It’s hard to believe that mid-winter break is almost upon us. My kiddos were home from school almost all of last week due to snow and ice, so the thought of everyone back home for another week so soon is a little, well, daunting. So I’m pulling together a few reading recommendations for them to help keep them busy and engaged. Hopefully you may find these suggestions helpful as well.
New Releases
I am very excited for this book and will put together a full review post in the near future. Will’s Race For Home is a western (!), set in 1889, about a young Black boy and his father who set off on an adventure to claim land in the Oklahoma Land Rush. They journey is one met with danger, racism, and heartbreak, but is sure to be a great read for those looking for an often under-represented perspective on a historical event.
Calling all young detectives! With fun, cartoon-style illustrations, follow along as ten year old, Bonnie Montgomery and her loyal assistant, Grampa Banks, investigate a mysterious death and art theft. This fun story, full of silly antics, may be the perfect read for a kiddo looking for a little escape over winter break.
I’m also looking forward to this book. It sounds interesting! The story follows twelve year old Zoey whose anxiety disorder has been overwhelming her since her father’s death. But after bringing home a blue pencil, Zoey finds the stories she writes seem to come true. Does magic really exist? This could be a great read for your fantasy lover and for any kiddos interested in reading about protagonists living with anxiety.
Oldies But Goodies
We read Hatchett a few years back as a family read aloud, and my oldest son really, really loved it. So we picked up a few additional Gary Paulsen novels for him to read on his own, and Brian’s Winter was a stand-out for him. Had Brian not been rescued in Hatchett, Brian’s Winter is the story of how he would have spent the winter alone out in the wilderness. If you have a reader who loves adventure, nature, or survival stories, this could be the perfect winter break read for them!
This book checked a lot of boxes for my readers: spies (check), World War II (check), hilarious (check). We read it as a family last year, and we all loved it. I’m encouraging my kids to read it again before the second book in the duology comes out next month: Max in the Land of Lies
Max’s family sends him away to London where it’s safer for Jewish children, but he is accompanied by two unexpected companions, one on each shoulder: Berg and Stein. Germany is becoming increasingly dangerous, but Max is determined to return…as a British spy!
This is just a fun, silly, knee-slapper of a book. This book of poetry and animations will be enjoyed by the whole family. Think Shel Silverstein of the 21st century. This book belongs on your shelves right next to Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic. You and your young readers will really enjoy it.
What recommendations do you have? Post in the comments!
Happy Reading!
Birdie's Bookshelf 