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January 2026 Reading Challenge: Start at the Beginning

There’s something especially hopeful about beginning a new year with the beginning of a story. For our January 2026 Homegrown Book Picks Reading Challenge, (click that link to print the full 2026 challenge) we’re inviting readers to do just that: choose the first book in a series and begin a longer reading journey.

This challenge is designed primarily for adults and will take place inside our Homegrown Book Picks Facebook group. The goal is simple and achievable—start a series and see where it leads. Many of us, however, love to read with our children or encourage them to join in alongside us. Because of that, I’ve intentionally included a section of child-appropriate series as well, so families can share the rhythm of reading while still honoring different ages and interests.

Whether you’re choosing a novel just for yourself, reading aloud as a family, or pairing your book with one your child can enjoy independently, these series offer rich places to begin the year.

Adult Book Series Recommendations

The Windy City Saga by Jocelyn Green

First Book: Veiled in Smoke

Set in post–Great Chicago Fire Chicago, this series opens with a beautifully atmospheric novel following two sisters navigating grief, resilience, and rebuilding. Rich in setting and character, it’s an excellent choice for readers who love immersive historical fiction.

The Swan House Trilogy by Elizabeth Musser

First Book: The Swan House

This trilogy begins with The Swan House, a beautifully written story set in Atlanta that weaves together art, history, faith, and personal healing. Centered around a historic home and the lives connected to it, the novel explores restoration—both physical and spiritual—making it an excellent choice for readers who appreciate layered characters, a strong sense of place, and gentle but meaningful themes.

The Timeless Series by Gabrielle Meyer

First Book: When the Day Comes

This series opener introduces a woman living two lives in two different historical eras, forced to choose between them. It’s a compelling blend of history, faith, and the weight of personal choice. I’m generally not a fan of time travel, but I enjoyed the entire series!

Dering Family Series by D. E. Stevenson

First Book: Vittoria Cottage

A gentle, character-driven novel that opens the door to Stevenson’s cozy, relationship-rich storytelling. Caroline Dering, a widow with three grown children, lives a cheerful, quiet life near the idyllic English village of Ashbridge. But things are about to liven up! Perfect for readers who appreciate quiet humor, domestic life, and emotional warmth.

The Hawk and the Dove Series by Penelope Wilcox

First Book: The Hawk and the Dove

This historical series begins with a story of loyalty, courage, and divided allegiances—a thoughtful option for readers who enjoy layered moral questions within a strong historical framework. Set in a Benedictine monastery in the 14th century, the stories of the monks make me smile.

The Emma M. Lion Series by Beth Brower

First Book: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, Volume 1

Witty, observant, and full of heart, this series opens with Emma’s return to her old London neighborhood and the journals that chronicle her life and relationships. Ideal for readers who love character-driven humor.

Note: The audio of this series is excellent! I breezed through the first 8 volumes this year and am anxiously awaiting number 9!

St. Simons Series by Eugenia Price

First Book: The Lighthouse

This series begins on the Georgia coast with The Lighthouse, a richly atmospheric novel rooted in faith, family, and place. Eugenia Price brings the history of St. Simons Island to life through deeply human characters, making this an excellent starting point for readers who love regional historical fiction with spiritual depth.

You can visit St. Simon’s Island and take a tour of the places mentioned in this series - it’s on my 2026 bucket list!

The Emmy Lake Chronicles by AJ Pierce

First Book: Dear Miss Lake

Told through letters and personal correspondence, this series (set in wartime Britain) opens with a story that values voice, relationship, and thoughtful reflection—a lovely option for readers who enjoy epistolary storytelling.

The Port William Series by Wendell Berry

First Book: Nathan Coulter

This beloved series begins with a quiet, powerful novel grounded in land, family, and community. Ideal for readers who appreciate reflective storytelling and a strong sense of place. This series might become a beloved favorite - I know it did for me!

Children’s Recommended Book Series

Anna Solden Series by Jean Little

First Book: From Anna (Recommended ages: 8–11)

A tender, empathetic story about family, belonging, and courage. Anna’s perfect brothers and sisters call her "Awkward Anna." When Papa announces that the family is moving from Germany to Canada (just before WWII), Anna's heart sinks. How can she learn English when she can't even read German? Nothing could be worse than this! A beautiful introduction to Jean Little’s compassionate storytelling.

The “Shoe Books” Series by Noel Streatfeild

First Book: Ballet Shoes (Recommended ages: 8–12)

A timeless classic following three adopted sisters pursuing dreams in dance and theater. Warm, aspirational, and enduring. I read most of the shoe books in this series aloud to my daughter - they are a beloved memory for us!


The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

First Book: The Penderwicks (Recommended ages: 8–12)

Joyful, humorous, and family-centered, this series opener introduces four sisters and their summer adventures. An excellent read-aloud or independent choice. As an adult, I LOVED these for myself, too.


The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser

First Book: The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street (Recommended ages: 9–13)

Lively and heartwarming, this book celebrates sibling teamwork and community as five children work to save their home. There are SEVEN books in this series, and I’ve only read the first - I hope to read more this year.


The Wolf Hollow Series by Lauren Wolk

First Book: Wolf Hollow (Recommended ages: 10–14)

This beautifully written series opens with a powerful story about justice, courage, and moral choice. Later books, including My Own Lightning, continue these themes. Both books offer complete stories and don't require reading the other, as they share a setting and themes rather than direct plot continuation.


The Out of My Mind Series by Sharon M. Draper

First Book: Out of My Mind (Recommended ages: 9–13)

This series begins with Melody, a brilliant girl with cerebral palsy whose inner world is rich and insightful. Compassionate and discussion-worthy, with later books including Out of My Heart. I think this series is a must-read for teens!


Starting with the first book in a series is an invitation to linger, to return, and to grow alongside characters over time. Whether you’re reading solo or alongside your children, we hope this January challenge helps you begin the year with good books, meaningful conversations, and the quiet joy of a story just getting started.

Don’t forget to join us in our Facebook group and/or on Instagram. We have a vibrant, edifying community of readers. It’s a GREAT place to be!

If you’re joining us and have picked a book, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below! I’m glad you’re here - and happy reading!

You Always Have a Choice: The Mindset Shift That Happens When You Homeschool

I’ve been advocating for the choice to homeschool for many years now. As I watch a new generation of parents and children, I feel the need to beat the drum a bit louder. Perhaps you’ve heard this message from me before, or maybe this is the first time - You can homeschool!

There’s a moment in many homeschooling families that feels almost like stepping through a hidden door. You walk away from the familiar structure of traditional schooling, gather your children close, and choose something different. At first it feels risky—uncomfortable even. But then something remarkable happens: you begin to see differently. And then you feel …. FREEDOM.

When you step out of one system, you start asking questions about every system. You start noticing where you once handed over decisions simply because “that’s how it’s done.” You notice how much of childhood—of family life, of learning, of identity—gets shaped by institutions that were never designed with your particular children in mind.

And then you realize something both liberating and sobering:

You always have a choice.

That may be the most important shift of all.

You Always Have a Choice: The Choice to HOmeschool

Stepping Away From the Default

Traditional school is the default for most people. It’s what they experienced, what their neighbors are doing, what society quietly assumes. But familiarity doesn’t equal rightness. A thing can be common without being best.

When we decided to homeschool, we didn’t just opt out of school—we opted into a more intentional approach. We opted into asking better questions. We opted into reclaiming the responsibility that always belonged to us.

Once you step away, you see clearly. You notice how reflexively we hand our children over to systems because it feels normal. And yet, if you pause and think carefully…

We wouldn’t give a stranger our credit card.

We wouldn’t hand over our house keys to them.

We wouldn’t entrust them with our most valuable possessions.

So why were we so comfortable handing them what is infinitely more precious—our children—because that was simply “what people do”?

It’s a jolting question, but an important one.

The Courage to Question

Questioning is not rebellion for rebellion’s sake. It’s discernment. It’s stewardship. It’s an act of love.

Homeschooling teaches you to trust your own instincts again. To trust that you know your child better than any expert, institution, or standardized blueprint ever could.

Choosing a different path doesn’t mean scorning those who choose otherwise. It simply means refusing to outsource the heart of your family life to systems that weren’t built to honor the uniqueness of your children.

As parents, we are called to weigh things carefully.

We are allowed to say:

“This doesn’t fit my child.”

“This environment doesn’t nurture curiosity.”

“This schedule doesn’t honor the pace of our family.”

“This system doesn’t align with our values.”

And we’re allowed to choose differently.

This pertains to school, sports, other extra-curriculars — you name it, you have the permission to CHOOSE DIFFERENTLY.

A Grace-Filled Boldness

Homeschooling has not made our family perfect. Not even close. But it has made us awake. More discerning. More willing to take responsibility for the shaping of our children’s minds, hearts, and days.

It has made our family closer, our children confident communicators, and our appreciation of INDEPENDENCE deeper.

If you’re a parent standing on the edge of this decision—hesitant, curious, maybe a little scared—here’s what I want you to hear:

You are capable.

You are allowed.

You have choices.

You don’t need to justify your instincts. You don’t need to apologize for protecting childhood. You don’t need permission to honor what you know to be true for your family.

And you don’t need to hand your children to a system simply because it’s the culturally expected thing to do.

Choosing homeschool is an act of ownership, courage, and profound love. It’s a decision that ripples into every part of life and reshapes how you see the world.

Once you question one system, you learn to question them all—and in that questioning, you reclaim something precious: your authority, your voice, and the deep, quiet knowledge that your children belong with you.

That shift is worth everything. (Ask me how I know!)