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A very bookish Christmas lies ahead
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Published: December 21, 2008
If your voracious readers are receiving bookstore gift certificates this holiday, make sure they pick up the next big read, a book sure to appeal not only to its targeted young-adult demographic but to adult readers as well. On sale Dec. 26 is EON: Dragoneye Reborn. By Allison Goodman. Penguin. Ages 12 and up. 544 pages. (Well worth) $19.99.
Luckily, readers will be on school break when this book hits stores. With the same mesmerizing appeal held by the Harry Potter and Twilight series, Eon captivates readers from the first page. This is the next big series, so make sure to get a first-edition copy!
The story hinges on a girl masquerading as a young warrior possessed with fantastical powers. She can see and call up dragons in the mythical, turn-of-the-century, Asian-inspired setting. The political intrigue threatens to overwhelm Eon/Eona as she struggles to accept how her femininity affects her role and power. Some mature themes are depicted, but this novel is a late-date entry for our recommended best book of 2008. Fabulous! Get us the sequel as soon as it prints, please!
Another wise gift-card purchase that provides a rich parent/child experience or even adult book-club selection is THE YEAR WE DISAPPEARED: A Father-Daughter Memoir. By Cylin Busby and John Busby. Ages 14 and up. Bloomsbury. 352 pages. $17.99. This gripping true-crime story recounts how the Busby family rebounded after John, a police officer, was shot in the face by a criminal. The chapters alternate between Cylin's recollections as a 9-year-old losing normality and John's attempts to reclaim his life. The story is poignant and painful; sad but inspiring. Readers will cheer for the family's survival and triumph during a devastating tragedy. This book is especially fitting as this time of year affirms the importance of family. This is an excellent book that crosses generational lines.
Still shopping for holiday books?
A VERY MARLEY CHRISTMAS. By John Grogan. HarperCollins. Ages 3-8. $17.99.
This adorable story shows Christmastime in the household of the infamous troublemaking puppy, Marley. Nothing is safe as the family decorates for Marley's very first Christmas. From tug-of-war with the tree to attacking paper snowflakes, Marley does it all. He becomes even more excited when he claims the tree as his personal indoor bathroom! Marley's antics remind us of our golden retriever Barkley back in his younger days.
WHEN SANTA LOST HIS HO! HO! HO! By Laura Rader. HarperCollins. Ages 4-8. $14.99.
A few days before Christmas, everyone at the North Pole completes the presents' final touches, but the workshop does not feel quite right. Soon, all the elves and Mrs. Claus realizes that Santa is too quiet.
Santa tells them that he has lost his laugh, his hearty HO! HO! HO! The news quickly spreads worldwide, turning his HO!-lessness into an international scandal. Heartbroken children everywhere write funny letters to Santa, trying to help him laugh again. This is a great book to offer when the holidays bring out the cranky in young readers.
THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS IN FLORIDA. By Frank Remkiewicz. Sterling. Ages 5-9. $12.95.
Luann is going to visit her cousin Travis in Florida for Christmas. To prepare her for the trip, Travis sends Luann a different present to count down the days. Each gift educates her about Florida. The letter that accompanies the present gives more details about the state. This is an informative as well as entertaining book with clever lyrics, such as: "On the first day of Christmas, my cousin gave to me … a seagull in a sabal palm tree."
For middle-grade readers, check out two paperbacks that make economical stocking stuffers:
THE DOG WHO THOUGHT HE WAS SANTA. By Bill Wallace. Simon & Schuster. Ages 8-12. 184 pages. $5.99.
Tough post-war economic times spell trouble for Don's family. Employment at the mine is in question for his dad, and his little sister, hoping to see if Santa really exists, won't tell anyone what she wants for Christmas. Tender and, despite a vintage setting, very current themes remind readers of our sense of financial vulnerability and how it affects children.
THE GREEK WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS: A Diamond Brothers Mystery. By Anthony Horowitz. Ages 9-12. 105 pages. $6.99.
A plot by Anthony Horowitz that involves snappy dialogue, a threatened pop star and a bumbling detective with a bright brother -- what more could a reader want in a holiday book? This is a super selection for active boys who may be reluctant readers, given the book's fast pace, level of difficulty and its length.
■ Monica Young and Hannah Young can be reached at cyoung9@triad.rr.com. View book reviews at the Journal in Education site at www.jie.journalnow.com.>
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