In a hurry? Here’s the rundown:
- GRA 2026 will kick off October 5th, and finish November 13th, 2026.
- I’m giving you a sneakpeek into which books I can’t stop thinking about.
- And soon…I promise the books for 2026 will be revealed
Spring har sprung after the hardest winter in 16 years here in Denmark. And with it comes naps in my greenhouse, a cat that follows me around the garden and soon the reveal of the books for 2026. A few have been firm im my mind for a while now, others switch as I read new books. It is never easy, but then many things aren’t right now. In my meanderings I look for hope in pockets. Flowers that poked through the ice despite the weight, plants that survived the wind, my own children continuing to fight battles and still getting up every day. I turn on the news and see a world in turmoil, but also one where so many are fighting for bigger causes than themselves. Who are connecting and carrying the weight communally. Who fight back despite being depleted, hopeless, and continue to turn to books to find hope, power, strength.
The Books I Can’t Stop Thinking About
I wasn’t pulled into this book from the first page but once it took hold, it didn’t let go. A novel-in-verse that follows the unpredictability of living, and then not living, with a mother with mental health struggles, when all 15-year old Dylan wants to do is find peace in his life. Mix in an injured hawk, a grandfather that speaks through autowork, and all of the world that surrounds any 15 year old, and you have an unmistakable raw book that deserves to be read and to be shared. While billed as a middlegrade fit, I would say it is on the older end of the category, but nevertheless it is beautiful.
Dan Santat is a master of children’s literature, and this is the new graphic novel series that will take its rightful place next to Dogman. While the first book is not yet out, I promise you it is worth a preorder, as is the second book when it debuts in September. Following a fishboy who leaves the water of Barnacle Bay in order to find someone like him, this book is both laugh out loud funny, and also strangely thoughtful. After all, who cannot relate to the quest of finding community?
Another soon-to-be-published book for this month’s list. This new YA book packs a powerful punch in its only 224 pages. Following dual narratives of two high school boys, it starts right after one of them has screamed out the six letter “f” slur at a school assembly. What happens when someone dares you and you don’t even realize the damage you have done? And what happens to all those it affects, perpetrator included? I read this book in December and keep coming back to it. I cannot wait to see how it is met in the broader world.
Coming out May 12th, this is my favorite book so far of Erin’s. In a dystopian future where the distinction between those who have enough and those who don’t have been set through laws, what happens when a discarded robot all of a sudden is brought home and awakened? Hopeful, thoughtful, and also actionpacked, this had all the ingredients of a fantastic middle grade.
Many years ago, I remember reading Pax also by Sara Pennypacker, and feeling like I just read something incredible. I felt the same way reading her newest book. Another middle grade book, but this one is historical fiction, set in France during WWII, it follows Lucas, an orphan, that becomes involved with the resistance. This is one of those reads that leaves trails of questions behind it, perfect for a book club, or a read aloud. It is heartpounding, heart filling, and also nerve wracking – a perfect combination for a great new book.
The final selection is near
It’s not just flowers that are blooming, but also the final selections taking hold in my mind. It is never easy. Truly. I can love a book and think it will be an incredible read aloud and still the nerves swallow me whole. But, I have made peace with it. After all, the GRA is voluntary. If someone doesn’t like the book selections, or worse they are not allowed to use them, then there will always be next year.
So when will the books be announced? Right now, I am not sure. I know I normally do it in March, but finding just the right fit has proven difficult this year in one category and so I am still searching there. I may have a book, but it is not certain in my mind yet. I hope you can bear with me.
A Few Things You Should Know
Kick off next year will be…Mark your calendar for October 5th, 2026, and will run for 6th weeks.
I have an idea…Have a book or author to suggest? Make sure you add it here so I can learn more.
Wondering what I am reading…follow me on Instagram.
Have anything I should know, feedback, or just questions…send me an email p@globalreadaloud.com or leave a comment here.
And finally…
Please know that I read every single message you send me, and also that I am reading as much as I can. I don’t share much anymore about my homelife out of respect for my children, but nearly all of them have received major diagnoses in the last few years, and with those our worlds have both turned upside down, and also in some ways slotted in place. Trying to be be the kind of mom they all need is my heartwork, as is this project, but sometimes my late night reading sessions really only become 5 minutes before I finally get to rest.
So I read in 10 minute increments on the train. I read next to my husband while he watches a movie. I sneak in pages in the car. I dive into stories in bits and pieces. It is slow, but it is what I can do right now.
I know you all eagerly await and in so many ways so do I. I cannot wait for you to meet this year’s books. I cannot wait to hear what you think. I cannot wait to see the connections we make.
So for now, I will read a little more before making dinner, and try to get to the announcements sooner rather than later.
Until then, keep reading — and keep imagining what’s possible.
❤️ Pernille
PS: One, or maybe even more, of the books mentioned today are in the tippity top of potential choices. Can you guess which one(S)?
The Global Read Aloud 