'Tis the Season: Books for the Holidays

The holidays are quickly approaching.  And while I couldn't find a chapter book focusing on the Kwanzaa holiday, we do have several books for both Christmas and Hanukkah.  Here are some of my favorites . . . .

The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper
On his eleventh birthday Will Stanton discovers that he is the last of the Old Ones, destined to seek the six magical Signs that will enable the Old Ones to triumph over the evil forces of the Dark as they battle during the twelve days of Christmas.

Sam I Am by Ilene Cooper
Twelve-year-old Sam, the son of a Jewish father and Christian mother, struggles to understand religion and its role in his family's life during the Hanukkah and Christmas holidays.

The Angel Tree by Daphne Benedis-Grab
Every Christmas in the small town of Pine River, a tree appears in the town square and people tie wishes to it, but nobody knows where the tree comes from--but this year four children are determined to solve the mystery of the Angel Tree.

The Very Best Hanukkah Gift by Joanne Rocklin
During his family's eight-day celebration of Hanukkah, eight-year-old Henry learns the pleasure of giving and overcomes his fear of dogs.

Winterfrost by Michelle Houts
Left in charge of her home and infant sibling when her parents are called away at Christmastime, Bettina disregards a family custom about leaving out rice pudding for the nisse, who make their magic known when the baby disappears.


More Holiday Reads --
Certain Poor Shepherds: A Christmas Tale by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas
The Christmas Barn by D.L. Davis
Clementine for Christmas by Daphne Benedis-Grab
How I Saved Hanukkah by Amy Goldman Koss
Jake by Audrey Couloumbis
Kringle by Tony Abbott
On Christmas Eve by Ann M. Martin
Rover Saves Christmas by Roddy Doyle
A Shiloh Christmas by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
The True Story of Christmas by Anne Fine
Who Is Stealing the 12 Days of Christmas? by Martha Freeman


Check out these book on display at the Arnold Branch through December 30, 2015.

Happy Hanukkah, Part 2

On this final day of Hanukkah, I thought I would share some books for teens featuring Jewish characters . . .

Me & Earl & the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
Seventeen-year-old Greg has managed to become part of every social group at his Pittsburgh high school without having any friends, but his life changes when his mother forces him to befriend Rachel, a girl he once knew in Hebrew school who has leukemia.

Strange Relations by Sonia Levitin
Fifteen-year-old Marne is excited to be able to spend her summer vacation in Hawaii, not realizing the change in her lifestyle it would bring staying with her aunt, seven cousins, and uncle who is a Chasidic rabbi.


Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword by Barry Deutsch
Eleven-year-old Mirka Herschberg dreams of fighting dragons and spends her days honing her skills, even though there are no dragons in her Orthodox Jewish community, but when she accepts a challenge form a mysterious witch, Mirka just might win her dragon-fighting sword after all.

Happy Hanukkah!

Check out these great books for Hanukkah . . .

Hanukkah Bear by Eric Kimmel
On the first night of Hanukkah, Old Bear wanders into Bubba Brayna's house and receives a delicious helping of potato latkes when she mistakes him for the rabbi.

How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? by Jane Yolen
Illustrations and rhyming text present some of the different ways a well-behaved dinosaur can celebrate the eight days and nights of Chanukah.

Hanukkah Lights by David Martin
Simple text and illustrations depict the traditions associated with Hanukkah, including lighting a menorah, spinning a dreidel, and more.

A Confused Hanukkah: An Original Story of Chelm by Jon Koons
The villagers of Chelm, in the rabbi's absence, send a messenger to a nearby village in order to be reminded how to prepare for the coming Hanukkah.

It's a Miracle! A Hanukkah Storybook by Stephanie Spinner
Every night of Hanukkah Grandma tells a story at bedtime. Includes the Hanukkah legend, blessings, and a glossary.