Book fair magic for adults

No grown-up version of Scholastic book fairs exists, so here are adult reads inspired by childhood favorites like Little House and Sweet Valley High.

From prairie to Depression

If you loved Little House on the Prairie, try The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. It follows a mother and her children heading west during the Great Depression.

Surviving the Dust Bowl

Elsa Martinelli becomes a migrant worker in California, enduring backbreaking farm labor. She fights to survive and teaches her children bravery during hardship.

“This is historical fiction at its best, the history never feels like a lesson because you're experiencing it through people you've come to care about.”

Miss Marple solves her first

Harriet the Spy fans should try Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie. It's Miss Marple's first full-length case, featuring a female detective.

Everyone wanted him dead

Colonel Protheroe winds up murdered, and everyone is a suspect, including the vicar who threatened to kill him days before.

“The richly developed characters, deftly described setting and complexity of the investigation to find out who-dun-it makes it so much fun to read.”

Sweet Valley grows up

Sweet Valley Confidential picks up 10 years after the series ended. Twins Jessica and Elizabeth are estranged after Jessica did something unforgivable.

Revenge isn't the answer

Elizabeth decides to get revenge on her twin, only to realize it's not the best idea. Can the sisters overcome their issues and reconnect?

“It was everything I remembered it to be, enjoyable and light hearted. If you loved Sweet Valley you will love this book!”

Secrets unlock her past

Hopeless by Colleen Hoover echoes The Face on the Milk Carton. Sky falls for Dean Holder, who's keeping secrets about who she really is.

Memories don't match reality

Sky has memories from a different childhood than the one her mother says she had. Dean might help her discover the truth.

“Hopeless is absolutely a 5 star read for me, and if you weren't already completely impressed with Colleen Hoover, you're sure to be after reading this.”

Friendship across three decades

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah mirrors The Baby-Sitters Club's focus on female friendship. Opposites Tully and Kate bond at 14 and stay close for 30 years.

When friendship faces its test

One friend pursues fame while the other chooses marriage and motherhood. Their bond seems unbreakable until it faces the ultimate test.

“So incredibly descriptive, Kristin Hannah peppered the entire book with 70s kitsch, 80s glam and 90s nostalgia, bringing up sweet memories of childhood.”