Books About Sisters and Sisterhood
When we started to think about what books we would put on a list of books about sisters, we realized that some sisters are not born by blood but by love and circumstances. We knew that we wanted to include books about sisterhood in this list as well.
Sometimes, the family that you choose has stronger bonds than the family to which you were born. But these books are not just about chosen family or sibling bonds, there is something special about the bonds between women.
The Best Books About Sisters
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Fiction Book About Sisters
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano- Jump to Section
Best Historical Fiction Book About Sisters
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah- Jump to Section
Best Thriller About Sisters
My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite – Jump to Section
Best Beach Read About Sisters
The Identicals by Elin Hilderbrand- Jump to Section
Best Classic Book About Sisters
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott- Jump to Section
Best Fantasy Book About Sisters
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman- Jump to Section
Best YA Book About Sisters
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo- Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Contemporary Fiction Books About Sisters
Hello Beautiful
Author: Ann Napolitano
Year: 2023
Genre: Literary Fiction
More info: March 2023 Oprah Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I adored this family saga about the four Padavano sisters and the man that enters their family orbit. William Waters grew up in a house with indifferent parents, so he fell head over heels for Julia and then her family.
But William’s inner demons cause a rift between the sisters that shakes the family to its core and dramatically changes the dynamics between all the Padavanos. Told over decades, this story examines the ties that bind us to our family through the ebbs and flows of life.
Trigger Warnings
Suicide attempt, Mental illness
Why Kirsten loves it
As one of four children, this coming-of-age story really spoke to me. Napolitano does an incredible job of accurately depicting the individual sibling relationships with one another and the role each person plays within the larger family dynamic. It’s a tall order and a near-impossible challenge to nail the complexities of a big family, but Napolitano does it with aplomb.
Find this book in: Books About Sisters / Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Best Books of 2023 / Family Sagas / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Best Books About Siblings / Best Oprah’s Book Club Books / Oprah Book Club List 2023
The May House
Author: Jillian Cantor
Release Date: May 12, 2026
Genre: Fiction
More info: Perfect for Books About Sisters
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Julia, Emily, and Nora have been staying at their grandmother’s beach house for one week every May since they were kids. They made a promise that they would continue to visit together for one week every year, even after their grandmother passes away.
When Julia doesn’t show up one year, Emily and Nora begin to question what they really know about their sister and her life. They turn to their neighbor, Nate, to find answers, and instead, they are left with even more questions.
Trigger Warnings
Miscarriage, death of a parent
Why Jackie loves it
This is an intergenerational story that spans decades. We get to know the three sisters from childhood through adulthood, in a nonlinear narrative. I loved getting to know these three very different women as they find their paths to happiness. #gifted
Find this book in: Books About Sisters and Sisterhood / Popular Nonlinear Narrative Novels
Blue Sisters
Author: Coco Mellors
Year: 2024
Genre: Literary Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
More info: September 2024 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Plot
In this poignant novel, the three Blue sisters are returning home to stop the sale of their family’s NYC apartment a year after their fourth sister, Nicky, dies unexpectedly. Normally scattered across the world, when they are forced to live under one roof, they face just how much each of them has spiraled since Nicky’s death.
Avery, the eldest and a recovering alcoholic, is typically the mom of the bunch. But she’s been sabotaging her relationship with her wife to avoid facing the harder truths of her marriage. Lucky, who struggles to do anything without a drink, has recently been dropped by her modeling agency after ruining a Parisian runway show. Bonnie, is adrift in LA working as a bouncer after a failed run at becoming a boxing champion.
Each sister is struggling with her own demons but together, they might just be able to overcome the loss of Nicky and get their lives back on track.
Trigger Warning
Alcoholism, Addiction
Why Kirsten loves it
This character-driven story focuses on grief and finding your way after a devastating loss. But it also looks at the cycle of addiction and the role our families play in that cycle. This is a meaty story that is filled with discussion points for a book club, but be aware of the trigger warnings. #gifted by Penguin Random House.
Find this book in: Books About Sisters / Best Books About Siblings / Read with Jenna Book Club List 2024 / Summary of Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger
This is Not About Us
Author: Allegra Goodman
Year: 2026
Genre: Fiction
More info: Reese Witherspoon Book Club Author of Isola, Read with Jenna Book Club Author of SAM
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:
Plot
Helen and Sylvia Rubinstein don’t know what to do since their beloved sister died. For years, they have feuded over apple cake, and now, they are not sure how to overcome the rift without their sister. The family deals with divorce, life choices, and bat mitzvahs- all the pieces that are put together to make a life. Each chapter looks at another family member and the drama of life in a family.
Why Jackie loves it
Allegra Goodman is such a powerful writer. This is a book written in multiple POVs with interconnected stories of the family members. I was invested in this family- flaws and all.
Find this book in: Best Family Drama Books / Books About Sisters
The Future Saints
Author: Ashley Winstead
Release Date: January 20, 2026
Genre: Fiction
More info: For fans of Daisy Jones and the Six
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The Future Saints are a California pop band whose manager died tragically. Now, Theo, a record exec, is tasked with getting them to make their next album. When Hannah, the lead singer, debuts her rock side, the album goes viral. The Future Saints have their big break if they can stay out of their own way. Hannah becomes close with Theo while grappling with her relationship with her sister.
Trigger Warnings
Alcoholism, Grief
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved this look at grief when your life is in the spotlight. We all voraciously read about celebrities, often forgetting that they are real people with problems that can be intensely difficult to navigate in the public eye. I also appreciated how the author handled Hannah’s alcoholic reaction to her grief and Theo’s compassionate growth as a manager. #gifted by Atria.
Find this book in: Novels About Music / Books About Sisters
The Vanishing Half
Author: Brit Bennett
Year: 2020
Genre: Literary Historical Fiction
More info: June 2020 GMA Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The premise of this book set in the 70s is so unique. Two black sisters are so pale they can pass for white. One embraces her black heritage and her hometown, the other disappears into white suburbia. When they meet up again 20 years later through their own daughters, the result is a stunning portrayal of the ties that tether us to our families.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Domestic Abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
I adored Bennett’s debut book The Mothers so I was nervous to read her sophomore novel. Sometimes the next novel doesn’t live up to the first, but The Vanishing Half absolutely does with this wonderful and thought-provoking book.
Adaptation Information
Issa Rae is producing the movie adaptation of this book for HBO.
Find this book in: Books Becoming Movies / Thought-Provoking Books / Books Set in the 70s / Books About Sisters / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Family Drama Books / Best Books About Siblings
The Fortunes of Jaded Women
Author: Carolyn Huynh
Year: 2022
Genre: Literary Fiction
More info: September 2022 GMA Book Club Pick
Age Range: 15+
Plot
This family drama tells the tale of Mai, her estranged Vietnamese sisters, and her 3 daughters. After meeting with her psychic in Hawaii, Mai is determined to reunite with her family and find happiness and good marriages for all of her daughters within the year.
But life has other plans for her meddling and the year that unfolds brings unexpected changes for everyone. Will what Mai was told come to pass or will she lose her last chance to reconnect with everyone she loves?
Trigger Warnings
Infidelity
Why Kirsten loves it
I have a soft spot in my heart for meddlesome mothers and family drama books about sisters. I love when a story brings me into the hearts and minds of an entire family in a way that has me rooting for each character to find their proper place within each other’s lives.
Find this book in: GMA Book Club List 2022 / Books About Sisters / Hawaii Novels
The Wedding Sisters
Author: Jamie Brenner
Year: 2016
Genre: Fiction
More info: USA Today Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This wacky story about three sisters who get engaged at the same time is laugh-out-loud funny. When their parents decide that the best way to save money is to throw them a joint wedding, well…let’s just say it’s a wild ride! How can there not be some serious drama?
Why Kirsten loves it
Full of heart, sisterhood, and love, this contemporary fiction family drama story is one of Brenner’s best works. Of all the books featuring weddings on this list, this is probably one of my favorite feel-good books for the wedding season.
Find this book in: Books About Sisters
Plot
When Charlie Goodwin gets a concussion, and cannot smell or taste, she doesn’t know what to do. Her job as a chef and the promotion she has been working toward is on the line.
She begs her twin sister Cass to switch places like they did when they were kids. She will take over the bakery and Cass will pretend to be her.
Why Jackie loves it
This adorable holiday romance is just the book to brighten your day and put a smile on your face. This is one of the best holiday books I’ve read!
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books Of All Time / Holiday Books / Books About Sisters / Best Canadian Novels / Books About Food / New Christmas Books 2021 / Bakery Romances
Historical Fiction Books About Sisters and Sisterhood
The Nightingale
Author: Kristin Hannah
Year: 2015
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: March 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is a remarkable story of two sisters who live in France. As historical fiction goes, this one set the standard for me. It is one of my all-time favorite books. It details how they survive the Second World War under Nazi Occupation. The sisters are separated by time and have completely different experiences in the war.
This book is one of the books that should be read in a lifetime. It is a total tear-jerker and should be essential reading! If you have not read this book and are looking for a pick for your next book club, you should consider this one. I will also point out that this is a book about WWII, not the Holocaust. While there is a subplot with a Jewish character, this by no means is a book about the Jewish experience during the war.
Trigger Warnings
WWII
Why Jackie loves it
The powerful story and the bonds of sisterhood in this book make it an unforgettable book. I cannot wait to see the movie adaptation
Why Kirsten loves it
I love historical fiction and read them all the time. This book was still filled with surprises and the writing grabbed me from the first page.
Adaptation Information
Elle and Dakota Fanning are set to produce and star in the film adaptation of this book which has been in the works for quite some time! February 12, 2027 is the current projected release date.
Find this book in: Books about WWII / Books Set in France / Books About Sisters and Sisterhood / Books About Female Spies / Books Becoming Movies / Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2023 / Books Like The Alice Network
The Star Society
Author: Gabriella Saab
Release Date: January 6, 2026
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Inspired by Audrey Hepburn
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Before Ada moved to Hollywood, Ada was fighting for the Dutch resistance. She is shocked when Ingrid, the sister she thought was dead, shows up at her house. Ingrid escaped the Nazi invasion and fled to Washington, D.C. Ingrid has been sent to rid Hollywood of communism, and her sister is on her list.
Ingrid must determine what side Ada is fighting for, but Ada has her own mission: to find the Nazi agent who terrorized her hometown and bring him down.
Why Kirsten loves it
Inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s story, Saab set out to create a tale of political intrigue against the sparkling backdrop of Old Hollywood. In the process, she wove a tale that felt eerily close to present-day society. I loved the dynamic of the sisters as they worked to rebuild their trust in one another.
I also found the narrator to be thoroughly engaging, though that’s not surprising be Saaskia is one of the best in the business! Gifted by Harper Muse and Harper Audio.
Find this book in: Book About Sisters / Old Hollywood Books / Poolside Reads
Florence Adler Swims Forever
Author: Rachel Beanland
Year: 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This book takes place in the United States just before WWII. Every summer the Adlers rent out their house in Atlantic City and move to a small apartment. Florence returns from college so she can spend the summer practicing to swim the English Channel.
When Florence dies in a tragic accident, the family decides that they cannot tell Florence’s sister who is in the hospital on bed rest after losing a child a year before.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved the writing, the story, and the desire to keep the family together at all costs. As the best full-cast audiobooks do, the multiple narrators brought this wonderful story to life.
Find this book in: Sisterhood Books / Full Cast Audiobooks / Books Set at the Beach
The Other Boleyn Girl
Author: Philippa Gregory
Year: 2001
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: The Plantagenet and Tudor Novels #9, New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The modern-day monarchy has NOTHING on Henry VIII’s England. That man was a serial philander who literally changed the course of history over his love of Anne Boleyn. While everyone knows about Anne, this particular story is about Mary, her sister whom he fell in love with first. We see the entire sequence of events through the eyes of Mary, the only member of Anne’s family to survive.
Trigger Warnings
Miscarriage, Incest
Why Kirsten loves it
This story solidified my love for Philippa Gregory and my love for the Tudors. I seriously credit this book with my interest in the royal family. This fictionalized account of Anne Boleyn was captivating and so informative. When I had the chance to visit Hampton Court palace I recalled all I learned from this story!
Find this book in: Best Long Books / Royal Historical Fiction
If You Want to Make God Laugh
Author: Bianca Marais
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Bestselling author of If You Want to Make God Laugh
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Bianca Marais’s sophomore novel is a brilliant work of literary fiction that has left me in its wake weeks after I finished it. This story examines difficult topics with such love and sensitivity. From AIDS and poverty to racism and homophobia, this isn’t a book that you can skim over parts.
Every word has its place but, it is written so poetically that I found myself trying to remember the words of wisdom within the pages. This is the story of three women in post-Apartheid South Africa. Zodwa is a seventeen-year-old who lives in poverty with a secret. Ruth is a wealthy socialite and Delilah, a former nun. When Ruth and Delilah find a baby, everything in their lives changes.
Why Jackie loves it
Thank you so much for my copy of this book!!! If I could give more than 5 stars I would. I laughed and cried with the characters in this book whose stories captivated me from the first page. It’s one of the best books of 2019.
Why Kirsten loves it
Marais is a brilliant writer who tells a story in a brilliant way.
Find this book in: Books About Sisters and Bonds of Sisterhood / The 21 Best Books of 2019
Plot
This is an incredible novel about the women of Smith College who went to help French war victims on the war front. The band of 15 women in this novel is based on the 18 real-life heroes of Smith College.
These ladies started from scratch to help those ravaged by war only to have the war come back and destroy the lands around them again. But they never faltered in their quest to help the war-torn villages of women and children impacted by the war.
The book gives a well-rounded feeling of what these women needed to do to save the lands and the people and is an emotional pick from books about friends.
Why Kirsten loves it
This historical fiction is based on real events and had me captivated from the first page. I love the bravery and camaraderie of these amazing women.
Why Jackie loves it
The role of women is so often overlooked and so this story about the women of Smith College was enlightening. I loved the characters and the story, but the fact that it was based on real events of WWI made it even better.
Find this book in: Friendship Books / Books About Sisters and Sisterhood / Books Set in France / Best Book Club Books / Books Like The Alice Network / Best Books of 2021 / WWI Novels
Sunflower Sisters
Author: Martha Hall Kelly
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller, Woodsey-Ferriday Trilogy
Age Range:16+
Plot
The third and final installment in the Lilac Girls series, Sunflower Sisters focuses on the Civil War. I found myself pondering how much easier it is as an American to look at WW1 and WW2 as distant history, but the Civil War makes me so uncomfortable to read about.
I like to think that’s the work I’ve been doing to learn the history of slavery that is at the root of this country’s origin and examine my own privilege.
Why Kirsten loves it
I did love this story and I learned more about slavery in the border states during the war and just how complex that issue was for the Union.
Find this book in: Books About Sisters and Bonds of Sisterhood / Books With Flowers in the Title
Thrilling Books About Sisters
My Sister, the Serial Killer
Author: Oyinkan Braithwaite
Year: 2018
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Despite the title, this book is more literary fiction than anything else. Korede has to hide the secret that her gorgeous sister, Ayoola, is a serial dater who murders her many boyfriends.
When Ayoola sets her sights on the only man Korede fancies, Korede has to decide where her loyalties lie. More about the emotional bonds of sisters, the murder is just an undercurrent of the story forcing emotions to the surface of this book.
Why Kirsten loves it
Easily one of the most unique books I’ve ever read. This debut was fabulous. It’s not a mystery/thriller so much as a look at the mind of a serial killer.
Find this book in: African Novels / Books About Sisters / Fiction Serial Killer Books / The 20 Best Books of 2018
Saint X
Author: Alexis Schaitkin
Year: 2020
Genre: Thriller
More info: A New York Times Notable Book of 2020
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Saint X. I think I was suspecting a thriller or a mystery because the story opens with an 18-year-old girl who dies on her tropical vacation with her family. Her then-7-year-old sister, Claire, is our narrator. Now in her 20s, after a chance meeting with someone connected to the case, Claire is trying to figure out exactly what happened all those years ago.
The story is also peppered with accounts from a few other key people in the case. Each one of these players is a different narrator which just made the entire production feel real. But it doesn’t quite fit into one genre. It’s also a book about the relationship between sisters, even those separated for years.
Why Kirsten loves it
Don’t you feel that some books are just meant to be listened to and not read? That’s how I felt about Daisy Jones & The Six, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto, Echo, and now Saint X. Each of these full-cast audiobooks brings the novel to life. The other thing I love about this story is the subtle commentary on race and class woven throughout.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a well-written book that is as much a mystery as it is a thriller. I did not anticipate what would happen in this book and I love that in a story. The audiobook is a fantastic listen!
Find this book in: Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / About Sisters and Bonds of Sisterhood / Full Cast Audiobooks / Books Set in Tropical Locations / The Best Audiobooks of All Time
The Good Sister
Author: Sally Hepworth
Year: 2020
Genre: Thriller
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Fern and Rose are twins who have always had each other. Rose is the responsible one, always looking out for Fern. Fern has trouble reading social situations. She doesn’t like loud noises and makes dangerous mistakes all the time.
Rose’s most important job was protecting Fern from their crazy mother. When Fern, a library worker, decides to have a baby for Rose, secrets come out about their collective past.
Trigger Warnings
Child Abuse
Why Jackie loves it
The Good Sister is a psychological thriller that will keep you on your toes until the very end.
Find this book in: Books About Sisters / Books About Librarians
The Favorite Sister
Author: Jessica Knoll
Year: 2018
Genre: Thriller
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
You start off knowing there is a murder and then traveling back to find out what happened and why she was killed. But here is the kicker – the victim is a REALITY TV STAR. So the whole thing is like watching a behind-the-scenes look at Desperate Housewives.
It was seriously amazing guys. It’s truly the perfect beach read and a great one for our list of reality TV books.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a thriller, chick-lit, and feminist literature all in one!
Find this book in: Books About Sisters and Sisterhood / The 20 Best Books of 2018 / Reality TV Novels
Plot
This is one story that kept me intrigued until the very end. When Emma finds out she’s pregnant, and her husband loses his job, she needs to return to her childhood home, where she hasn’t been since the night of her parents’ brutal murders – murders she was accused of committing.
But when she returns, new memories come up, and it causes her to dig into what exactly happened all those years ago. She lied back then to protect her now estranged sisters, but should she have?
This twisty book covers the bonds of sisterhood and the trauma of living in a home with abusive, manipulative parents.
Trigger Warnings
Scenes of Child Abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
I didn’t know who to believe or what really happened until the very end. It’s a great medium-paced thriller for a cold winter night. The audiobook narrator really immersed me in the story, I couldn’t stop listening! #gifted by Macmillan Audio
Find this book in: Books about Sisterhood
Beach Reads About Sisters
The Identicals
Author: Elin Hilderbrand
Year: 2018
Genre: Fiction
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:
Plot
This story about estranged sisters working to settle their father’s estate was utterly engrossing. I was flipping pages of this beach read at lightning speed as I sought to understand what drove the sisters apart and if they could help repair their lives and their relationship. The secondary characters in this book about sisters were particularly well thought out.
Why Kirsten loves it
My first book by popular writer Elin Hilderbrand certainly won’t be my last! What a treat of a beach read!
Find this book in: Books About Sisters and Sisterhood
The Chicken Sisters
Author: K.J. Dell’ Antonia
Year: 2020
Genre: Fiction
More info: December 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is another winner picked by Reese Witherspoon! This was an enjoyable family drama based around two sisters competing in a fictional reality TV food competition.
As the competition turns to tricks and sabotage, the sisters’ war with each other turns ugly. Family secrets just keep getting exposed and the hijinx gets better and better. This was the perfect light read to end 2020 and a perfect pick for a list of books about sisters.
Why Kirsten likes it
I liked the family drama and the silly antics in this book. The relationship between the sisters was a fun read as well.
Find this book in: Books with Food in the Title / Books About Sister and Sisterhood / Books About Food / Reality TV Novels / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2020
The Unlikely Adventures of the Shergill Sisters
Author: Balli Kaur Jaswal
Year: 2019
Genre: Fiction
More info: Reese Witherspoon Book Club Author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I enjoyed this story about three sisters who are on a pilgrimage back to India to spread the ashes of their mother. In a letter to her three daughters, she leaves strict instructions for the stops that her daughters must take along their journey in the hopes that they can reconnect with each other.
Why Kirsten loves it
While I enjoyed the story, I found it to be a little slow until about halfway through. I am happy that I continued to the end of this book about sisters so I had closure.
Find this book in: Books About Sister
Classic Books About Sisters
Plot
The classic story by Alcott has survived for generations for a reason, the way she wonderfully encapsulates what it’s like to be in a family. The highs and lows of the personal and collective lives of Beth, Jo, Amy, and Meg are an endearing testimony to the bonds of sisters.
Why Jackie loves it
I remember reading this coming-of-age novel with my grandmother when I was young. It features a family of four girls who are trying to support each other and their mother while their father is away at war.
Find this book in: Best Classic Novels / Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Fun Books for Teens / Best Books About Siblings / Best Novels About Teachers
Pride and Prejudice
Author: Jane Austen
Year: 1813
Genre: Classic Romance
Spice Rating:💋
More: December 2025 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Age Range: 12+
Plot
We love this classic love story. This love story has everything you could want. Elizabeth Bennet is a smart and stubborn woman who was ahead of her time. With five Bennet girls, one of them must marry well to support the other sisters.
Why Kirsten loves it
There are so many new and wonderful adaptations of this novel, that we did an entire post on it. And you don’t want to miss the other Jane Austen adaptations in the post as well. Austen is a master of romances, and this book is the original enemies-to-lovers novel! It’s my favorite of all the Jane Austen books.
Adaptations
If you are a fan of the book, you probably have very strong feelings about which adaptation you like more – the 2005 Keira Knightley version or the 1995 version with Colin Firth. In 2025, filming started on the latest adaptation, which will become a series for Netflix. The cast includes Emma Corrin (Elizabeth Bennet), Jack Lowden (Mr. Darcy), and Olivia Colman (Mrs. Bennet). Rufus Sewell, Freya Mavor, Jamie Demetriou, Daryl McCormack, Rhea Norwood, Siena Kelly, and Louis Partridge are in the supporting cast.
Find this book in: Books About Sisters / Enemies-to-Lovers Books / Jane Austen Books in Order / Grumpy Sunshine Books / Classic Romance Novels / Books Like Bridgerton / Books Becoming Movies / Read with Jenna Book Club List 2025 / The Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books
Fantasy Books About Sisters and Sisterhood
Practical Magic
Author: Alice Hoffman
Year: 1995
Genre: Fantasy/ Magical realism
More info: Practical Magic Series
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:15+
Plot
For years, the Owens women have known that their bad luck is because of a curse. This book is the first book written in the Practical Magic series. I adore this tale of magic, family, and sisterhood. At this point, this is one of the best magical realism books and it is truly iconic.
Gillian and Sally are sisters who have been raised by their two aunts after their parents die. They both want to leave their small Massachusetts town. But, when Gillian gets into trouble, she runs to Sally for help.
The trouble comes back to haunt them and when a police chief comes to town looking for answers, the sisters try hard to cover up their family secrets. The powerful bond between the Owens sisters brings this story to life and is a constant throughout all the books in the series. This is the first published book in the Practical Magic series and the one I recommend you read first.
Why Jackie loves it
This is truly an iconic witch book and is one of the cases where the movie has become iconic as well. I love the story but also the unbreakable bond between Sally and Gilly. This story is about truly finding yourself
Why Kirsten loves it
I love Practical Magic as part of a series and as a stand-alone novel. The bonds of sisterhood are so strong that the magic and the story leave me with that feeling you get after an amazing book. This is also my go-to Halloween movie along with Hocus Pocus.
Find this book in: Practical Magic Books in Order / Alice Hoffman Books / Books About Sisters / Witch Books / Books By Jewish Authors / Best Adult Fantasy
Plot
Anne Fortier did it again with this feminist retelling of the Amazon legend. This dual timeline story has a modern-day Amazon expert on a hunt to find the treasure left behind by the Amazons she’s sure existed. It flashes back to the time of the Trojan war as readers learn about the origins of the Amazons and what caused the female warriors to become involved with the Trojans.
Why Kirsten loves it
I adore Anne Fortier’s retellings and this one still has me thinking about the ending. I love the dual time line narrative because to allows for suspenseful cliffhangers that add to the story’s thrilling vibes.
Find this book in: Greek Mythology Retellings / Books about Sisters / Long Books / Novels Set in Egypt
Caraval
Author: Stephanie Garber
Year: 2017
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: New York Times Bestselling Fantasy debut
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
When it comes to YA Fantasy books, this one is a classic. The story begins with letters from Scarlett to Legend, the leader of Caraval- a game played once a year in a far-off destination.
Every year, every time it is played, the game is different. Filled with magic and wonder, Scarlet plays this destination-based competition to win this year’s prize – her sister Tella – before anyone else can. This is a game filled with magic where the stakes become higher the longer Scarlet plays.
Why Jackie loves it
This is the first book in a three-part series that gets better and more complex with each new book. This series of YA fantasy romance books is a must-read.
Find this book in: Stephanie Garber Books / Books Like the Selection / Best Puzzle Books / Popular Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books /Books About Sisters and Bonds of Sisterhood / Best YA Romance Books / Books Like the Night Circus
YA Books About Sisters
Clap When You Land
Author: Elizabeth Acevedo
Year: 2020
Genre: YA Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Camino Rios lives in the Dominican Republic and counts down the days until her father comes to visit every year from New York City.
Yahaira Rios lives in New York City and her life changes forever the day she finds out her father has been killed in a plane crash on his way to the Dominican Republic for his summer trip.
Trigger Warnings
Death of a Parent, Sexual assault
Why Kirsten loves it
The story of the sisters meeting and each finding out new things about their father and each other made for quite a story. This is one of the most emotional and poignant books about sisters I’ve ever read.
Find this book in: Books about Sisters / Plane Novels / Novels About Grief
You Have a Match
Author: Emma Lord
Year: 2021
Genre: YA Romance
More info: Winter 2021 YA Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
When Abby signs up for a DNA service, she does it to support her best friend and secret crush, Leo. She doesn’t expect to find an older sister she never knew she had. To find uncover the entire story and get to know her green juice-loving, Instagram queen sister, Abby heads off to camp where her sister works. It also happens to be the same camp where Leo works as a staff chef.
Why Jackie likes it
This Reese book club YA winter pick is a perfect YA romance with a little more depth and emotion. It’s one of our favorite books about sisters!
Find this book in: Books About Camp / Books About Sisters / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2021
The Penderwicks
Author: Jeanne Birdsall
Year: 2005
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Penderwicks #1
Plot
An imperfect family, the Penderwick family (consisting of the father, 4 daughters, and their dog) go spend their three-week summer vacation at a cottage they rented. Mrs. Tifton, a grumpy, snooty woman, and her son Jeffry own the cottage that is part of the Arundel estate.
Why Jackie loves it
The first in a realistic fiction series of 5 books about sisters, this wonderful book is perfect to read aloud at night or listen to on audio for a family road trip. All of my children loved this entire series! It’s one of my favorites to gift to new parents.
Find this book in: Chapters Books to Read Aloud / Best Books for 9-year-olds / Best Realistic Fiction Books / Best Middle Grade Fiction
To Night Owl From Dogfish
Author: Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer
Year: 2019
Genre: Middle-Grade Fiction
More info: Two amazing authors with a story told via letters and emails.
Age Range: 9+
Plot
This tween book came so highly recommended that I was afraid it wouldn’t live up to the hype. But I loved it. Is it about two girls who could not be more different, whose fathers fall in love and send them to camp together so they can meet before they all become a family.
It is told through emails sent back and forth between the girls, family, and friends as well. It is so well written and is ultimately a story about friendship and unconditional love. This middle grade book deals with really complicated issues like what makes a family in a completely approachable way.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a book written by two fantastic writers in such a unique way- it is told through letters and emails. It is relatable for children and adults alike, even though it is appropriate for ages 9 and up.
Find this book in: Ultimate List of Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Epistolary Novels/ Best Books for a 12-Year-Old / Books about Camp / Full Cast Audiobooks for Kids
Expert Tip
How do you pick a book about sisters that you will love?
- Find your favorite genre. Kirsten and I have put books from every genre on this list.
- Are you a Kirsten or a Jackie? Look to see which one of us read the book, so you can pick a book that you love. We included our thoughts on each one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a book about sisters?
These are fiction novels about sisters and the bonds of sisterhood. Sisterhood is a friendship of found family. Often, these bonds are stronger than family bonds.
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Epilogue
Which books about sisters have you read and loved?
I checked my bookshelves and decided on The Fortunes of Jaded Women by Carolyn Huynh.
I hope you enjoy it!
I have several of these books on my shelf. So happy to pull one of them off my shelf for the April challenge. Now to decide which one.🤔