With school wrapping up and the holidays just around the corner, your child is likely looking forward to some well-deserved rest and relaxation over the winter break. To help them recharge, our team has hand-selected their favorite book recommendations for kids, K-12. Inspire your child and help fuel their imagination in the coming year with these amazing reads.
Elementary:
The 13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton
Why we love it: “My son, now in 5th grade, absolutely devoured this series when he was learning to read. Funny and engaging for new readers.”
What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Maw Besom
Why we love it: “A powerful story about the power of trusting your dreams.”
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Francesca Cavallo and Elena Favilli
Why we love it: “So many of the stories that our kids learn about in school are based on the ‘Great Man Theory’ and this is a nice counterpoint. The stories are creatively written and accompanied by great illustrations that make this book appealing to both boys and girls.”
Middle School:
Monster by Walter Dean Myers
Why we love it: “I like this book because it introduces students to a different kind of literature and trusts kids with mature subject matter . . . It brings up questions of fairness and social justice in a way that is accessible but also honest and complex.”
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
Why we love it: “Aven Green, a girl who was born without arms, is a hero every kid can get behind. She’s gutsy and funny and completely memorable.”
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
Why we love it: “This novel, about twin basketball stars, is told entirely in verse, but it’ll win over any kid who’s skeptical of poetry. It’s got grit and will have kids cheering.”
High School:
Bored and Brilliant: How Spacing Out Can Unlock Your Most Productive and Creative Self by Manoush Zomorodi
Why we love it: “This book is a really interesting look at how technology affects the way we think creatively and problem solve. Plus, it has ideas for ways to reset so that we work on a healthy relationship with tech.”
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Why we love it: “Powerful, thought-provoking, and timely. I would highly recommend that parents read it, too; it’s guaranteed to spark important family discussions.”
I Am the Night Sky …& Other Reflections by Muslim American Youth by Next Wave Muslim Initiative Writers
Why we love it: “The struggles teens face to both fit in and maintain a strong sense of self is real, and this collection of short stories and poetry from Muslim American teens captures that conflict in a beautiful way.”
College:
The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber
Why we love it: “Perfect for those interested in being entrepreneurs, because it was integral for me in launching Private Prep!” (From our founder, Steve!)
Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert
Why we love it: “College is all about finding oneself away from one’s family, and that’s tough. I like this book for helping us understand a bit about how our brain works.”
Lab Girl by Hope Jahren
Why we love it: “Whether you’re a science major or not, this book celebrates the curiosity and creativity needed to be a lifelong learner.”
With the right reading choices, your child can become a book lover for life. For more gift suggestions, be sure to check out our holiday gift guide here.
