Best Family Books December 2024

The Keeper of Lost Things

Anthony Peardew, a once-successful author, has spent decades collecting lost objects, hoping to atone for a promise broken long ago. As his life nears its end, he entrusts his assistant Laura with the task of reuniting these treasures with their rightful owners. Struggling with her own broken heart, Laura finds unexpected solace in this peculiar mission. Through a tapestry of interconnected stories, Hogan weaves a charming tale of love, loss, and the power of seemingly insignificant objects to bridge the gaps between people. It’s a gentle reminder that even in our darkest moments, hope can be found in the most unlikely places.

Britt-Marie Was Here

Britt-Marie’s life has always been defined by order and routine. But when her world suddenly crumbles, she finds herself in the small town of Borg, reluctantly taking a job at the local youth center. As she navigates this unfamiliar terrain, Britt-Marie discovers a community that challenges her rigid beliefs and awakens long-dormant passions. With Backman’s signature warmth and humor, we follow Britt-Marie’s journey of self-discovery, learning that it’s never too late to start over and find your place in the world. I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry

Elsa is seven, precocious, and utterly devoted to her eccentric grandmother. Their nightly adventures in a fantastical world of fairy tales are Elsa’s refuge from school bullies and her parents’ divorce. When her beloved granny dies, Elsa is left with a series of letters, each a quest to deliver an apology. As she embarks on this treasure hunt, Elsa uncovers the colorful, often painful stories of the quirky tenants in her apartment building, realizing that her grandmother’s imaginary world wasn’t so make-believe after all. A touching, whimsical tale of love, loss, and the power of storytelling.

Us Against You

In the small hockey town of Beartown, tensions simmer beneath the surface. Fredrik Backman’s “Us Against You” delves deeper into the community’s soul, exploring loyalty, rivalry, and redemption. As the local team faces extinction, old wounds reopen and new alliances form. Backman’s prose is both raw and tender, capturing the essence of human nature with startling clarity. I found myself completely absorbed, rooting for characters I’d grown to love. It’s a story that lingers long after the final page, reminding us of the power of unity in the face of adversity.

Anxious People

Backman’s “Anxious People” is a delightfully quirky tale that had me chuckling and tearing up in equal measure. It’s a story about a failed bank robbery that turns into an accidental hostage situation, but it’s so much more than that. The characters are beautifully flawed and relatable – I found myself in each of them. Backman’s wit shines through, making this a heartwarming exploration of human nature and the connections that bind us all. A must-read for anyone who’s ever felt a bit lost in life.

The Girl with the Louding Voice

Adunni’s voice may be small, but her dreams are mighty. Growing up in a Nigerian village, she yearns for education and a chance to shape her own destiny. Despite facing crushing poverty and societal expectations, Adunni’s spirit remains unbroken. Her journey from child bride to domestic servant in Lagos is fraught with hardship, yet her determination to find her “louding voice” never wavers. Abi Daré’s debut novel is a poignant tale of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of education in the face of overwhelming odds.

The Bookish Life of Nina Hill

Nina Hill’s life revolves around books, her cat, and a meticulously organized planner. Introverted and content, she works at a quirky bookstore and leads a trivia team. But when her estranged father dies, leaving her with a sprawling family she never knew existed, Nina’s carefully curated world is thrown into chaos. Suddenly, she’s navigating new relationships, unexpected feelings for a trivia rival, and the realization that stepping out of her comfort zone might just lead to the greatest adventure of all. A charming tale of self-discovery, family, and the power of embracing the unexpected.

Nine Perfect Strangers

Nestled in the Australian bush, Tranquillum House promises transformation. Nine stressed city-dwellers arrive, seeking rejuvenation. But as the days unfold, something feels off. The enigmatic resort director, Masha, seems to have her own agenda. Secrets simmer beneath the surface, and tensions rise. Each guest grapples with personal demons, unaware they’re pawns in a dangerous game. Moriarty weaves a captivating tale of redemption, deception, and the unexpected connections that can bloom in the most unlikely places. A gripping exploration of human nature that will leave you questioning everything.

American Dirt

Lydia Quixano Pérez’s comfortable life in Acapulco is shattered when her journalist husband exposes a powerful drug cartel. Forced to flee with her young son, Luca, they embark on a harrowing journey north to the US border. Cummins’ gripping narrative plunges readers into the desperate world of migrants, exploring themes of survival, motherhood, and the human cost of immigration. With vivid prose and heart-pounding tension, this novel offers a poignant glimpse into a reality often overlooked, leaving readers both moved and enlightened.

If I Stay

Mia’s life changes in an instant when a car accident leaves her in a coma. Caught between life and death, she faces an impossible choice. As memories of her past flood back, Mia grapples with the decision to stay or let go. Through her out-of-body experience, she reflects on love, family, and music. Forman’s poignant prose captures the raw emotions of a teenager confronting mortality, making this a heart-wrenching yet ultimately uplifting exploration of what it means to truly live.