Librarians are ready to help you enjoy the holidays with book recommendations.
LIBRARY: Below is a selection of books and movies reflecting some of the Library’s suggestions for the winter holidays. If your favorite holiday isn’t represented, feel free to email children@lapl.org, and the Librarians can help.
Happy Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa to all, and to all a good night!
The Club sends its thanks to the Librarians as noted below, and to Susan Lendroth, Public Relations Specialist, for her assistance in gathering these suggestions over the last few months.
Recommendations by: Literature and Fiction Dept., Los Angeles Public Library; Children’s Literature Dept., Los Angeles Public Library. Compiled by Susan Lendroth, Los Angeles Public Library
Younger Readers
Christmas Crimes at The Mysterious Bookshop
Edited by Otto Penzler
The Mysterious Bookshop is a real store in NYC, and it’s also the oldest mystery bookstore in the entire world. For most of its 45-year history, the store has commissioned an original short story from a famous author as a holiday gift for its customers. Written exclusively for the store and never published elsewhere, the best of these stories now appear in this delightful volume. All of the stories share the following three elements: they take place at Christmastime, they involve a crime of some sort, and they are set at least partially in The Mysterious Bookshop.
The Snow Child
Eowyn Ivey
Although technically not a Christmas story, The Snow Child is full of enchantment and set in a winter wonderland. It tells the tale of childless couple Jack and Mabel, who move to Alaska in 1920 to try and improve their lives. Their marriage is drifting apart–he is breaking under the weight of hard work, while she is crumbling from loneliness. In a moment of levity, they build a child out of snow. The next morning the snow child is gone, but they glimpse a young girl running through the trees. She seems to be a child of the woods. The girl hunts with a red fox at her side and somehow survives alone in the Alaskan wilderness. As Jack and Mabel struggle to understand this fairy tale child, they come to love her as their own daughter.
Matzah Ball
Jean Meltzer
When Jewish Christmas romance novelist Rachel is tasked with writing a Hanukkah romance, she decides to find inspiration at the Matzah Ball, a musical celebration of the last night of Hanukkah. There she reconnects with her childhood nemesis, Jacob Greenberg. Though the animosity between them still runs strong, there seems to be something more fueling their interactions. This Hanukkah, Rachel will discover not only the magic of Hanukkah but the possibility of second chances.
Miracles and Menorahs
Stacey Agdern
Determined to save her local Hanukkah celebration from being canceled, Sarah Goldman has come up with a new campaign and larger-than-life sculpture to revitalize the festival. But to pull it off she must convince disinterested local sculptor Isaac Lieberman to help. Can she change his mind, and his heart, about the importance of this annual ceremony?
Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture
Maulana Karenga
Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 to January 1, and this beautiful and informative book will give you everything you need to know about this African-American and Pan African holiday: origins, the Seven Principles and explanations about their meaning, family activities, and a section for questions. The format of the book includes black and white and bright colorful illustrations that complement the text and invite everyone to participate in this joyous holiday.
A Kwanzaa Fable
Copage
After losing his father to a sudden heart attack, 13-year-old Jordan is forced to grow up fast when he must take on the responsibility of his younger siblings. Jordan finds himself torn between caring for his brothers and joining his rebellious friends out in the streets. Taken under the wing of the local corner store owner, Snackman, he is soon introduced to the seven principles of Kwanzaa and shown a path towards an honorable and fulfilling life. Eric Copage’s A Kwanzaa Fable is a heartwarming family tale about the power of community and a great introduction to the principles that underlie the Kwanzaa holiday.
For Young Adults
Winter Solstice Wish
Kate Allen Fox; illustrated by Elisa Paganelli
As we in Southern California know, December doesn’t always mean snow! This picture book highlights a beach bonfire celebration of the winter solstice.
The Light from My Menorah: Celebrating Holidays Around the World
Robin Heald; illustrated by Andrea Blinick
A family celebrating Hanukkah contemplates modern miracles of light. This picture book draws a connection between winter celebrations in various religions and cultures.
The Mexican Dreidel
Linda Elovitz Marshall
Danielito joins with his dreidel in his new friends’ trompos game for a Janucá adventure. A celebration of Mexico’s Jewish diaspora and a tale of friendship.
David Atherton’s Christmas Cookbook for Kids
David Atherton
An approachable, festive cookbook full of holiday cheer.
Mr. Santa
Jarvis
When a young child meets Santa one Christmas Eve, she has nonstop questions to ask! A sweet holiday bedtime story.
Santa’s First Christmas
Mac Barnett
Finally realizing that Santa never actually gets to experience the joys of Christmas himself, the elves provide a festive day filled with decorations, treats and gifts.
We Celebrate the Light
Jane Yolen
Explore Kwanzaa, Christmas, Hanukkah, Lunar New Year and more with this great read aloud that explores the shared traditions of light, love, food and family.
