Where to Start with Ali Standish
If you are new to Ali Standish’s heartfelt stories, you have two excellent entry points depending on your reading preferences. For readers who love deep, emotionally resonant contemporary realism, her award-winning debut novel, The Ethan I Was Before (2017), is the perfect place to begin. It introduces Standish's signature style: tackling tough subjects like grief and guilt with a gentle, hopeful touch.
If you prefer fast-paced mystery and historical adventure, start with The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall (2023). This book kicks off her acclaimed trilogy reimagining the school days of a young Arthur Conan Doyle. Unlike her standalone novels, this series features a continuous narrative that should be read in order.
The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall Series
This middle-grade fantasy-mystery series follows a young Arthur Conan Doyle as he is invited to attend the mysterious Baskerville Hall, a school for extraordinarily gifted children. There, Arthur makes lifelong friends, faces dangerous threats, and is mentored by none other than Professor Sherlock Holmes. You should read this trilogy in chronological (and publication) order:
- The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall (2023) – Arthur arrives at the academy and discovers a secret society called the Circle of Light.
- The Sign of the Five (2024) – Arthur faces a new mystery involving a secret mechanism and a looming threat to the school.
- The Valley of Lies (2025) – The thrilling conclusion where Arthur must save his sister Mary from Dinah Grey while navigating a web of deception.
Standalone Novels in Publication Order
Standish's standalone middle-grade novels do not share characters or universes, meaning you can read them in any order you choose. However, reading them in publication order lets you see how her storytelling evolves:
- The Ethan I Was Before (2017) – Follows Ethan, a boy who relocates to a small Georgia town while struggling with grief and guilt after an accident involving his best friend.
- August Isle (2019) – Miranda spends a summer in a Florida beach town, uncovering long-hidden family secrets and learning about forgiveness. Note: This book was published in some regions, like the UK, under the title The Secret Summer.
- Bad Bella (2019) – Inspired by Standish's real-life rescue dog, this heartwarming story follows a pup named Bella who is determined to find her true home after being labeled "bad."
- How to Disappear Completely (2020) – Twelve-year-old Emma deals with the loss of her grandmother and her own diagnosis of vitiligo, finding escape in a magical woodland world.
- The Mending Summer (2021) – Georgia is sent to stay at her lakehouse with her grandfather while her mother enters rehab, discovering a magical lake creature that helps her heal.
- Yonder (2022) – A WWII historical mystery set in Appalachia that explores prejudice, heroism, and friendship through the eyes of a young boy named Danny.
Chapter Books for Younger Readers
In addition to her middle-grade novels, Ali Standish has written for younger readers transitioning into longer fiction:
- The Climbers (2019) – Lyrically written and beautifully illustrated by Alette Straathof, this chapter book tells the story of a young girl named Alma and a lost bear cub named Star as they attempt to climb the highest peaks.
What to Know Before You Start
Ali Standish's books are highly recommended for classrooms and family reading because they tackle complex themes—such as parental addiction, chronic illness (vitiligo), historical prejudice, and intense grief—with immense empathy and sensitivity. While her standalones often feature a touch of magical realism, they remain grounded in emotional truth. Make sure to note title variations if you are importing books, as August Isle and The Secret Summer are the exact same novel under different titles.