In this series, we’ll pick some of our favorite things about Minnesota and share some related book suggestions. (We’re open to your suggestions! Comment below or email us and tell us some of your favorite MN things!) 

One of the best things about living in Minnesota is that we get to enjoy all four seasons. And right now I am loving that my drive into work is becoming more and more colorful every day! Green is transforming into orange, red, and yellow so we thought it’d be fitting to read some cheerful books that take place in the season of autumn.

Squashed by Joan Bauer “Humor, agriculture and young love all come together in Joan Bauer’s first novel, set in rural Iowa. Sixteen-year-old Ellie Morgan’s life would be almost perfect if she could just get her potentially prize-winning pumpkin to put on about 200 more pounds…”

 

 

Now I haven’t read this yet so I’m not sure it technically takes place during autumn. However, the main character’s name is September and it sounds like a fun adventure! The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by by Catherynne M. Valente
“Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn’t . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday.”

 Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert “Lois Ehlert uses watercolor collage and pieces of actual seeds, fabric, wire, and roots in this innovative and rich introduction to the life of a tree. A special glossary explains how roots absorb nutrients, what photosynthesis is, how sap circulates, and other facts about trees.”

 

Autumn at Apple Hill by Angie Ellington “Elise Jacobs is ready for a change. Recently divorced, she relocates to her hometown of Landover, Maine to operate a bed and breakfast she inherited from her grandmother. After growing up with the fondest memories of her childhood being spent there, she relishes the chance for a fresh start and an opportunity to revive the inn. As summer gives way to Autumn, the inn is returning to its’ grandeur. A handsome guest sets out to challenge Elise at every turn. She knows the type…or does she? “