The Best Read Alouds of 2022
Most every year I sigh a sigh of disappointment when I look at the list of books I read. The list is always short. Much shorter than I had hoped. And the list of books I want to read is longer than ever. But then I cheer myself up by turning to the list of books I read aloud to the family. As I look that list over I sigh with utter delight. Each title brings back memories of where and when we read it; it is like popping in on old friends. 2022 was no exception. A fairly dismal year of personal reading but a banner year for read alouds.
Among the nineteen titles we worked our way through, a few were okay but largely forgettable, many were lots of fun, and a couple reached the status of “special book.” That means I must buy a copy if we don’t already own it and put it on the special shelf reserved for special books—a high honor indeed.
So with no further ado, I present to you some special books, in no particular order, in categories both random and specific. Here are the Read it Again Awards 2022.
The Best Illustrated Allegory
Little Pilgrims’ Progress by Helen L. Taylor
Taylor’s retelling of John Bunyan’s classic pares down the larger story to a kid-sized version without missing a beat or losing any meaning. I just had to splurge and get the illustrated copy—it is absolutely gorgeous!
The Book that Make Us Laugh the Most
The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate
I’ve long been a fan of Katherine Applegate’s poetic prose, but this one had me laughing like no other. A follow up to The One and Only Ivan, it was a delight to be in Bob’s head as the loyal and scrappy pup deals with natural disaster and finds the hero within. Side note: I know mocking is rude but when Bob hollered to the bootie-clad poodle prancing in front of his house, “Those boots are made for mocking,” I couldn’t help but laugh…so funny!
The Book that Made Us Cry the Most
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
It made me cry when my 5th grade teacher read it to my class. It made me cry when I read it on my own after she gave me a copy for Christmas. It made me cry when I read it to Palmer and Haddie a few years ago. And -surprise, surprise - it made me cry this year when I read it to the whole family. If you have never read this classic, you should. The times were different, but in this story of a boy and his dogs we see that love remains the same. (Note: I have no love for dogs so that the fact that I am moved to tears by a doggie love story is a testament to the power of this book.)
The Best Book Club Book
The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pene du Bois
This 1947 Newberry Winner combines hot-air balloons, island adventure, crazy inventions, and a touch of a utopia theme to make a story that is ripe for good discussion—a good Book Club book to be sure.
The Wackiest Wildwest Adventure
The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson by Glenn McCarty
This coming of age story was enjoyed by the whole family as we sprawled out in the screened in porch on hot summer nights. We enjoyed the antics of Tumbleweed and were proud of the ways that Eugene grew throughout the summer. I mean, how could you not root for a kid named Eugene?
The Best Spy Book
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
We listened to this one while driving all over southern California and it kept us all engaged and guessing. A group of exceptional, quirky children are tasked to save the world from being brainwashed. Not an easy task but through smarts, and grit, and teamwork…well, you’ll just have to read it.
The Best Kids’ Devotional
How Great is Our God by Louie Giglio
The boys and I enjoyed this science based devotional. It often spurred us on to further research, not because it was lacking but because out interest was piqued. Louie Giglio’s wonderment over God’s green earth and all that fills it combined with his ability to see the spiritual truths tucked into every corner of creation is a gift indeed.
So grab a book and curl up. Reading adventures await!
