January Book Recommendations for Families: Top Picks for Kids, Teens & Adults

January 18, 2020July 10, 2025

As we kick off a new year, there’s no better time to cozy up with a good book and dive into fresh stories, inspiring reads, and captivating tales for every age. Whether you’re searching for something to motivate your child, entertain your teen, or enjoy yourself, I’ve rounded up a mix of favorites from past January editions of Ellen’s Book Nook — a trifecta of recommendations to keep your entire family reading through the winter.

For Young Readers

“The Good Egg” by Jory John and Pete Oswald
A hilarious and heartwarming story about the pressure to be perfect and the freedom of letting go. A great lesson in self-care and balance, wrapped in a fun, egg-themed adventure.

“We Don’t Eat Our Classmates” by Ryan T. Higgins
This laugh-out-loud picture book helps kids navigate empathy and social interactions through the eyes of Penelope Rex, a dinosaur starting school… who happens to eat her classmates. A fun way to spark discussion with your young ones.

“Ada Twist, Scientist” by Andrea Beaty
Perfect for curious minds, this beautifully illustrated book introduces readers to Ada, a girl with endless questions and a love for science. Inspires creativity and encourages girls to embrace STEM.

For Middle Grade Readers

“The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown
An intriguing blend of nature and technology, this book tells the story of a robot who finds herself alone on an island, learning to survive and adapt. A beautiful story about belonging and the meaning of home.

“Pax” by Sara Pennypacker
A moving tale of a boy and his pet fox, separated by war. This story speaks to the strength of friendship and the pain of growing up in a world filled with change.

“The War that Saved My Life” by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Set during WWII, this is the story of Ada, a young girl who escapes her abusive mother during the evacuation of London. Poignant and powerful, it’s a tale of resilience and hope.

For Teens and Young Adults

“One of Us Is Lying” by Karen M. McManus
A modern-day whodunit set in a high school, this suspenseful read grips teens from page one. Think The Breakfast Club meets Pretty Little Liars.

“Turtles All the Way Down” by John Green
John Green dives deep into mental health, anxiety, and relationships in this beautifully written novel. Honest, raw, and relatable for older teens.

“Scythe” by Neal Shusterman
A thrilling, thought-provoking read set in a future where death has been conquered — and a select group must now control who dies. Ideal for teens who love dystopian fiction with ethical dilemmas.

For Adults

“Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
This quirky, touching novel follows Eleanor as she learns to open up, connect, and confront her past. Equal parts funny and heartbreaking.

“Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
This haunting and lyrical story of a mysterious murder in a Southern marsh blends romance, suspense, and nature writing into a compelling page-turner.

“Becoming” by Michelle Obama
More than a memoir, this book is an inspiring journey through identity, motherhood, ambition, and public life. A must-read for women at any stage in life.

A Fresh Chapter for the New Year

January is the perfect time to refresh your reading list and set the tone for a year full of stories that spark imagination, build empathy, and challenge perspectives. Whether you’re reading aloud with your kids, discussing books with your teen, or carving out time for yourself, these recommendations offer something for everyone in the family. Happy reading!

By Guest Blogger Ellen Bryant Lloyd

Ellen Bryant Lloyd is the author of FRECKLES and FRECKLES and The Great Beach Rescue. Please visit funwithfreckles.com and facebook.com/funwithfreckles to learn more about Freckles. Ellen writes a blog about her perspectives on life and parenting at mindfulmom.wordpress.com and tweets at @EllenBLloyd. She lives in Greensboro with her husband and two children.