There’s one thing particularly hopeful about starting a brand new 12 months with the starting of a narrative. For our January 2026 Homegrown Guide Picks Studying Problem, (click on that hyperlink to print the total 2026 problem) we’re inviting readers to just do that: select the first e book in a sequence and start an extended studying journey.

This problem is designed primarily for adults and can happen inside our Homegrown Guide Picks Fb group. The objective is easy and achievable—begin a sequence and see the place it leads. Many people, nevertheless, like to learn with our youngsters or encourage them to affix in alongside us. Due to that, I’ve deliberately included a bit of child-appropriate sequence as properly, so households can share the rhythm of studying whereas nonetheless honoring completely different ages and pursuits.

Whether or not you’re selecting a novel only for your self, studying aloud as a household, or pairing your e book with one your little one can take pleasure in independently, these sequence supply wealthy locations to start the 12 months.

Grownup Guide Collection Suggestions

The Windy Metropolis Saga by Jocelyn Inexperienced

First Guide: Veiled in Smoke

Set in publish–Nice Chicago Hearth Chicago, this sequence opens with a fantastically atmospheric novel following two sisters navigating grief, resilience, and rebuilding. Wealthy in setting and character, it’s a wonderful alternative for readers who love immersive historic fiction.

The Swan Home Trilogy by Elizabeth Musser

First Guide: The Swan Home

This trilogy begins with The Swan Home, a fantastically written story set in Atlanta that weaves collectively artwork, historical past, religion, and private therapeutic. Centered round a historic residence and the lives related to it, the novel explores restoration—each bodily and religious—making it a wonderful alternative for readers who admire layered characters, a robust sense of place, and delicate however significant themes.

The Timeless Collection by Gabrielle Meyer

First Guide: When the Day Comes

This sequence opener introduces a lady dwelling two lives in two completely different historic eras, pressured to decide on between them. It’s a compelling mix of historical past, religion, and the burden of private alternative. I’m typically not a fan of time journey, however I loved your entire sequence!

Dering Household Collection by D. E. Stevenson

First Guide: Vittoria Cottage

A delicate, character-driven novel that opens the door to Stevenson’s cozy, relationship-rich storytelling. Caroline Dering, a widow with three grown kids, lives a cheerful, quiet life close to the idyllic English village of Ashbridge. However issues are about to brighten up! Good for readers who admire quiet humor, home life, and emotional heat.

The Hawk and the Dove Collection by Penelope Wilcox

First Guide: The Hawk and the Dove

This historic sequence begins with a narrative of loyalty, braveness, and divided allegiances—a considerate choice for readers who take pleasure in layered ethical questions inside a robust historic framework. Set in a Benedictine monastery within the 14th century, the tales of the monks make me smile.

The Emma M. Lion Collection by Beth Brower

First Guide: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, Quantity 1

Witty, observant, and stuffed with coronary heart, this sequence opens with Emma’s return to her outdated London neighborhood and the journals that chronicle her life and relationships. Ultimate for readers who love character-driven humor.

Be aware: The audio of this sequence is superb! I breezed by means of the primary 8 volumes this 12 months and am anxiously awaiting quantity 9!

St. Simons Collection by Eugenia Value

First Guide: The Lighthouse

This sequence begins on the Georgia coast with The Lighthouse, a richly atmospheric novel rooted in religion, household, and place. Eugenia Value brings the historical past of St. Simons Island to life by means of deeply human characters, making this a wonderful place to begin for readers who love regional historic fiction with religious depth.

You may go to St. Simon’s Island and take a tour of the locations talked about on this sequence – it’s on my 2026 bucket listing!

The Emmy Lake Chronicles by AJ Pierce

First Guide: Pricey Miss Lake

Instructed by means of letters and private correspondence, this sequence (set in wartime Britain) opens with a narrative that values voice, relationship, and considerate reflection—a stunning choice for readers who take pleasure in epistolary storytelling.

The Port William Collection by Wendell Berry

First Guide: Nathan Coulter

This beloved sequence begins with a quiet, highly effective novel grounded in land, household, and neighborhood. Ultimate for readers who admire reflective storytelling and a robust sense of place. This sequence would possibly grow to be a beloved favourite – I do know it did for me!

Veiled in Smoke: (A Historic Fiction Collection with Thriller and Intrigue Set in Late 1800’s and Early 1900’s Chicago) (The Windy Metropolis Saga)The Swan Home (The Swan Home Collection #1)When the Day Comes: An Inspirational Colonial and Gilded Age-Period Time-Journey Historic Romance (Timeless)Vittoria CottageThe Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 1Lighthouse: First Novel within the St. Simons TrilogyPricey Miss Lake: A Novel (The Emmy Lake Chronicles)Nathan CoulterThe Hawk and the Dove (The Hawk and the Dove Collection)

Kids’s Beneficial Guide Collection

Anna Solden Collection by Jean Little

First Guide: From Anna (Beneficial ages: 8–11)

A young, empathetic story about household, belonging, and braveness. Anna’s good brothers and sisters name her “Awkward Anna.” When Papa proclaims that the household is shifting from Germany to Canada (simply earlier than WWII), Anna’s coronary heart sinks. How can she be taught English when she will be able to’t even learn German? Nothing might be worse than this! A phenomenal introduction to Jean Little’s compassionate storytelling.

The “Shoe Books” Collection by Noel Streatfeild

First Guide: Ballet Sneakers (Beneficial ages: 8–12)

A timeless traditional following three adopted sisters pursuing goals in dance and theater. Heat, aspirational, and enduring. I learn many of the shoe books on this sequence aloud to my daughter – they’re a beloved reminiscence for us!

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

First Guide: The Penderwicks (Beneficial ages: 8–12)

Joyful, humorous, and family-centered, this sequence opener introduces 4 sisters and their summer time adventures. A superb read-aloud or unbiased alternative. As an grownup, I LOVED these for myself, too.

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Avenue by Karina Yan Glaser

First Guide: The Vanderbeekers of 141st Avenue (Beneficial ages: 9–13)

Energetic and heartwarming, this e book celebrates sibling teamwork and neighborhood as 5 kids work to save lots of their residence. There are SEVEN books on this sequence, and I’ve solely learn the primary – I hope to learn extra this 12 months.

The Wolf Hole Collection by Lauren Wolk

First Guide: Wolf Hole (Beneficial ages: 10–14)

This fantastically written sequence opens with a robust story about justice, braveness, and ethical alternative. Later books, together with My Personal Lightning, proceed these themes. Each books supply full tales and do not require studying the opposite, as they share a setting and themes slightly than direct plot continuation.

The Out of My Thoughts Collection by Sharon M. Draper

First Guide: Out of My Thoughts (Beneficial ages: 9–13)

This sequence begins with Melody, an excellent woman with cerebral palsy whose inside world is wealthy and insightful. Compassionate and discussion-worthy, with later books together with Out of My Coronary heart. I believe this sequence is a must-read for teenagers!

From AnnaBallet Sneakers (The Shoe Books) by Noel Streatfeild (1993-11-23)[The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy] [By: Birdsall, Jeanne] [March, 2007]The Vanderbeekers of 141st Avenue: Nice for Vacation and Christmas Studying or GiftingWolf HoleOut of My Thoughts

Beginning with the primary e book in a sequence is an invite to linger, to return, and to develop alongside characters over time. Whether or not you’re studying solo or alongside your kids, we hope this January problem helps you start the 12 months with good books, significant conversations, and the quiet pleasure of a narrative simply getting began.

Don’t overlook to affix us in our Fb group and/or on Instagram. We have now a vibrant, edifying neighborhood of readers. It’s a GREAT place to be!

If you happen to’re becoming a member of us and have picked a e book, I’d love to listen to about it within the feedback under! I’m glad you’re right here – and completely satisfied studying!