The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner, so that means the season of gift-giving is also upon us. Here’s a list that will help you make your own holiday shopping lists a little easier and merrier--books that are ideal for getting middle grade readers into the “holly-jolly” spirit.
Merry Reading!
The Christmas Genie by Dan Gutman
Only hours away from Christmas vacation, what could possibly make more sense than a Christmas Genie named Bob crashing in your fifth grade classroom by way of a meteorite?
The story’s narrator, Chase, and his classmates must decide on one wish. As the class attempts to come together to determine what to wish for, Dan Gutman entwines silly, funny wish ideas along with very serious topics like war, divorce, and the global impacts of some of the wishes the class considers.
The debate is both thought-provoking and hilarious, creating a very enjoyable book for the holiday season.
The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson
A homeless man named Armand, living in Paris, is not ashamed of being labeled a “hobo.”
Armand proclaims a dislike of children, but after meeting three children, Suzy, Evelyn, and Paul and their mother – he reluctantly allows them to share his space under a bridge in Paris during the Christmas season. He soon becomes attached to the children and is determined to provide a home for them, even if it means he has to work to do so.
A heartwarming and memorable Newbery Honor-winning book about finding family in the unlikeliest places.
The Best, Worst Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
The Herdmans are the six worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal, smoke cigars, swear, and hit little kids. So no one is prepared when they show up at church one Sunday for Sunday School because they were told the church offers snacks. While there, they decide to take over the annual Christmas pageant, even though none of the Herdmans has ever heard the Christmas story before.
Their interpretation brings chaos and hilarity, but it just may make this year's pageant the most unusual anyone has seen and, just possibly, the best one ever.
Snicker’s Wish by L.B. Anne
What happens when you combine a birthday wish with a Christmas wish? Only the first child born on Christmas day knows.
'Tis the season to be jolly...until eleven-year-old Jared arrives home and finds his apartment door open.
How do you find the Christmas spirit when your whole world turns upside down and your sister is missing?
On a cold winter's morning, through the snow-covered streets of Crystal City, Jared makes his way to Mckinney Park. He is given a chance at something remarkable, because of one little girl's wish. A heartwarming Christmas story of the kindness of strangers, hope, and miracles.
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