Heidi’s Holiday Book List

Follow Your Trail

Heidi’s

Book List

By Heidi Pederson

It is that time of year again. The leaves are changing, college football is on the screen, and the air has a certain crisp feeling to it. This is my favorite time of year, besides summer. I often find myself wanting to curl up on the couch with a cup of coffee, good book, football on the TV and just read all day while occasionally looking up to see how my favorite team is doing. This time of year also brings up thoughts of what to do for my family and friends for the holidays. What do I get them?

I am always on the search for the perfect gift. But do I get them another “item” for their shelves? Or do I get them a gift they can use? Oftentimes I find myself doing both. But one thing I never shy away from giving is books. I have seen so many different variations of giving books over the years. From giving children a book a day starting December 1st until Christmas Eve, to giving book subscriptions. My own best friend gifted me a membership to a book subscription club, which has truly been the best present anyone could give me. I could not have gotten through this last year without it. It is the gift that keeps on giving all year round. Every time I get that box the books come in I am giddy with excitement like a kid on Christmas. MY BOOKS ARE HERE! I get to start new adventures! What is not to love? Books are truly one of the few gifts that keep on giving for years to come.

With the holidays just around the corner I thought I would share with all my fellow book lovers some of my favorite books to gift. I have broken them up into three categories. Books for children/tweens, teens/young adults and adults. Also some of these books could be read by age groups other than what I put them in. As with all books it truly depends on the level of the reader. I am a firm believer in reading whatever you want, whenever you want, just as long as you are reading.

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The Story of Grump and Pout by Jamie McEwan – This loveable story about two monsters who encounter a human in the forest and are forever changed was a staple in my household growing up. My mom still has the original copy of this book and my daughter, niece and nephew love it and ask for it to be read all the time. Your children will enjoy the pictures and story as well.

The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear by Audrey Wood, Don Wood – The Little Mouse & the Big Hungry Bear both like Strawberries. How do they solve the problem of who gets to eat the perfect Strawberry? The humor, bright illustrations and story line will lead children to want to read it over and over again.

Room on the Broom by Axel Scheffler and Julia Donaldson – A friendly witch and her animal friends learn that with teamwork and quick thinking they can save a good friendship. My daughter LOVES this book and at 9 still reads it. Has rhyming, great images and is perfect to keep your littles entertained.

The Berenstain Bears by Jan & Stan Berenstain – What is not to love about these loveable bears? They are always getting into mischief and solving their problems. They are classics and sure to continue providing lessons for generations to come. Beautiful imagery, great life lessons and awesome writing make these perfect books for young children.

Any book by Sandra Boynton – All of Sandra Boynton books come in a small hardback form that are perfect and durable for little hands. Dinosaurs, Cows, Chickens and other various animals all getting into various activities. What is not to love? She has incredible imagery and great lessons for children. My own daughter and her friends have all been in love with her books. These are great books to read before bed. Not too long but long enough to provide a good story.

Teens/Young Adults

Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling – What is a book list without this infamous series? Magic, Fantasy, Imagination, wild characters and loyal friends. This series has changed generations from young and old. I, as an adult, indulge in this series from time to time when I need a break from some of the heavier books out there.

The Hardy Boys by Franklin Dixon AND Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene – When I think of mystery series for young adults I think of these two. The books are great beginner chapter books for young adults (or even older children) who love a good mystery that is not scary but also still provide a good “whodunit”. Isn’t it fun to read about a person your own age solving mysteries?

Chronical of Narnia Series by C.S. Lewis -- Mysterious wardrobe, magical creatures, family and adventure. What is there not love in this series? Whether your reader decides to read it in chronological order or the order it was written, it is guaranteed to provide many hours of entertainment for the reader.

The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer – Twins are given a book of fairy tales by their grandmother. The book is magical and transports the twins to a fairy tale world where they meet different characters, collect various items and travel through the fairy tale world. The description makes the imagery amazing, with the reader being able to picture the characters and scenes in real life. Young children, Tweens and young adults alike will love this series.

The Hunger Game series by Suzanne Collins – Page turning, riveting, fast paced, just a few words to describe this dystopian book. Collins has managed to grab readers from all ages and genders with this book. How will it end? Who are you rooting for? Great series of books for all readers.

The Things they Carried by Tim O’Brien --- A series of short stories contained in a novel that flows together seamlessly about the Vietnam War and the members of a specific company. I have read this book a few times and each time it still manages to give me food for thought. This is a great book for those who love historical fiction, war novels and are looking for something that is fast paced.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn – This is one of my favorite books of all time. A fast paced mystery with a good twist in plot. I could not put this book down. Every single friend who has ever read it loves it too. This book is a great for all mystery lovers. The movie is not nearly as good as the book but then are movies ever as good? This is a great book for every mystery lover.

Any book by Kristin Hannah – Every book I have read of hers has left me with a “book hangover”. Leaves me feeling like I just experienced the whole book first hand and lived it with the characters. Kristin Hannah writes a range of books from Historical fiction about WWII, The Dust Bowl and the Great Depression to friendship spanning decades. There is a book for every reader written by Kristin Hannah.

The Century Trilogy by Ken Follett – This series spans from 1911 to the 1980’s, five families and their generations of trauma, struggles and where they land. Follet’s vivid description of wars, historical accuracies and character development makes this book series great for every single reader. I could not put this series down and felt like I learned more from these books about history then I ever did in my actual history classes. While big in size they are great books that read quickly and with amazing details.

Any book by Jodi Picoult – Jodi Picoult’s books are great for current events and hard topics. She writes books that are well researched, well written and show various view-points from different characters. All her books leave you understanding more about the overall topic the book is about. From “My Sisters Keeper”, “Nineteen Minutes” to “The Pact” to name a few, you cannot go wrong with a good Jodi Picoult book.

These are just some of my favorite books to gift. When out shopping this holiday season be sure to support your local stores and shop local. They have been through a lot this last year, like we all have, show them some love. From my family to yours I wish you all a Happy Holiday season and a safe New Year. Until next time fellow readers. Happy Reading!