The gift of a book can bring lasting pleasure to young readers — 10 suggestions.
Of all the gifts one could bestow on a young person for the holidays, there are few more likely to be enjoyed over and over again than a thoroughly engaging or transporting book. As you puzzle over the appropriate choice for your favorite young readers this holiday season, consider the following:
“RORY THE DINOSAUR NEEDS A CHRISTMAS
TREE” >> by Liz Climo (Little, Brown and Company, $16.99, ages 4-8). Part of the “Rory the Dinosaur” series, this one has Rory hunting for the perfect Christmas tree. The surprise is what he finds in this sweet tale with humorous illustrations.
“NINA, JAZZ LEGEND AND CIVIL-RIGHTS ACTIVIST NINA SIMONE” >> by Alice Briére-Haquet, illustrated by Bruno Liance (Charlesbridge, $16.99, ages 4-8). This is written as a bedtime story told to Simone’s daughter. Within are the obstacles she faced as an African-American woman and the dream and hope of civil rights. Black-and-white illustrations effectively capture the lyrical words.
“WANGARI MAATHAI, THE WOMAN WHO PLANTED MILLIONS OF
TREES” >> by Franck Prévot, illustrated by Aurélia Fronty (Charlesbridge, $17.95, ages 6-9). Can one woman change a country? Wangari Maathai did just that. She said, “Trees are living symbols of peace and hope.” When her country was threatened by deforestation, she challenged and fought and won. Exquisite mixed media illustrations (guache, color pencils, pen and ink) display the beauty of Kenya.
“THE BOOKS OF HEROINES, TALES OF HISTORY’S GUTSIEST
GALS” >> by Stephanie Warren Drimmer and “The Book of Heroes, Tales of History’s Most Daring Dudes” by Crispin Boyer (National Geographic Kids, $14.99, ages 8-12). This two-volume series would be a boon for any elementary or middle school student. With color photographs, they feature famous and less well-known historic and legendary figures from past times and our time. They are men and women who changed our world by breaking barriers, fighting for justice and making discoveries. Additionally, each volume includes fascinating accounts of brave animals with unusual stories. They layout and photos are of high quality. The text consists of very short biographical notes that invite further investigation.
“THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY”
>> by Thornton Lee Stewart, illustrated by Carson Ellis ( Megan Tingley Books, Little, Brown and Company, $18.99, ages 8-12). What a treat this was to read. Stewart’s intelligent wit and wisdom shines through this pageturning mystery, where all’s well that ends well, but there are plenty of danger and close encounters enroute. It begins with a peculiar ad addressed to gifted children looking for special opportunities. Reynie, an orphan, reads it and along with others takes the strange series of tests, which only four candidates pass. Then Reynie and three others are sent on a secret mission in which they must go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened. The two boys and two girls discover an imminent danger that threatens the entire world. They must work as a team, as they desperately try to halt a dictator with a diabolical plan to control the world. Both the story and imaginative black-and-white sketches of this 10th anniversary edition of a book that launched a series are bound to enthrall a new generation of readers.
“THE WORLD’S GREATEST ADVENTURE MACHINE” >> by Frank L. Cole (Delacorte Press, $16.99, ages 9-13). Hang on to your hat! This is a nonstop, exciting adventure with four young people, each with a unique ability, “selected” as contest winners to be the first to try out a brand-new, innovative roller coaster. Soon they realize that there’s more to this wild journey than they were told. How long have they been gone? Is there a safe way to return? Read on!
“MY BRIGADISTA
YEAR” >> by Katherine Paterson (Candlewick Press, $15.99, ages 10-14). Katherine Paterson is known for dealing with unusual and difficult subjects with grace and complete mastery of her craft. When Fidel Castro issued an edict that his country would be completely literate within one year, it meant volunteers. When 13-year old Lora sees the recruitment notice at her secondary school in Havana, she begs her parents for permission. Although at first they are vehemently opposed, Lora becomes a brigadista in the mountains, by day working alongside the campesinos and by night, teaching. Careful research reflects the conditions and difficulties. There is imminent danger from the insurgents, who intend to stop the brigadistas. They fight back, not with guns but with pencils and paper. It’s a remarkable bit of history that Paterson serves well.
“THE LINES WE
CROSS” >> by Randa Abdel-Fattah (Scolastic, $18.99, ages 12 up). An honest and intelligent look at Islamophobia in Australia. When Michael, son of the head of the Aussie Values group, meets Mina, a Muslim refugee from Afghanistan, the two sides collide. This is a hopeful novel sorely needed right now.
“HAUNT ME” >> by Liz Kessler (Candlewick Press, $17.99, ages 12 up). Here we have a paranormal romance done to perfection. When Erin’s family moves so she can start a new and better life, her bedroom in their new home has a ghost. He’s the former resident, and as the story unfolds, they fall in love. Briefly, all the previous pain disappears. Kessler has done an astonishing job of keeping the reader totally enthralled until the unexpected and satisfying conclusion.