January 2026 Reading Recap
January has been a whirlwind month. I started the month with extra work from a client, which is great, but came with a bit of a learning curve. Some unexpected opportunities have come up, so I’m excited to see how those things turn out.
Reading-wise, this has been a great month. For the first time ever, I have a spreadsheet listing the unread books I own (and it’s embarrassingly long), and a plan to read more of them this year. I finished my January review requests by the middle of the month and started on February requests, though my reading has slowed down this week.
My littlest is still on a mystery reading binge, so we’re enjoying reading some middle grade mysteries together, like Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe and Finally, Something Dangerous by Doug Cornett. Our Barnes & Noble recently had a moving sale, so we picked up a few middle grade fantasies that caught her eye and some graphic novels– her favorite things to read.
All together, I read 18 books this month. Weirdly, I read more middle grade this month than young adult titles. Usually it’s the other way around. I think some of what’s driving that, honestly, is stress. Middle grade books are often a little lighter and/or shorter than young adult books, which helps me move through them. Sometimes I just do not have room to experience anyone else’s emotions, even if they’re fictional ones.
At any rate, I read some great books this month that will stick with me for a long time. I’m excited to run through the list here.
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January 2026 Reading Recap
Eureka by Victoria Chang
My thoughts: This is the second historical novel in verse that I’ve read in a short period of time. I think this format allows authors to hone in on the emotional experience the characters have while anchoring the story in a historical setting that doesn’t get bogged down with a lot of details. I love that authors are shedding light on little-discussed, important moments in our history.
Published January 27, 2026 | My Review
The Big Bad Wolf Murder by P. G. Bell
My thoughts: What a fun ride! I love the story world. Love the characters. The mystery elements are balanced well with the fantasy and sports elements. I’m definitely going to read more by this author.
Published January 20, 2026 | My Review
Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow
My thoughts: Oof. This one hits hard as it’s about a boy who survives a school shooting. I thought I was emotionally prepared for this, but it was still a hard read at times. I love the humor, the ridiculous moments, and the relationships between the characters, especially Simon and Agate.
Published January 31, 2023 | My Review to Come
Finally, Something Dangerous (The One and Onlys #2) by Doug Cornett
What you need to know: My daughter and I read this together after she enjoyed the first book in the series. We enjoyed the upbeat humor and mystery elements, along with the brush past gentrification’s effect on communities.
Published November 22, 2022 | My Review
Her Name in the Sky by Kelly Quindlen
My thoughts: Grab a box of tissues for this one. I must have sobbed through fully half of this story, but it’s so powerfully told and has such an uplifting, relevant message. Quindlen deftly navigates her characters’ journeys of faith and identity. Adult characters are present without stealing the spotlight.
Published January 27, 2026 (Orig. 2014) | My Review
Better Catch Up, Krishna Kumar by Anahita Karthik
My thoughts: I love an awkward narrator who is so in her own head, and Krishna is exactly that. This book has a sweet (with a hint of spicy) romance, a fun road trip, and a wonderful emphasis on family relationships and going all out for the ones we love.
Published January 27, 2026 | My Review
Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by Deborah Howe and James Howe
My thoughts: My littlest and I continued our mystery binge with this classic tale of the vampire bunny who bites… vegetables! The writing feels very 1970s, but the story is still very accessible. A quick, humorous read.
Published August 8, 2006 (Orig. 1979) | My Review to Come
The Swan’s Daughter: A Possibly Doomed Love Story by Roshani Chokshi
My thoughts: This is one of my most-anticipated books for 2026, and it did NOT disappoint. I’ve been longing for another fantasy novel from Chokshi since her last one. I love the rich fantasy landscape, complex characters, and delicious romance.
Published January 6, 2026 | My Review to Come
Night by Elie Wiesel (Night Trilogy #1)
My thoughts: I read this book for International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Wiesel’s straightforward memoir of his experiences in Auschwitz and Buchenwald can’t help but leave a mark on anyone who reads it, and I think everyone should.
January 16, 2006 (Orig. 1956) | My Review
Until the Clock Strikes Midnight by Alechia Dow
My thoughts: Alechia Dow is an auto-read author for me. I love the playfulness and vulnerability of this story. Its uplifting message was perfectly timed. The magical setting is lovely. I really enjoyed this one.
Published February 3, 2026 | My Review to Come
City Spies: Golden Gate (City Spies #2) by James Ponti
My thoughts: After reading the first City Spies novel last year, I wasn’t sure whether I’d continue with the series. I think book 7 comes out this year, so that leaves a lot of ground to cover. This one really pulled me into the story and made me want to read more. That ending hit me right in the feels.
Published March 9, 2021 | My Review to Come
What did you read in January 2026?
What books were on your January 2026 reading list? I’d love to hear about them. Have you read any of the titles I listed? Leave a comment and let me know if you enjoyed them.
I can see your point. You have some heavy hitters there. I don’t know why authors are so determined to write about death and destruction constantly. It gets to be a bit much, and my students DO NOT care for sad books. Glad you got a lot read, though. There are a growing number of #MGLit mysteries, so you should be able to keep your littlest in books!
Yeah… I appreciate sad books, but it’s not always easy to read them. Thanks! I think I spotted another one on your blog that I’ve added to my list for my littlest. It’s been so fun to read them with her. 🙂
Very Impressive! I only read 14 middle grade books last month but have a pile of 30 more I’ve agreed to review for the first half of 2026. Keep up the great work in sharing your reactions to the books you’ve read. Much appreciated!
Thanks! 14 books is pretty great, too! They pile up fast, don’t they?? I hope we both have lots of time to read in February. 🙂