Shawnee Randolph

Apples are turning, the wind is changing and the school bells are ringing, calling all eager students back to the classroom. With the earth orbiting a bit further from the sun, fall-lovers’ pumpkin senses are tingling. But while it’s not quite time to put away the BBQ and the lawn furniture, September still offers a sense of coziness even as warmer weather lingers awhile…

In my neck of the woods (Bismarck, North Dakota), in one day’s time, we went from 90+ degrees to a high of 67. Though there are still some high 70s and even an 80 degree day in the forecast, it’s coming. I feel it in my bones.

I feel it in my… books…

*ahem* Did someone say, reading a good book under the starry night sky next to a cozy fire? I did. I did say that. 

And no genre offers more of a cozy, nostalgic feel than… you guessed it… Middle-Grade! I neglected TBR pile over the summer. Today feels like the perfect day to set a reading goal for the month.

My September Middle-Grade Book Pile:

Matilda: The perfect shift into this magical season, “Matilda” by Roald Dahl is a spell-binding classic. This story follows the sweet, brilliant, book-loving Matilda as she, under the nose of her neglectful parents, enrolls herself into a new school that happens to have a terribly cruel headmistress. With a swoosh of magic and a lot of heart, Matilda teaches about the power of knowledge and the importance of standing up for oneself.

I’ll admit, while I’ve never read the book, I love the 1995 film adaptation. I love everything about it. I’ll also admit, I’ve not yet watched the musical. One more confession: this book has been in my TBR for 15 years. 

Anne of the Island: Anne is off to college in the third book in the Anne of Green Gables series by Lucy Maud Montgomery. This coming-of-age story follows Anne Shirley navigates the ups and downs of young adulthood. Filled with charming characters, beautiful descriptions of Prince Edward Island, and heartwarming moments of friendship, Anne of the Island is a classic that will leave you feeling nostalgic for simpler times.

Oh, I adore Anne. She is so romantical. When I read about Avonlea and the Green Gables, it makes me want to wake up at 5 a.m. and bake bread and run down the lane to my best friend’s house and have tea and write a play for the townspeople. 

(I did bake bread over the weekend. Cinnamon swirl bread, to be exact. But I baked it at 9’o’clock at night. I suppose Marilla would be okay with that?)

The Secret Zoo: Going back to school isn’t complete without at least one field trip to the zoo. “The Secret Zoo” by Bryan Chick is a thrilling adventure that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. When siblings Noah and Megan discover a secret zoo hidden within their local zoo, they embark on a dangerous mission to save the animals from an evil organization. With action-packed scenes, lovable animal characters, and themes of bravery and teamwork, “The Secret Zoo” is a must-read for any animal lover.

I picked this one up at a Goodwill. I liked the cover. It seemed nostalgic, like something I might have enjoyed as a kid. Other than the cover and a good blurb, I have nothing else to go off of. 🙂 I’ll report back on Instagram.

There you have it…

Whether you’re in the mood for a heartwarming story, an action-packed adventure, or a classic tale of magic and wonder, these middle-grade books have got you covered. So grab a cozy blanket, a hot drink, some cinnamon swirl bread (<–recipe I used) and dive into the world of Anne, Noah and Megan, and Matilda this September.

And if you like nostalgic reads…

I’ve been told my book, “The Author and The Illustrator,” is a good book to curl up with. From IndieReader: “THE AUTHOR AND THE ILLUSTRATOR will ensnare readers who enjoyed The Chronicles of Narnia, His Dark Materials, and The Secret Garden for its immersive world-building, strong heroine, and beautiful magic. Readers will be eagerly awaiting the next installment in this fantastical series. What an adventure!”

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