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Readers who enjoy crime fiction will love The Shameless
by Ace Atkins. When a twenty-year-old suicide suddenly
becomes of interest to a couple of big-city reporters,
Sheriff Quinn Colson wonders why – but before he can find
out, he’s embroiled in another, more recent crime and an
election that could send Tibbehah County into a crime-ridden
tailspin.
The lover of magical novels, wrap up The Daughters of
Temperance Hobbs by Katherine Howe. It’s a novel
about a young woman who’s keeping a secret from her
colleagues and the world: she’s a descendant of a possible
witch, and she possesses powers that have come down the
bloodline, but can it save a loved one’s life?
NON-FICTION
For road trippers, The Vagabonds by Jeff Guinn” makes
a great gift idea. It’s the story of 10 years’ worth of
road-trips taken by friends Henry Ford and Thomas Edison:
the things they saw, the places they visited, and why they
had to stop their (very much beloved) vacations together.
Wrap it up with Two-Buck Chuck & The Marlboro Man: The
New Old West by Frank Bergon, a lively book that
takes readers on a trip to meet people who hold the image of
the West that used to be, and how it fits in with what the
West is today.
Newlyweds will love reading The Long Accomplishment: A
Memoir of Hope and Struggle in Matrimony by Rick Moody. It’s
a no-holds-barred story of Moody’s second marriage, the good
and the bad, and the love inside it. Wrap it up with The
Deer Camp by Dean Kuipers, another warts-and-all
book about spending time with the people you love.
For the lover of scary stories, Virginia’s Haunted Historic
Triangle, 2nd Edition by Pamela K. Kinney will
be a big treat to unwrap. Here, full-color pictures
accompany hair-raising tales of weirdness and ghosts. Also
for lovers of the Unknown: Lost Civilizations by
Jim Willis, a book about the ancients and what they knew
that we need to know now.
Still need more creepiness beneath your tree? Then find Celebrity
Ghosts and Notorious Hauntings by Marie D. Jones, a
book about Hollyweird’s weirdness, and others; and Unexplained
by Richard Maclean Smith, a book of hair-raising stories
that will show you that there are things to learn from a
good scare. Wrap them both up with I Know What I Saw
by Linda S. Godfrey, a book about monsters, urban
legends, and things that go BUMP in the night.
Imagine how your science-minded giftee will love The Royal
Society & The Invention of Modern Science by Adrian
Tinniswood. It’s a book about the early days of the
Royal Society of London, the work it did (and does) and the
very bumpy road it took to become one of science’s best
institutions.
The person who likes to surprise others will be surprised to get Magic
is Dead by Ian Frisch. It’s the story of magic and
prestidigitation, how Frisch became immersed in a secret
organization of magicians, and how it changed his life.
Speaking of secrets, if your giftee is so inclined, Cover-Ups
& Secrets by Nick Redfern may be a really good
addition to your gift. It’s all about conspiracies,
deceptions, UFOs, Hollywood rumors, and other great topics
for thought.
The lover of justice will both enjoy unwrapping “Life and
Death in Rikers Island” by Homer Venters. It’s the story
of one man’s incarceration in prison for a small theft he
didn’t commit. It’s the tale of his suicide, once released.
And it’s the story of what prison will do to a person, both
physically and mentally. Wrap it up with “Free Cyntoia”
by Cyntoia Brown-Long; it’s the story of Brown-Long’s
days as a sex worker, her wrongful conviction and
incarceration, and her life after prison; or “The Master
Plan: My Journey from Life in Prison to a Life of Purpose”
by Chris Wilson with Bret Witter.
If there’s a musician on your gift list, or someone who plays in
a band, then “Guitar” by David Schiller is exactly
what you should put under the tree. This
lavishly-illustrated book is all about the instrument, both
electric and acoustic; the artists who owned the guitar, and
sometimes, who made the instrument that made the music.
The person who’s fascinated by the way the world works might like
to unwrap “Radical Suburbs” by Amanda Kolson Hurley. It’s
a book about how our cities have changed and how our
perception of them needs to change, too. For a doubly-great
gift, wrap it up with “Archaeology from Space” by Sarah
Parcak, so your giftee can see what things are like on
earth from beyond…
Christmas has a reason for the season, and if your giftee is
exploring his or her beliefs, then “The Handy
Christianity Answer Book” by Stephen A. Werner, PhD, will
be a great present to open. In a Q&A format, this book looks
at Christianity and all aspects surrounding it. Wrap it up
with “Signs from the Other Side” by Bill Philipps, a
book that will comfort anyone who’s lost a loved one.
The person who has a hard time tearing himself away from a
certain show on television will love to read “Generation
Friends: An Inside Look at the Show That Defined a
Television Era” by Saul Austerlitz. It’s a nice look
back at TV that mirrored real life, even for just a minute
of our lives. And speaking of generations, look for “Connecting
Generations” by Hayim Herring. It’s a good look at the
disparities between Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials, and
how we can all learn to come together for the betterment of
all involved…
Not just for a farmer, “Farming for the Long Haul” by Michael
Foley will also inspire back-to-the-land folks and
anyone who wants to take the next step toward it. This book
espouses small farms and other new ways of farming that
don’t hurt the groundwater or the land itself. Beware that
this may be controversial. Beware that it may launch a few
farmers on your list. Wrap it up with “Farm + Land’s Back
to the Land” by Frederick Pikovsky and Nicole Caldwell. It’s
a guide to living and working outdoors and perhaps going
back to the land; or “The Farmer’s Son” by John Connell, a
story of life on an Irish family farm.
Your favorite armchair astronomer will love unwrapping “When
the Earth had Two Moons” by Erik Asphaug because there
are so many things to learn about what’s “out there.”
For readers who love history, “Born to the Badge” by Mark
Warren might be the gift to get. Part novelization, part
history, it’s the story of Wyatt Earp and his years in
Wichita before moving to Texas to escape his past.
BIOGRAPHY / AUTOBIOGRAPHY / MEMOIR
For the fiercest of fierce women on your gift list, look for “Passionate
Spirit: The Life of Alma Mahler” by Cate Haste. It’s the
story of Mahler, wife of the artist, who was also the first
woman to write an opera at a time when women were supposed
to be shadows of their husbands. It’s one of those
little-know stories you should know.
The giftee who needs a boost of confidence will love unwrapping “More
Than Enough” by Elaine Welteroth. It’s the story of the
author’s realization that she really WAS everything she
needed to be and if that’s a great lesson to take into the
new year…
They say that America’s Royalty sprang from the New England area
and if your giftee is a fan or follower, then wrap up “The
Kennedy Heirs” by J. Randy Taraborrelli. This big book
is all about the JFK kids and their generation, as well as
their cousins.
For the person who’s spent time this year as caregiver to a
parent, “How to Forget” by Kate Mulgrew is the book
to wrap. It’s the story of caring and loss, and coming to
terms with a past that one may or may not know until secrets
are no longer kept…
The Anglophile on your gift list will love having “Our Rainbow
Queen” by Sali Hughes under the tree. It’s a celebration
of Queen Elizabeth’s colorful style and the splashy fashions
she favors.
For the lover of music, feminism, and fierce women, “No Walls
and the Recurring Dream” by Ani Di Franco will make a
perfect gift. It’s the story of Di Franco’s first thirty
years on earth, her activism, her life, and her music.
If there’s a Hollywood watcher on your gift list this year, then
wrap up “Seduction: Sex, Lies and Stardom in Howard
Hughes’s Hollywood” by Karina Longworth. It’s the story
of a very rich man, the women who wanted him (or his money,
or both) and the women who got what they wanted – much to
their regret.
Historians and connoisseurs alike will love reading “The
Bourbon King” by Bob Batchelor. It’s the story of George
Remus, his crimes, and his totally illegal prohibition-era
empire.
BUSINESS
If there’s a business-minded future college student on your gift
list this year, you’re both in luck: you, because finding
their gift is easy for once; them, because of the “Masters
at Work” series. These quick-to-read books take a look
at various professions, from the kind of education needed,
to the salaries that can be expected, the best parts of the
job, the most hated, and what it’s like to go into business
for yourself. Look for Masters at Work books on being an
architect, museum curator, fashion designer, sommelier,
baker, life coach, neurosurgeon, and others.
HEALTH / MEDICINE
Here’s a book for the teacher, parent, or pediatrician on your
gift list: “Let the Children Play: Why More Play Will
Save Our Schools and Help Children Thrive” by Pasi Sahlberg
and William Doyle. Yes, this is a book on horsing
around, play, goofing off, and all the other fun things we
should encourage children to do more. This book will explain
why.
Parents of all ages will love reading “I’m Staying at
Richard’s” by Bernadette Agius, a book about motherhood,
and Agius’ journey with her son, who has Down syndrome. Wrap
it up with “Normal Sucks” by Jonathan Mooney, a book
about living with differences and knowing that “normal” is
whatever you say it is.
For the giftee who strives to stay as healthy as possible, “Living
with a Green Heart” by Gay Browne may be the right gift
to give. It’s about getting rid of toxins in your house and
in your body, not just inside and outside but also outside
the door. And if that giftee is Of A Certain Age, add “Eightysomethings”
by Katharine Esty, PhD to that gift package. Neither of
you will be sorry you did.
ANIMALS AND PETS
There are actually three kinds of people who will love seeing “No
Beast So Fierce” by Dane Huckelbridge under the tree:
animal lovers, for sure, will want to read this book about
deadly tigers. Conservationists will be eager to see what
the author says. And adventure lovers will thrill at the
danger inside this book. Lucky are those three people with
this book. Lucky you, if they’re one in the same giftee.
No dog lover is going to want to miss “Unleashing Your Dog” by
Marc Bekoff and Jessica Pierce. It’s about how your
giftee can learn more about their dog by learning about the
dog’s senses and how to make Doggo as happy as possible
through those senses. Wrap it up with “Smoky the Brave”
by Damien Lewis, the true story of a tiny Yorkie dog and
his role in World War II.
That cat lover on your list will yowl with joy when “Tiny but
Mighty” by Hannah Shaw is unwrapped. Filled with the
cutest of kitten pictures, this book is a delight right
there. Add plenty of information and tips on saving orphans,
and you’ve got a book absolutely meant to give this holiday.
The lover of wildlife and the feeder of birds will squawk when
they open “Saving Jemima” by Julie Zuckefoose. It’s
the story of a blue jay and the woman who helped raise her,
who kept the bird alive, and who loved a feathered friend.
For more wild book lovers, try The Hidden World of the
Fox by Adele Brand, and let your giftee see what the
fox says. (Hint, this makes a great stocking-stuffer).
HISTORY
The historian who’s likewise fascinated with architecture
will probably never get a book they’ll love more than “Cities:
The First 6,000 Years” by Monica L. Smith. This book
takes your reader on a down-the-road trip into cities and
villages, above them and below them. Hint: giftees who
travel will enjoy it, too.
The person who longs for a gentler time when women dressed
for dinner will love “What Would Mrs. Astor Do?” by
Cecelia Tichi. It’s a book about manners and social
expectations in the Gilded Age, and how people were supposed
to behave. It’s also about the woman who set the tone for it
all, the lovely and suffers-no-fools-gladly Caroline Astor.
Wrap it up with “Women Warriors: An Unexpected History”
by Pamela D. Toler. Mrs. Astor would approve.
Dad or Grandpa is always hard to buy for, right? Wrong:
there’s “The Darkest Year: The American Home Front
1941-1942” by William K. Klingaman and it’s available
now. This book reminds readers about how we “pulled together
and won” during World War II, and he’ll love it. Don’t
discount Mom or Grandma; it’s a book she’ll enjoy, too. Wrap
it up with “No Surrender” by Chris Edmonds and Douglas
Century. It’s a story of Edmonds’ father, his brave
actions during World War II, and how he impacted many people
for many generations.
Anyone who’s fascinated with military history from World War
I through Vietnam will want to add “The Girls Next Door”
by Kara Dixon Vuic to their bookshelves. This tale of a
little-known bit of history explains why “respectable young
women” and Hollywood starlets volunteered to go overseas so
that men at war could enjoy recreation and a bit of home in
a foreign country. For more military history to make your
history buff smile, look for “Sacred Duty” by Tom Cotton, a
peek inside the workings of Arlington national Cemetery.
Here’s a unique gift for the railroad buff or historian: “Ghosts
of Gold Mountain” by Gordon H. Chang. It’s the true
account of the Chinese immigrants who were hired to build
the transcontinental railroad. Part personal (Chang
introduces readers to some of the men, specifically) and
part danger-adventure, it’s a story you’ll love reading.
For the person who grew up during the 1950s, “A Good
American Family” by David Maraniss will be a great gift
to unwrap. It’s the story of the “Red Scare” of the 1950s,
how one family was unfairly caught up in it, and how they
got through it all.
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AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES
For the thinker on your gift list, “We Can’t
Breathe” by Jabari Asim might be the perfect
thing to give. In essays that provoke thought and
invite discussion, Asim tackles Black culture, Black
families, the necessity of Black writers, and how
Black America has its own narrative to claim from
history. Wrap it up with this book for the poetry
lover, “My Eternity in Time” by Carol Coles. It’s
filled with verse on love, life, and death, and it
offers plenty of food for thought.
The reader who works to understand racial issues
will want to see “When I Was White” by Sarah
Valentine beneath the tree this year. It’s the
true story of a little white girl who grows up to be
a woman who learns that her father was a black man.
Complicated, yes. Fascinating? That, too. Also look
for “Self-Portrait in Black and White” by Thomas
Chatterton Williams, the story of an entire
family’s reckoning with race. Also take a look at “Black
Indian: A Memoir” by Shonda Buchanan, a story of
a bi-racial woman who embraces both her Native
American and her African American roots. |
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The teenager on your list who loves history will love “Emancipated:
My Family’s Fight for Freedom” by Cheryl Wills. It’s the
personal story of Wills’ father, and her great-great-great
grandfather, who was a Tennessee slave who fought in the
Civil War. Included is information so your young giftee can
start his or her own family tree. Wrap it up with “I
Missed the Bus, But I Arrived on Time” by Willis S. Drake, a
memoir by a Renaissance man and his dreams of doing it all.
LGBTQ INTEREST
For the person who loves someone who doesn’t identify
strictly as male-female will appreciate unwrapping “She
He They Me” by Robyn Ryle this year. It’s a book that
acts a bit like those old “choose-your-own-adventure” as it
examines and explains gender, its definitions, and the way
it’s been perceived historically. Hint: this is fun, and
it’s also a book for someone who’s questioning…
If your giftee is exploring the ideas and limits of gender,
you can’t go wrong by wrapping up “Nonbinary: Memoirs of
Gender and Identity,” edited by Micah Rajunov and Scott
Duane. This is a book filled with tales of those who’ve
examined (or are examining) questions of gender, sexuality,
age, and race.
For the child with two Mommies or two Daddies, and for the
kids in that child’s preschool session, “The GayBCs” by
M.L. Webb will make a great class gift. It’s the A-B-Cs,
but with terms familiar to the LGBTQ community and their
families, so it’s for them, too. Or it might make a great
gift for the adult who still possesses the wonder of a
child. Or for an adult, just because.
For the newlywed (or the about-to-be-wed), “The Gay
Marriage Generation” by Peter Hart-Brinson is the book
to give. It takes a look at how same-sex marriage became law
across the country, and how it changed the way America looks
at gay men and lesbians. The gay giftee might also like “Out
of the Shadows: Reimagining Gay Men’s Lives” by Walt Odets in
that same wrapped gift.
The person on your list who enjoys reading short stories
will love “Every True Pleasure: LGBTQ Tales of North
Carolina,” edited by Wilton Barnhardt. It’s absolutely
filled with tales from the South and from the heart.
For the parent of someone who’s come out this year, consider
giving “Embracing the Journey” by Greg and Lynn McDonald,
with Beth Jusino, foreword by Greg McDonald Jr. It’s a
guide, really, for Christian parents who learn that their
child is gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender, and
how it fits with your spiritual beliefs.
The movie buff on your list will love reading “Hollywood
Chinese: The Chinese in American Feature Films” by Arthur
Dong. This beautifully illustrated book tells the story
of Chinese and Chinese American actors from the first films
shot in Chinatown, to modern times and contemporary film
professionals. How can you go wrong?
For the giftee who is searching for new meaning in life,
wrap up “My Buddha is Pink: Buddhism for the Modern
Homosexual” by Richard Harrold. It’s a book of essays
being a gay Buddhist and reconciling old beliefs with a new
way of mindfulness and fulfillment in a new lifestyle.
TRUE CRIME
If your giftee is a big fan of true crime, then “The
Lazarus Files” by Matthew McGough will be a welcome
gift. It’s the story of a cold case that’s solved in a new
way that leaves a new shock: the killer is someone the
detectives in this case know all too well…
SPORTS
The sports fan is going to love “The Strenuous Life” by
Ryan Swanson. It’s the story of Teddy Roosevelt,
arguably America’s most fit President, and how his influence
(almost obsession) made Americans want to be fit and
healthy, too, which launched a country-wide love of sports.
MIDWESTERN INTEREST
For the lover of the land who’s hard to buy for, here’s what
you give: “The Land Still Lives” by Jerry Apps, in
the 50th anniversary edition. It’s the same
story, but packaged nicely in an heirloom-quality cover
that’s perfect to pass onto future generations. Wrap it up
with “Ridge Stories” by Gary Jones, a book about
growing up in the Driftless Area of Southwestern Wisconsin
back in the day…
The beer aficionado and the Beer Crafter will be overjoyed
to open “The Drink That Made Wisconsin Famous” by Doug
Hoverson. This gigantic, heavy book takes a look at the
history of beer, starting more than a century ago. But foamy
drinks are not the focus; your giftee will also learn about
advertising, working in a brewery, beer and World War II and
more. Wrap it up with a new bottle opener for a gift your
beer drinker will love for a long, long time.
The giftee who embraces his or her ethnicity with pride will
love unwrapping “Swede Hollow” by Ola Larsmo. It’s a
book about a Swedish immigrant family in 1897, their
struggles to become American, the move to the Midwest, and
their new life in Minnesota.
CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOKS
If you’re looking to get a family gift that little kids will
love, too, help your giftees start a tradition with “The
Magic Christmas Ornament” by James Barbato and Victoria
Barbato. It’s the story of a story: the Christmas that
Victoria was seven years old, her father told her and her
brothers about an ornament that had hung on their Christmas
tree for years. It was a magic ornament, he said, and
wonderful things happened when you looked into the picture
on its side. This is a great gift to read aloud to kids who
still believe in magic; for older kids, it’ll be a
comforting holiday tradition. Bonus: this book comes with a
beautiful heirloom-quality ornament in a nice gift-worthy
box.
The child who’s just becoming familiar with the A-B-Cs will
love “Can U Save the Day?” by Shannon Stocker,
illustrated by Tom Disbury. It’s a funny story about
disappearing letters, and it absolutely begs to be
read aloud! Another LOL: “Grown-ups Never Do That” by
Davide Cali and Benjamin Chaud, a book about the really
dumb things grown-ups say they aren’t guilty of doing…. but
they do!
The child who is fascinated by sheep will love “Lambslide”
by Ann Patchett, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. It’s
a book about farm animals that love to play, and a very
funny misunderstanding. For another playful book to give,
look for “One Red Sock” by Jennifer Sattler, a story
of a purple hippo who loses her footwear.
Young car enthusiasts will love unwrapping “What Kind of
Car Does a T. Tex Drive” by Mark Lee and Brian Biggs. It’s
the story of a used car lot and one gigantic customer who
needs new wheels. Wrap it up with “Johnny’s Pheasant” by
Cheryl Minnema, illustrated by Julie Flett, a picture
book about a boy’s unusual pet.
For the little one who loves to eat, look for “Holy
Squawkamole!” retold by Susan wood, illustrated by Laure
Gonzalez. It’s a tale of spicy food with a surprise at
the end.
“Where do babies come from?” is a question that can come up
at any time, so be prepared by wrapping up “How Did I Get
Here?” by Philip Bunting. It’s a super-cute (but very
thorough) book on the universe, evolution, pregnancy, and
your little giftee.
The kindest child on your list will love it if you also read
aloud “Get Up, Stand Up” adapted by Cedella Marley and
based on a Bob Marley song, illustrated by John
Jay Cabuay. For the little reader with a good heart,
it’s the perfect present. Wrap it up with “One Big Heart”
by Linsey Davis with Beverly
Davis, illustrated
by Lucy Fleming, another book about differences and
kindness.
Very small children will enjoy the wordplay in “Alpha’s
Adventure at Fun Times Speedway” by Gina Gadsen. It’s an
alphabet book that involves words, meanings, and…. dogs:
enough said.
CHILDREN’S MIDDLE-GRADE
If you’ve got a kid on your gift list who’s wrestling with
issues of sexuality, consider “Zenobia July” by Lisa
Bunker. It’s the story of a young girl who used to live
as a boy but decides to live as the girl she knows she is.
But will the other kids at her new school ever accept her as
she really is?
The child who devours superhero movies and comic books will
love “Loki: Where Mischief Lies” by Mackenzi Lee. It’s
a book based on the Marvel universe, which is exactly what
today’s kids ages 10 and up love. Wrap it up with “The
Fowl Twins” by Ioin Colfer, for a gift that’ll gain you
a hug.
For kids who love funny stories with a bit of scare inside,
look for “The Curse of the Werepenguin” by Allan
Woodrow. It’s the tale of an orphan who’s looking for
his birth family and he has to go through dark towns and
past nefarious bandits and through all kinds of challenges.
One of them is an evil, fierce, cackling herd of (gulp!)
penguins. Pair it up with “Fabio: The World’s Greatest
Flamingo Detective” by Laura James, illustrated by Emily
Fox, for a perfect young mystery-lover’s gift.
For the next cook in the family, “The Complete Baking
Book for Young Chefs” by America’s Test Kitchen is a
book they’ll eat up. Filled with child-friendly recipes that
may or may not require an adult’s help, this book will be
just the thing, if you want to pass off Christmas dinner in
the future. Wrap it up with “The Silver Spoon for
Children,” a book of Italian recipes, now in its 10th anniversary
edition.
The budding gardener will love reading “Plantology” by
Michael Elsohn Ross. It’s a book filled with information
on plants, both the household and the garden type, along
with information your child can use and 30 experiments he or
she can do. Wrap it up with a couple of seed packets and a
pair of gloves and see what grows! Wrap it up with another
fun activity book: “Junk Drawer Algebra” by Bobby Mercer, a
book that teaches your young giftee algebra in a fun,
non-stuffy way.
Kids of this age love animals, and “Little Kids First Big
Book of Pets” by Catherine D. Hughes will be the
just-right gift. It’s filled with tips, fun-to-know facts,
and fun to have with a furry or feathered friend. Warp it up
with “Animal Showdown, Round 2” by Stephanie Warren
Drimmer, a book that answers the question: which wild
animal wins a competition?
“Miep and the Most Famous Diary” by Meeg Pincus,
illustrated by Jordi Solano may look like a picture book
but its narrative is perfect for any child who can sit still
for a longer tale. It’s the story of Miep Gies, but it’s
also about Anne Frank because Gies was the woman who ensured
that Frank’s book was available to the world forever. For
kids who are old enough for the story, this book is a great
introduction. Another book that is perfect for budding World
War II buffs is “Survivors of the Holocaust,” edited by
Kath Shackleton, illustrated by Zane Whittingham. Told
in graphic-novel form, this is the tale of six children who
lived through that horrifying time.
Any late-gradeschooler or early middle-schooler who needs a
good read will love unwrapping “Awesome Achievers in
Science” by Alan Katz, illustrated by Chris Judge. Your
child will read about a few of the many people who
contributed to medicine, astrophysics, inventions, and more.
For an even better gift, look for “Awesome Achievers in
Technology” by the same author and illustrator.
The kid who loves weirdness and oddities will love seeing “Don’t
Read This Book Before Dinner” by Anna Claybourne beneath
the tree. It’s a book of icky, sticky, nastiness and equally
awful history. What’s not to love, right? Wrap them up with
some new Mad Lib books. Yes, the Mad Libs you loved
are still around and they’re perfect for kids who love
language, too.
The kid who says he doesn’t read but that loves
everything prehistoric will actually like “Everything
Awesome about Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Beasts! By
Mike Lowery. All the things he’s wants to know about
dinos is in this book, told in a wild, fun-to-read graphic
novel format, accompanied by jokes and silly stuff. For a
bigger, better gift, add “1,000 Facts about Ancient
Egypt” by Nancy Honovich to the package. Your young
historian will love them both.
YOUNG ADULT BOOKS
For the “good student” who breaks out now and then, “The
Revolution of Birdie Randolph” by Brandy Colbert might
make a great gift. It’s a novel of Birdie, a girl who works
hard to make her parents proud of her, even though it means
giving up all the things she loves to do. But then old
family secrets, a long-estranged aunt, and a new love change
everything…
The young adult who has a whole passel of close friends will
enjoy reading “The Echo Park Castaways” by M.G.
Hennessey. It’s the story of three teens who are in the
foster system and when a fourth joins them, life takes a
big, daring turn. Another book to wrap up is a book that
questions what “friendship” is: “I’m Not Dying with You
Tonight” by Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal. It’s a book
about two very different teens who must rely on one another
to survive.
Who doesn’t love a good scare? Your giftee sure does, and “Dead
Voices” by Katherine Arden is the thing to wrap. It’s
about a snowy day that turns into a very snowy night, a
sinister skiing lodge, and three friends who keep seeing and
hearing things that aren’t there. Or are they?
For the teen reader who loves all things pirate, or who
loves reading about strong women, “A Pirate’s Life for
She” by Laura Sook Duncombe might be the book to give.
It’s arrrgh look at women behind at the helm of pirate
ships, Matey, and the arrrrrrful things they did.
And now the homework:
Books change, release dates change, things get cancelled,
none of this is brain surgery or set in concrete. If you
have any questions, need more ideas, or need help finding
things, be sure to ASK your local booksellers. They’re the
ones wearing invisible SuperHero logos, because they know
things and they know how to make your giftee smile.
Seriously, they’re just that good.
Season’s Readings!
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