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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!

Our Favorite Children's Author

Last week I finished a delightful book - Toto: The Dog-Gone Amazing Story of the Wizard of Oz - which is the story of the Wizard of Oz told from Toto’s perspective. Not only was it so sweet to view the story through Toto’s loyal dog eyes, but it was also good fun (the audio was excellent!).

This book was written by Michael Morpurgo. After I finished it I realized just how many books we have read by Michael Morpurgo over the years, and how much we have loved each one of them.

(In my own reading life, I’ve also included several books by Michael Morpurgo - because as an adult reader I want to read widely and well.)

You might be familiar with his most famous book, War Horse, but we have loved at least ten of his books in addition to War Horse.

Whether you use them as a read-aloud “just because” or choose titles that will coincide specifically with your history or science studies, there are so many choices! (I could even see challenging your avid readers to a month of Michael Morpurgo!)

Our Favorite Children's Book Author

Our Favorite Children’s Author: Michael Morpurgo

Michael Morpurgo is a British author, born in 1943. He has written over 100 books - including short stories, novels, picture books, and chapter books.

Because he was born during the Second World War, many of his books are informed by his childhood experiences and those of a nation plagued by war from the early to mid-1900s.

Rudyard Kipling and Robert Louis Stevenson are his favorite authors - and you can see those influences in so many of his books.

I always enjoy learning about authors and what motivates and inspires them. These resources will help your children learn more about Michael Morpurgo:

Why We Enjoy Books by Michael Morpurgo

These books are perfect for upper elementary/middle grades (or adults like me who love to read children’s books for fun!).

A few reasons why we love his books:

  • Many of the books have a historical connection - based on true stories

  • There is always a whimsical element to his books

  • Mopurgo doesn’t shy away from strong emotions or difficult events - but he presents them in such a way that helps us facilitate discussion through the events and characters in his stories

  • Many of his characters are children - faced with difficult decisions who act heroically

  • He obviously loves animals, and this shines through in so many of his stories

  • Many of Morpurgo’s stories are just plain funny!

Favorite Books by Michael Morpurgo

The first Morpurgo book we read was The Butterfly Lion. It was so good my children had me read it to them in just one day. It is the story of a young boy who rescues an orphaned white lion cub from the African bush. They are inseparable until the boy (Bertie) must go to boarding school and the lion is sold to the circus. What happens next is emotional - and ultimately very touching.

We then found Morpurgo’s adaptations of classics - Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight were favorites! We read them aloud in elementary school, and then revisited them when the kids read the actual works in high school. They are FABULOUS introductions to these classic works.

Several of his books have been heart-wrenching and touching - teaching us so much about history. The Elephant in the Garden and Private Peaceful are two stand-outs.

My recent favorite is Toto: The Dog-Gone Amazing Story of the Wizard of Oz - which is the Wizard of Oz told from Toto’s perspective. I found myself laughing out loud in so many parts, and the audio was delightful! This would be such fun to use in a compare/contrast with Baum’s original Wizard of Oz.

Below you will find all of the books we have read and loved, and there are SO MANY MORE to explore. Remember, this is only a list of ten of his books - he’s written over ONE HUNDRED!

I hope you get a chance to include literature by Michael Morpurgo during your reading times with your children.

We have formed beautiful memories and made valuable connections because of these books - and I hope you can, too.

I’m curious - have you read books by Michael Morpurgo?

Do you have a favorite? Leave me a comment and let me know!