28 Comments
User's avatar
Sydney Frusti's avatar

One of my favorite books lately is Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson. It's my #1 nonfiction rec, especially for anyone doing creative kingdom work!

Emily Barnett's avatar

YES. It's such a good one!! I limited my authors to one book each, otherwise I would've added it!! Thank you for mentioning it :)

Sydney Frusti's avatar

So good!

Kris Ann Valdez's avatar

What a fun list!!! I recommend Rooftoppers and Sweep: The Girl & Her Monster (sounds weird, but truly a phenomenal read!) for MG additions. I can’t wait to read some of these in 2026!! Thanks for sharing!

Emily Barnett's avatar

Ooo I need to add these to ours! I’ve heard great things. Thanks for the reminder! My son is reading this age range now. 👌

Meagan Davenport's avatar

Yesss _Ivory City_ was really good!

Emily Barnett's avatar

I just finished it a couple nights ago and loved it!!!

Barbara Gay's avatar

I've been reading "23 Tales" by Leo Tolstoy to my husband. It's wonderful and thought-provoking. Have you read it?

TheWriterlyDragonSlayer's avatar

This was fun! You should do a yearly list!

Emily Barnett's avatar

Thank you! That is the plan—remind me next winter, will ya? haha! Your book will be up on this list one day! *heart eyes*

TheWriterlyDragonSlayer's avatar

I will definitely remind you!! And, I hadn’t even thought of that 😂🙈

Sherry Graf's avatar

Even though I'm retired from homeschooling I still drool over a good book list! Passing this on to some younger moms. Love you dear!

Emily Barnett's avatar

Yay! We never retire from reading! 😆

Sherry Graf's avatar

Indeed. My sons always get a new book/ series on Christmas Eve. I’ll definitely be recommending they check out your list. ;)

Moriah Chavis, Author's avatar

Thank you so much for including Leighanna’s story 😊

Emily Barnett's avatar

I can’t wait to read it!!!

Alyssa Christine's avatar

This is a wonderful list, there are so many I want to read on here!

Emily Barnett's avatar

It’s a never ending TBR list isn’t it? 😆

Alice Cantrell's avatar

Oh, I do love a good book list. Thank you!

Emily Barnett's avatar

Absolutely 😍

Emily Barnett's avatar

I can't wait for him to be on the 2026 list ;)

Melody Trowell's avatar

This is a wonderfully thorough list! I love how you broke down all the categories for us. Thank you! And thanks for including my book! 🥹🥰

Emily Barnett's avatar

Absolutely, friend! Your book is so unique and inspiring. I loved it!

Andrea Renae's avatar

I got WondLa for my daughter and I’m so excited!

Amber Thiessen's avatar

It's a book reader's favourite time of year when all the year-end favourites drop! I love getting a glimpse of what shaped people. I also really enjoyed Magic & Miracles so helpful for the discerning reader. For a rom-com, I really enjoyed The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley. I added a few from your list to my TBR. Thanks for sharing!

Emily Barnett's avatar

Ohh, I'll have to check that one out. Thank you!