While I’m not really blogging anymore, I couldn’t resist making a list of my Fave 15 of 2015 reads and sharing them here. For those of you interested in what else I read, you can click here. A few notes about the list. First, there are more middle grade novels than usual because I was one of the judges this year for the prestigious Red Cedar Award, so I read a lot of them. As for the links, they’re mostly to Amazon simply because it was the easiest way to get them, and frankly, I’d rather be reading than making hotlinks.

So that said…In no particular order:

1. Midnight Thief & Daughter of Dusk by Livia Blackburne (yes, I know I’m cheating right off the bat with two counting as one, but they’re a duology).
2. The Brain that Changes Itself by Norman Doidge – a fascinating look at the brain and plasticity.
3. Under the Painted Sky* by Stacey Lee – a historical romp through the Wild West, beautifully written.
4. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert – a wonderful book about art and life.
5. The Secret Life of Violet Grant by Beatriz Williams – if I were putting the books in order of favourites first, this probably would be my number one.
6. We Are All Made of Molecules by Susan Nielsen – just a fantastic contemporary YA. I’m so happy this crossed my path.
7. Loop and Twist by Karen Akins (again, a duology) – the only time travel books I’ve ever liked. And boy did I like these!
8. Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella – possibly my favourite YA of the year. I hope she writes more YA because she’s definitely got the knack (also, if you’re thinking, “Seriously? She writes chick-lit!” then get over yourself!).
9. Winterkill by Kate Boorman – ooooh, so scary and exciting. Also, it’s written by one of my favourite people. You should buy this one (and its sequel, Dark Thaw. And the third one when it comes out)
10. Don’t You Wish by Roxanne St. Claire – I picked this one up randomly off the library shelf and was pleasantly surprised.
11. The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty – I know, I’m probably one of the last to read this fantastic book, but it was so good that I don’t mind.
12. Rocket Blues by David Skuy – a middle grade novel about hockey? And I liked it? No, I loved it. Great book!
13. Curve Ball by John Danakas – a younger middle grade novel published by a publisher notorious (as far as I’m concerned) for terrible sports novels, this one was a delight!
14. Outside In by Sarah Ellis – a middle grade that felt more like a YA. It’s got a surreal feel to it making you wonder if something magical is happening or if real life can simply be magical.
15. Zomboy by Richard Scrimger – Yes, I read a zombie book and not only that, I really liked it. Scrimger uses a zombie to explore racism in an interesting and thoughtful way. The ending’s a bit gory though, so I’m think it’s better for older middle grade kids.

Here are 3 books to watch for in 2016.

1. The Skeleton Tree by Iain Lawrence – I got a sneak peek and this is one you don’t want to miss. Hear me now, other reviewers will say this, but I said it first: This book is this generation’s Hatchet by Gary Paulson. An exciting tale set in the wilds of Alaska. 5 January 2016.
2. With Malice by Eileen Cook – You all know I’m an Eileen fan, but this book is going to bring her a vast audience like she’s never seen before. Think the NPR podcast show Serial meets YA thriller. Read here the exciting story of how fast it sold! to a new publisher. 7 June 2016.
3. Speed of Life by J. M. Kelly – no reviews yet, but a great cover. 11 October, 2016.

*Regarding Under A Painted Sky: While this book contains numerous factual errors, I still think it’s one of the best books I read this year. If you’re a stickler for that kind of thing, just try not to be so uptight and enjoy it anyway.