Summer reading recommendations #3
My version of a Best of 2024 list, filled with things you should read these holidays, if you haven't already!
For my final summer reading recommendations newsletter, I thought I’d highlight some of my best books of 2024. This is just a small smattering of all of the excellent titles I’ve come across, and loved, and shared, this year.
Interestingly, my Goodreads tells me that my average book length for the year was 130 pages. I think this is because I read so many great picture books and decided to log them all! I don’t want to forget any of them and I want to be able to remind my daughter of some of her favourites, if she ever inquires as she gets older.
So far I’m at 224 books total for the year, but I reckon I can sneak in a few more in the last few days of 2024. Especially because I am now officially on holidays and planning to keep my face stuck inside a book for the rest of the year.
I find ‘end of year’ lists so difficult to write, but I love to read them myself (although they end up making my TBR pile sooo much longer!).
I thought I’d give it a go, anyway. Here are about 20 or so favourites from my year of reading. I’ve probably missed loads, so I’d love to hear yours! Please comment below.
The picture book that made me cry the most in 2024 (in a good way):
The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel and Danny Snell
This is also a very close contender for my picture book of the year. I’ve written about it before in a past newsletter, but I’ll say it again: The Truck Cat is such a triumph.
And I’m not the only one who thinks so. I was thrilled to see this book selected for next year’s National Simultaneous Storytime.
The Truck Cat is a story about cats and humans, immigration and identity, and homes lost and found. Along with his human, Yacoub, Tinka travels roads wide and narrow, near and distant. But no matter how much they travel, home feels very far away – for both of them. When Tinka and Yacoub are unexpectedly separated, they are determined to find their way back to each other – and, in doing so, might find more than they expected…
As for the crying—it sneaks up on you. I had no idea this would make me so weepy, but it does, and I’m not mad about it. It has everything a good picture book should have, and more.
The book that gave me the most wanderlust in 2024:
We Live in a Bus by Dave Petzold
I am not a camper, but Dave Petzold almost has me convinced to set out on the road with my family in tow. This is a simple story, told and illustrated beautifully.
Life is full of surprises when you live in a bus. Everywhere is your home and every day brings something new.
I hope We Live in a Bus gets the attention it deserves in all the children’s book awards next year!
My favourite illustrated novel for children in 2024:
The Midwatch by Judith Rossell
Hands down the most spectacular visual story from this year, The Midwatch is a work of art, and a labour of love by the brilliant Judith Rossell. I hope every middle grader gets a copy of this in their Christmas stocking! (In fact, it should be mandated.)
Fun fact: Judith Rossell was also the very well-deserving winner of the Albert Ullin Award for 2024.
My favourite unexpected story of 2024: it’s a tie!
Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
Heads up, this is definitely an adult book, but I know it would work for some older (mature) teenagers, too. The reason it was so surprising to me was that the plot sounds a little superficial, or even glib. But I was so happy to be proven wrong. This was a stand out novel for me this year, completely unpredictable, smart, hilarious, and touching.
A blisteringly funny and heartwarming novel about a young woman - navigating a desperate lack of funds, new motherhood and becoming an adult - who gets creative on OnlyFans.
The reason it was not surprising is that Rufi Thorpe is wonderful, and I should have known to trust her to write about any topic or theme. I’ve also loved her past novels The Knockout Queen and Dear Fang, With Love.
Another delightfully unexpected gift from 2024 was this online zine by Tavi Gevinson on the Taylor Swift fandom. I was blown away. In 75 pages, Fan Fiction explores the intersection Tavi Gevinson experienced between being a fan, a critic, and a friend to the one and only Taylor Swift. There isn’t anyone better placed to write about this fascinating topic. But, at the same time:
You don’t need to know a single Taylor Swift lyric by heart to enjoy Tavi’s genre-defying project.
So, give it a go! You can read it for free online here. I love the old-school DIY zine aesthetic.
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