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Great Books to Give the Kids This Holiday!
Tami Charles is a former teacher and the author of picture books, middle grade and young adult novels, and nonfiction. As a teacher, she made it her mission to introduce her students to all types of literature, but especially diverse books. Her books include middle grade novels Like Vanessa and Definitely Daphne; Becoming Beatriz, a YA novel; and the picture book Freedom Soup. Her latest picture book is All Because You Matter with Bryan Collier. Her YA novel written in verse, Muted, will be published February 2.
The holidays are rapidly approaching. Now is the time to start thinking about the perfect gifts to get the young people in your life. What better gift to give than books?
As a former teacher, I personally witnessed the sparkle in my students’ eyes whenever I gifted them a book for the holidays. And I never gave them just anything to read—no way! My selections catered to my students’ wants, needs, likes, and hobbies. For those reasons, I could always be certain that they would actually read what I chose for them.
I know what you’re thinking. What if your kids don’t want books for the holidays? What if they want video games and tech toys instead? Leave that stuff to Santa. Or the grandparents.
As a teacher, I had my fair share of students who “claimed” they didn’t like to read. Here’s what I know:
Put a book in a child’s hands that interests them.
Watch the magic unfold.
Thank me later.
I’m excited to offer up a list of diverse picture books and middle grade novels that I think the youngsters in your life will gravitate to. Curating this list was hard work, but someone’s gotta do it! So let’s get started, shall we?
Picture Books (ages 4 to 8)
When I was growing up, books depicting Native people in a positive light were unheard of. The tide is shifting, thanks to #ownvoice authors like Traci Sorell. Otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah), a Cherokee expression of gratitude, is the theme of the gorgeous picture book We Are Grateful. Follow a year in the life of Cherokee Nation citizens as they celebrate family, customs, and the changing of seasons, all while keeping gratitude at the forefront. A glossary and complete Cherokee syllabary add to the richness of a book that is sure to become a classic in schools and homes alike.
Verdict: A mindful, lyrical, and artistic feast for the soul. Did I mention there’s a song, too? Add this gem to your holiday playlist. (You’re welcome!)
Verdict: A mindful, lyrical, and artistic feast for the soul. Did I mention there’s a song, too? Add this gem to your holiday playlist. (You’re welcome!)
During the 2020 pandemic, we’ve seen an uprising of injustices against BIPOC communities. Now, more than ever, it’s important to pour love into our children and remind them of the joy they bring to this world. I Am Every Good Thing does just that! This is a book that oozes confidence and reminds readers to be proud of everything that makes them who they are. As I read this book to my own son, I saw his eyes sparkle and his shoulders widen as he sang out the words like a mantra. Mission accomplished.
Verdict: An affirming work of art that deserves to be chanted from the mountaintops so that the message reaches those who need to hear it most.
Verdict: An affirming work of art that deserves to be chanted from the mountaintops so that the message reaches those who need to hear it most.
I love stories that center the connection between a child and grandparent. Told in free-form poetry, this book begins with an important reminder from the elders: We come from water. It is indeed the first medicine and therefore must be protected. Inspired by the Standing Rock movement, We Are Water Protectors rallies young readers to take a stand, fight for what is right, and be unapologetically proud of the contributions Native people have made to our nation.
Verdict: We have a responsibility to the planet. What better gift than this book to remind readers of that very fact.
Verdict: We have a responsibility to the planet. What better gift than this book to remind readers of that very fact.
What child doesn’t wish they could be a superhero? But all superheroes need a cape, right? Not quite in this fun story about the power of confidence. In Super Satya Saves the Day, we meet a Sikh American protagonist whose day takes a turn for the worse when she realizes her cape is stuck at the dry cleaner's. Oh no! How will Satya conquer the tallest slide at the park? How will she face her fears? After helping a friend at school and a lost dog at the park, it turns out that Satya possessed the greatest superpower all along—with or without the cape.
Verdict: Courage and kindness wrapped in a joyful bow. Satya is the superhero we all need.
Verdict: Courage and kindness wrapped in a joyful bow. Satya is the superhero we all need.
This one is my go-to picture book whenever I need a reminder that the word no can often launch you into beautiful things. In 1930s Cuba, girl drummers were unheard of. No one dared defy that unwritten rule—that is, until Millo Castro Zaldarriaga came along. Based on a true story, Drum Dream Girl depicts the life, experiences, and courage of a Chinese African Cuban girl who broke barriers and made history by becoming an internationally celebrated drummer.
Verdict: An inspiring, heart-thrumming biography that’ll leave readers ready to reach for their dreams.
Verdict: An inspiring, heart-thrumming biography that’ll leave readers ready to reach for their dreams.
How could I not choose this upbeat holiday story? Starring the same fiery little girl from I Got Rhythm, we follow mother and daughter around the neighborhood as they experience what the holidays truly represent: sparkling lights everywhere, the beautiful sounds of carolers echoing throughout the city, and helping those in need. This indeed is what the Christmas spirit is all about!
Verdict: Grab a cup of hot cocoa and find a comfy place to read. This warm and fuzzy book will give you all the feels!
Verdict: Grab a cup of hot cocoa and find a comfy place to read. This warm and fuzzy book will give you all the feels!
Middle Grade (ages 8 to 12)
A family vacation. A blizzard. And a giant dog? Sign me up! Vanesa Campos is looking forward to winter vacation with her family, even though her friends make fun of her not-so-glamorous location. To Vanesa, Pinecloud Lodge sounds dreamy with its snow-capped mountains, perfect for skiing and sipping cocoa by the fire. Once there, things take a turn when it begins to snow. After returning from a ski lesson, Vanesa’s little brother, Hunter, is suddenly nowhere to be found. She was supposed to be watching him! Could he be lost outside in the blizzard? With the help of new friends at the lodge and a trusted dog, will Vanesa find her brother before it’s too late?
Verdict: A fun, fast-paced story about family and friendship that will literally give you chills.
Verdict: A fun, fast-paced story about family and friendship that will literally give you chills.
Tweens need books that bridge the gap between middle grade and YA. In my opinion, Paula Chase is the absolute queen of this special category known as upper middle grade. With critically acclaimed titles such as So Done and Dough Boys, Chase’s novels offer readers a safe space to have difficult conversations about things young readers may already be exposed to. Chase’s newest title, Turning Point, adds to her growing collection. We meet besties Rasheeda and Monique, who are both deemed good girls. Rasheeda follows her deeply religious aunt’s every rule. Monique is a ballerina, recently accepted to a mostly white, esteemed ballet program. But will their friendship last when Rasheeda starts crushing on Monique’s brother? And how will Monique break invisible racial barriers and make her mark in the ballet world? Only the strongest of friendships can survive these challenges.
Verdict: Layered and expertly nuanced. There’s a tween in your life who needs this book.
Verdict: Layered and expertly nuanced. There’s a tween in your life who needs this book.
Has your young reader read Front Desk? No? Then let’s just make this a two-for-one! In Front Desk, we meet Mia Tang, a ten-year-old powerhouse who manages the front desk and helps her immigrant parents at the Calivista Motel. With dreams of becoming a writer, she enters a writing contest where the grand prize would allow her family to not just work at a hotel, but actually own one. Talk about living the American dream! In Three Keys, we follow Mia as she struggles to maintain the motel all while a new immigration law looms and threatens not only Mia’s family, but also everyone she cares about. Will Mia find the key to solve her problems? You’ll just have to read and see!
Verdict: A funny, heartwarming story that will impact readers’ perceptions of immigrant rights in all the best ways.
Verdict: A funny, heartwarming story that will impact readers’ perceptions of immigrant rights in all the best ways.
Maureen and Francine Carter are the very best of friends. They like the same types of food, join the same clubs, and always partner up for school projects. But that was in fifth grade. With sixth grade on the horizon, Francine, who now insists on being called Fran, thinks it’s time for a change. Fran’s got new clothes and a new attitude, which compels her to run for class president (much to Maureen’s dismay). The twins are separating in more ways than one, leaving Maureen to wonder…are sisters really forever?
Verdict: Sibling rivalries and middle school fears make for the perfect read for graphic novel–loving tweens!
Verdict: Sibling rivalries and middle school fears make for the perfect read for graphic novel–loving tweens!
For middle schoolers, friendship can be a messy, topsy-turvy roller coaster. King and the Dragonflies does not shy away from the complexities of friendship, both the beautiful and the difficult. Add in layers of finding one’s identity and navigating grief after loss, it makes for one compelling read. Twelve-year-old Kingston James is convinced that his brother, Khalid, has turned into a dragonfly after he passes away unexpectedly. If only King could turn to his best friend, Sandy, to help him cope. But just before Khalid died, he told King to stay far away from Sandy because rumor has it that he’s gay. Certainly King wouldn’t want to be seen as such, too, right? When Sandy goes missing, the whole town searches for him, but King is the only one to discover where he’s been hiding all along. As King and Sandy reignite their friendship, King must confront the reality of his brother’s death as well as his own hidden truths.
Verdict: This conversation starter needs to be in the hands of every middle grade student. Period.
Verdict: This conversation starter needs to be in the hands of every middle grade student. Period.
Some may know Karyn Parsons as Cousin Hilary from the hit 1990s show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, but in 2019 she made a splash into the children’s book world with this emotionally resonant debut novel. [It's] set in the Jim Crow South, [and] 12-year-old Ella Louise is a lovable heroine who longs to be reunited with her mother, a jazz singer pursuing her dreams in Boston. When Ella’s mom invites her up for Christmas, along come the hidden histories and family secrets—you know, the life-changing stuff hungry readers love to discover!
Verdict: This one will grab you by the heart and not let go. Buckle up.
Verdict: This one will grab you by the heart and not let go. Buckle up.
Full disclosure? I chose this book for selfish reasons. Living on the East Coast, winters can be brutal. So when I discovered a story where summer (my favorite season) is accidentally frozen in time, I was all in! Otto and Sheed are the adventurous masters of shenanigans in their Virginia town. As summer comes to a close and the threat start of school looms, the cousins are desperate to keep the fun going a little longer. But how? Enter a mystery man, camera in hand, who swoops in and makes the choice for them by literally freezing time. Cool at first, but along comes the crazy. Scary creatures. One suspenseful event after another. The town needs to be saved stat! Otto and Sheed have a reputation for being shrewd detectives, but this might be their toughest case yet.
Verdict: Fast-paced. Funny as heck. This one’s an instant classic I’m sure the kids in your life will love. Pssst…there’s a sequel, too. But I recommend you start with this one.
Verdict: Fast-paced. Funny as heck. This one’s an instant classic I’m sure the kids in your life will love. Pssst…there’s a sequel, too. But I recommend you start with this one.
Now it's your turn! What books do you love to gift to kids?
Check out more recent articles:
Michiko Kakutani's Gift Guide Book Recommendations
Heat Up the Holidays with These 27 Winter Romances
32 Short, New Books to Help You CRUSH Your Reading Challenge
Check out more recent articles:
Michiko Kakutani's Gift Guide Book Recommendations
Heat Up the Holidays with These 27 Winter Romances
32 Short, New Books to Help You CRUSH Your Reading Challenge
Comments Showing 1-50 of 65 (65 new)
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Pam
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Nov 17, 2020 04:38AM
Any recommendations for a board book to gift my 6 month old granddaughter and 3 year old grandson?
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These are all fantastic recommendations but, are so American-centric that I know my nephew’s would not be interested in most, if any, of them. Maybe include books the rest of the World’s children can relate too, next time ?
The Last Kids on Earth series is something my 10 year old son enjoys. He liked the TV series and even though I have to enforce reading time over gaming time, he does like reading these.
I would definitely add, Attack of the Underwear Dragon by Scott Rothman and illustrated by Pete Oswald. It is wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated and it is a charming and engaging story of a little boy realizing his big wish to become an assistant knight. The little tad works hard to study and train and learn how to be the best knight he can be and then he successfully rids his kingdom of the dragon...all by himself. It is a heart-warming and fun story.
The Night Jesus Met Santa ClausThis book introduces kids that think Christmas is about Santa to Jesus...without beating up Santa...it's also a song that you can play as you read along. Endorsement from Rick Warren
I was a school librarian and one of my best lessons was using "The Guinness Book of World Records" and I've always recommended that as a wonderful book to gift to a family's library.
Oh, I love this selection of books!! There’s so much representation here it just warms my heart. Each of these stories are unique, important and special in their own way. Thanks for sharing Tami Charles.
How about some just plain good books to read for enjoyment instead of so many politically themed stories. Please.
DeeDee wrote: "These are all fantastic recommendations but, are so American-centric that I know my nephew’s would not be interested in most, if any, of them. Maybe include books the rest of the World’s children c..."I totally agree. I was looking through the suggestions for something my 7yr old bookaholic granddaughter might enjoy. Couldn’t find anything she might relate to!
Nature's Rhyming RiddlesFun, educational and quirky rhymes teach young readers about habits and characteristics of five mystery animals. As children are challenged to guess the animal they become immersed in the rhymes.
Patricia A. Cook wrote: "How about some just plain good books to read for enjoyment instead of so many politically themed stories. Please."Every one of these books is a book to read for enjoyment, and what you call "politically themed stories" are actually just "real life stories"
These are great picks! Reading about the experiences of different people builds empathy. The entire publishing industry is working to amplify diverse voices, and maybe there aren't as many trolls on Goodreads as other social media, but there's still a subset of users who come out on these posts to complain about their sensibilities being offended. I remember the comments on one of the Halloween posts also took me out!
Patricia A. Cook wrote: "How about some just plain good books to read for enjoyment instead of so many politically themed stories. Please."Diverse books mean they are political? Hmmm... There's something wrong with you if you think that.
DeeDee wrote: "These are all fantastic recommendations but, are so American-centric that I know my nephew’s would not be interested in most, if any, of them. Maybe include books the rest of the World’s children c..."I would love recommendations of kids books that have representation from other places!!
The Christmasaurus (and the winter witch) by Tom FletcherShadows of Winterspell by Amy Wilson
DeeDee wrote: "These are all fantastic recommendations but, are so American-centric that I know my nephew’s would not be interested in most, if any, of them. Maybe include books the rest of the World’s children c..."Try Creaturapolis - it's about animals from around the world who come together for an animal sports competition. A challenging chapter book for ages 8-12, but boys and girls alike would enjoy the adventures of these animals as they learn to team together and appreciate each other's differences.
The First Advent, Michael J. LarsonAndrew the Angel appears to the inhabitants of the Bethlehem stable and reveals that the Savior of the World will be born in the stable in 25 days. All the inhabitants are urged to use their talents to prepare the stable for Baby Jesus’s arrival. The book contains a reading or activity for each day of Advent as the stable’s inhabitants scurry to use their talents to prepare the stable. What a way to prepare for the arrival of Christmas!😊
Patricia A. Cook wrote: "How about some just plain good books to read for enjoyment instead of so many politically themed stories. Please."Agreed.
Pam wrote: "Any recommendations for a board book to gift my 6 month old granddaughter and 3 year old grandson?"Good Night, Good Night, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker
and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld (great illustrator!)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (any of his books, really)
Little Blue Truck by Alice Shertle
Opposites with Frank Lloyd Wright by Lydia Ortiz
All of these books are available as sturdy board books.
Ladyj8 wrote: "Patricia A. Cook wrote: "How about some just plain good books to read for enjoyment instead of so many politically themed stories. Please."Agreed."
WTF is political about a blizzard LMAO
For a funny, adventurous book for younger kids I would definitely recommend Kat Doggers by Austin Stack. Especially good for kids who like animal stories like Bunnicula. For older kids (early teens) I would recommend the Cherub books by Robert Muchamore. It's an action-packed spy series and a fast read.
Pauline wrote: "DeeDee wrote: "These are all fantastic recommendations but, are so American-centric that I know my nephew’s would not be interested in most, if any, of them. Maybe include books the rest of the Wor..."I agree wholeheartedly. There are so many great Australian authors, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, that should be included in this list. Please make it reflect all the non Americans too.
A wonderful list, Tami, thank you! I'm a big fan of Remy Lai's work, and PIE IN THE SKY or FLY ON THE WALL or, you know, both, would be great additions to any young reader's library. Alex Gino's RICK is moving, funny, and brilliant. Christina Soontornvat's A WISH IN THE DARK is fabulous. Jessica Kim's STAND UP, YUMI CHUNG! is a must-read. Claribel Ortega's GHOST SQUAD is super fun. I could do this all day
Upvote for *Three Keys* by Kelly Yang. My now 5th grader asked for it when she saw it in the Scholastic Book Clubs. She's been a Kelly Yang fan ever since her 3rd grade class read *Front Desk* . . . and the teachers gifted all the kids a copy because they didn't finish the read aloud before summer break. <3
Awesome choices! Which are your favorites?
Pam wrote: "Any recommendations for a board book to gift my 6 month old granddaughter and 3 year old grandson?"https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Antiracist Baby
Pauline wrote: "DeeDee wrote: "These are all fantastic recommendations but, are so American-centric that I know my nephew’s would not be interested in most, if any, of them. Maybe include books the rest of the Wor..."You know, I am often surprised at what appeals to my kiddos. When I see a collection of books that I might not have picked up on my own, I check a few out from the library, and either leave them lying about the house for a curious set of hands, or cosy up on the couch and read it myself...hoping someone will snuggle up with me! There are lots of hits and misses, but inevitably, I am delighted to see a book find a reader. Give one of these a try! If your reader likes to laff, they may like the SUMMER book. It's a hoot!
Pam wrote: "Any recommendations for a board book to gift my 6 month old granddaughter and 3 year old grandson?"I recently fell in love with *I Am!: Affirmations for Resilience*
by Bela Barbosa and Edel Rodriguez. Here is the text from one of the pages: "When you feel nervous, And you are ready to move on,
Put your hands on your belly, take a breath, and say: I Am Brave!" The art is very colorful. I use it when working with 1st graders over zoom as a way to break up the lesson and get kids moving. if you check it out, let us know what you think! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
I think I know what Patricia A. Clark means. I frequently wonder why so many books that are recommended for children to read are didactic in some way - life lessons, diversity and inclusiveness, anti- bullying, or whatever it may be. There are so many books that Teach. How about books that are just great stories, told by great storytellers, that kids can lose themselves in for the sheer enjoyment of them. With respect, perhaps the list of suggestions above can be balanced by a list, not compiled by a school teacher whose whole focus is on lessons to be taught and learned, but by someone who is simply a lover of great stories. For myself, my all-time favourite children's books are the MOOMIN series by Tove Jansson ( start with Finn Family Moomintroll ), and for the horse-loving child, Elyne Mitchell's The Silver Brumby series.
Just in case it was skipped over...Rick Warren endorsed this book AND added it to Saddleback Church's Children's Ministry LibraryThe Night Jesus Met Santa Claus
I wrote this to introduce Jesus to my 6 year old after I came to Christ. It is also a song sung by Randy Travis' brother, Ricky Traywick, that you can play and read along with.
Merry Christmas!
Thank you for including so many books with diversity in this article, Goodreads. Everyone at any age deserves to be able to pick up a book and see themselves represented in the pages of the story. These diverse books are in no way political and it saddens me that some people in the world think that diversity has to do with politics.
Patricia A. Cook wrote: "How about some just plain good books to read for enjoyment instead of so many politically themed stories. Please."Nah, y'all just think that non-white characters automatically means politics.
I really recommend Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend! It's such a wonderful and magical middle grade book (series), both children and adults will enjoy. (Also, it's by an Australian author if you want anything that isn't just American)
If I can add one more!! My 17 year old son Jake Marrazzo published his first children's book. It's called "One Wants to be a Letter"! It has an amazing message about embracing your uniqueness. The author has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and many of the parents in our DMD community have used this to read in school to talk about our differences. It's a great book!! :)
Patricia A. Cook wrote: "How about some just plain good books to read for enjoyment instead of so many politically themed stories. Please."Just because the stories are from the perspectives of black, brown, and yellow children do not make them political. Maybe you need some more reading to get that ridiculous notion out of your head.
Stop trolling and read some books. Your account is empty.
Sheryl wrote: "If I can add one more!! My 17 year old son Jake Marrazzo published his first children's book. It's called "One Wants to be a Letter"! It has an amazing message about embracing your uniqueness. The ..."Hi Sheryl, congrats to your son on this effort. I don't see the book yet listed in Goodreads. Here is the help page on adding a book, if desired:
https://help.goodreads.com/s/announce...
DeeDee wrote: "These are all fantastic recommendations but, are so American-centric that I know my nephew’s would not be interested in most, if any, of them. Maybe include books the rest of the World’s children c..."I totally agree
Pam wrote: "Any recommendations for a board book to gift my 6 month old granddaughter and 3 year old grandson?"The Dr. Seuss ABC's board book was a favorite when mine was little. And anything Sandra Boynton.
Torpor by Kieva McLaughlin is great for teens who like fantasy books
Pam wrote: "Any recommendations for a board book to gift my 6 month old granddaughter and 3 year old grandson?"The Giving Tree! Such a beautiful story, and you could talk with them about it!
Zoraida wrote: "Ladyj8 wrote: "Patricia A. Cook wrote: "How about some just plain good books to read for enjoyment instead of so many politically themed stories. Please."Agreed."
WTF is political about a blizzar..."
HeLp
Patricia A. Cook wrote: "How about some just plain good books to read for enjoyment instead of so many politically themed stories. Please."this is coming from someone with no profile pic, so please, i beg, shut up.
Ladyj8 wrote: "Patricia A. Cook wrote: "How about some just plain good books to read for enjoyment instead of so many politically themed stories. Please."Agreed."
if yall don't--
I wouldn't call these books political just because they are obviously diverse, but I would agree that these are marketed more for adults than for kids. The ones I have read from this collection, We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga and We Are Water Protectors are beautifully illustrated, but they are not home run hits for most kids and there is some redundancy in genre, which is a concern in a gift guide. I would not dissuade anyone from those books, but I would recommend looking at them (ebook from your library if you can). If you are looking for diverse books that have a broader appeal, I would humbly submit the following:
A few lesser known Christmas picture books my kids enjoy include:
And some favorite story collections include:
- picture book appropriate for 2-5 year olds
- collection great for 4-7 year olds
- collection great for 6+
- story that has smaller stories told within it (not unlike 1001 Arabian Nights) - better for 6+
DeeDee wrote: "These are all fantastic recommendations but, are so American-centric that I know my nephew’s would not be interested in most, if any, of them. Maybe include books the rest of the World’s children c..."Hi DeeDee! The books on this list look great but there are many others with a more international flavour. I can recommend Podkin One-Ear by Kieran Larwood which is the best children's book I've read in a long time and suitable for 8+ (imagine The Hobbit + Watership Down). I'm reading Malamander by Thomas Taylor at the moment, which is also amazing and very oddball (very British). Holes by Louis Sachar is one of my all-time favourites - he's American of course but it's just such a great story. Elsetime by Eve Mcdonnell and Malice in Underland by Jenni Jennings also cropped up on my radar this year. If your nephew likes puzzles, he might also enjoy The Ten Riddles of Eartha Quicksmith. Hope that gives you a few ideas and that you find a great book for him!
Anyone could check out these books by me - Adventures of Mister Sweet Potato, All for Jan, The Dog and Mma Made and let me know what you think.
I love that this section gives students and families an opportunity to see options for each age or grade level. While we're at home during a pandemic, more reading can be encouraged with options for children and adults alike.
