Welcome back! I hope you enjoyed November’s book recommendations because I have six more!
As Winter Break rolls around, I suggest you curl up into your blankets with a hot cup of cocoa and a book! I know I know, you’re probably groaning, Why would I ever want to read a boring book when I could be doing literally anything else? But hear me out, you’re sure to enjoy these popular books. And that’s why this month’s book recommendations don’t have a specific theme. They’re just books that I’m sure anyone will enjoy.
Elementary - Fiction
Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White
Here is the Wiki synopsis of this classic book...
“Charlotte's Web is a book of children's literature by American author E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams; it was published on October 15, 1952, by Harper & Brothers. The novel tells the story of a livestock pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered by the farmer, Charlotte writes messages praising Wilbur (such as "Some Pig") in her web in order to persuade the farmer to let him live.”
Charlotte’s Web is a child’s classic and many parents and educators love the message it teaches to kids. This book teaches kids what true friendship looks like, along with true kindness and love. Charlotte’s Web also makes references to current events and will teach kids many important life lessons. Kids themselves will love this book because of the relatable characters and engaging storyline. They will find themselves rooting for the main characters and sympathizing with them as well. E. B. White is a very famous children’s book writer and has also written the books Stuart Little and The Trumpet of the Swan.
Elementary - Nonfiction
The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story Of Bob And Joe Switzer’s Bright Ideas And Brand-New Colors (Written By Chris Barton, Illustrated By Tony Persiani)
Here is a summary of this book from Goodreads…
“A discovery that made the world a brighter place!
Joe and Bob Switzer were very different brothers. Bob was a studious planner who wanted to grow up to be a doctor. Joe dreamed of making his fortune in show business and loved magic tricks and problem-solving.
When an accident left Bob recovering in a darkened basement, the brothers began experimenting with ultraviolet light and fluorescent paints. Together they invented a whole new kind of color, one that glows with an extra-special intensity--Day-Glo.”
This book, based on true events, tells a wonderful story that will get young readers thinking about inventions and their impact on the world. The illustrations in this book will captivate young children and help them understand what these colours look like and how unique they are. The brothers and their inventions will show readers the importance of creativity, curiosity, and dedication. This picture book is perfect for budding minds interested in art and science!
Middle School - Fiction
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
Here is a summary of this book from Goodreads…
“August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face.”
Wonder is a middle school classic. I remember my fourth-grade teacher reading this book to us as a class and everyone loved it. This book teaches kids all about kindness and empathy at an age where kids are forming cliques and figuring out who they are. Kids will relate to Auggie, the main character, as he tries to find his way through middle school, wanting to fit in and make friends. With themes of anti-bullying and acceptance, this book teaches kids how rewarding kindness is and that you should never judge someone based on their looks. Most importantly, this book shows readers how one kid was able to change his entire school. The story of Auggie and his journey will inspire readers to show kindness and be better people.
Warnings: bullying, ableism, betrayal, animal death
Middle School - Nonfiction
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
Here is Goodreads's short blurb about this book...
“I Am Malala is the remarkable tale of a family uprooted by global terrorism, of the fight for girls' education, of a father who, himself a school owner, championed and encouraged his daughter to write and attend school, and of brave parents who have a fierce love for their daughter in a society that prizes sons.”
I Am Malala is a powerful book with an inspirational message. Readers will learn a lot about this brave girl and her fight for education rights. This book will help readers put their own lives into perspective and be grateful for all the stuff they have. Through Malala’s journey, readers will learn that they should never give up on their dreams and that they should fight hard for what they believe in. Malala Yousafzai, who is the youngest Nobel Peace Prize recipient in the world, is sure to inspire readers of all ages. Her autobiography is sure to captivate school-aged kids.
Warnings: death, torture, war themes, misogyny
Secondary School - Fiction
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Here is a summary of this book from Goodreads…
“It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier and will be busier still.
By her brother's graveside, Liesel's life is changed when she picks up a single object, partially hidden in the snow. It is The Gravedigger's Handbook, left behind there by accident, and it is her first act of book thievery. So begins a love affair with books and words, as Liesel, with the help of her accordion-playing foster father, learns to read. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library, wherever there are books to be found.
But these are dangerous times. When Liesel's foster family hides a Jew in their basement, Liesel's world is both opened up and closed down.”
The Book Thief is a wonderful book with captivating characters and an amazing storyline. As this book is historical fiction, the readers will get a glimpse of what life was like in Germany during the Second World War. This book shows readers that there is good in even the worst of places. This book will help readers understand what it was like for Jews during WWII. Liesel is fascinated by words, and her love for books will encourage kids today to appreciate novels the way she does. Narrated by Death, this book offers an intriguing point of view on a story of a young girl who, after losing so much, continues to fight.
Warnings: war, death, antisemitism, holocaust, profanity, violence
Secondary School - Nonfiction
We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Here is Goodreads’ short blurb about this book...
“With humor and levity, here Adichie offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the twenty-first century—one rooted in inclusion and awareness. She shines a light not only on blatant discrimination but also the more insidious, institutional behaviors that marginalize women around the world, to help readers of all walks of life better understand the often masked realities of sexual politics. Throughout, she draws extensively on her own experiences—in the U.S., in her native Nigeria, and abroad—offering an artfully nuanced explanation of why the gender divide is harmful for women and men, alike.”
This book is an excellent choice for anyone hoping to learn a little more about feminism and its place in today’s society. Women all across the world will be able to relate to the author’s struggles with gender-based discrimination. Written as an essay on modern feminism, We Should All Be Feminists, is a modified version of Adichie’s TedEx Talk. This book dives into the idea of feminism and debunks many common stereotypes that surround the word. Adichie spreads the message of normalizing equal rights for both genders and teaching everyone to be true to themselves. Readers can expect to walk away from this book with a new perspective on feminism, and inspiration to make a difference.
Written by: Nevadha
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