Spring break, or any break really, is a great time to dive into a book. If you have made your way to a sunny shore, or perhaps you have holed up in a snowy cabin for a ski trip, having a book to read in the quiet times is a wonderful break from the daily grind. I personally love the feel of a book in my hands and as such have never quite taken to the Kindle experience but everyone has their preferences.
From whimsical adventures for the younger readers to fantastical voyages for young adults, reading during spring break can be a delightful escape for everyone, enriching vacation time with the joy and wonder of discovery. We have made a small listing of some books we think you and your family might enjoy over the break. Some are older, some are newer, many are a series you can explore fully. All are somebody's favorite!
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Ages 7 -12
Pax
Pax: Journey Home
Author Sara Pennypacker
This endearing series is hands down my daughter's favorite books. She took to the series so much so that we now have a bevy of stuffed foxes all over the house. The first book tells the heartfelt story of a boy named Peter and his fox, Pax, whom he rescued as a kit. When his father goes off to war, Peter is forced to leave Pax behind. Unwilling to accept the loss of his beloved friend he embarks on a journey to reunite with him, facing challenges and growth along the way. Pax, adapting to the wild, encounters other foxes and learns about survival and friendship. Their journeys explore themes of love, loyalty, and the impact of human conflict on nature.
The second book picks up the story of Peter and Pax a year after their separation. Now an orphan, Peter joins a group called Water Warriors to repair watercourses damaged during the war, while Pax, now with a mate Bristle and kits, faces challenges in the wild. When one of these kits gets very ill, Pax seeks out the only human he can trust and the two find themselves on a collision course towards healing and each other once again.
Note: The books are a lovely story but they do deal with the topics of death, war, and the destruction it brings.
Pax Boxed Set (Hardcover)
The Wild Robot
The Wild Robot Escapes
The Wild Robot Protects
Author Peter Brown
Another favorite in our household, but fortunately we don't have robots everywhere now. The first book is the tale of Roz, a robot who unexpectedly finds herself on a deserted island. Initially, her mechanical nature makes survival and integration into the island's ecosystem a challenge. However, Roz slowly adapts, learning from the island's animal inhabitants and gradually becoming a part of their community. The story explores themes of nature, technology, and the meaning of life, as Roz navigates the complexities of friendship, motherhood, and survival in an untamed wilderness.
In the second offering Roz finds herself captured and reprogrammed to work on a farm. Despite her new life and duties, she yearns to return to her island and the animal friends she left behind. The sequel explores Roz's journey as she navigates challenges and makes new alliances, highlighting themes of friendship, perseverance, and the importance of finding one's true home.
In the final book we have Roz happily back on her island with her animal friends until one day a poison tide threatens their existence. Roz sets off to find the source of this poison tide and stop it. In her journey she encounters unique geological formations and amazing creatures, and she sees the devastation caused by the poison tide. Can she find the source and save her island in time?
The Wild Robot Paperback (Vol. 1)
Wild Robot Boxed Set (Hardcover)
Ages 13 -18 (Young Adult)
The Stormlight Archive
Author Brandon Sanderson
The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan was one of my favorite fantasy sci-fi series and when he passed in 2007 I was devastated that I'd not get to read the end of the epic series. Fortunately Brandon Sanderson, working with extensive notes from Robert, was able to complete the saga in 3 final volumes. I was so impressed by his writing and how well he echoed Jordan's work that I went on to read some of his other books. This is a pretty good read at 4 books and counting (the 5th is due to get released December 2024). While I have placed this in the YA section, this could just as easily be located in the adult sci-fi/fantasy section as well. The books that are available currently are:
Here's a brief synopsis of the first four books in the series:
The Way of Kings (2010) - This first book introduces you to the world of Roshar and its complex system of magic, politics, and ancient history. It follows several main characters, like Kaladin, who evolves from a slave to the leader of a revolutionary group of soldiers. There is also Shallan, a young woman who seeks to study under a renowned scholar to save her family from ruin. And there is Dalinar, a highprince haunted by visions of Roshar's ancient past, urging him towards peace in a land rife with war.
Words of Radiance (2014) - The second book focuses on the further development of its central characters, delving deeper into their backgrounds and the secrets of the Knights Radiant. Shallan's quest for knowledge leads her on a dangerous journey to uncover the mysteries of the ancient order of Knights Radiant and their connection to the mythical voidbringers. Meanwhile, Kaladin grapples with his new powers and the responsibilities they bring.
Oathbringer (2017) - In the third volume, Dalinar's past comes to the forefront, exploring his journey from a ruthless warlord to a leader striving for unity among the fractured kingdoms of Roshar. As ancient truths about the Knights Radiant and the true nature of the enemy emerge, the characters must confront their own beliefs and loyalties.
Rhythm of War (2020) - The fourth book delves into the escalating conflict between the forces of Roshar and the invading singers, a race once thought to be mere mythology. The characters face internal and external battles, exploring the realms of science, magic, and spirituality. New alliances are formed, and new revelations about the nature of the Cosmere (Sanderson's interconnected universe) come to light.
Wind and Truth (December 6, 2024) - Dalinar Kholin has challenged the evil god Odium to a contest of champions, and the Knights Radiant and the nations of Roshar have a mere 10 days to prepare for the worst. The fate of the entire world—and the Cosmere at large—hangs in the balance.
The Way of Kings Paperback (Vol. 1)
Stormlight Archive MM Boxed Set , Books 1-3
The Selection (5 book series)
Author Kiera Cass
Not exactly my cup of tea with this series but I have heard my daughter talk about it from her friends at school. I will be buying them for her in a couple years perhaps but if you have a teenager it might be a great fit. It certainly took the number one spot New York Times bestselling series so that is saying something. This series combines romance, dystopian elements, and the journey of self-discovery within a royal competition setting.
The Selection series synopsis by book:
The Selection: America Singer is one of thirty-five girls chosen for a chance to escape a rigid caste system and live a life of luxury. The competition to win Prince Maxon's heart is fierce, but America's heart is torn between the prince and her first love, Aspen.
The Elite: The competition narrows to six girls, intensifying the challenges. America struggles with her feelings for Maxon and Aspen, while political unrest threatens the kingdom.
The One: America fights for her future with Maxon but faces devastating losses and must decide where her heart truly belongs, as rebel forces grow stronger.
The Heir: Twenty years later, Princess Eadlyn faces her own Selection, showing a different side of the royal family and the complexities of love within the palace walls.
The Crown: In the fifth and final book of the series Eadlyn Schreave, now having taken on the role of the first female ruler in her own Selection, must navigate her feelings for the remaining suitors while addressing the challenges of the kingdom. As political and personal pressures mount, Eadlyn's journey toward finding love and securing the throne culminates in unexpected ways, challenging her perceptions of duty, love, and leadership.
The Selection Paperback (Vol. 1)
The Selection Series Boxed Set, Paperback
Adult Readers
The Empyrean Series
Author Rebecca Yarros
A mix of fantasy and romance (aptly dubbed romantasy) is found in this series. In the first book Fourth Wing, we are introduced to Violet. A 20 year old woman who was expecting to live a quiet scholastic life at the Scribe Quadrant. These plans are upended by her fearsome mother, known to others as the commanding general, when she orders her daughter to enlist as a candidate to become a dragon rider.
Violet's fragile physique poses a unique risk in a world where dragons not only reject the weaker candidates; they incinerate them. With the competition fierce and dangers looming from both the battlefield and within the ranks, including from the formidable Xaden Riorson, Violet relies on her intellect to survive. Amidst escalating war and dark secrets at Basgiath War College, alliances blur as survival and ambition collide.
In the second installment, Iron Flame, Violet has survived so far much to her own surprise. Having passed the first challenge she now faces an even more grueling and emotionally taxing training regimen. One that is designed to strain and break even the strongest of the remaining candidates. Despite the efforts of the new vice commandant's personal vendetta against her, she is determined to navigate the deadly intrigues within the college's walls. Armed with a critical secret that could change everything, her survival and the fate of Basgiath hinge on more than just her ability to endure; they require her to outwit and outlast those who underestimate her.
It is recommended to read these books in order.
Fourth Wing Hardcover
Iron Flame Hardcover
The Secret Fiancée:
Lexington and Raya's Story
Author Catharina Maura
When Lex finds Raya Lewis’s name hidden behind countless security measures on his own family’s servers, he knows it can only mean one thing. Determined to take control of the situation, he sets out to find her — only for Raya to spill her drink all over him within seconds of meeting.
Much to her surprise, the notoriously unattainable tech billionaire asks for only one thing as compensation: six rounds of Truth or Dare. An evening filled with laughter leads to Raya sneaking out of his bed in the morning, not expecting to ever see him again…
…until he shows up as her professor, offering her class the opportunity of a lifetime: an internship at Windsor Motors. What Raya doesn’t realize is that their meeting wasn’t coincidental — and she’s the sole reason he took up a teaching position at all.
After all, Lex knows something she doesn’t: the two of them are arranged to be married. This is the latest of several books in the series "The Windsors" with each previous book being a standalone novel.
Secret Fiancée Paperback
The Long Way Home
Author Richard Chizmar
If you don't think you'll be able to forge your way through a full novel this spring break then try this offering that has seventeen short stories, two essays, and a short script by award-winning and New York Times bestselling author, Richard Chizmar.
Eerie, suspenseful, poignant, the stories in The Long Way Home run the gamut from horror to suspense, crime to dark fantasy, mainstream to mystery. Chizmar's previous short story collection, A Long December, was included on numerous "Best Books of the Year" lists.
The Long Way Home Paperback
Three Inch Teeth
Author C.J. Box
The 24th book in the Joe Pickett series of books about the tenacious Wyoming Game Warden. In this latest installment, a rogue grizzly bear has gone on a rampage—killing, among others, the potential fiancé of Joe’s daughter. At the same time, Dallas Cates, who Joe helped lock up years ago, is released from prison with a special list tattooed on his skin. He wants revenge on the people who sent him away: the six people he blames for the deaths of his entire family and the loss of his reputation and property.
Using the grizzly attacks as cover, Cates sets out to methodically check off his list. The problem is, both Nate Romanowski and Joe Pickett are on it.
Three-Inch Teeth Hardcover
Nothing to your liking on this list? Maybe non-fiction is more your style. Whatever your preference, you can check out what is hot at the Amazon best Sellers List here.
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