A Family's Tradition from NPR and Links to Children's New and Winter/Holiday Books

Christmas Card by Andy Warhol

In the dark days after Thanksgiving, before the holiday season is in full swing, Sally Kern drags out a big box filled not with holiday decorations, those will come later, but with books. 

Sally and Stephen Kern read to their kids pretty much every night, but the books in this box are special, reserved for this time of year only. They are filled with stories, mostly about Christmas, but also about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and the winter solstice.

"I think it's wonderful to have books as a centering activity this time of year, because everything does get ratcheted up," says Sally Kern. "Even before Thanksgiving, the Christmas pummel starts. And so this is something that is very grounding for them and for us."

To Read or Hear NPR's Story......

This is just a little story to share I heard years ago while driving of a family's tradition of reading books in Winter. I think about it, not that I do the same thing, each year. Included are some links for the new good books out there for Children and Young Adult. The next two links are mostly for picture books.

Sometimes in busy lives, people need books but are not able to spend the time to think about which one. So, hopefully this helps. Most every book is available at FRL at one of our libraries! I am pretty sure I've seen most come through acquisitions and go back to the the libraries! I will not try to recommend any particular one but share by posting quick links of good lists for those who want to look and browse and have a bit of help of the reviewers.

--Michelle at FRL



Children and YA, Holiday Book Guide

30 Best Children's Picture Books for Winter and Christmas/Holiday

Flavorwire Books to Read Aloud for Children

Dragonsong, by Anne McCaffrey

This book is set in a Fantasy world with fire lizards and dragons as a young girl (Menolly of Half Circle Hold) comes of age and recognizes her goals in life. She then becomes the first female Harper and follows her dreams.

Menolly tries to keep an upbeat attitude in a menacing atmosphere from the dreaded Thread attacking her people and from desiring a position as a Harper which previously has only been held by males.

An enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Randie, First Regional Library

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Book Trailer: Plain Kate, by Erin Bow

Young Kate is plain as a stick but a gifted wood carver. Her father had warned her that foolish people might think that she guides her knife with magic, and after he dies of fever, Kate becomes the target of suspicion and fear. As a plague worsens, Kate realizes that she must flee her village, and she reluctantly makes an odd bargain with a stranger: in exchange for her shadow, the stranger will provide essential supplies and grant a single wish. Soon Plain Kate is entangled in an elaborate noose of magic and revenge.

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Chasing the Bear, by Robert B. Parker

There's the law and there’s doing what’s right. Knowing what is right comes down to how you are raised.

Chasing the Bear is the compelling story of a young Spencer for Hire, Robert Parker’s quintessential self-reliant, reserved, secure and faithful Private Eye.

Learning by the example set by his widowed father and uncles, young Spencer learns to take only what is needed, to listen & think before taking action and to be prepared mentally & physically for anything.

Filling in the personal blanks about one of America’s greatest fictional characters is exciting. Spencer’s childhood is filled with security and an unquestionable family bond that will be the wish of every teenager learning that a man’s word is his bond.


Chasing the Bear is a great read and leaves you wanting more. Enjoy!

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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Book Trailer: Allegiant, by Veronica Roth

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation -- like a single choice -- changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?
The explosive conclusion to Veronica Roth's #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent Trilogy reveals the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

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Book Trailer: Clarity by Kim Harrington

Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift. And a curse. When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex--boyfriend wants her to help solve the case--but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother, who has supernatural gifts of his own, becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

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Book Trailer: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

An all-new series from the masterful #1 New York Times bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater!

Legend holds that Glendower, a vanished Welsh king, sleeps beneath the hills until he's needed. The first person to find him will be granted a wish--either by seeing him open his eyes, or by cutting out his heart.

Gansey has it all--family money, a car, time for extracurriculars and friends--but he's always loved the tales of sleeping kings. He thinks he's found one, too, or at least the area where one might be: in the town of Henrietta, Virginia. And the best way to be there is to attend the prestigious Aglionby Academy for Boys.

Blue is the daughter of the town psychic in Henrietta, Virginia, but is too practical to believe in things like spirits or true love. Her policy is to stay away from Aglionby boys...but it may be that one in particular can change her mind about magic, and maybe even love.

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Book Trailer: Emblaze by Jessica Shirvington

The hidden war between Grigori, the protectors of humanity, and the vengeful exiled angels on earth has really begun, and Violet Eden teeters on the edge of a decision that could unleash the darkest evil from the depths of hell itself. Learn more about this book http://bit.ly/uRLYCg and author http://www.jessicashirvington.com/

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A Year Down Yonder, by Richard Peck

This book tells the story of a 15-year old girl named Mary Alice from Chicago who goes to live with her Grandma Dowdel, in "hick-town," during the 1937 recession. Mary Alice was not happy about having to spend a year down South, as "the town did not even have a picture show." However, Mary Alice knew that her Grandma was not afraid of anyone and was more than willing to "lay down the law" on occasion.

While it was hard to tell sometimes, Grandma really had a big heart for the people in her town. Yet, most of the things she did seemed to be in contradiction. For example, one evening Grandma stole Old Man Nyquist’s tractor and drove it into a pecan tree so the pecans fell ankle-deep. To justify this, Grandma reminded Mary Alice that Old Man Nyquist said she could have any pecans that fell. She reasoned that he was too deaf to hear her start the tractor and would just think it rolled out of the barn by itself. To show her generosity, she used those pecans to make pies for the upcoming Halloween Party that fed the town during this tough time. While her actions may not always seem admirable, Grandma had a plan for justice and she completed it with lots of humor.

Adults would enjoy this book as much as young adults. With one adventure after another, it is quite humorous and very witty. A wonderful Newbery Award winner.

Reviewed by Fran, First Regional Library

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Tears of a Tiger, by Sharon Draper

Andy is a high school basketball star with a promising future. After the death of his best friend Rob, Andy starts losing his way in life. The story gives details on Rob’s death affected each of his friends. Dealing with death, loss, and a sense of hopelessness Andy tries reaching out to different people to help him through, but his emptiness has devastating effects on his life.

Reviewed by Lisa, First Regional Library

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The Year of the Dog, by Grace Lin

This book starts out with a Chinese New Year, all the relatives were coming, the aunts, uncles and cousins. This was the year of the dog, every year was a different animal but something special is supposed to happen because its’ the Year of the Dog. The dog is known to be faithful and man’s best friend. This year is for thinking, finding new friends and yourself. This is the year to find out what you want to do when you grow up and what your values are. As the year goes on Pacy struggles to find her talent, makes a new best friend and discovers why the Year of the Dog is a lucky one for her.

This was a really enjoyable book and it gave a lot of interesting tidbits about the Chinese people.

Reviewed by Doris, First Regional Library

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I Will Save You, by Matt De La Peña

This book is a psychological story, a seventeen year-old boy named Kidd takes you through his journey over the summer, through difficult times and the easy. He had an abusive father whose actions caused his mother to commit suicide right in front of him.

It opens with a murder, and focuses on Kidd. He is in need of help with depression and is sent to therapy at Horizons, a group home, where he meets a boy names Devon. Devon turns out to be a friend and tormentor with a death wish. His good friend is very mysterious and tends to be a bully. Kidd also meets Olivia with some romance, who he tries to save from Devon.

Matt de la Peña follows the method of showing the climactic scene first and then going back to the events leading up to it.

This was a very interesting book.

Reviewed by Brenda, First Regional Library

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Book Trailer: Partials, by Dan Wells

The human race is all but extinct after a war with Partials (engineered organic beings identical to humans) has decimated the population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by RM, a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island while the Partials have mysteriously retreated. The threat of the Partials is still imminent, but, worse, no baby has been born immune to RM in more than a decade. Our time is running out.

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The Halloween Tree, by Ray Bradbury

I am not a science fiction person, I have never even seen Star Wars! But I did enjoy this book because I am a big Halloween fan.

This book was about a group of kids out trick or treating when they meet Mr. Moundshroud . He takes them on a journey through time, teaching them about the origins of Halloween, from the days of the caveman, through the pyramids and beyond.

The book was beautifully written and made me feel like a kid again out in my neighborhood on Halloween night!

Reviewed by Lisa, First Regional Library

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Code Talker, by Joseph Bruchac

I must admit, history was never my favorite subject. Having to memorize and regurgitate a lot of facts, dates and so forth without understanding the why of it all never seemed a worthwhile use of time. That is why this book was such a pleasant surprise--it was not only completely readable--I finished it in only a couple of days--but the way it was presented, left me wanting more.

It began with a Navajo grandfather telling the story of his medal to an undisclosed number of grandchildren. He began with cultural references, and told of his early life growing up on the reservation and having to go to the white "belagaanaa" school to learn white man's ways and language. Ironically, Navajo children were taught in this school that their native language was no good, and were not allowed to speak it.

When WWII broke out, however, and the young man came of age to join the military, the Navajo language became the one unbreakable code used to transmit vital battle information between the various generals and the fighting men in the Pacific theatre. Only a select few Navajos were recruited for the Code Talkers, but many more Native Americans joined the military, to defend their--and our--homeland from something even worse than the white invasion that stole an entire continent from them only a hundred or so years before.

I totally recommend this book to anyone with even a passing interest in World War II history, or in the Navajo or native American cultures.

Walk in beauty, my friends.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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Begging for Change, by Sharon Flake

Raspberry Hill’s Momma is repeatedly trying to reach out to a very troubled teen neighbor, Shiketa, that lives in the same project apartments. Raspberry’s dad is a homeless drug addict, begging or stealing whatever he can for more drugs.

When Momma is hospitalized after Shiketa hits her over the head with a metal pipe, Raspberry’s friend, Zora, and her dad, Dr. Mitchell take care of Raspberry for a short while. Raspberry steals money from Zora’s purse. Dr. Mitchell is also Momma’s boyfriend.

Zora and Raspberry are not speaking to one another once Zora discovers what Raspberry has done. Dr. Mitchell and Momma do not know what the trouble is between the girls. Several of Zora and Raspberry’s mutual friends are torn in the conflict.

Will Raspberry own up to what she has done, or become a bumming thief like her dad? Will the situation come in between Raspberry’s Momma and Dr. Mitchell? Something must change. Raspberry Hill is Begging for Change!

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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Whatever Happened to Janie?, by Caroline B. Cooney

Do you ever wish you could disappear, run away, be somebody completely new? What would that mean to those left behind?

Whatever Happened to Janie by Caroline B. Cooney explores the unthinkable, unimaginable and terribly tragic kidnapping of a three year old girl. She did not choose to be kidnapped but neither did she make any real effort to reconnect with her real family after she unexpectedly recognizes herself as the missing child on the back of a milk carton.

The grief, relief, anger and frustration felt by both sets of her parents never seems to dent Janie’s self absorbed pity party. Utter rage bottled up for years provides a stomach churning stage for her biological siblings. You can live with devastating ache for only so long – until a semblance of normality needs to be found.

Janie’s choices have a far reaching impact for her two families. It is up to the reader to decide if Janie is worth the effort and tears.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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Tears of a Tiger, by Sharon M. Draper

This is book one in the Hazelwood High Trilogy. Andy and his friends leave a winning basketball game to celebrate their victory. After knocking back a few cold ones, one boy is dead and the 3 other boys lives are changed forever.

Andy wonders how to go on with life after killing his best friend.

This book is written in many formats, first person, journal, letters, conversations and notes from the main characters viewpoint. It is a compelling story of one boy's mistake and the desperation it drives him to.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library.

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Where Things Come Back, by John Corey Whaley

Cullen Witter is seventeen and so bored in Lily, Arkansas, that he can hardly wait to escape after high school. Cullen learns life is not simple, when two major events occur to change the quiet town. One is the spotting of the Lazarus woodpecker, believed to be extinct. The small town becomes totally absorbed with this notoriety, creating such events as the Woodpecker Festival and the “Lazarus Burger” which is really Burger #3 from the local honky tonk.

 At the same time Cullen’s unusual and cool younger brother, Gabriel disappears. The loss is devastating to Cullen, his parents, and his super popular best friend, Lucas. Amidst this, Cullen falls in love for the first time with Ada, whom he can finally share his feelings of loss and pain. A funny and heartbreaking book which is being compared to the classic, The Catcher in the Rye.

 Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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Beastly, by Alex Flinn

Modern Fairy Tale

 "Beastly" is a modern day version of the classic fairy tale "Beauty and The Beast". It is a very fast paced story told by the beast Kyle Kingsbury. He was a very popular student at his high school, the kind that drew a crowd.. On the outside Kyle was handsome, but on the inside he was cruel, so cruel in fact that he publicly humiliated Kendra, a girl completely opposite of himself.

 That night his fate was sealed.

Kyle was transformed into a hideous beast, hidden away by his father from everything he valued because of his looks. Kyle has two years to find true love or he will remain a beast forever. It is a witty book, the chat rooms Kyle goes to are funny, they are run by Chris Anderson and the characters Kyle meets there are very memorable.

The book is listed as a young adult and could be enjoyed by both girls (of course) and boys, because it is being told from Kyle's point of view. I enjoyed this book and have recommend it to several people.

 Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library.

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