I picked up The Undercover Book List from my school library as I am one of the teachers helping out with the Forest of Reading book clubs this year. The Undercover Book List is one of the  nominees this year for the Silver Birch Fiction award. And it has quickly become one of my favourite books read this month.

In this middle grade novel, we start the story with Jane as she says goodbye to her best friend, Sienna, who is moving away. The two girls first bonded over their love of reading and Jane is feeling anxious about the separation from her best friend. As she leaves, Sienna reveals a surprise for Jane - she's left her a hidden message in the library. When Jane finds the secret message, she quickly discovers that SIenna has left her a way to find her next friend - through a shared love of reading through hidden notes in a book shelved at the school library. In the story, we are also introduced to Tyler, who seems as opposite to Jane as possible. Tyler pulls pranks that go too far and seems like the last person to borrow and read a book from the school library. Through a series of coincidences, Tyler does discover the mystery notes and what starts off as a joke soon becomes a sincere communication and interest in stories and reading between Jane and Tyler. 

I love a good book about books, a love of reading, and friendships formed through this shared love. I thought that The Undercover Book List is one that encompasses all that I love about middle grade fiction - a warm hearted story about friendship, family, and discovery of self - while also dropping easter eggs for all the book lovers as amazing books are discovered and discussed within The Undercover Book List by its characters.

While I have finished all the books on the Silver Birch Fiction Award list, I have yet to decide which title is my personal favourite. But I can say that The Undercover Book List is a strong contender for that title. At the very least, it is my favourite read of January 2023.