Spring reading brings a sense of renewal and possibility as we emerge from the depths of winter. With longer days and milder temperatures, there’s an undeniable allure to curling up with a good book and letting the world around us fade away. Whether it’s enjoying a novel outside amidst blooming flowers, delving into a thought-provoking non-fiction book during a lazy afternoon, or escaping into a thrilling mystery as the sun sets, spring offers the perfect backdrop for literary exploration.

CHILDREN

They Call Me No Sam by Drew Daywalt
Let me introduce you to Sam – a cheeky pug determined to protect his family at all costs. When the Petersons, scientists working on a top-secret project, welcome Sam into their home, they never anticipate that he’s actually a pooping machine with a penchant for hairdryer attacking. The family is at their wit’s end… that is until a pair of criminals target the Petersons in pursuit of their classified research. Perhaps Sam’s antics might just help save the day.

Not A Smiley Guy by Polly Horvath
Not a Smiley Guy tells the tale of Ernest, a baby content with his loving family and the world around him, even though he wishes there are more elephants. Despite his family’s obsession with smiling at his milestones, Ernest refuses to smile back. Even drastic measures involving elephants fail to make him smile. Eventually, the family learns that expressing love sometimes requires compromise. Through witty storytelling and expressive illustrations, the book teaches children about the diversity of emotions and understanding each other’s perspectives.

Just Like Millie by Lauren Castillo
In this touching picture book, a shy girl struggles in her new city, preferring the safety of home to socializing. Despite her mother’s efforts, she feels overwhelmed when meeting new children. However, everything changes when she meets Millie, a kind rescue dog. With Millie’s support, the girl finds the courage to face her fears and open up to new friendships. Through tender prose and expressive illustrations, author Lauren Castillo explores themes of shyness, anxiety, and the transformative power of companionship.

YOUNG ADULT

The Things We Miss by Leah Stecher
Some never quite feel like they belong. Wrong clothes, wrong life. We’ve all had those days, those years. This poignant tale of friendship and acceptance will tug at your heartstrings. Seventh grade is tough. How do you cope? JP seeks solace by escaping into a magical future, skipping through all the hard parts of life. With the help of a friend, she navigates her struggles and discovers inner peace.

The Lilies by Quinn Diacon-Furtado
If you were a fan of Groundhog Day, then you’ll be drawn to this captivating tale of four teenagers trapped in a time-loop. This thrilling mystery delves into the destructive power of secrets, both for an establishment and its inhabitants.

ADULT

Demon of the Unrest by Erik Larson
As described on the author’s website (eriklarsonbooks.com), Demon of the Unrest “brings to life the pivotal five months between the election of Abraham Lincoln and the start of the Civil War – a slow-burning crisis that finally tore a deeply divided nation in two.” Larson’s novels have you feeling as though you are part of the story – and Demon of the Unrest is no different, taking you on a journey through what was going on in the backrooms and the taprooms and giving you a completely new outlook on this time period.

An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Doris Kearns Goodwin, at 81, remains as sharp and witty as ever. In An Unfinished Love Story, she shares anecdotes from her over four-decade marriage, including the challenges of moving her husband’s 300 boxes of memories multiple times. Upon finally examining them, they discover a wealth of treasures. His life was rich and varied – he was friends with Bobby Kennedy during his assassination, worked for JFK, was a professor, and so much more. This book pays homage to the tumultuous 1960s while also offering a hopeful reminder that despite difficult times, we will persevere.

Red Helicopter by James Rhee
Businesses are evolving, and no longer is it relevant to only think with numbers and spreadsheets. James Rhee, a former lawyer and teacher, is now in the corporate world as a strong business leader and impact investor, proving time and time again that kindness can pivot the direction your business takes. His new book tackles kindness and math. Generating significant buzz in the business world, this book is a must-read to keep up with the changing times.

Also to consider … James Patterson presents The Secret Lives of Bookseller’s and Librarians: The True Stories of the Magic of Reading – my husband Dave and I are featured in it! As described by the publisher (hachettebookgroup.com), “Step inside The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians and enter a world where you can feed your curiosities, discover new voices, find whatever you want or require. This place has the magic of rainbows and unicorns, but it’s also a business. The book business. Meet the smart and talented people who live between the pages – and who can’t wait to help you find your next favorite book.”

Funny Story by Emily Henry
Out with the bodice-ripping novels featuring Fabio on the cover, and in with the comedy! Emily Henry delivers the laughs in her latest book – and while I have loved all her novels, this may be her best yet. When Daphne meets and falls for Peter, she makes a big move to his small town, only for Peter to realize he’s still in love with his high school sweetheart. Whoops! Not wanting to leave her dream job as a children’s librarian, Daphne ends up becoming the roommate of her ex’s ex. Cue the shenanigans!

Last House by Jessica Shattuck
In 1953, WWII veteran Nick Taylor, now a company lawyer, sees oil as the key to the future. He provides for his family, including his wife, a former codebreaker turned housewife, and their children. They enjoy a peaceful life in the suburbs and escape to their secluded country retreat, Last House, in Vermont. Fast forward to 1968, America is undergoing significant social upheaval, with protests against the Vietnam War and racism. Katherine grapples with her upbringing and her evolving beliefs amidst the changing times. As the family navigates through multiple generations and nearly 80 years, Last House delves deep into questions of legacy, responsibility, and the complexities of progress in American history.