As the year comes to an end and the weather gets colder, nothing is more satisfying than curling up with a book. We believe that finding a great book (or two … or seven) can help children fall in love with reading and become lifelong learners. However, finding that “just-right” book can be a challenge: you want characters that children can identify with, and stories that tackle big questions and important themes, but also provide joy and inspiration. The Robertson Center has collected a few of our favorites for readers of all ages to enjoy this holiday season, and we couldn’t be more excited to share these titles with you. Happy reading!

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Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

For readers in grades K+

One day on the subway, Julián sees three women who are all wearing beautiful dresses. He begins to daydream about getting dressed up in his very own mermaid costume made from things he finds in his abuela’s house. One catch, though: what will Abuela think of the mess he made, and what will she think about how he sees himself? 

This is a wonderful book that’s full of heart and promotes self-love. It’s a fantastic tribute to individuality and the things that make us special. With illustrations of people of all different shapes and sizes, it showcases the power of creativity and being our fullest, most authentic selves. This is a great book to put a smile on everyone’s face. 

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Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold

For readers in grades K+

Set in Harlem in 1939, Tar Beach is the story of eight-year-old Cassie who flies over the rooftops of her neighborhood in a dream. It’s a part fictional, part autobiographical allegorical tale with history and culture all rolled into one beautifully illustrated book.

Tar Beach is a wonderful story that’s sure to delight and be a different experience every time you read it. It’s an incredible celebration of Harlem (shout out to all of our Harlem schools!), and sure to excite everyone in your family no matter where you live.

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Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

For readers in grades 3+

Because of Winn Dixie is about a girl named Opal who adjusts to her life in a new town and makes new friends, all with the help of a dog she rescues from a Winn-Dixie supermarket. 

This is a Success Academy favorite in the third grade. It’s full of heart and laughs, and tackles big themes like courage, loneliness, and friendship. This is a dog-lover approved book, and there’s a fantastic movie you can watch with your family when you’re done reading.

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Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World by Susan Hood

For readers grades 3+

If you’re looking for a book filled with real-life female heroines, written by a woman, and illustrated by fourteen female artists, Shaking Things Up is the book for you. From the first female firefighter in the US to Malala Yousafzai, writer Susan Hood worked with female artists to illustrate the stories she’s telling about some remarkable women in history. 

These vignettes are perfect for family story time as you discover some real-life superheroes. It’s targeted at third and fourth graders, but there’s someone for everyone to look up to in this book. 

*****

Front Desk by Kelly Yang

For independent readers in grades 5+

Front Desk is Ms. Yang’s award-winning middle grade debut novel about Mia Tang, 10-year-old Chinese immigrant, who manages the front desk of a California motel while her parents clean the rooms. It is a story of love, resilience, and the American Dream. 

We love this book because it is beautifully written, both profound and sweet. It speaks simultaneously to adult and child readers, making it the perfect novel to share with your family over winter break. If you love this book as much as we do, join us on January 11th at 4 p.m. EST for our discussion with author Kelly Yang during our One Community, One Book event! Sign up here. 

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Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia

For readers in grades 5+

If you liked Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, then you’ll LOVE Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky. This book is a fantastic mix of fantasy, science fiction, Black mythology, and folktales rolled into one adventure.

We love this book because it shines a light on a canon of folktales and mythology that doesn’t get enough time in the spotlight. It’s exciting, puts a dynamic child of color in the protagonist seat, and has not one but two sequels! Score.

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When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds

For readers in grades 9+

This is a book about a boy named Ali who lives in Brooklyn – Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. He cares about his family, boxing, and his best friend Noodles and his brother Needles. That is, until the relationship between the three boys ruptures. It’s a book about friendship, love, and perseverance. 

We’re big fans of this book not only because we’ve got SA schools in Bed-Stuy (shout out to all of our Bed-Stuy schools!), but because Jason Reynolds thoughtfully shines a light on Black male friendship. It’s got some more advanced themes, but it’s sure to make an impact and spark some interesting conversations between you and your student.