Rock Your Cinnamon Rolls

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C H A P T E R B O O K S

1 Pawcasso

Written and illustrated by Remy Lai A surprisingly sophisticated graphic novel with a unique title character (a dog who shops at markets by himself!) engrossed our kid reviewers. In the name of fitting in and making friends, the protagonist, Jo, passes the dog off as hers. Said one mom: “Though the circumstances in the book are unusual, this act of stretching the truth to impress people is extremely relatable to gradeschoolers.” Ages 8 to 12 2 Stamped (for Kids)

Adapted by Sonja Cherry-Paul from the book by Jason Reynolds and Parents advisor Ibram X. Kendi, illustrated by Rachelle Baker The youth version of the best-seller Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You exposes elementary-schoolers to uncomfortable truths about U.S. history. “I was unaware that President Obama faced so much trauma when he ran for office,” said a 10-year-old. Added another, ”I learned that President Abraham Lincoln, who is known for abolishing slavery, had opinions that Black people are unequal.” Ages 6 to 10 3 Simon and Chester: Super Detectives!

Written and illustrated by Cale Atkinson The first book in a new graphic novel series debuts on a whimsical note when a boy and a ghost try to uncover how a mysterious pug got into the kitchen. High jinks and witty illustrations cracked up our kid reviewers. Ages 6 to 9 4 Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey

Written and illustrated by Erin Entrada Kelly Sensitive and anxious Marisol is an exceedingly relatable Filipino American heroine in this book that bridges early readers and middle grade. The journey to overcome her fears and climb a magnolia tree in her backyard is full of suspense and heart. Ages 6 to 10 5 I’m On It!

Written by Andrea Tsurumi An entertaining way to learn about prepositions like through and under, this early reader puts a frog and a goat in hilariously tenuous positions. Ages 5 to 8

The Best Books for Teens

Hover your phone’s camera over the smart code or go to parents .com/TeenBooks for ten 2021 faves from our teen reviewers .

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R A I S I N G T H E F U T U R E

BOOK CLUB

6 That Thing About Bollywood

Written by Supriya Kelkar With all the magic and heart of Bollywood, this book “deftly deals with the question: ‘When your parents separate, can you still be a family?’ ” says librarian Liv Hanson. Adds a 12-year-old reviewer, “It’s similar to the TV show Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, but way cooler.” Ages 8 to 12 7 The Chance to Fly

Written by Ali Stroker and Stacy Davidowitz With an über-appealing story line, this novel cowritten by a Tony Award– winning actor helps kids believe in their dreams. “If you’ve ever doubted yourself or had crush problems, and you love Broadway,” said an 11-year-old reviewer, “this book about a character with physical limitations who wants to perform in Wicked is absolutely for you.” Ages 8 to 12 8 The Double Life of Danny Day

Written by Mike Thayer An intriguing premise—a charismatic 12-year-old who lives every day twice but only remembers the second time—enthralled our kid reviewers. They were fascinated by how Danny takes notes on his “do-over days” to deal with bullies, and heartened that he still manages to make friends. Said a 12-year-old reviewer, “The book made me think about the possibilities of getting to restart my day.” Ages 8 to 12

9. Sisters of the Neversea

A suspenseful and beautiful retelling of Peter Pan, minus the kidnapping, sexism, and misrepresentation of Native Americans, is ideal for a family read-aloud. Ages 8 to 12

Join author Cynthia Leitich Smith as she reads a chapter and answers questions from viewers on @Parents Instagram Live on December 4 at 2 p.m. (ET). Go to parents.com/BookClub for details and discussion questions.

10 The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy

Written by Anne Ursu A mystery-fantasy mash-up with a feminist perspective drew in readers who longed for justice at the isolated boarding school where the main character has been sent as a punishment for practicing magic. “It’s an amazing story about family, friendship, and finding the truth,” said a 10-year-old reviewer. Lots of twists kept kids turning pages. Ages 8 to 12

Rock You r Ci n na mon Rol ls

Winter-vacation mornings call for next-level breakfasts. Grab the mixing bowls and make cinnamon buns (regular or gigantic!) from blogger Sarah Kieffer’s new cookbook, Baking for the Holidays.

photographs by S A R A H K I E F F E R

Let kids choose which size to make. Both versions get an easy cream-cheese icing.

Classic Cinnamon Rolls

Active Time 45 minutes Total Time 5 hours 45 minutes, plus 12 hours chilling Makes 12 cinnamon rolls

I N G R E DI E N T S

All-purpose flour, for dusting 1 recipe Sweet Dough (see page 66) Nonstick cooking spray For the filling 1⁄2 cup packed light-brown sugar 1 Tbs. ground cinnamon Pinch of kosher salt 2 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted and cooled For the icing 8 Tbs. unsalted butter, at room temperature 4 oz. cream cheese (about 1⁄2 cup), at room temperature 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1⁄4 tsp. salt 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

M A K E I T

1. Lightly dust a work surface with flour and knead cold dough ten to 12 times. Shape into a ball, dust lightly with flour, and top with a tea towel or plastic wrap. Let rest to come to room temperature, 1 to 2 hours.

2. Coat a 9x13-in. baking pan with cooking spray, line with parchment paper, then coat with cooking spray again.

3. Make and add filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. On floured work surface, roll dough into a 12x16-in. rectangle. Brush dough with melted butter. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top, pressing lightly into butter so it adheres.

4. Starting at one of the long sides, roll dough into a tight cylinder. Pinch seam gently to seal it and position dough seam side down. Use scissors or a sharp knife to cut dough crosswise into 12 equal pieces. Transfer pieces to the prepared pan and place them cut side up,