Hello My Kid Readers!
It’s been a minute since our last newsletter.* I’ve been reading lots, and here are my December faves, in time for the school break and your final holiday shopping – enjoy!
AND HAPPY, HEALTHY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN!
*Ask me sometime about board governance, my other passion keeping me very busy!
3- to 6-year-olds
1. The Antlered Ship by Dashka Slater
What: A fox, some pigeons and some deer brave the seas to explore the world. They find friendship, beauty, troubles… and learn much about themselves!
Why: Great messages about teamwork, perseverance, empathy – and truly lovely illustrations.
2. Blizzard by John Rocco
What: A surprise blizzard in 1978 buries a New England town under 40 inches of snow – and a brave, adventurous boy sets out to save his family, neighbors and pets from guaranteed starvation!
Why: What better way to prepare for the snow season than a firsthand guide in urban blizzard survival?!
3. A Different Pond by Bao Phi
What: A boy and his dad fish in the middle of the night; dad reminisces about his childhood in Vietnam while son learns about responsibility at an early age.
Why: A tender story about seemingly mundane moments in a family’s life – so many messages and feelings packed in just a few pages!
4. Feather by Remi Courgeon
What: The youngest of three siblings in a single-dad household – and the only girl – learns to box so she can stand up for herself and earn her brothers’ respect.
Why: There can never be too many books about strong-willed girls who fight to earn privileges – like playing the piano!
7- to 10-year-olds
1. Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon (series)
What: Dory is the embodiment of “childhood” – imaginative, tireless, determined and wild. She may be the youngest of her family – but her life is busy and “exciting” enough for everyone.
Why: If you are raising a Dory, you’ll be comforted to know you’re not alone – Dory’s are everywhere!
2. Mac B. Kid Spy by Mac Barnett (series)
What: Secret heists and KGB chases led by a 10yo untrained U.S. spy, on behalf of the Queen of England, taking place in the ‘80s… Need I say more?
Why: Super entertaining and quite a bit goofy, with some Cold War history sprinkled in.
3. Vernon is on His Way by Philip C. Stead
What: Three friends – a frog, a skunk and a porcupine – have small adventures together.
Why: A gorgeously illustrated book about friendships, feelings and everyday beauty – to be read by a cozy fire or cuddled next to a little friend.
4. The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin
What: A Taiwanese American girl learns to appreciate her unique heritage, make friends in 5th grade, and wrestle with first romantic feelings.
Why: A perfect book to introduce the topics of different family traditions, celebrations, and pride in heritage – and just in time for the holidays!
11-year-olds and Up
1. Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan
What: A shy, musically gifted 6th grader witnesses her family’s successes and failures in balancing their Pakistani background with their Midwestern life.
Why: A lesson in tolerance, sharing of perspectives, and coming together to support a community in distress.
2. The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron
What: A beautiful story about a young girl (Lucky) adjusting to the sudden death of her mom, looking for her purpose in life, and learning to trust the world.
Why: It’s poetic, heartbreaking and empathy-building. A truly unique, must-read book for young-adult readers.
3. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser (series)
What: The story of a quirky, adorable, busy NYC family and their many adventures at home and outside.
Why: Some great lessons about overcoming serious obstacles and banding together to change hearts, minds, and rents – and just in time for Christmas!
4. The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
What: A young girl in WWII Britain escapes bombs and her cruel mother, bravely protects her brother, discovers her own talents, and finds a new family.
Why: As our kids absorb the stress and grief of today’s world news, it is helpful to show them other kids’ perseverance and victory in the face of challenges.
Let me know if you and your child liked these – I’m always looking for feedback!
And if you like this note, share it with potential My Kid Readers!