In January, I had 30 titles on my #MustReadin2016 list and the best of reading intentions. Learning from other years, I also had a healthy realistic attitude. I knew that life and distractions would get in the way of reading some of these books.
Making a list like this is about being enthused about a year of reading ahead. It is also about building community. 28 other bloggers joined me in making #MustReadin2016 lists of their own. Many people remained connected all year, posting (purely optional always) updates. Of course, in reading other lists and other reading philosophies, our own lists grew. Not a bad problem to have!
My plan was to try and read at least 20, maybe even 25 titles on this list and be proud to have read most of a list I remain excited about. And . . . I did it! 25 books read! And more importantly, enjoyed!
I have posted updates all year so will include just a few words about the last books on this list that I finished.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Every time I talk about this book I wonder the same thing: How can a story about a robot be so tender? Peter Brown includes frequent illustrations which only helps to engage more readers. I want my own copy to include in my class collection. If I teach a younger grade in the future, I would read this aloud in a heart beat.
The Seventh Wish by Kate Messner
I was thrilled to see this in January’s Scholastic flyer because as soon as I read this book I knew it HAD to go into my collection. A must have in any middle grade classroom.
Red: The true story of Red Riding Hood by Liesl Shurtliff
I love spending time in Liesl Shurtliff‘s fairy tale world! Was excited to finally read Red’s story.
The Odds of Getting Even by Sheila Turnage
I just keep getting more attached to these characters! Tupelo Landing seems like a great place to be – lots of drama and mystery but also good friends, tasty and creative diner food and lots to laugh about.
The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater
Oh, the drama, the mystery, the magic. This is a book that truly does pull you in which considering the subject matter, becomes quite creepy. I read the final pages in a public place just to feel safer and connected to reality.
As I did last year, I want to highlight some favourite characters I met during this year of reading.
But first to honour some characters I was thrilled to meet again in sequels: Blue and Gansey in The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater, Ryan Dean West in Standoff by Andrew Smith, Mo and Dale from The Odds of Getting Even by Sheila Turnage and Red from Red: The true story of Red Riding Hood by Liesl Shurtliff.
If you haven’t read the following titles, I highly recommend each of them so that you can meet . . .
Perry T. Cook from All Rise for the Honorable Perry T Cook by Leslie Connor. Perry is a noble guy. His quest to learn about himself and to uncover the stories of the people in his “family” is not to be missed.
Timothy from House Arrest by K.A. Holt is one of the most vulnerable, honest and brave characters I have ever read.
Every character in Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys. This book has not let me go.
Want to know more about #MustReadin2016? Read here This post also includes links to all of the bloggers who wrote Must Read in 2016 lists.
Thinking about joining us for 2017? Please do! Make a list and read some, none or all of the titles on it. Reading is amazing but reading plans are pretty wonderful too! Just reading all of the lists is a great reason to pour a big cup of coffee and do some book dreaming!
We will be sharing lists beginning January 5th 2017! Please join in using the twitter hashtag #mustreadin2017 or by leaving me a comment on this blog and I will add your list.
Here is the image URL code for #Mustreadin2017: (image below) https://thereisabookforthat.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/mustreadin2017.jpg
Happy reading! Happy planning. Happy celebrating.
There's a Book for That 
Oh I have loved so many of the books on this list Carrie. It wasn’t on my 2016 must read list, but All Rise for the Honorable Perry T Cook was one of the most memorable books for me last year. Salt to the Sea is another. I think It was the book that made me cry the most. i’m so sorry to say goodbye to those Raven Boys. House Arrest is on my long list for the 2017 list. I love the new image!
My final 2016 update is here:
http://dickenslibrary.blogspot.ca/2016/12/mustreadin-2016-update.html
We have many reactions in common. I too grieve the end of those Raven Boys! And House Arrest is a must, must read. Can’t wait to see what you think!
Have you read Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys? That book has stayed with me and sent me in search of Salt to the Sea’ which I also loved.
Yes, Between Shades of Gray made me a Sepetys super fan. That book left me broken and I passed it on to so many people.
What a great idea! I have decided to read as many Canadian native authors this year to celebrate our 150th birthday. This would be a wonderful way to share my reading.
What a brilliant idea Bev. I always try to read as many books as I can from the Canada reads list.
Yes love that idea Bev! Happy to have you join us!
Like you said, #mustread is never about the stress of finishing, but enjoying the journey along the way!
My final update:
http://mrsknottsbooknook.blogspot.com/2016/12/mustreadin2016-final-update-123116.html
Looking forward to 2017 reading!
The journey and the community – I love both!
I’m kind of glad I didn’t meet my goal this year. Here’s my final update: https://thechroniclesofachildrensbookwriter.wordpress.com/2016/12/31/mustreadin2016-final-update/
Hope you are joining us for 2017!
You have a fabulous list! I also loved The Wild Robot and Salt to the Sea, even though they weren’t on my #mustread list. Congratulations on achieving your goal and enjoying the journey! I love the image for 2017!
Thanks Michele! I loved snapping the picture of these girls searching for books!
I just read some of these also! Seventh Wish and Perry T Cook are so good!
Here’s Ricki and my update: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=11958
Looking forward to 2017!
Me too! Perry is pretty special. I am finishing this title as a read aloud this month.
As read these lists, I see books to put on my own list for 2017! I loved House Arrest and actually, I think we tweeted about that one! Thank you for creating this community of readers – that’s what it’s all about!
Here is my link for my sad, sad ending! http://adayinthelifeof19b.blogspot.com/2017/01/mustreadin2016-comes-to-endthankfully.html
Yes, House Arrest will be a book I continue to recommend for years to come.
Hi! Here’s my update. I forgot to post it when I was out of town. http://readingtl.blogspot.com/2016/12/mustreadin2016-wrap-up.html
Thanks for participating Crystal!
I really loved The Wild Robot and it has been easy to get kids into as well. I am about to read House Arrest and The Seventh Wish (on my Must 2017 list). I liked Red, but for me anyways, Jack was my favourite in the series.
Thanks again for doing this. Here is the update I posted earlier. It would have made more sense for me to post it here though. http://tinyurl.com/gwkwej2
I loved all the titles from Liesl but Rump held the most special place for me. Can’t wait to hear what you think about House Arrest – so amazingly fantastic!
Curious which five you did not read and if you roll them over to the 2017 list, or decide if they spent a whole year on the list and did not get read that it is time to move on. I have 24 that I did not read, and am leaning towards the latter (with the odd exception).
The five I didn’t read were not read for a few reasons – access and timing being a big one. Either I couldn’t request from the library when I had time to read them or I own the book and kept thinking that I could read it at any time and then just didn’t. Two books I just lost interest in – I find this happens more with YA books – the time investment is bigger as the books are typically longer and because I can’t recommend them in my classroom, I have to REALLY really want to read them. I am not rolling any titles over.
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Carrie- Thanks for being such an inspirational reader! I am enjoying reading your updates and the updates from the Must Read community. Salt to the Sea and All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook are on my list for 2017. Here’s my final update for 2016: https://thebookisinyourcourt.wordpress.com/2017/01/02/year-end-update-mustreadin2016/
I am so pleased to hear you have enjoyed being part of the community! Salt to the Sea is such an incredible book. I highly, highly recommend it!
Thank you SO much for organizing this each year, Carrie! I never read anywhere close to all the books I put on my Must Read lists, but I thoroughly enjoy participating and especially keeping up with what everyone else is reading! I need to do some serious whittling down of my 2017 list in the next 2 days, I think I’ve got almost 100 books on there right now!
All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook was wonderful – and one that my students loved! Like you commented on my blog post, I NEED to put Salt to the Sea on my #mustreadin2017 list since I didn’t get to it this year. Thanks for this round up!!