Every season is a great season for reading, but there’s something about this time of year that makes it extra special. Maybe it’s the warm blankets, cozy pajamas, or the snow falling against your window. Whether you’re looking for something festive to read with your child or you’re looking for a winter escape to a faraway place, we’ve got something for everyone on this reading list. So grab your hot cocoa and get lost in one of these holiday books. We’ve got the best holiday books to read this winter. Happy reading!
For our teachers’ little ones and our scholars’ younger siblings
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Ages: 2-4
From Penguin Random House: “The magic and wonder of winter’s first snowfall is perfectly captured in Ezra Jack Keats’ Caldecott Medal-winning picture book.”
For our kiddos
Latke, The Lucky Dog by Ellen Fischer
Ages: 3-7
From Kirkus: “A rescued dog chosen as a Hanukkah present at an animal shelter relates his good luck as he learns to adapt to his new family and home.”
Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto
Ages: 4-8
From Penguin Random House: “This is the story of a treasure thought to be lost in a batch of tamales; of a desperate and funny attempt by Maria and her cousins to eat their way out of trouble; and the warm way a family pulls together to make it a perfect Christmas after all. Also available in Spanish as ¡Qué montón de tamales!”
Pete the Cat’s 12 Groovy Days of Christmas by Kimberly & James Dean
Ages: 4-8
From Goodreads: “Pete and his friends are rockin’ and groovin’ while counting down the days to Christmas! Who needs five golden rings, when you can have five onion rings?”
Shanté Keys and the New Year’s Peas by Gail Piernas-Davenport
Ages: 4-8
From Goodreads: “In this multicultural New Years story, Shanté Keys learns about Chinese New Year and Diwali, as well as how January 1st is celebrated in other countries.”
‘Twas Nochebuena by Roseanne Greenfield Thong
Ages: 4-8
From Kirkus Review: ” This pleasant family story conveys strong family bonds and traditions while offering non-Spanish speakers a way to learn.”
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
Ages: 7-10
From The New York Times: “When their parents reveal that Mr. Beiderman is not renewing their lease 11 days before Christmas, the children commence ‘Operation Beiderman’ a complicated, multipronged initiative to convince the landlord to let them stay.”
Happy Narwhalidays by Ben Clanton
Ages: 8-10
From Goodreads: “It’s the festive season in the world wide waters, and Narwhal is looking forward to cozying up with a good book, singing and partying with his pod pals and enjoying some warm waffle pudding.”
For our teens
Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, & Lauren Myracle
From Kirkus: “Three top authors of teen fiction join forces for a collection of linked novellas set in the same small town in North Carolina on Christmas Eve.”
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown
From Rich in Color: “For Malik, the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his war-stricken home and start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran.”
The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand
From Kirkus: “After Holly Chase goes on a power trip on the family maid on Christmas Eve, it’s no surprise that she’s visited by Christmas ghosts, all warning her of her selfish ways.”
For our teachers and parents
This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens
From Penguin Random House: “Their lives began together, but their worlds couldn’t be more different. After thirty years of missed connections, they’re about to meet again…”
Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien
From Goodreads: “Can you imagine writing to Father Christmas and actually getting a reply? For more than twenty years, the children of J.R.R. Tolkien received letters from the North Pole – from Father Christmas himself!”
A Treasury of African American Christmas Stories by Bettye Collier-Thomas
From The Oprah Magazine: “The Treasury weaves in themes the holidays require—love, faith, and remembrance—with those it works to reject—racism, violence, and poverty.”
Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris
From the Economist: “No matter what your favorite holiday, you won’t want to miss celebrating it with the author who has been called ‘one of the funniest writers alive’.”
What’s on your reading list this year? Send us your favorite holiday books at moments@achievementfirst.org or tag us on Instagram @achievement1st