This year, as in many other years, I’m giving books to young nieces and nephews and my friend’s children. Many of the kids I’m buying for are my son’s age and fall into the 8-12 “middle grade” reading category so I have a lot of great titles to choose from this year. One book had my son and I almost fighting over it every night because we both wanted to read it! Here’s our list for this year:
Serafina and the Black Cloak
Oh my, we LOVED this book. It’s so unique, yet so familiar. It might seem familiar because the setting is the famous Biltmore House here in Asheville, NC. Or it might just be the writing that perfectly speaks to you. It’s about a young girl who lives in the basement of the famous house. She befriends a young boy whose family lives in the house. This is the book that my son and I fought over every night because we both wanted to read it to find out what was next in the story. The author is working on the next in the series so you’ll want to have read this one first!
The Boundless
My 10 year old son LOVES this The Boundless. It’s the book he gives to all his friends for their birthday’s – it’s that good. There’s a train. There’s a mystery. That’s about all I know except for the fact my son has read it at least 3 times.
Hogwart’s Library
This was a great gift this year and my son loves this series. It’s not a literary book, or even a novel, but if you have a Harry Potter fan in your house this is a great gift. These books are the books that Harry Potter read from the Hogwart’s Library. Kids will read these and feel like they are reading exactly what Harry read. Too cool!
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School
This is the tenth book in the Wimpy Kid series. If you have a Wimpy Kid fan chances are you already have a copy of this one, but if not, my guess is your little fan wants this one for Christmas.
One and Only Ivan
Based on a true story, this Newberry Medal recipient, is about a gorilla who lives in a shopping mall, told from the perspective of the gorilla. Parents will feel good about this choice.
Crenshaw
This book is the new release from the author of One and Only Ivan. My son claims it’s not as good, but it’s a popular choice for readers who loved Ivan.
What would you add to this list?
Have you read our picks for books to read after your child has finished the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series?
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ABOUT ALICIA: Alicia is the founder of Balancing Motherhood.com. Last year, she managed to stay sane while completing an MBA, working full-time, blogging, and still baking amazing birthday cakes — all while raising a young family at home.
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