This Christmas, consider giving the gift of reading…from LOCAL authors. The following list outlines 20 FANTASTIC reads from Austin and surrounding area authors and well-known, Texan authors for children, young adults and adults!
Children’s Books
Candynomics by Evan Webb
A useful book for children (and maybe adults) that explains basic economic concepts such as supply and demand with the help of a whimsical gingerbread business man.
Be by Michelle Tate
A sweet story with a profound message urging children to grow up to be good people; to be kind, humble and accepting of others.
Lucy and the String by Vanessa Roeder
A delightful tale of a girl, bear, and an unraveling sweater that inspires children to wonder and to innovate in a friendly way.
The Box Turtle by Vanessa Roeder
An adorable tale of a turtle who loves his shell: a cardboard box; The Box Turtle inspires self-love and trial and error problem solving.
God Says I am Beautiful; A Pursuit of Beauty by B.R. Martindale
A wonderful story that inspires readers to look within to find true beauty as explained through the Christian Faith.
Alabama Spitfire: The Story of Harper Lee and To Kill a Mockingbird by Bethany Hegedus
An inspiring true story about Harper Lee; the beloved and critically acclaimed author of To Kill a Mockingbird, written and illustrated for children.
Whobert Whover, Owl Detective by Jason Gallaher
A whimsical whodunit with plenty of fun, forest friends working together to solve the case!
Young Adult
The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy by Nikki Loftin
A mysterious fantasy story with a nod to Grimm’s Hansel and Gretel.
Wish Girl by Nikki Loftin
A lyrical novel that examines loss and life through two soulful friends.
Nightingale’s Nest by Nikki Loftin
A modern fairy tale inspired by a Hans Christian Anderson story about friendship and family.
Adults
Asunder by Curt Locklear
The first novel of three; An epic and adventurous love story that takes place during the Civil War.
Midnight Assassin by Skip Hollandsworth
A gripping true story of murder that traces the first serial killer in the U.S.!
Franklin Barbecue; A Meat-Smoking Manifesto by Aaron Franklin and Jordan Mackay
A memoir and instruction manual for smoking meat in the Franklin Barbecue tradition; a must for any meat-lovers in the family.
The Texas Rangers; Wearing the Cinco Peso 1821-1900 by Mike Cox
A fascinating, inside-look at The Texas Rangers; one of the fiercest law units in history.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
A fantastic, futuristic tale of the infinite possibilities as well as the dangers of virtual reality. Now a hit film!
El Arroyo’s Big Book of Signs by S. Arroyo
A hilarious page-turner featuring photographs of the marquis of the iconic El Arroyo restaurant in Austin, Tx.
The Little Local Texas Cookbook by Hilah Johnson
A necessary cookbook for Texans, featuring recipes for delicacies such as Texas Sheet Cake and Chili.
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurty
A grand love-story; a Texas Western Classic depicting the beauty, danger and drama of the American Frontier Wilderness.
Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave by Joanna Gaines
An essential guide for creating a beautiful, unique living space for you and your family.
Capital Gaines: Smart Things I Learned Doing Stupid Stuff by Chip Gaines
A heart-felt and hilarious memoir on becoming one of the most successful home renovators and reality television celebrities.
Who is your favorite LOCAL or Texan author?
I live in Buda and have written and illustrated two children’s books for families who’ve lost loved ones.