Fall seems to hold a special place in many peoples’ hearts. The cooler weather, special holidays and traditions, and fall activities make for a season that’s easy to love. It’s no wonder, then, that the season also features many wonderful books. With help from our friends at Little Professor, we’re sharing some fantastic fall books for adults and kids! Be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Local Bookstores in Birmingham to find a bookstore near you.
Fall Book Recs for Adults
The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and her daughter, Shelby Cunningham
You thought Elin retired, but she is actually passing on the torch to her daughter, with her help if course. Shelby is a college student, as well as a boarding school grad, which is the setting for this novel. Tiffin Academy is a school known more for socializing than its academics. This is a fun read, full of Gen Z cultural touchpoints, but with enough parties and drama that it’s entertaining enough for Millennials and Gen Xers! (Definitely not for teens.)
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
This is an epistolary novel that you’ll wish would never end. Our correspondent Sybil Van Antwerp is a prolific letter writer. She has lived a full life as a law clerk for a very busy judge and is now retired. She continues to write her letters to her family, to people she admires, and her favorite authors as well. But an issue from her past arises, and she now feels compelled to look back on her life–via her letters. This is such a charming and engaging novel, and not sappy in any way!
Buckeye by Patrick Ryan
This seems to be the buzzy saga of the season: two Ohio families, connected by one kiss on VE day that sweeps through multiple generations through the Vietnam era. Everyone has been talking about and loving this book, including Ann Patchett, who is the master of telling these kinds of stories herself. Secrets are at the heart of this story, and the pain they can cause over time. Poignant, compelling, and beautifully told, this novel will sweep you up in small town life and love.
Fall Book Recs for Kids
School for Thieves by Peter Burns. For ages 8-12.
Readers have been likening this novel about an orphaned London pickpocket as a cross between Dickens and The City of Spies series (James Ponti) with a dash of Harry Potter! Set in an alternative universe where France is the dominant world power, tween aged street urchins have been recruited by a benevolent and secret organization to try and save the world. This would be a fun family read.
In the Autumn Forest by written and illustrated by Daniela Kulot. For ages 3-7 (but for any age, really!)
This is a stunning picture book that explains how the coming change of season will be weathered as usual and will bring bounty to the forest creatures who experience these weather changes firsthand. A beautiful meditation on how we can all welcome change and enjoy the new seasons of our lives! The main characters are a patient fox, a nervous squirrel, and a rather grumpy crow, and can’t we all identify with those creatures?
The Little Ghost Who Was A Quilt by Riel Nason, illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler. For ages 3-7 (but once again, for any age!)
Another gorgeous picture book, perfect for a “spooky” October read, but honestly, great for all year round. “It’s hard to be a ghost when you’re a quilt.” This little ghost is different from his friends, who are sheets, as are his parents, but it’s hard to spin and twirl when you’re a quit, and it’s hot! However, Halloween arrives, and the little ghost gets to have a very different experience than his friends, proving it can be wonderful to be different!
Many thanks to Kathleen Wiley at Little Professor for sharing these recommendations!
