It’s the season for gifting, and we know that books are the best gift of all. But how to choose the right one? Do you pick the latest bestseller or new release? Maybe gift one of the classics? Our staff came through with some recommendations to help; some new, some old, some timeless titles.
Books for little listeners and readers
For early readers, it’s pretty easy to find a book with engaging illustrations and imaginative stories to capture their attention. Any of these three would make a great gift and be enjoyable to read aloud with a little one.
- If You Go Down to the Woods Today by Rachel Piercey and Freya Hartas
This book follows Bear as he guides readers through a magical woodland across the seasons. Each page shows animals enjoying playful activities, with rhyming poems and detailed illustrations that invite children to spot hidden surprises and explore the wonders of nature. - Where the Deer Slip Through by Katey Howes & Beth Krommes
Sweet, soothing text and beautifully executed illustrations! - The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywelt
Poor Duncan just wants to color. But when he opens his box of crayons, he finds only written letters, all saying the same thing: His crayons have had enough! They quit! Blue Crayon needs a break from coloring all those bodies of water. Black Crayon wants to be used for more than just outlining. And Orange and Yellow are no longer speaking—each believes he is the true color of the sun. What can Duncan possibly do to appease all the crayons and get them back to doing what they do best?
For early readers and middle grades
These books are ideal for children already reading on their own. Summer of the Monkeys and The Sign of the Beaver are also perfect for reading aloud together, one of the most enjoyable things to do with an emerging reader.
- Jasper Rabbit’s Creepy Tales: Troubling Tonsils! By Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown
Jasper is getting older and now collects the creepy stories of others! Fans of the picture books will love this new early chapter book featuring a brand new creepy story. - Facing Feelings: Inside the World of Raina Telgemeier
This graphic novel biography of a fan-favorite author delves into her personal life and her process in creating beloved graphic novels like Smile. This is the perfect gift for kids who devoured all of Raina’s books. - Grumpy Monkey School Stinks! A graphic novel by Suzanne Lang
An original graphic novel based on the #1 New York Times bestselling Grumpy Monkey picture books, perfect for children who are ready for longer storylines and hilarious dialogue. This silly back-to-school graphic novel will engage even the most reluctant readers and will keep kids laughing from the first page to the last. - Unplugged by Gordon Korman
A hilarious middle grade novel about a group of kids forced to “unplug” at a wellness camp—where they instead find intrigue, adventure, and a whole lot of chaos. Perfect for fans of Korman’s Ungifted and the Masterminds series, as well as Carl Hiaasen’s eco mysteries. - Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls
Written in 1976 and still a classic, this story is about a boy who discovers a tree full of monkeys in the Ozark Mountains and sets out to catch them for a reward, learning valuable lessons along the way. - Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
In this Newbery Honor Book, a thirteen-year-old boy struggles to survive on his own in the wilderness of eighteenth-century Maine.
Gifts for teen readers
Let’s admit it: teens are notoriously difficult to please. Here are some proven books you can confidently gift to the teens on your list.
- The Fifth Wave by Rick Yancey
This YA novel is about an alien invasion that comes in five waves. Perfect for people who enjoy post-apocalyptic thrillers, as it follows Cassie as she tries to find her brother in a dangerous new world. - The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
A prequel to the Hunger Games series, popular with those who enjoy fantasy and action. - The Giver by Lois Lowry
Given his lifetime assignment at the Ceremony of Twelve, Jonas becomes the Receiver of Memories—a position shared by only one other in his community—and discovers the terrible truth about the society in which he lives. A classic novel with timeless truths. - Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
Frantically racing to freedom with thousands of other refugees as Russian forces close in on their homes in East Prussia, Joana, Emilia, and Florian meet aboard the doomed MV Wilhelm Gustloff and are forced to trust each other in order to survive. A great read for history and suspense fans. - Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
In the year 2045, reality is an ugly place. The only time Wade Watts really feels alive is when he’s jacked into the OASIS, a vast virtual world where most of humanity spends their days. When the eccentric creator of the OASIS dies, he leaves behind a series of fiendish puzzles, based on his obsession with the pop culture of decades past. Whoever is first to solve them will inherit his vast fortune—and control of the OASIS itself. A NYT bestseller.
Books for adults
A few suggestions from nearly every genre; something to spark an idea for your sister, aunt, uncle, brother, or next-door neighbor.
- The Seven Rings by Nora Roberts
From a best-selling author, the last book in a trilogy is an exciting conclusion with a haunted mansion on the coast of Maine, an evil witch and the couples fighting for their future. Get all three: The Inheritance, The Mirror and The Seven Rings. - Incident at Hawk’s Hill by Allan W. Eckert
This book is marketed to middle grade readers now, but was originally released for the adult market! One June day in 1870, Ben wanders away from his home on Hawk’s Hill and disappears into the waving prairie grass. This is the story of how a shy, lonely boy survives for months in the wilds and forges a bond with a female badger. Older, but so relevant & well-written! - Dinner with King Tut: How Rogue Archaeologists Are Re-creating the Sights, Sounds, Smells, and Tastes of Lost Civilizations by Sam Kean
This genre-defying work of nonfiction takes readers through all of human history with a mix of fictional accounts and real-world experience. This is the perfect gift for any science enthusiasts or history buffs. - 100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime
National Geographic highlights the top 100 train journeys of all time. A great casual read and a great resource for future trips. - Celebrate: Joyful Baking All Year Round
This cookbook is “The Great British Baking Show” host, Paul Hollywood, at his best. Recipes are both classic and fresh, featuring year-round celebration recipes from appetizers to holiday desserts. Perfect for any GBBS fan. - King Arthur Baking Company’s Big Book of Bread
A definitive book on baking every type of bread imaginable. King Arthur Baking Company’s recipes are accessible, thoroughly tested, and ideal for every skill level.
You can purchase many of these books just down the street from the library, at Ravenna’s new bookstore, Books A Go Go. We’d encourage you to stop in and talk to the owner, Cathy. She can help you find a title and if she doesn’t have it in stock, she can order it in for you.
If nothing on our list sounds right for the person on your gift list, ask one of our staff on your next library trip what they might recommend.
The only question remaining is what book is on YOUR gift list?
Sincerely, Cornelius 