Lindsay

Inspiring nonfiction books to start the new year

Posted on January 3, 2026 by Lindsay Books

Inspiring nonfiction books, including "Better Than Before," "Why We Sleep," "The Lazy Genius Way," "How to Win Friends and Influence People," and "You're Not Listening"

January is my least favorite month of the year. The anticipation of Christmas and New Year’s is over, the weather is cold and gray, and I feel the pressure of setting new resolutions and goals. If you also struggle with January, I’ve got some inspiration for you. Whether you want to break a bad habit or become healthier, work on your listening skills, deal with grief in a healthy way, improve your sleep, or cultivate better relationships, there’s a book on this list that can help. Here are a few of my favorite inspiring nonfiction books to start the new year.

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. This book is nearly 100 years old, but it is still relevant today and offers great advice for getting along with others and making friends. I read it 20 years ago in college for the first time and use the principles from it—like using a person’s name to make them feel valued—every day. It’s a quick, approachable read (or reread if it’s been a while since you’ve picked up this book). One caution: There are many editions of this book, and the “modern” ones don’t have great reviews. Look for the original or 1981 revised edition that stays more true to Carnegie’s words.

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear. I have read a lot of self-help books over the years, and this is by far the best one if you are trying to make a positive habit, like going to the gym or reading more. In fact, I have used one of Clear’s principles—make it attractive—to get myself to Planet Fitness several times a week. I listen to an audiobook while I’m walking or jogging on the treadmill, and I also frequently stop in at the thrift store next door to find books after I’m done with a workout. I love that Atomic Habits gives you clear ideas for making changes.

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck. Everyone should read this book, and I don’t say that lightly. It changed the way I parent, lead my team, and think about my own achievements. You may have even heard of Dweck’s research, which is quoted in many psychology and self-help books. Essentially, she extols the virtues of having a “growth mindset”—believing that you can become better through hard work and persistence—instead of a “fixed mindset”—believing that you have talent in only a few areas or that you are bad at math and therefore can’t improve. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters by Kate Murphy. Clearly I need to read this book again, because I have been realizing lately that my listening skills are not great. Murphy’s book is about the science of listening (how we physically hear and pay attention), why we have stopped listening to each other, and how we can improve this skill. I found her tips so helpful, and it’s time to revisit them.

Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant. You may be familiar with Adam Grant from his pithy posts on social media, but I love all of his books (and have another one on this list by him, too). He has the ability to share data in an approachable way while also being humorous and not taking his job too seriously. This book is all about rethinking and realizing that you are not an expert on everything—nor should you be.

The Lazy Genius Way: Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn’t, and Get Stuff Done by Kendra Adachi. Many self-help books give you the impression that if you just prioritize your life and form good habits, you can accomplish everything. I appreciate that Adachi’s book is about taking shortcuts for the things that don’t matter as much, like keeping a few inexpensive birthday gifts in a closet so you don’t have to run to the store each time your child has a party. She calls it the “lazy genius way,” but I would say it’s really just about letting things go and focusing your efforts on what you can control.

Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention—and How to Think Deeply Again by Johann Hari. I LOVE Johann Hari’s books and also highly recommend his book Magic Pill (about using weight-loss drugs). In Stolen Focus, Hari talks about the ways technology has stolen our ability to focus and gives practical tips on unplugging and helping yourself to focus again. This is also a great book if you want to help your kids limit their screen time.

Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker. This book was both fascinating and horrifying to me. It’s all about the crucial benefits of getting enough sleep, which most Americans do not achieve, and the health risks when you don’t. If one of your goals for the new year is to improve your sleep habits, this should be required reading.

Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant. Sheryl Sandberg wrote Lean In, which I also enjoyed, but this one is part memoir and part self-help based on her experience of losing her husband unexpectedly on a family vacation. I always recommend this to anyone who has lost a loved one, but it’s also a great book about overcoming challenges and dealing with grief in all aspects of your life.

Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives by Gretchen Rubin. While The Happiness Project is the book that put Rubin on the map, I actually like this one better because Rubin’s theory is that your personality type matters when it comes to setting goals and making good habits. She explains her Four Tendencies—Upholder, Obliger, Questioner, and Rebel–and then gives ideas for building good habits based on the tendency that best describes you. This is such a unique look at both personalities and self-help, and I really enjoyed it.

Have I included your favorite inspiring nonfiction books? What would you include on this list?

My best reads of 2025

Posted on December 31, 2025 by Lindsay Uncategorized

Friends! It’s been a while since I’ve published a roundup of favorite books. I set a low goal of only 20 books this year, hoping to actually write more, and instead wound up reading 67. Here are my 10 best reads of 2025.

Eleanore of Avignon by Elizabeth DeLozier. I adored this historical fiction novel about a young woman who becomes an apprentice to the pope’s physician in 1300s France during the Bubonic plague. It was well-written (can you believe it’s the author’s debut novel) and captivating, and I learned so much about the era. If you’d prefer to listen to this one, the audiobook is read beautifully by one of my favorite narrators, Saskia Maarleveld.

Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves by Nicola Twilley. Basically all of my close friends listened to me rave about this book after finishing it. Yes, I realize that a book about the history of refrigeration sounds about as exciting as watching water freeze into ice, but it was absolutely fascinating. I flew through it and still think about it, especially when I go to the grocery store.

Atmosphere: A Love Story by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Our family went to the Kennedy Space Center in February and loved every minute of it. Then I read this book later in the year, and it hit hard. Atmosphere is a romance (there are LGBT characters, but it’s closed-door), but it’s more of a love story between women and their dreams of going into space as astronauts. Such a powerful story and particularly timely with the many assaults on women’s rights in the U.S. currently.

Class Clown: The Memoirs of a Professional Wiseass by Dave Barry. Growing up, I would read Dave Barry’s humor column in the newspaper every week and laugh over it with my dad. I was thrilled to see that he’d written a memoir, and it did not disappoint. If you like Dave Barry’s humor, you’ll love this. He even explains the “alert reader” trope he started in his columns and is also more somber at times when discussing his personal life. Barry also narrates the audiobook, so I recommend listening if you can.

The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young. Normally I am not a huge fan of time travel books, but I cannot stop talking about this one and have recommended it to so many people. I even bought a copy of it for my mother-in-law for Christmas. It centers around the Farrow women, all of whom can travel through time but only at certain periods when a red door appears. As they travel, they have to decide which era they want to stay in. Though I have recommended the audio version for other books on this list, I would suggest reading the hardcover instead so you can refer back and keep everything straight. It does get confusing, but it’s worth the effort.

Cancer is Complicated: And Other Unexpected Lessons I’ve Learned by Clea Shearer. If you have a breast cancer patient or survivor in your life (and odds are good that you probably do), this book will be tremendously helpful for them. Even though I’m now two years past my treatments, I felt so seen while reading this. Clea tells her experience of getting a bilateral mastectomy and then doing chemo and radiation, just like I did, but she does such a good job of explaining what patients can expect and sharing the times when things did not go as planned. She also motivated me to actually write my memoir and share my insights.

The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown. I always learn so much about history and famous European cities from Dan Brown books—AND Brown redeemed himself after the last Robert Langdon book, which I did not enjoy. This one is set in Prague and is different from the other books in the series, as it focuses more on neuroscience and what doctors have learned about how we store consciousness. It would be a great one for the winter months when you need a pick-me-up.

Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You’d Rather Cancel by Loretta Ross. Those who have become more involved in politics or social justice issues over the past few years—or are simply having conversations with people who see things differently—will find this book invaluable. It’s part memoir and part self-help, and Ross is candid about trauma in her past and mistakes she has made in her role as a civil rights advocate. I found her story so inspiring.

Finding My Way by Malala Yousafzai. You may know Malala only as the girl who survived being shot by the Taliban as a teen for advocating for girls’ education. She is 28 now, an Oxford graduate, and a strong advocate for women and girls throughout the world. This memoir is about her life at Oxford, her struggles with anxiety and PTSD, and the pull between her religion and culture and her need to be progressive and independent. This should be required reading for high school and college students. I am so impressed with her courage.

The Jailhouse Lawyer by Calvin Duncan and Sophie Cull. Since I work at a law school, this book about a man who worked as an inmate counsel for 30 years in Angola prison after being wrongfully convicted of murder was even more impactful. It’s such an inspiring story about Calvin Duncan’s resilience as other inmates were released thanks to his work advocating for them. Read this one for sure.

Please tell me your best reads of 2025! I love getting new book recommendations.

Picture books for Pride Month

Posted on July 1, 2025 by Lindsay Books

June is Pride Month, and I am proud to be an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community. I realize this can be a touchy subject for many people and that it’s not easy to find inclusive picture books for Pride Month. If you’re trying to have a conversation with your family or with students about why we celebrate Pride Month, I’ve got you! Here are 13 picture books for Pride Month to check out.

Grandad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate. I absolutely love this picture book where a little girl asks her grandfather to tell her about Gramps, who has passed away. Grandad then shares the story of how he and Gramps traveled the world in their Volkswagen bus and had a wonderful life together. The illustrations are darling, and the story captures the emotion of losing a loved one and remembering them through stories.

Pride Families by Amie Taylor and Kaspa Clarke. This is an educational book that shows kids what different LGBTQIA+ families look like. For example, you might have two nonbinary parents, two mothers, or two fathers. The book also explains options for LGBTQIA+ couples to have families, including surrogacy or donor conception. I like that this is so informative and simply exists to help you understand that families come in many different varieties.

The Mother of a Movement: Jeanne Manford—Ally, Activist, and Co-Founder of PFLAG by Rob Sanders and Sam Kalda. As the title suggests, this is a picture book biography of Jeanne Manford, who cofounded Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) in 1973. I loved learning more about Manford, whose son was gay and was beaten by New York City officials for handing out pro-gay leaflets. This is an important book for those who want to be allies to the LGBTQIA+ community and a reminder that this community has been in peril for a long time.

My Shadow is Purple by Scott Stuart. I like books with more abstract concepts like colors because they’re easier for some kids to understand than differences in gender or orientation. This story is about a child who is told they have to pick pink or blue at the school dance (i.e., go with the girls or the boys). When the child gets nervous and points out that their shadow is purple, not pink or blue, other kids come forward and point out that they don’t always identify with pink or blue either. This would be a wonderful book for preschoolers and kindergarteners, but my 11-year-olds also liked it.

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders and Steven Salerno. With the news that the U.S. Secretary of Defense has ordered a navy ship previously named for Harvey Milk to be renamed, it is even more important to know the history of Harvey Milk and the rainbow flag. This biography is brief but tells the story of Milk’s life—and his assassination—and also explains the history of the flag.

My Parents Won’t Stop Talking by Emma Hunsinger and Tillie Walden. I laughed out loud at this book, and so did my kids. A little girl wants to go to the park with her brother, but her moms stop to chat with the neighbors and they take FOREVER. What kid can’t relate to parents who just keep talking when they want to go? I love the representation of two moms and a biracial marriage in this story.

Papa, Daddy and Riley by Seamus Kirst and Devon Holzwarth. I think parents often make teaching their kids about LGBTQIA+ families much more complicated than it needs to be. My kids have known from a very young age—mainly because we used to have gay neighbors who adopted a darling little girl—that some families have two moms or two dads. In this cute book, Riley loves having two fathers until a classmate asks her which father is her “real” one. This story can spur great dialogue about what makes a family.

Glenn Burke, Game Changer: The Man Who Invented the High Five by Phil Bildner and Daniel J. O’Brien. Did you know that a gay Black baseball player invented the high five back in 1977? I had no idea, but I loved this book about Glenn Burke, the first MLB player to come out as gay, and the discrimination he faced as a result. This is an excellent picture book biography about a man I knew nothing about.

Far, Far Away by Molly Beth Griffin and Bao Luu. We learned so much from this picture book about a little boy who goes on a camping adventure with his moms and becomes absolutely exhausted from carrying the canoe and the supplies everywhere. Then his moms point out the incredible sky full of stars, and he realizes camping isn’t all bad. This book is based on real-life canoe camping in Minnesota, which sounds amazing (and also incredibly challenging).

Sewing the Rainbow: The Story of Gilbert Baker and the Rainbow Flag by Gayle E. Pitman and Holly Clifton-Brown. While this one sounds similar to the book above about Harvey Milk, Sewing the Rainbow focuses more on Gilbert Baker, who sewed the first rainbow flag after a conversation with Milk. I love the art in this book and the story of a young man who grew up in Kansas and had to hide who he was.

Uncle Bobby’s Wedding by Sarah S. Brannen and Lucia Soto. I actually heard about this book from a list of the most banned books in the United States—and honestly, I do not understand the vitriol toward this story. It’s a sweet message about a little girl, Chloe, whose uncle Bobby is getting married to his boyfriend, Jamie. Chloe is worried that she won’t see her uncle as much anymore when he gets married, but Bobby and Jamie involve her and take her on outings and she sees how happy Bobby is. The book I’ve linked to is actually a re-release of the 2008 book, which had illustrations of animals instead of people. Since I’m not a huge animal lover, I like this version.

Marley’s Pride by Joëlle Retener and DeAnn Wiley. Kids who get overstimulated (and adults, like me) will identify with Marley, a nonbinary child who is afraid to go to a Pride parade because of all the noise and crowds. However, they are willing to go because their Zaza is receiving an award at the parade. I love this because while it is about a nonbinary child and a Pride parade, it is also about social anxiety. So much great representation here!

Just Us by Molly Beth Griffin and Anait Semirdzhyan. Obviously I love Molly Beth Griffin, since this is the second of her books on this list. Her books feel so real to me because they are about families that struggle but also have beautiful moments together. In this book, a storm prevents the extended family (grandma, cousins, aunts and uncles) from coming like they normally do for the holidays. Everyone is really sad, but fortunately the two moms make the holiday special for the kids even though it’s different.

What are your favorite picture books for Pride Month? Please share inclusive stories I’ve missed in the comments—and be sure to check out my Juneteenth books as well to celebrate this month!

2025 summer reading programs

Posted on June 1, 2025 by Lindsay Books

Group of four kids lying on the floor, each holding a colorful book in front of their face

My kids’ school gets out this week, which means it is now time for summer reading programs! While most of these are local to the Salt Lake City area, you can check out your own library for programs as well.

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program. We participate in this program every year (this is the last year they can do it, as they’re entering sixth grade). It’s so easy: Download and print the journal and have your child write down eight books they read, including their favorite parts. Then bring the completed journal into your local Barnes & Noble store. Your child can choose one free book from the lists (organized by grade level) between July 1 and Aug. 31.

Pizza Hut Book It Program. I remember doing this as a kid and loving earning my personal pan pizza, but the program has only been open to select participants or schools the past few years. This year, it looks like parents can download an app to record their children’s reading goals—and then they can earn one pizza a month! This would motivate me to read.

Nothing Bundt Cakes Bundts and Books program. Our family LOVES Nothing Bundt Cakes (we get bundlets for our birthdays now instead of making one big cake). Participating bakeries offer kids free bundlets (mini bundt cakes) when they turn in a reading tracker. In Salt Lake City, NBC collaborates Our with the Salt Lake City Public Library each fall and spring. I just learned about this, so I’ll be looking for the fall program!

Utah State Fair Read and Win! program. My kids can only participate in this program one more year as well, so you can bet we’ll be doing this challenge. Have children in grades 1-6 read 10 books and download the form (or record them online). Then mail the forms or fill out the online form by July 20. Employees then mail your child will a free ticket to the Utah State Fair, plus tickets for a midway ride ticket, giant yellow slide ride, and drink. They also stick a satin ribbon bookmark in the envelope. I’m pretty sure this reading program is the only reason we go to the state fair each year. It’s the best.

Little Mama Shirt Shop Summer Reading Program. Chynna, the owner of this cute t-shirt shop in Idaho Falls, has done a reading challenge for seven years to encourage families to read together. If you read 250 books (or chapters) with your kids this summer and record them on your tracker, she’ll send you a free library tote and a shop discount code. Submit your form by Sept. 15 to participate.

Scholastic Home Base. Make reading into a game with Scholastic’s free summer reading program, called Home Base. Kids can track their reading streak and also play book-based games on this website, which is moderated for safety at all times.

Splash Summit Reading Program. I told myself that I would look up the Splash Summit reading program this spring, and I forgot—so I am setting a reminder for next year! Splash Summit is this epic waterpark in Provo, Utah, and they have a reading program for children in K-6. Just have your child read 500 minutes in March (20 minutes a day) to receives a free pass to Splash Summit. Since my kids will age out of this next year, March 2026 is going to be our time to shine.

Salt Lake County Library Summer Reading Challenge. Kids, teens, and adults of Salt Lake County are all eligible for the County Library reading challenge! Download the form and color one of the designs each time you read, create, learn, play or connect (check out activity suggestions under each category). Then turn in your form at your local library branch. You’ll receive a free book and be entered into a drawing for other prizes.

Salt Lake City Library Summer Reading Challenge. Similar to the County Library, the Salt Lake City Library rewards residents who fill in all the spaces on the tracker. Turn it in at a library branch to get a completion prize and be entered to win the grand prize.

Murray Library Build-a-Habit Challenge. Our town has its own little (and darling) library with its own summer reading program. If you read 40 days this summer and complete two other challenges listed on the tracker, you can turn it in and receive a prize. There’s a reward for completing half of the challenge as well—and an entry for the grand-prize raffle. Last year, we received these amazing heavy canvas tote bags with the library logo on them, and we use them all the time. Have I mentioned I love libraries?

Waffle Love summer reading program. Utahns, this one is also for you. Waffle Love, which has the BEST grilled cheese sandwiches, is offering kids a free waffle for every book they read at or above grade level. This means they can earn up to nine waffles! Stop in at one of their restaurants to get a card for your child (one card per person).

Cupbop summer reading program. If you like Cupbop (honestly, I’m not a huge fan), pick up a bookmark in the restaurant to record your child’s books. Once they read 10, they can bring it back to get a free Korean hot dog.

Do you know of any other summer reading programs we should participate in? I’d love to know about more for tweens and teens, as my kids are soon aging out of a lot of programs.

Day of the Dead picture books

Posted on October 28, 2024 by Lindsay Books

Ever since my family and I saw the Disney movie Coco in the theater, I have loved learning more about Día de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. It’s such a beautiful holiday to honor your family and loved ones! Here are seven Day of the Dead picture books we’ve enjoyed that teach you more about the traditions and can help you celebrate in your home.

Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago. I included this in my list of Halloween picture books as well, because who doesn’t love a story about a cute ghost? Gustavo invites a bunch of people over for a Day of the Dead party, but because he’s so shy, he isn’t sure whether anyone will come. The illustrations make this story pop. If you like this book, the author has written and illustrated two others (though Gustavo is my favorite).

Día de Los Muertos by Roseanne Thong and Carles Ballesteros. You will love reading this book all about the cultural traditions of the holiday to your kids! It has great rhythm and rhyme, and the illustrations are colorful and fun.

Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras by Duncan Tonatiuh. My family and I learned so much from this story about José Guadalupe Posada, who drew political cartoons in Mexico and became famous for his drawings of skeletons and skulls (calaveras). Duncan Tonatiuh has a unique illustration style that is instantly recognizable, and my daughter noticed his work right away when we started reading the book. I enjoyed learning the history behind symbols that are now synonymous with the Day of the Dead holiday.

Our Day of the Dead Celebration by Ana Aranda. This is a short book about Mar’s family celebrations on Dia de Los Muertos. Each year, they make almond cookies and decorate sugar skulls in honor of family members who have passed on. They also talk about what they have in common with their ancestors (Mar likes to write in her journal just like her grandfather did) and listen to Abuela’s stories.

The Dead Family Diaz by P.J. Bracegirdle and Poly Bernatene. In a sort of reverse-Coco story (this was actually published before that movie was released), a family of skeletons is traveling to the living world for the Day of the Dead, and Angelito is really nervous because of what his sister has told him about the living. Side note: I really love this illustrator, who drew the pictures for one of my favorite fairy tales, The Princess and the Pig.

Abuelita’s Gift: A Día de Muertos Story by Mariana Ríos Ramírez and Sara Palacios. I loved this sweet book about a little girl who is excited for her grandmother’s spirit to arrive on the Day of the Dead. Julieta is trying to figure out the perfect gift to honor Abuelita on the ofrenda (table with photos and offerings), and she thinks about all the great memories she has of her grandmother before finally deciding on one.

The Ofrenda That We Built by Jolene Gutiérrez, Shaian Gutiérrez, and Gabby Zapata. If you buy one Day of the Dead book this year, make it this one. It follows the traditional pattern of The House That Jack Built but instead focuses on all the items that are part of a family’s ofrenda for the Día de Los Muertos celebration.

Do you have favorite Day of the Dead picture books you read this time of year? I’d love to add to our collection!

Back-to-school picture books your kids will love

Posted on September 9, 2024 by Lindsay Books

School supply time and fall are my FAVORITE times of the whole year (if the title Newly Sharpened Pencils didn’t clue you in). I first published this post in 2020, when school looked very different. For our family, it meant online-only first grade until January. While I was fortunate that both my husband and I are currently working from home and can take turns helping our kids, it’s a challenge to make school exciting.

Whether your kids are back in the classroom or learning from home, these books can help the school year feel a little bit more normal. Here are a bunch of back-to-school picture books I love.

The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes and Vanessa Brantley-Newton. This book was released right before my kids started kindergarten last year, and I’ve had a soft spot for it since. I love that it empowers kids to be confident and have a good attitude about going to school. The pictures are adorable, too!

Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard and James Marshall. No back-to-school picture books list would be complete without this classic. If you haven’t read it, you’re in for a treat. James Marshall’s illustrations are hilarious, and my kids love listening to this in the car, too. When Miss Nelson’s students start misbehaving, they quickly realize they had it pretty good when Miss Viola Swamp takes her place.

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard and Oge Mora. I cried reading this inspiring story of former slave Mary Walker, who lived an incredible life and finally learned to read at age 116. What an amazing message that you’re never too old to learn something new! Oge Mora’s illustrations are especially stunning in this book. Buy this one.

My Teacher is a Monster! (No, I Am Not.) by Peter Brown. My kids and I love this book so much, and they frequently pull it off the shelf to read it again. Bobby complains about how mean his teacher is and calls her a monster. Then he runs into her outside of school and realizes that she is not as bad as he thought. I am laughing just thinking about this story. So, so good.

School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex and Christian Robinson. If you’ve got a kid who’s apprehensive about going back to school (and who isn’t right now), this is a great option. School narrates the story, and she is nervous because she’s brand-new and has never had students before. The illustrations are retro and fun, and both School and the kids learn to accept each other.

When Pencil Met Eraser by Karen Kilpatrick, Luis O. Ramas Jr. and German Blanco. I really liked that this book doesn’t focus solely on how erasers remove mistakes. It shows that you need both pencils and erasers to create amazing art, because the eraser softens the image and also can show things that weren’t there before. It’s a great way to talk about art concepts and friendship at the same time.

Ally-saurus and the First Day of School by Richard Torrey. The illustrations make this book so charming and fun for kids (and grownups). Ally loves dinosaurs and insists on being called “Ally-saurus,” but when she goes to school for the first time, she realizes that not all kids love dinosaurs like she does. This can be a starting point for talking about how everyone is different and that we don’t all have to like the same thing.

Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes. I think I love every single book Kevin Henkes has ever written. He seems to totally get kids and their frustrations. Lilly, a cute little mouse, takes her purple purse to school and can’t keep it to herself. When her teacher takes it away for the day, she gets angry and wants to get back at him, but she realizes she may have been too hasty. I love that this shows both the teacher and the student’s side, and the illustrations are so darling.

Butterflies on the First Day of School by Annie Silvestro and Dream Chen. In this sweet book, students who have “butterflies” in their stomach on the first day of school have them fly out of their mouths as they talk to each other and start to feel less anxious. I love books that illustrate idioms kids don’t really understand, and this one does it beautifully. Even the mom has a butterfly escape from her mouth when she learns her daughter had a good day at school. This is such a darling book.

The Pigeon Has to Go to School by Mo Willems. We all love the Pigeon books. Pigeon reallllly doesn’t want to go to school, but it helps when he learns that he gets to ride a bus to school and play on the playground. And when he realizes the teachers are there to help him. This is a great addition to your shelf if you love Mo Willems.

Too Much: An Overwhelming Day by Jolene Gutierrez and Angel Chang. My kids have a little girl in their grade who struggles with a sensory processing disorder. I’m sure your children or students know someone who has this or face it themselves. This is an excellent book that explains why some children and adults (like me) struggle with bright lights or too much noise or stimulation and how to help them. Every librarian should read this one to students.

Yenebi’s Drive to School by Sendy Santamaria. I was completely blown away by this story about two sisters who live in Tijuana and commute across the U.S./Mexico border to school every day. We had some great conversations with our kids about immigration and borders and also about how valuable education is.

The Brilliant Ms. Bangle by Cara Devins and K-Fai Steele. My mom is an elementary school librarian, and I know she would LOVE this book about a brand-new librarian who has to win over some tough-to-crack kids after the beloved former librarian leaves the school. It gives me Miss Frizzle vibes in the best way.

The World’s Best Class Plant by Liz Garton Scanlon, Audrey Vernick, and Lynnor Bontigao. In this cute story, the class complains about how boring it is to have a class plant when the other classes have pets. Then they start to give the plant more attention and give him a name (Jerry), and he becomes A LOT more interesting.

Mr. S.: A First Day of School Book by Monica Arnaldo. This book is REALLY goofy and quirky, which means kids will absolutely love it. On the first day of school, the kindergarten class is waiting for their teacher but he never arrives. Instead, the chalkboard says “Mr. S.” and a sandwich is sitting on the desk. Could the sandwich be their teacher? The illustrations show what is really happening to the teacher, and they’re hilarious.

The Loud Librarian by Jenna Beatrice and Erika Lynne Jones. I loved this book about a little girl who is assigned to be the class librarian. She adores books and is great at organizing, but the problem is that her voice is too loud. For any of you friends out there who, like me, also have a loud voice, this is a wonderful story about finding your place.

Missing Violet by Kelly Swemba and Fabiana Faiallo. I have to admit that this story broke my heart a bit, because my daughter had a best friend named Violet who moved away. However, it’s an important reminder that friends will sometimes leave and that your classmates can help you remember the good times and find even more friends.

Rick the Rock of Room 214 by Julie Falatko and Ruth Chan. Yes, this story is about a class’s pet rock, and yes, it is quirky. Rick the Rock decides to go on a journey outside after the teacher reads a book about nature, but he realizes it isn’t quite what he expected. Can the students help him find his way back to the classroom?

Luli and the Language of Tea by Andrea Wang and Hyewon Yum. I adore all of Andrea Wang’s books, and this one is really sweet. Luli goes to an English as a second language class for the first time with many other students who also can’t speak English — and can’t communicate with each other. Fortunately, she knows how to bring them together: a tea party!

How to Get Your Octopus to School by Becky Scharnhorst and Jaclyn Sinquett. My kids really liked this book about a little girl who has to get her VERY reluctant octopus dressed and ready for school. It kind of has an If You Give a Mouse a Cookie vibe to it, too, which is fun.

Salat in Secret by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Hatem Aly. Please read this book with your family. It’s amazing! Muhammad receives a salat rug for his seventh birthday and is encouraged to pray five times a day as part of his Muslim faith. However, he is really nervous about finding a quiet place to pray at school where other students won’t make fun of him. This story has such a great message about acceptance.

This Is a School by John Schu and Veronica Miller Jamison. This is such a beautiful book about what schools mean to a community, including a place for discovery, helping, sharing, healing, and hoping. I want to buy a copy for every school library.

Pa, Me, and Our Sidewalk Pantry by Toni Buzzeo and Zara Gonzalez Hoang. I love Toni Buzzeo’s books, and this one is a sweet story about a grandfather and grandchild who work together to offer their neighbors not just books but food when they need it. Since there are several little free libraries in walking distance of my kids’ school, we particularly liked this book.

My First Day by Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huỳnh Kim Liên. This book is similar to Yenebi’s Drive to School in that it focuses on the lengths one little boy must go to travel to school. In this story, Vietnamese boy An has to navigate the waters around his home in a little wooden boat. The illustrations are stunning.

One Wish: Fatima al-Fihri and the World’s Oldest University by M.O. Yuksel and Mariam Quraishi. I had never heard the story of Fatima al-Fihri, an extraordinary Muslim woman who founded a university in Morocco more than a thousand years ago. Her school still exists today!

Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo. You’ll want a tissue when reading this book about a young girl, Jun, who moves to America from Hong Kong. While she only knows a handful of words in English at her new school, she can feel the love of her family in the food her mom sends in her lunchbox. Soon her new classmates want to try her food, too, since it is so different from their own lunches. SUCH a sweet story!

The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale by Aya Khalil and Anait Semirdzhyan. This is a particularly timely story about a young girl who discovers that books about kids of color have been banned from her school library. She helps to organize a bake sale and use the proceeds to buy diverse books for libraries. The book is also personal, as the author’s book The Arabic Quilt (which I also love and included in my list of books for Arab American Heritage Month) was briefly banned from a Pennsylvania school system.

Paula’s Patches by Gabriella Aldeman and Rocío Arreola Mendoza. Paula rips her jeans and is embarrassed by the hole in her pants and tries to hide it from her classmates. She then creates a patch to cover the hole and discovers that lots of kids have secondhand backpacks or stains or rips—and they all love the patches Paula makes and end up with their own. I love that this story is about not being embarrassed to have something secondhand but that it’s also about reusing and fixing things instead of immediately throwing them out. My son also has a favorite shirt that my sister sewed a patch on when he accidentally ripped it, and he proudly told me that her patch “made it better.” This book will definitely launch important conversations about consumerism.

The Yellow Bus by Loren Long. While this book isn’t specifically about school, it focuses on a yellow school bus that ends up being many things to many different people and animals as it ages. The author and illustrator was inspired to write the book by seeing an old yellow bus in his neighborhood and wondering how it got there.

I’m hoping you love these back-to-school picture books as much as we do. I want to know. What does school look like for your kids this year? And what books do you read to start off a new school year?

2024 summer reading programs for kids

Posted on June 14, 2024 by Lindsay Books

Summer reading programs (woman sitting in hammock reading a book)

School’s out for summer! If, like me, you have young kids at home, it’s a great time to encourage them to participate in summer reading programs. Here are a few to check out — and be sure to go to your local library or even city office for more options.

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program. My kids have done this every year they were eligible (students in first through sixth grade can participate), and it’s really simple. Just have your child write down eight books they read during the summer, including their favorite parts, on the journal. Then bring the completed journal into your local Barnes & Noble store, and your child can choose from one of the free books! Pro tip: You can go in anytime between July 1 and Aug. 31, and I recommend going early for the best selection.

Little Mama Shirt Shop Summer Reading Program. I have bought shirts for my kids from this shop for years and love supporting an Idaho mom. Chynna also does an annual summer reading challenge. Read 200 books (or chapters) with your kids this summer and turn in your tracker to receive a free library tote (with a shark designed by a kid) and a shop discount code.

Scholastic Home Base. If your kids love computer/tablet games, they will enjoy participating in Scholastic’s free summer reading program, called Home Base. This interactive world allows children to meet characters from their favorite books (a quick glance showed characters from Wings of Fire and Goosebumps), write stories, and play book-based games. I think this would be right up my 10-year-olds’ alley.

Utah State Fair Read and Win! program. This is another program my kids participate in every year, and we love it! Have your child (in grades 1-6) read 10 books and write down the titles either on a downloadable form or online. Then mail the forms or fill out the online form by July 19. Your child will receive a free ticket to the Utah State Fair, midway ride, giant yellow slide ride, drink and bookmark. State fair tickets can add up, so we love this deal so much. Plus, they mail the tickets to your kids individually, and what kid doesn’t love getting a letter in the mail?

Splash Summit Reading Program. My family went to Splash Summit for the first time last year, and we all had a blast. I just discovered that they have a new reading program! Any child in kindergarten through sixth grade in Utah who reads 500 minutes in a month (20 minutes a day) receives a free pass to Splash Summit (a waterpark in Provo, Utah). It looks like the deadline was April, but I am including it here to remind you (and myself) to enroll early next year to get the pass.

Salt Lake County Library Summer Reading Challenge. If you live in Salt Lake County, make sure to participate in the County Library reading challenge! Download the form (teens and adults can participate, too!) and color in one of the designs each time you read, create, learn, play or connect (there are suggestions for activities under each category). Then turn your form it at your local library branch to receive a free book and be entered into a drawing for other prizes.

Salt Lake City Library Super Summer Challenge. Salt Lake City residents (and neighbors): This challenge rewards you for reading just 20 minutes a day! Fill in spaces on the tracker when you read or complete other activities, and then turn it in to get a completion prize and be entered to win the grand prize. They also have some darling coloring pages you can print off when your kids come in asking for something to do this summer.

Murray Library Build-a-Habit Challenge. If you live close to Murray, Utah, which has its own library, you can participate in their reading program as well. Read for 30 days and complete two other challenges listed on the tracker. Then fill out the form, turn it in, and receive a prize. You’ll also receive an entry for the grand-prize raffle.

Hopefully these programs inspire you to get your kids reading this summer! If I’ve missed any, let me know. Sadly, the Book-It program that rewards kids with pizza filled up really quickly. I think my kids will do anything for pizza (as will I).

Lighthearted books to read when you need a break

Posted on April 8, 2024 by Lindsay Books

Covers of the books "This Is Where You Belong," "The Accidental Beauty Queen," and "Garlic and Sapphires"

Several friends have been asking me for lighthearted books to read, and I totally get it. While I tend to gravitate toward nonfiction and realistic fiction books that teach me about a different worldview, I usually follow these heavier books up with something happy and fun. Whether you have a stressful job or home life or simply need something that allows you to escape, these books will fit the bill. I also have more ideas in this post I wrote about distracting yourself during the pandemic!

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano. A murder mystery book generally make my list of “fun” or lighthearted books to read. However, this book about a single mom and struggling novelist who accidentally gets involved with the Russian mob and hired to kill a woman’s abusive husband made me laugh out loud. Vero, Finlay’s nanny, has a biting wit and is honestly the best character, and the dialogue is excellent. There are four books in this series, but be warned that the final book (which was just published) is not as lighthearted as the other three and gets a bit darker.

Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom. People either love this book or compare it to a Hallmark greeting card. I have long loved it because it’s about the impact one teacher had on his student, even years later, and both my parents are educators. I also have fond memories of listening to the audiobook on tape as a kid when we went on roadtrips. It’s a quick read and an uplifting one. Albom’s book The Five People You Meet in Heaven may actually be my favorite.

The Party Crasher by Sophie Kinsella. I can always count on Sophie Kinsella’s books to deliver great dialogue and outrageous situations, and this one was SO funny. Effie’s parents got divorced two years earlier, and she hates her father’s new girlfriend. She finds out that her parents are selling the home she grew up in, but she is not invited to the last hurrah at the house because of her feud with Krista, the girlfriend. Rather than swallow her pride and show up anyway to be with her family, Effie decides to sneak into the house to find a treasure she hid there before it’s gone forever. She also meets her ex-love, Joe, and has to deal with those feelings. I am not making this book sound great, but I promise that it’s hilarious and sweet and just what you need to unwind with.

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter. I have recommended this book to so many friends and also own a copy because it is the sweetest. Liz Buxbaum’s crush, Michael, moved away before she could tell him how she felt, but now he’s moved back. Since her annoying next-door neighbor, Wes, is friends with Michael, she enlists Wes to help her get Michael to notice her. Of course, she never noticed how awesome Wes has been all along. Yes, this book is predictable, but what really makes it shine is the references to ’90s romantic comedies and the banter between the characters. If you like this one, you will also love The Do-Over by the same author, which is a Groundhog-Day story where two people get to know each other by reliving Valentine’s Day again and again.

Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise by Ruth Reichl. I am NOT a chef or into cooking and am definitely not a foodie. But this book about New York Times food critic Ruth Reichl and her escapades at different restaurants in disguise (so she wouldn’t be recognized and would get the experience “normal” people get) was so interesting and funny at the same time. I learned a lot from this book, but it was also highly entertaining.

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell. Normally I am all about audiobooks, but this is one you need to read to get the full impact. In this book, set in the Y2K era when people were sure that the year 2000 would break their computers, Lincoln is hired to be an internet security officer for a newsroom. Essentially, he has to read people’s emails and is supposed to write reports if people violate email policy (like sending dirty jokes or using profanity). Instead, he begins to fall in love with Beth, who has hilarious conversations with her coworker. But how can he have a relationship with someone he only knows from the emails she sends to others? READ THIS BOOK.

An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde. I absolutely love the film version of this play with Rupert Everett and Julianne Moore, but I hadn’t read the play until a few years ago. It’s satire about a politician whose wife thinks he is the “ideal husband” until another woman comes forward to blackmail him. If you have watched an Oscar Wilde movie or read one of his plays, you know that he is renowned for his dialogue and dark humor. Both are on full display in this book (plus, it’s short).

Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon. Despite the title, this book is not about a mother and daughter who commit murder together. It’s actually about a snarky, self-absorbed grandma (don’t worry — her character evolves) who moves in with her daughter and granddaughter while going through cancer treatments. Her granddaughter works at a kayak tour company and is questioned when a man is found dead in the water under suspicious circumstances. Luckily, the grandma is determined to prove her granddaughter’s innocence and figure out who the murderer is. The mystery in this story isn’t the most difficult to solve, but I loved the relationship between the three women.

City Spies by James Ponti. Sometimes it’s refreshing to read mysteries where nothing gruesome happens. In this fun young adult series, tweens and teens that are orphaned and abandoned are adopted by “Mother,” the man in charge of their division of the British Intelligence Agency. Each of the kids goes by a code name based on the city they lived in when they were discovered (Brooklyn, Rio, Sydney, Paris, and so on). They also have different skills that make them assets as spies. I love these quick reads as refreshers in between heavier books.

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty. I absolutely ADORE Liane Moriarty for the characters and relationships in her books, but some of her stories are heavier than others. While this one does have characters facing divorce, it’s actually very light and uplifting. Alice hits her head at the gym and can’t remember the last 10 years of her life. Now, instead of being 29 and pregnant with her first child, she is 39, has three kids, and has strained relationships with her husband and other family members. This was the first Liane Moriarty book I read and still one of my favorites.

This Is Where You Belong: Finding Home Wherever You Are by Melody Warnick. This is a nonfiction book, but I love its hopeful message about making the place where you live feel like home. Whether you move frequently or are struggling to find a connection to your community, this book can help you make the most of your city. I read this probably 10 years ago but still think about it often and try to live by its principles (like shopping local and attending community events).

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. This is the ultimate comfort book, about a London woman who unexpectedly connects with a community on Guernsey (an English Channel island) after WWII. If you like books written in letters, you’ll love this one. My one complaint about this book is that the original author died before finishing it and her niece wrote the ending, so I feel it ends pretty abruptly. Still, it’s definitely worth including on a list of lighthearted books to read. Also, the Netflix movie is just as good if not BETTER than the book!

The Accidental Beauty Queen by Teri Wilson. If you loved the movie Miss Congeniality with Sandra Bullock (and what ’90s/’00s teen didn’t), you will love this funny story about a woman who has to trade places with her identical twin sister to compete in a beauty pageant when the other sister has an allergic reaction. Of course Charlotte is a librarian and NOT into beauty pageants at all, but she learns that there’s more to them than what meets the eye.

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. OK, I realize that people have a complicated relationship with Gretchen Rubin, and I get it. She is a privileged white lady living in New York City with the means to go to restaurants and museums and take herself on adventures. Friends who are dealing with serious health or money issues might want to avoid this one for now. However, I had to include this in a list of lighthearted books to read because Rubin does have some great ideas for getting yourself out of a rut. Just remind yourself that it’s also OK to stay home and eat all the leftover Easter candy because you can’t afford to travel. You do you.

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine. Let me preface this by saying DO NOT WATCH THE MOVIE. Or if you have already watched the movie, consider them as two separate and unrelated pieces and then read the book. Yes, it’s a retelling of Cinderella, but it’s charming and wonderful and will lift your spirits.

I’d Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life by Anne Bogel. This collection of essays is basically one big love letter to all the readers out there who set off the airbag alarms in their cars by having too many books stacked in the passenger seat. It will make you remember why you love to read — or why you once loved reading and can love it again.

I am planning a separate post with light romance books since I realized that needs its own category, but I’d love to hear about your favorite lighthearted books to read! We all need to take a break from the heavy now and then.

Picture books for Juneteenth

Posted on June 16, 2023 by Lindsay Books

I’ve read a bunch of picture books for Juneteenth to my kids over the past week and am so excited that this special day is now a federal holiday. If you’re unclear about the meaning of Juneteenth, essentially it commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free. Though President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation two years before, it took a long time before enslaved people received word. Read on for a list of picture books to help you and your family celebrate this holiday together.

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson and E.B. Lewis. I initially shared this in my first Black History Month post, but it is a great introduction to Juneteenth. I especially love the joy you can feel through the illustrations.

A Flag for Juneteenth by Kim Taylor. My kids and I were so enamored with this story! I’m planning to buy it and add it to my picture books for Juneteenth. follows Huldah, whose tenth birthday falls on the day Union soldiers announce that enslaved people are now free. She and her family and friends join together to celebrate the day, then called Jubilee Day, and surprise her with a beautiful quilted flag for her birthday. The entire book looks like a quilt, and my kids LOVED that.

The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States by Alliah L. Agostini and Sawyer Cloud. This book explains how Juneteenth became a holiday, first in Texas and then nationwide, and helps you better understand some of the traditions and celebrations.

Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth by Alice Faye Duncan and Keturah A. Bobo. I had never heard of Opal Lee before reading this book, and I’m so glad I know her name now. Opal Lee helped organize Fort Worth’s annual Juneteenth celebration and campaigned for years to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, which finally happened in 2021. She also watched white rioters vandalize and then burn down her home on Juneteenth when she was only 12 years old, spurring her to activism. This is an incredible story.

Jayylen’s Juneteenth Surprise by Lavaille Lavette and David Wilkerson. Younger kids will like this Little Golden Book about Jayylen, a little boy who learns about Juneteenth from his grandfather. Jayylen also learns about zydeco music and learns to play it, surprising his grandfather with his new abilities and a special guest. I had never heard of zydeco music and really like it!

Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper. I LOVE Floyd Cooper’s beautiful books, and this one is no exception. It follows Mazie, a young girl who is celebrating Juneteenth but learns a lot about her ancestors and heritage from her father in the process.

The Juneteenth Cookbook: Recipes and Activities for Kids and Families by Alliah L. Agostini, Taffy Elrod and Sawyer Cloud. My whole family enjoyed this book that explores the history of Juneteenth through recipes you can make to celebrate. I guarantee your mouth will be watering by the end.

Juneteenth Is by Natasha Tripplett and Daniel J. O’Brien. The illustrations in this story, which beautifully reminds readers that Black history is American history, are darling. I love how this book focuses on the sights, smells, and tastes of Juneteenth and how important the celebration is. Add this one to your library!

They Built Me for Freedom: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park by Tonya Duncan Ellis and Jenin Mohammed. I learned so much about Emancipation Park, in Houston, Texas, and its history in celebrating Juneteenth. This book is a great way to explain to your children how important the holiday is and how it has been celebrated for years, long before it became a federal holiday.

Have you read any great picture books for Juneteenth? I’d love to expand my collection!

2023 summer reading programs for kids

Posted on June 2, 2023 by Lindsay Books

My kids are officially out of school, and the 2023 summer reading programs are underway! I’m not super strict about reading during the summer, because I also want my kids to go outside and play. Once they’ve read at least a half hour or so, it’s off to the next thing — which is why I appreciate that most of these programs are super simple and reward kids with free books to encourage more reading! Check out the 2023 summer reading programs for kids I’ve rounded up below.

Little Mama Shirt Shop reading challenge. This is the fifth year Chynna has done this challenge, and I’m glad she’s gone back to offering a tote as a reward. To participate, download the reading log, add a checkmark each time your kids read, and list your favorite books on the back. Email her a picture of the completed chart (200 books or chapters) by Sept. 15, and she’ll send you a coupon code for her shop and a free book tote. Chynna is an Idaho mom, so I love to support her shop and encourage reading, too.

Salt Lake County summer reading challenge. If you live around Salt Lake City, go to your nearest county library branch and pick up forms for your family to track their reading. Kids, teens, and adults can participate! Once you finish the form, return it to the library and get coupons for free or discounted admission to local museums and attractions. You’ll also get a free book for each person who participates. We complete this challenge every year, and my kids get excited to pick out a new book.

The City Library Super Summer Challenge. Yes, there are two separate library systems in Salt Lake City, which I love! This one is similar to the county challenge, with activities to complete before earning a free book, but you can download the activity tracker without visiting a branch. My good friend Emma works at one of the city library branches, so we like completing this challenge and visiting her.

Barnes & Noble summer reading journal. My kids have finished this program every year since first grade (children in grades 1-6 are eligible). It’s really simple: Have your children read just eight books and write the titles and what they liked best about them. Once they’re done, bring the completed paper to a Barnes & Noble store by Aug. 31 to pick out a free book from the list. The available books are updated each year, so there are different options your kids will enjoy.

Utah State Fair Read & Win program. Finally, this is our favorite challenge because we love the Utah State Fair. It’s open to kids in grades 1-6 as well. Have your children read 10 books, write down the titles, and mail the form (or submit it online) by July 17. They’ll get free admission to the Utah State Fair, a free big yellow slide ride (our FAVORITE), free carnival ride and fountain drink, and a ribbon bookmark. The other part that’s fun is that my kids get individual envelopes with their tickets and bookmarks. Since they rarely get mail, they get excited for this each summer.

This list is obviously Utah-heavy, but check your local library or library system for programs if you live elsewhere! You can also check out my previous list with national programs from Scholastic and Book-It. Please share any other 2023 summer reading programs with me in the comments!

Lindsay

Lindsay

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