A Fall Reading List for Families
The fall is for reading and reading is for…well, it’s for all year long, but isn’t there just something really special about curling up with thanksgiving books this time of the year? The Thanksgiving season invites us to pause, reflect, and be thankful — for family, community, and simple joys.
This list includes several categories of books: reflective stories that cause you to slow down, mysterious to sink into during long fall evenings, and timeless books to share with your kids. So, I’ve gathered together classics and award-winning reads that are perfect for the fall reading months.
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(Books marked with ★ Kid-Friendly Pick are wonderful for children — but I’ll admit, I’ve loved each one just as much on my own!)
Mysterious & Atmospheric
Stories that pull you in with intrigue and moody, autumn-like settings — perfect for cozy nights leading up to Thanksgiving.
A gothic love story filled with mystery and moral strength. Jane’s quiet courage and independence are powerful. I read this story with my book club and it has been one of my favorite discussions to date.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Wilde’s haunting reflection on vanity and morality invites introspection — a perfect match for the reflective nature of fall. We are currently reading this book with The Literary Moms’ Book Club.
A modern myth about belief, identity, and what happens when ancient gods collide with the modern world. Deeply atmospheric and full of wonder.
Sir Gibbie by George MacDonald
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A tender, faith-filled story of innocence and redemption from one of C.S. Lewis’s favorite authors.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
The queen of mystery at her best — a tense, eerie novel that you’ll have trouble putting down.
Beautifully written and quietly mysterious, this story unfolds like a dream — exploring solitude, wonder, and gratitude in unexpected ways. I highly recommend reading this one without reading too much about it first. Don’t try to figure it out, just enjoy the ride!
The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro
A mythic tale of memory and forgiveness set in a mist-covered Britain. This story is both strange and deeply human.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
A sweeping story of betrayal, revenge, and redemption that reminds us gratitude often grows from hardship. This books is on my all-time favorites list.
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame ★ Kid-Friendly Pick
A whimsical story of friendship and adventure, which is perfect to read aloud or enjoy solo with a mug of tea. I have the fondest memories of listening to my son laugh uncontrollably while I read the chapter of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride!
Hopeful & Heartwarming
These books remind us to notice goodness, gratitude, and beauty — even in the midst of hardship.
A quiet, soul-steadying novel about small-town life, love, and belonging. Berry’s writing is poet and comforting. It’s not for everyone, but it’s for you if you like slow, thoughtful characters.
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett ★ Kid-Friendly Pick
A story of perseverance and imagination, teaching that kindness and hope can flourish anywhere.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
A poignant and funny modern story about loneliness, healing, and the small acts of connection that change everything. This was one of our first book club reads, and one of my favorites to discuss!
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery ★ Kid-Friendly Pick
Anne’s boundless imagination and gratitude for life’s simple beauty make this a perennial favorite. Is there a better book to read in the fall?
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett ★ Kid-Friendly Pick
A timeless story of renewal, friendship, and finding joy in the natural world. I love that this story wrestles with a quiet, dormant garden (and people) coming to life.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White ★ Kid-Friendly Pick
Few books capture friendship and thankfulness as tenderly as this one, so it’s a must for our list of thanksgiving books. My son has listened to this story on his Yoto Player no less than five times in the last two months.
Heidi by Johanna Spyri ★ Kid-Friendly Pick
A joyful, comforting read full of mountain air, warmth, and love for family. Be sure to have a movie night after you read the book!
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo ★ Kid-Friendly Pick
A heartwarming tale about friendship, community, and healing. Kate DiCamillo is my favorite children’s book author and this story is one of her bests.
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser ★ Kid-Friendly Pick
Modern yet classic in feel, this story of a bustling family brims with charm and laughter.
Reflective & Soulful
Books that make you pause — to think about gratitude, purpose, and the ties that bind us.
The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson
A Pulitzer Prize winner that explores identity and humanity amid North Korea’s complexities, and a great addition to our thanksgiving books.
Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan ★ Kid-Friendly Pick
A lyrical novel weaving together music, hope, and courage across generations. I highly recommend that you listen to the audiobook because there is an orchestra playing in the background as the story references different composers and musicians.
A deeply contemplative novel about grace, forgiveness, and family. Robinson’s writing is slow and comforting.
Upstream: Selected Essays by Mary Oliver
Nature writing that nourishes the soul and reminds us to live with intention. Her poetry is also a beautiful reminder to slow down.
The Lifegiving Table by Sally Clarkson
Part memoir, part guide — an inspiring reminder that mealtimes can become sacred moments of connection. I’ve taken many notes from this book for hosting ideas. It’s perfect for this time of the year when gathering with friends.
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A celebration of life’s beauty and brokenness — and the quiet gratitude found in community. This is a challenging book to read, but I love the themes and questions that it raises.
Essays of E.B. White by E.B. White
Witty, gentle reflections on daily life, nature, and the art of noticing. If you love Charlotte’s Web, then you must read White’s collection of essays.
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
Interwoven stories that capture the complexities of aging, love, and forgiveness. This is a heavy book, but it’s one of my favorites. I still think about the characters and the things I learned while reading it.
Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner
A sweeping American classic about legacy, endurance, and understanding where we come from. This is another book that has really stuck with me and I think makes for a great addition to our thanksgiving books.
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson
A spiritual reflection on faithfulness, and it is perfect for a season of slowing down. I’ve picked this book up again recently as I’ve been reading through the Psalms, a collection of thanksgiving songs. Peterson does a fantastic job of drawing a picture of what’s happening in the context of the Psalms of Ascent.
A quiet, meditative novel about memory, family, and finding beauty in the ordinary.
Family Drama
Thanksgiving often brings family together — for better or worse. These novels explore the beautiful and sometimes complicated relationships that shape us.
Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
A tender story of faith, miracles, and unwavering family love. I especially liked the audiobook version of this story. I remember finishing it and thinking, “I have to talk to someone about this.”
Mothers and daughters, memory and identity — this classic captures the heart of family tension and love.
Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler
Each family member’s perspective unfolds like a Thanksgiving dinner — messy, real, and full of grace.
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
A modern masterpiece about siblings, forgiveness, and what we call home. Tom Hanks does a fantastic job of narrating the audiobook version of this story.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
A coming-of-age story full of hope, resilience, and gratitude for life’s small joys. A must-read if you’ve never read it before!
Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco ★ Kid-Friendly Pick
One of my favorite thanksgiving books is a touching picture book about perseverance, kindness, and gratitude toward the teachers who see our potential.
Thanksgiving Books
Thanksgiving isn’t just about one day — it’s about cultivating gratitude all season long. These stories remind us that family, faith, and friendship are worth slowing down for.
If you’re craving deeper conversations about books like these — and want to connect with other moms who love reading — I’d love to invite you to join The Literary Moms’ Book Club.
