Best Family Books December 2024

The Hate U Give

Starr Carter straddles two worlds: her poor, mostly black neighborhood and her wealthy, mostly white prep school. This delicate balance shatters when she witnesses her childhood friend’s fatal shooting by a police officer. Caught between loyalty to her community and the allure of her other life, Starr must find her voice and stand up for what’s right. Thomas’s powerful debut novel tackles racism, police brutality, and the weight of silence with unflinching honesty and raw emotion. It’s a story that will stay with you long after the last page.

The Kane Chronicles

Dive into the thrilling world of Egyptian mythology with Rick Riordan’s “The Kane Chronicles.” Follow siblings Carter and Sadie Kane as they discover their hidden magical heritage and embark on a perilous journey to save the world. Riordan’s signature wit and humor shine through as the Kanes face ancient gods, wield powerful magic, and unravel family secrets. With heart-pounding action and clever twists, this series will captivate readers of all ages, leaving them spellbound until the very last page.

The Glass Castle

Jeannette Walls’ memoir “The Glass Castle” is a raw, unflinching look at her unconventional upbringing. With vivid prose, she recounts a childhood marked by poverty, neglect, and her parents’ eccentricities. Despite the hardships, Walls’ narrative is infused with love and resilience. I found myself alternately frustrated and moved by her family’s struggles. The book’s honesty is both heartbreaking and inspiring, leaving me to ponder the complexities of family bonds long after the last page.

Fangirl

Cath’s world revolves around Simon Snow fanfiction. As she starts college, her twin sister Wren is drifting away, and Cath struggles to navigate new friendships and a prickly roommate. Her writing professor challenges her to find her own voice, while a charming classmate tempts her out of her comfort zone. Balancing her online fandom with real-life relationships, Cath discovers that growing up doesn’t mean leaving everything behind. Rainbow Rowell’s “Fangirl” is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that captures the awkward, exhilarating journey of finding yourself.

Eleanor & Park

Eleanor and Park is a bittersweet tale of first love that will tug at your heartstrings. Set in 1986, it follows two misfit teenagers as they navigate the complexities of high school, family, and unexpected romance. Rowell’s vivid prose brings to life the awkward moments and electric touches that define young love. I found myself rooting for these characters, feeling their joy and pain as if it were my own. It’s a story that lingers long after the final page, reminding us of the power of connection in a world that can feel so isolating.

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

A.J. Fikry’s life is not at all what he expected it to be. His wife has died, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. But when a mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its unexpected arrival gives Fikry the chance to make his life over–and see everything anew. This heartwarming tale reminds us of the joy of connecting with others through books, and how love can bloom in the most unexpected places.

Where the Forest Meets the Stars

Joanna Teale, still reeling from her mother’s death and her own battle with breast cancer, returns to her graduate research in rural Illinois. One night, a mysterious child appears at her cabin, claiming to be an alien on a mission. As Joanna and her reclusive neighbor, Gabriel, try to unravel the girl’s past, they form an unlikely family. But the truth threatens to shatter their fragile bond, forcing Joanna to confront her own fears and desires. A poignant tale of healing, love, and the power of human connection amidst life’s uncertainties.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

In post-war London, writer Juliet Ashton stumbles upon an unexpected connection with the charming inhabitants of Guernsey. Through a series of heartfelt letters, she uncovers the island’s wartime secrets and the quirky book club that sustained its people during the Nazi occupation. As Juliet delves deeper into their stories, she finds herself drawn to the island’s rugged beauty and the warmth of its community. A tale of resilience, friendship, and the transformative power of literature, this novel captures the essence of human spirit in the face of adversity.

There There

In this raw and powerful debut, Tommy Orange weaves together the stories of twelve Urban Indians in Oakland, California. Their lives intersect in unexpected ways as they journey to the Big Oakland Powwow. Orange’s unflinching prose exposes the harsh realities of Native American life, while also celebrating resilience and identity. I was deeply moved by the characters’ struggles and triumphs. This novel left me pondering the complexities of heritage and belonging long after I turned the final page.

Red, White & Royal Blue

Alex Claremont-Diaz, the charismatic First Son of the United States, has a nemesis: Prince Henry of Wales. When their rivalry sparks an international incident, they’re forced to fake a friendship for damage control. But as they spend time together, their pretend bond evolves into something deeper. Suddenly, Alex finds himself falling for the prince he once despised. This witty, heartfelt romance explores love, duty, and the courage to follow your heart, even when the whole world is watching.