Delightful New Books for Everyone on Your Holiday List

“Warrior Girl” by Carmen Tafolla 

Written as a series of poems, this brilliant novel brings something to the table few have achieved. Told from the point of view of young Celina as she navigates school, teachers, friends and family, the story is about growing up proud of a heritage that others seek to erase. Celina loves her Mexican heritage, yet her teacher tells her she says words all wrong. Her coach yells at her to speak English. It is the story of being the child of immigrants, of being put down, but all the while being held up by family and friends who celebrate being a Guerrera — a woman warrior. Author Carmen Tafolla has managed to take the idea of a novel and spin it around on the dance floor, offering poetry that also captures the struggles of adolescence and the view of a young girl while delivering big messages about the unerasable importance of Mexican heritage in the United States. 

“Chilling with Ghosts: A Totally Factual Field Guide to the Supernatural” by Insha Fitzpatrick

Ghost stories and weird science collide to bring you this collection of ghost stories, haunted places, ancient myths and strange scientific facts. Fun, full-color illustrations throughout and sidebars make this a scary-good read. 

“Deadliest Animals on the Planet” by Jennifer Szymanski

For science-loving kids or those who prefer their books of the strict non-fiction variety, this National Geographic Kids book features page after page of delightfully deadly animals. Packed with facts and photographs, it’s a compact, 6.5-inch square book that entertains and educates. Word to the wise: this book comes out Dec. 19, so you can preorder now for delivery or check your local bookstore to ensure you get this in time for Christmas. 

“Once Upon a Time in the North” gift edition by Philip Pullman, illustrated by Chris Wormell

Full-color illustrations enhance Phillip Pullman’s prequel to “His Dark Materials” trilogy, this is the story of how aeronaut Lee Scoresby meets armored bear Iorek Byrnison. If none of that makes sense to you, don’t worry. Just ask your kids if they like Phillip Pullman and if the answer is yes, get them this book. 

“The Song of the Swan” by Karan Sutton

An enchanting retelling-hybrid-mashup of two famous fairy tale ballets, Swan Lake — where a princess is turned into a swan — and Giselle — a haunting tale of love from beyond the grave. Readers will be immersed in Olga’s quest as she attempts one last theft, this time of a valuable jewel hidden inside a castle. A cast of fairytale characters, from peasants to princesses to enchanted swans, will meet you along the way. 

Up next: Picks for high-schoolers