Our 2025 Book Challenge is in full swing! (If you don’t know about the 2025 reading challenge, visit the original post. You can join at ANY TIME!) It’s fun to see people sharing their books in our Facebook Group and via Instagram, too.

One of the most significant benefits of home education was an increased love of literature for ME. Learning was our way of life, and I am naturally continuing that - even though I’m an empty nester now!

This book challenge is:

No stress!
Perfect for adults AND children
A great way to connect with other readers and get book recommendations
A little piece of accomplishment that will make you smile

What I Read in February

I loved hearing about everyone’s “classic” selection in our Homegrown Book Picks Facebook Group! We had everything from Albert Camus to Charles Dickens! We also had families join us in classic read-alouds for their children.

As I chose a classic for the month, I wanted it to be a bit on the “lighter” side. February is a busy month in my world. So… I chose Emma, by Jane Austen. This was my first time reading this classic, and I loved it! Now, I’ll probably dive into the world of television series and movie adaptations of Emma. You might not see me for a while!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mary @ Homegrown Learners (@homegrownbookpicks)

Several people asked about the particular edition I read. The Puffin in Bloom edition is my “pretty” copy. I display this book, and it makes me happy. (a sign of a true literary nerd)

The edition in the Instagram post above is part of a box set offered by Sweet Cherry Publishing. This was the copy I sticky-tabbed. I also enjoy listening to Jane Austen books, so I listened to the book while following along with the audio. If you’ve never tried this, you need to! A friend suggested it to me a couple of years ago, which changed how I read certain books.

March Homegrown Book Picks Challenge

Our challenge for March is a middle-grades book.

Middle Grades is one of my favorite genres. They tend to be quick and enjoyable reads, and I always learn so much and smile A LOT.

Where to start with middle grade recommendations? I went through my shelves and pulled out several of my favorites. All of the books in the next couple of images are books I have read and would recommend.

I will always recommend "Echo," authored by Paul Muñoz Ryan. This book is excellent on audio. It’s one of those books you and your children will never forget!

If you’ve never read The Penderwicks (it’s a series!), that’s another absolute delight. I’m hoping to read book #3 this month.

10 Favorite Middle Grades Books

These books are 10 favorites from recent years. Again, it’s so hard to choose, but I know these were all loved by me and/or my children.

From Anna The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street (The Vanderbeekers, 1)Fever 1793 (text only) by L. H. Anderson Wolf Hollow An Elephant in the Garden: Inspired by a True Story Out of My Heart (The Out of My Mind Series)[By Lynda Mullaly Hunt] Fish in a Tree-[Paperback] Best selling books for -|Children's Special Needs Books|Just David — Illustrated Adventures with Waffles A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story

Are you reading along for the Homegrown Book Picks Challenge? You’re always welcome to join us, but the most important thing is to READ and savor the enjoyment that reading brings.

Ways to connect for the challenge:

Facebook
Instagram
Keep reading Homegrown Learners!

The response to the 2025 Reading Challenge has been overwhelming! What fun chatting books with you all this past month has been.

(Visit the original challenge post if you have no idea what I’m talking about and would like to join us for the rest of the year!) Don’t forget that kids can join us, too. I’ve heard from some of you that you’re including your children, which makes me extra happy!

What people love about this reading challenge is that it is NO STRESS. If you want to participate, that’s fine. If you don’t, you can watch from the sidelines. Some of you have been very active chatting books in our Facebook group and on Instagram. Others observe. (Whatever floats your boat - I’m just happy we’re all reading!)

What I Read in January

Choosing a book with the word “winter” in the title proved to be a bit difficult. There were several suggestions, and I ultimately chose one I already owned and wanted to read - Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher.

My review from Instagram:

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A post shared by Mary @ Homegrown Learners (@homegrownbookpicks)

As you can tell, this was a five-star book for me. The characters I could fall in love with, a cozy setting, and redemption throughout will make this a favorite of mine for all time.

February Homegrown Book Picks Challenge

In February our challenge is to read a classic. That’s a broad category, isnt’ it?

I’ve decided to read Jane Austen’s Emma. This is a book I haven’t read, and it’s perfect for a month when we celebrate love. A special shoutout goes to a young lady I’ve known since she was little. We talked books as she was growing up, and she is now in college and still an avid reader. She suggested to me that I read this classic!

I purchased this sweet Puffin in Bloom edition at the beginning of the year, too!