The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

Join 1,707 readers and share your 3 favorite reads of the year.

My favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Junie B. Jones #1: Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus

Tephra Miriam Why did I love this book?

As an adult revisiting this book, I am transported back to a time filled with laughter and mischief. This quirky tale follows the misadventures of Junie B., a sassy kindergartener with an imagination as wild as her untamed hair.

From her melodramatic encounters with spitballs to her endearing friendship with Lucille, this book effortlessly captures the quirks and innocence of childhood in such a fun way that both children and adults alike can appreciate!

Rereading this not only awakens long-forgotten memories but also reminds me of the importance of letting loose every now and then, embracing life's unpredictability just like Junie B. herself did! That is why this is my favorite read of the year. 

By Barbara Park, Denise Brunkus (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Junie B. Jones #1 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 6, 7, 8, and 9.


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Wishes and Wellingtons

Tephra Miriam Why did I love this book?

Once I met Maeve Merritt, a rebellious young girl tired of abiding by uptight school rules in London, I couldn't help but root for her fiery spirit. And when fate leads her to stumble upon a sardine tin hiding an ornery Genie within, well, let's just say chaos ensues in the most delightful way possible.

As Maeve tries to navigate this newfound magical world while outsmarting those who seek to claim her treasure for themselves - including an endearing orphan boy named Bennet - every page is brimming with excitement and endless possibilities.

With each twist and turn, Julie Berry effortlessly captures Maeve's quick wit and audacious personality that, made her feel like a true friend throughout my reading journey.

By Julie Berry, Chloe Bristol (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Wishes and Wellingtons as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

From New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Julie Berry comes a middle-grade fantasy adventure full of humor and heart.

Be careful what you wish for ...

Maeve Merritt chafes at the rigid rules at her London boarding school for "Upright Young Ladies." When punishment forces her to sort through the trash, she finds a sardine tin that houses a foul-tempered djinni with no intention of submitting to a schoolgirl as his master.

Soon an orphan boy from the charitable home next door, a mysterious tall man in ginger whiskers, a disgruntled school worker, and a take-no-prisoners business tycoon are…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Maya and the Rising Dark

Tephra Miriam Why did I love this book?

This book took me on a wild adventure through the streets of South Side Chicago (where I lived for 15 years). And guess what? Twelve-year-old Maya was my fearless guide throughout this contemporary fantasy.

Now, picture this: were-hyenas prowling in the shadows at night while a spooky man made of darkness haunted her dreams. It sounds utterly thrilling. Well, Maya's friends try to rationalize these bizarre occurrences with ghost uprisings or lunchroom experiments gone awry - but not our clever protagonist. Nope, she knows better.

To her imaginative mind, it all sounded straight out of one of Papa's captivating stories or even her favorite comics. Maya is fantastical proof of the truth in the words of Beyonce herself, “Who run the world? GIRLS!”

By Rena Barron,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Maya and the Rising Dark as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

In this highly anticipated contemporary fantasy, twelve-year-old Maya's search for her missing father puts her at the center of a battle between our world, the Orishas, and the mysterious and sinister Dark world. Perfect for fans of Aru Shah and the End of Time and The Serpent's Secret.

Twelve-year-old Maya is the only one in her South Side Chicago neighborhood who witnesses weird occurrences like werehyenas stalking the streets at night and a scary man made of shadows plaguing her dreams. Her friends try to find an explanation-perhaps a ghost uprising or a lunchroom experiment gone awry. But to Maya,…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

The Sparkle Riot Crew and the Kid From Star Quad 9

By Tephra Miriam,

Book cover of The Sparkle Riot Crew and the Kid From Star Quad 9

What is my book about?

The Sparkle Riot Crew consists of the twins Virginia and Shaquille Sparkle and Ginger and Barnaby Riot. As kids of Chicago police detectives Bernadette Sparkle and Bruce Riot, this crew is truly about having each other's back

They find themselves in the middle of a class debacle when their teacher, Mrs. Lucas' finger lights go missing. When the Sparkle Riot Crew blames the new kid on the block, they learn a valuable lesson about getting the facts straight and what makes Fabiano Lucchini so special.

Don't miss this early reader adventure with a sci-fi twist! 

Book cover of Junie B. Jones #1: Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus
Book cover of Wishes and Wellingtons
Book cover of Maya and the Rising Dark

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