There has been a whole lot of reading in the house this year. I usually do a family best-of list, but this year I am doing it by kid. We still love our books from the 1st and 2nd edition and 3rd edition lists from previous years.
Above is Lydia's list (9). She tends to like complicated books that are quite a bit above her reading level, so we read them to her and have her read a page or two here and there, so she doesn't get exhausted. She is a pretty big fantasy fan, her favorite series being Narnia, The Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars.
The Littlest Family's Big Day by Emily Martin Winfield: Our love of all of Emily's books knows no bounds, this newest one is just lovely and has a special place on our shelf.
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, by Alan Bradley: Part of a mystery series with an 11-year-old sleuth! We all love these.
Ranger's Apprentice, by John Flanagan: She likes series and fantasy books other kids might find kind of boring or slow paced, but for her they are fascinating and she remembers every detail.
The Book of Three, by Lloyd Alexander: Another fantasy series she likes.
Delia (12) has some strong favorites this year. Most books didn't make the cut, she's pretty critical, but these did.
Hoot, by Carl Hiaasen
Ghostlight, by Sonia Gensler: This is scary, but in a safe way. It's kind of a gateway horror/ghost story book.
Wonder, by R.J. Palacio: Her favorite book right now. She talks about it all the time.
Auggie and Me by R.J. Palacio: She said she almost like this one more than Wonder.
The Giver, by Lois Lowry: Her first distopian and the book she compares all other distopians to, which I have mixed feelings about. I want her to read 1984.
Sadie's List (14) She reads a lot of manga, like a whole lot, but also reads non-manga, too (she is always reading) and this list is of the non-manga books that she has really liked. All these books are for teens, except for Nimona, which is for all readers I'd say, but some might not agree with me. The others all deal with teen subjects (sex, drugs, death, pain, love) and do it quite well, with much to discuss. I have read them too, and I wish these books had been around when I was 14.
This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki: Beautiful graphic novel
The Bargaining by Carrie Ann West: It was totally scary, she said! I didn't read this one.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephan Chboski: Her favorite book right now. Very heavy, but very good.
Nimona, by Noelle Stevenson: This book was loved by all the girls—it was on all their lists. Wonderful graphic novel.
Looking for Alaska, by John Green: So much to talk about with this one.
Eleanor and Park, Rainbow Rowell: Ditto, a lot to discuss
I hope this helps your gift giving! Shop local! Or maybe you need to shop online today. I have linked these to amazon, where I am an associate, so if you use my links, I thank you!
