Top Ten Tuesday: Most Anticipated Releases for the First Half of 2021

Okay, there are way too many amazing middle grade novels being published in 2021, how can I pick my most anticipated releases for the first half of 2021? To just scratch the surface, check out Afoma Umesi’s list of 91 titles. I didn’t even get past March release dates and I have an ever-growing TBR list. I’m going to need to take a look at the list a little more closely so that I can add these titles to my Goodreads account. I also need to find someone online that likes to read fantasy and science fiction middle grade novels. They aren’t my go-to genres, but I’d like to try and read more this year.

But, I love how exciting it is to see my favorite authors publishing a new story or a new author I’m excited to explore! With favorites like Linda Sue Park and Barbara O’Connor that aren’t even on my list, I’m going to be very busy reading this year.

Here are just ten titles I can’t wait to read this year. And check back the rest of this week as I highlight a great winter reading challenge and debut titles coming this year!

Top Ten Tuesday: Most Anticipated Releases for the First Half of 2021

1. 365 Days to Alaska by Cathy Carr (Release Date: 1/19/21)
   I’m intrigued by the Alaska setting as I don’t see too many novels set there.
2. The Elephant in the Room by Holly Goldberg Sloan (Release Date: 3/2/21)
   I’ve really enjoyed previous titles by Holly including Counting by 7s and Fish In a Tree, plus the cover is gorgeous!
3. Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea by Ashley Herring Blake (Release Date: 5/25/21)
   I love, love, love Ashley’s writing and can’t wait to read this next one!
4. The Lion of Mars by Jennifer L. Holm (Release Date: 1/5/21)
   I love how easily Jennifer moves between different genres and formats. I’m excited to see her take on a science fiction novel!
5. The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family by Sarah Kapit (Release Date: 323/21)
   I love a good mystery story and compared to the Vanderbeekers? I’ll take it!
6. Many Points of Me by Caroline Gertler (Release Date: 1/12/21)
   I almost ended up with an art history minor in college, so any story that takes place in the Metropolitan Museum of Art is right up my alley.
7. Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRoca (Release Date: 2/2/21)
   A friend has already given this one five stars, so I’m excited to read it – a historical fiction, novel-in-verse.
8. Strong As Fire, Fierce As Flame by Supriya Kelkar (Release Date: 2/24/21)
   I just read American as Paneer Pie and I’m excited to compare this historical fiction novel about a period of time and place I know little about to it!
9. These Unlucky Stars by Gillian McDunn (Release Date: 3/2/21)
   Gillian’s novel Caterpillar Summer was so heartfelt, I expect nothing less from this story.
10. We Belong by Cookie Hiponia Everman (Release Date: 3/30/21)
    I’m a sucker for any book that weaves mythology and folklore into the world today. It’s also a debut and novel-in-verse!

What are you excited to read this year?

The Artsy Reader Girl currently hosts Top Ten Tuesday, an original feature created by The Broke and the Bookish.