the right “feel” for summer!]

Best Friends (Mary Bard, 1955) A delightfully funny book featuring a lonely American girl and a spunky French girl who become friends. (This one’s been reprinted recently and is easy to find!)

Surprise House (Abbie Farwell Brown, 1917) A family inherits a house from their aunt and proceed to discover a series of surprises tucked away in secret locations.

Ramshackle Roost (Jane Flory, 1972) I just finished reading this charming story set in the 1920s, about a family of six (plus an unwelcome houseguest) who must move to a “ramshackle” boarding house on the river. Summer adventures ensue!

Ginnie and the Mystery Doll (Catherine Woolley, 1960) Ginnie and her best friend Geneva spend the summer at Cape Cod and attempt to find a missing antique doll.

Mystery on Heron Shoals Island (Augusta Huiell Seaman, 1940) I’ve read three of this author’s books so far, and I’ve enjoyed each one SO much. This one takes place on an island and follows two children trying to solve a compelling mystery involving a macaw, a shipwreck, and a family feud.

Stand in the Wind (Jean Little, 1972) I loved this story of two sets of sisters who spend an unforgettable vacation on their own at a beach cottage. Jean Little’s characters always feel very real!

Meg and The Treasure Nobody Saw (Holly Beth Walker, 1970) The Meg mysteries are greatly re-readable, and this one involving a thunderstorm and a mysterious family next door is especially nice for summer.

Two Little Women on a Holiday (Carolyn Wells, 1917) This book about four girls and their trip to New York City has been a favorite of mine for many years!

I hope you’ll check some of these out!

It’s finally time to reveal the cover of my forthcoming middle grade historical novel, The Star That Always Stays!

Here it is:

Isn’t it gorgeous? The artist, Stephanie Son, did such a beautiful job, and I was delightfully surprised to receive the blurb from Anne Bustard, author of Blue Skies.

You can read more about my book here, and if you’d like to preorder, here’s the link!

Full synopsis:

THE STAR THAT ALWAYS STAYS

(Holiday House, July 12, 2022)

As the title of this blog post explains, I’ve put together a summer reading list that includes some of my favorite vintage middle grade picks for this wonderful season. If you or your kids are in the mood for something fun, breezy, summery, and refreshingly old-fashioned – these books are for you! I’m re-reading some of these myself this summer. 🙂 Be forewarned that some of these can be hard to find, but the reward will be well worth the effort!

Gone-Away Lake (Elizabeth Enright, 1957), which features cousins exploring an old summer resort where two elderly residents still live. The sequel, Return to Gone-Away, is just as deliciously good. Check out my blog post on all of Enright’s lovely novels for even more delightful summer choices, especially Thimble Summer.

Jill’s Story (Jean Fiedler, 1965); one of my VERY favorites at age nine or so, about a 10-year-old aspiring writer whose family travels to Cape Cod for the summer. The climax – a birthday and a writing contest – is immensely satisfying.

Canadian Summer (Hilda van Stockum, 1948) is about a family who uproots to the Canadian wilderness in the post-World War II era – full of marvelous Montgomery-ish descriptions and exquisite characterization. For more info, you can read my posts here and here.

The Magic Summer (Noel Streatfeild, 1966), in which four siblings are sent to live with their eccentric great-aunt for the summer, and encounter a world of poetry, hard work, and mystery.

Jane of Lantern Hill (L.M. Montgomery, 1937). I’ve discussed this one many times on this blog before, because it’s possibly my favorite novel of all time. The story centers around Jane Stuart, who visits her father for the first time in her life one unforgettable summer. They subsequently buy a charming cottage on Prince Edward Island and all the whimsy begins.

Look Alive, Libby! (Catherine Woolley, 1962) is the charming story of a girl who has to overcome her many fears (like wild animals!) when she and her aunt go to spend the summer at a seaside cottage.

Cobblers’ Knob (Eleanore M. Jewett, 1958) was one of my favorite novels of 2019. The story centers on a brave girl who explores a supposedly haunted summer residence and makes friends with the foster child living there. The many unexpected twists kept me turning the pages!

Maggie Rose: Her Birthday Christmas (Ruth Sawyer, 1952). This one is just adorable. And incredibly well-crafted, and sweet, and poignant. Over one long summer, Maggie Rose picks all kinds of berries to sell in hopes of having a special celebration at the end of the year. Will she succeed against numerous obstacles that threaten to thwart her joyous plans?

Katie John (Mary Calhoun, 1960). Another absolute favorite from age nine or ten; an impulsive yet idealistic girl has a bunch of exciting (and humorous!) adventures in a nineteenth-century house alongside her new best friend. I think this book sparked my love of hunting down family history, because my favorite chapter was the one where Katie discovers the story of her great-aunt. The sequel, Depend on Katie John, is also terrific (I just re-read it)!

Half Magic (Edward Eager, 1954) focuses on the magical adventures that touch the lives of four children in what they thought would be a dull summer. A coin that grants them only half a wish proves more difficult than they originally suppose!

Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill (Maud Hart Lovelace, 1942) is another one of my very favorites from a young age – I think I was seven when I first read this one. It’s such a sweet story, and also perfect for young girls who will identify with Betsy and Julia’s quarrel. 🙂 The next book in the Betsy-Tacy series, Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown, is also awesome for summer (even though it’s more of a fall/winter book, LOL!) and I think I’ll re-read that one very soon!

No Children, No Pets (Marion Holland, 1957) is a book I discovered just last year, and I enjoyed it so much. The story opens when three children and their mother receive a letter informing them that they’ve inherited an old apartment house in Florida, so of course they head off to live there, with many escapades to follow!

Important note: If you like the sound of these books and know of any others in a similar vein, please leave a comment because I would LOVE to check them out! 🙂