This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links—at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
Updated on March 14, 2024.
I had such a five-star reading streak in January, and then February was kind of a letdown. I’m hoping my books for Middle Grade March and my other spring to-be-read books will take me out of my reading slump!
This is a very ambitious TBR though, given my work schedule and life stuff going on. But we’ll take it a day at a time and try to make room for reading as much as possible. That’s why we call it hopefuls anyway, right?!
Some of these are even on my list of book club books for 2024. I’ll keep you posted on my thoughts!
I’ve already read Funny Story by Emily Henry (on of my favorite authors), which was one of my most anticipated books of 2024. I loved it, so I feel like no matter what I pick up next, it’s been a good season of reading.
Here are the books I’m excited to pick up next:
The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill
Thank you to Algonquin Young Readers for this review copy!
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2022, and I read it for Middle Grade March when I was suuuuper pregnant.
I want to reread it because I felt so distracted during that busy season of life, and I love savoring Kelly Barnhill’s words!
The Ogress and the Orphans is an incredible fantasy story about what it means to be truly generous and the power of community. In true Kelly Barnhill fashion, this book beautifully weaves big themes of love, hope in the midst of sorrow, forgiveness, and courage.
The Ogress and the Orphans was published on March 8, 2022, from Algonquin Young Readers.
The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale by Virginia Kantra
I went to Virginia Kantra’s author event back in January, and I can’t believe I haven’t read this book yet! Inspired by The Wizard of Oz? Are you kidding me? This romance book looks so good.
Dorothy Gale clearly goes on a journey of self-realization and transformation, which is perfect for spring, IMO. And I’m definitely in the mood to read about a strong female protagonist who finds herself (and love)!
Also, the setting takes place in Ireland, which sounds perfect right now. Found family, romance, and a heartwarming story of facing your fears. . . . I’m in.
The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale was published on December 5, 2023, from Berkley.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a great book to read for spring! I’m due for a good American classic coming-of-age story.
This simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting classic is about a young girl named Francie Nolan and her formative years in Williamsburg at the turn of the century. Betty Smith captures the attention of every reader with this one.
I think this one would make an incredible book club book if your group is looking for classics.
I can’t wait to walk the streets of Brooklyn with Francie and see the world through her eyes and fall in love with these characters.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn was first published on August 18, 1943, from HarperCollins Publishers.
The Magic All Around by Jennifer Moorman
The Magic All Around is on my to-be-read pile for spring and is one of my most anticipated books for 2024! It sounds soo good, and for some reason, magical realism sounds perfect for spring.
I love a good family story where each family member has a subtle but clearly magical and extraordinary gift. Family secrets and drama with a little magic thrown in is my favorite combination.
Also, the small town where they live looks like the perfect setting, and I hear this one is really gripping.
The Magic All Around was published on January 15, 2024, from Harper Muse.
The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry
The Secret Book of Flora Lea is our March book club pick for my virtual book club! Feel free to join us—i’m hopeful the author will be joining us, too. 😊
This historical fiction book sounds right up my alley. A woman finds a rare book that holds the key to secrets from her past?! Yes! This one takes place in war-torn London of 1939 and follows fourteen-year-old Hazel and five-year-old Flora, who are forced to leave their rural village during World War II.
From what I’ve gathered, it’s a little magical with a mystery and a bit or romance thrown in. I can’t wait to read and discuss with the book club!
The Secret Book of Flora Lea was published on May 2, 2023, from Atria Books.
Have you read any of these books, or are you planning to pick any of them up in the next few months? What are your spring hopefuls? Let me know!
I’m so excited for many of these, too, especially Black Cake!
Yesss i’ve heard nothing but AMAZING things about Black Cake! Have you picked up The Ogress and the Orphans yet?! I feel like that will be right up your alley!