December Letter: Gift Edition
Featuring holiday graphic novel recommendations!
It is winter, somehow! The perfect time of year to be that relative and gift a book to the discerning young reader in your life. Here are some recommendations (which include my own books, thank you for considering!):
Early Reader
A funny, sweet ocean romp that’s perfect for kids with sparkling personalities, kids who like animal stories, and sparkling animal kids. I learned a lot about sharks!!
This lies closer to somewhere between early reader and MG, probably, but my five-year-old adores it and keeps asking to reread the chapter from Mystery Club where the rats are having a birthday party. A great ensemble school series.
If I were a bookseller I would just be handselling this book every day. Sweet, silly, perfect for nature kids, and a fun read-aloud. I have read it at least thirty times, and six of those were in the same day.
Middle Grade
Great for tweens who like offbeat humor, contemporary friendship stories, or anime. If they have a notebook full of cool magical superhero characters, this is probably a book for them. If they have moved recently or often, it is probably also a book for them.
If you know a kid who likes sports stories or dance movies, this might be the one. It’s a kinetic, colorful story about growing with your friend group and being yourself. A gift that pairs well with a starter yo-yo like the Duncan Butterfly XT.
Listen, I loved horse books when I was a tween, and this book would have blown my mind. Get this for the horse kid in your life immediately. Nilah’s cartooning is just, mwah, chef’s kiss, incoherent jealous noises.
For the kid who loves contemporary friendship stories but is tired of everyone being in school all the time. This one’s on a boat and it is gorgeous.
For the kid who loves contemporary friendship stories, especially ones set in schools, but make them hilarious. This might be one of the funniest books I’ve read in the last year. Big feelings about fitting in and understanding yourself, with a standout voice.
Young Adult
The perfect cozy winter romance for a soft-hearted teen. Delicate and sweet with just the right amount of fairy tale whimsy. I cried a little at the end.
For the adventurers and outcasts. Lush, fantastical sci-fi they’ll want to read over and over.
Freaky Friday meets The Bluest Eye. It’s hilarious and genuine, featuring a strong core group of K-pop-loving friends and a journey towards self-love that will resonate with teens who are used to comparing themselves with others.
An intoxicating romance for the drama weirdos and music nerds. There is no other book like this one and I love it to bits.
Wishing you and yours a comfy and healthy holiday season! See you in the new year…!
Yours in comics,
Gale
