Book Review Best Family Ever (A Baxter Family Children Story)

There’s something profoundly comforting about a book that wraps you in warmth from the very first page. Best Family Ever, the first installment in Karen Kingsbury’s Baxter Family Children series, does exactly that. Whether you're already a fan of Kingsbury’s beloved Baxter Family saga or new to her work, this middle-grade adaptation offers a tender, faith-filled story that resonates with readers of all ages.

Kingsbury, a master of inspirational fiction, translates the heart of her bestselling adult series into a format perfect for younger readers—without losing any of the emotional depth or spiritual richness. If you’re looking for a book that celebrates family, faith, and the little moments that make life extraordinary, this is one you won’t want to miss.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

---

Best Family Ever introduces readers to the five Baxter siblings—Brooke, Kari, Ashley, Erin, and Luke—as they navigate the ups and downs of childhood. Set in Bloomington, Indiana, the story follows the family through a school year filled with challenges, triumphs, and everyday adventures.

The novel opens with the Baxters preparing for a new school year, each child facing their own unique struggles. Ashley, the artistic and sometimes rebellious middle child, grapples with feeling overlooked. Kari, the compassionate second-oldest, learns about friendship and loyalty. Brooke, the responsible eldest, balances school pressures with her role as a big sister. Meanwhile, Erin and Luke, the youngest, bring innocence and joy to the family dynamic.

Without giving away major spoilers, the story weaves together themes of sibling rivalry, forgiveness, and the importance of faith in tough times. Whether it’s Ashley’s struggle to fit in, a school project that tests the siblings’ teamwork, or a family crisis that brings them closer, each moment is infused with love and life lessons.

---

One of Kingsbury’s greatest strengths is her ability to craft relatable, multidimensional characters—even in a children’s adaptation. Here’s a closer look at the Baxter siblings:

• Brooke Baxter (the Responsible One): As the eldest, Brooke often feels the weight of setting a good example. Her journey explores the balance between responsibility and self-discovery.
• Kari Baxter (the Kindhearted One): Empathetic and gentle, Kari’s storyline emphasizes compassion and standing up for others.
• Ashley Baxter (the Free Spirit): The most complex of the siblings, Ashley’s struggles with identity and acceptance make her the emotional core of the book.
• Erin and Luke Baxter (the Innocent Hearts): The youngest siblings bring lightheartedness and humor, reminding readers of the joy in simple moments.

Parents John and Elizabeth Baxter serve as loving anchors, modeling faith and patience in a way that feels authentic rather than preachy. Their presence reinforces the book’s central message: family is a gift from God.

---

Kingsbury’s writing in Best Family Ever is accessible for young readers but never simplistic. She employs:

• Short, Engaging Chapters: Perfect for middle-grade attention spans.
• First-Person Perspectives: Alternating between the siblings’ viewpoints, allowing readers to connect deeply with each character.
• Conversational Tone: Makes the spiritual and emotional lessons feel natural rather than forced.

The narrative flows effortlessly, balancing dialogue-driven scenes with introspective moments. While the book is written for children, adults will appreciate the depth beneath the surface—proof that great storytelling transcends age.

---

At its core, Best Family Ever is about:

• The Power of Family: How love and support help us through life’s challenges.
• Faith in Everyday Life: Prayer and trust in God aren’t just for big moments—they’re woven into daily routines.
• Forgiveness & Second Chances: Whether between siblings or friends, reconciliation is a recurring theme.

These messages are delivered gently, making them impactful without feeling heavy-handed.

---

As someone who’s read Kingsbury’s adult Baxter Family books, I was curious how this children’s version would hold up. The answer? Beautifully. There’s a nostalgic sweetness to seeing these characters as kids, facing problems that feel universal—school stress, friendship drama, sibling squabbles.

I particularly loved Ashley’s arc—her journey from feeling like an outsider to realizing her worth was deeply moving. And as a parent, I appreciated how the book models healthy family dynamics without glossing over real struggles.

---

Fans of The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall or The Vanderbeekers by Karina Yan Glaser will find a similar warmth here, though Kingsbury’s faith-based lens sets it apart. Compared to her own Baxter Family adult series, this adaptation retains the heart but simplifies the themes for younger audiences.

---

✅ Relatable Characters – Each sibling feels real and memorable.
✅ Uplifting Without Being Unrealistic – Problems aren’t magically fixed, but faith and love guide the way.
✅ Great for Family Read-Alouds – Sparks meaningful conversations.

❌ Predictability – Some plot points follow familiar arcs, but this is common in children’s fiction.
❌ Limited Cultural Diversity – The Baxter family is white and middle-class, which may not reflect all readers’ experiences.

---

• Kids Ages 8-12 – Perfect for independent readers.
• Families – A wonderful read-aloud choice.
• Fans of Christian Fiction – Offers wholesome, faith-centered storytelling.
• Baxter Family Fans – A delightful way to revisit beloved characters.

---

“Families aren’t perfect, but they’re God’s best idea.”
“Even when things go wrong, love makes it right.”

---

Best Family Ever is more than a children’s book—it’s a celebration of faith, love, and the messy, beautiful reality of family life. Whether you’re buying it for a young reader or revisiting the Baxters yourself, this story will leave you smiling.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

---

1. Which Baxter sibling did you relate to most, and why?
2. How does the book handle sibling conflicts in a way that feels realistic?
3. What role does faith play in the characters’ lives?

Have you read Best Family Ever? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Get this book on Amazon

For more great reviews and book recommendations, visit Books By Order.

For more great reviews, visit Book Book Owl.