Yippee, my favorite day of FFF! 😃 I've been looking forward to this one all week, because today's theme is family.

I love books with strong family elements. Yes, I've been guilty of writing the dead parents trope (and the bad parents trope) but I promise I'm getting better! 😅

(Taking this opportunity to shoutout to my family because they're AWESOME and have always been super supportive of my writing! 🩵)

Today's list does, in fact, include a couple books on my Top 5 list which I have yapped about at length. 😆

1. Trains and Tulips by Savannah Jane McCrary

Of course I'm talking about Trains and Tulips again! How could I not? There are SIBLINGS for two of the MCs, and the PARENTS (of two families) are involved too! And they love each other, and they're just so sweet, and AHHHH 🥰

2. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Another "of course" listing, hehe 🤭 this time with my own photo! 😁 Yes, even though this book has the "dead parents" trope, the sibling dynamics are so precious and I love them fiercely. 🥺 Also the found family vibes are awesome (I ADORE found family) - as Sodapop says, "If we don't have each other, we don't have anything." Even though it's not a Christian book, I think more Christians should read it*, because it has SUCH a good message, and the end gets me every time. 😭

*Do note that there is some minor language as well as underage drinking and smoking, but it's not condoned by any means. Here's the link to my review if you want a full content listing.

3. Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink

I adored this book when I was about 10 or so - I actually liked it better than the Little House books. I wanted to be like Caddie (that was part of my Tomboy Era, lol). But looking back I realize it's not just about her, even though she's the main character. The family plays a huge role - parents as well as siblings, and even the city-slicker cousin makes an appearance.

4. A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond

Oh, I love the Paddington series. They're so wholesome and hilarious, and they've got such a charming timeless feel to them. You have biological family AND found family all in one, and I love it! Plus the splendid British humor. ✨

5. Taggerung by Brian Jacques

Yes, this is my third Redwall book, sue me 🫣 but it's one of my favorites! I love Tagg's search for family, and Mhera and her mum's search for their missing baby. And the end is just so heartwarming and lovely and . . . and NIMBALO! What a poor, darling, broken little rascal 😭 I'm pretty sure I've cried happy tears over this one. 🥹

Welp, that's all for now. Visit the other Team Hedgehog bloggers . . .

• Abigail @Read Review Rejoice
• Madisyn @Madi's Musings
• Ryana Lynn @Life of Heritage Corner
• Savannah @Blue Flower Story Company

. . . and our hosts, Katja and Kate, and enter the giveaway if you haven't done so already!