The holiday season is upon us. Family gatherings, traditional foods, and maybe even a gift exchange mark many of these holidays. Covering Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas, these stories will get everyone in the holiday spirit!
Picture Books
“Gather Grateful”
by Megan Litwin, illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey
As autumn arrives and the air turns crisp, the world begins to gather. Squirrels collect acorns, foxes and raccoons ready their nests and families come together to share warmth, food and gratitude. With luminous illustrations in shades of russet and blue, “Gather Grateful” celebrates the beauty of seasonal change and the comfort of community.
“Hanukkah Upside Down”
by Elissa Brent Weissman, illustrated by Omer Hoffmann
Cousins Noah and Nora live on opposite sides of the world — Noah in snowy New York, Nora in sunny New Zealand. Over eight nights and two hemispheres, the two have a friendly competition about whose Hanukkah is better. Winter or summer? Hot chocolate or hot chips? Skating or surfing? As the menorahs are lit and gifts exchanged, the two discover that what’s really special about the holiday transcends location.
“The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t”
by Laura Alary, illustrated by Ana Eguaras
Aidan can’t wait for Christmas, but an ice storm means his grandparents can’t visit, the Nativity play is canceled and there’s no power. Christmas feels ruined, but as his family adjusts to candlelit dinners and quiet moments together, Aidan and his dad set out to spread cheer with coffee and doughnuts for their neighbors. Through their simple act of kindness and a retelling of the Nativity story, Aidan discovers that the first Christmas was also full of uncertainty, and that love, community and faith can shine brightest in the dark.
Early Readers
“Giving Thanks: How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday”
by Denise Kiernan, illustrated by Jamey Christoph
Long before Thanksgiving became a national holiday, people across the world and throughout time held celebrations to give thanks. In 19th-century America, writer and activist Sarah Josepha Hale believed all Americans should celebrate gratitude on the same day, and she spent years writing letters to presidents to make it happen. Many people celebrated locally, but because of her persistence, Abraham Lincoln finally proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday during the Civil War. Thoughtful and historically grounded, this is a great look at the origins of the holiday.
“Rachel Friedman the Eight Not-Perfect Nights of Hanukkah”
by Sarah Kapit, illustrated by Genevieve Kote
Rachel has a plan to make this Hanukkah perfect, with eight nights of fun planned out with latkes, dreidel contests and a LEGO menorah masterpiece. But when snowstorms, sick friends and one very grumpy big brother get in the way, Rachel’s perfect Hanukkah quickly falls apart. Can her big heart and endless creativity turn things around? Warm, funny and full of spirit, this charming early chapter book reminds readers that the best holidays aren’t perfect, but they are full of love and laughter.
“A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa’s Tasty Trip Around the World”
by M.E. Furman, illustrated by Susan Gal
Get your mixing bowls and measuring cups ready! On Christmas Eve, children all over the world leave out treats for Santa, from sweet potato cookies in Malawi to pineapple-macadamia bars in Hawaii. Bright collage illustrations bring the world to life as the book introduces 32 different locations and ways to celebrate. It also includes nine recipes of Christmas treats, from Christmas Island (coconut macaroons) to Basque Country (almond tile cookies).
Middle Grade
“History Smashers: The Mayflower”
by Kate Messner, illustrated by Dylan Meconis
Think you know the story of the Mayflower? Think again! This engaging read unpacks myths, reveals hidden truths and gives readers the full story of the Pilgrims, their transatlantic voyage and their arrival on Wampanoag land. Comic book -style panels and illustrations combine with primary source documents and historical context to show history as it really happened.
“The Festival of Lights: 16 Hanukkah Stories”
edited by Henry Herz
From baking sufganiyot to spinning dreidels, characters navigate friendship, family, grief and cultural identity while embracing Hanukkah’s miracles and light in this anthology from 16 different Jewish authors. Tales span generations and continents, from codebreakers in World War II England to contemporary middle schoolers exploring what it means to be Jewish today. Full of humor, warmth and moments of reflection, this collection offers something for every reader.
“North for the Winter”
by Bobby Podesta
Twelve-year-old Virginia Kay, still grieving her mother, spots a flying reindeer just days before Christmas as she and her father move from Arizona to Colorado. After she confides in her new neighbor Benny, the two set out on a thrilling mission to return the lost reindeer to the North Pole. Along the way, they encounter mischievous elves, zealous hunters and even the Continental Air Defense Command. Pixar animator Podesta fills this heartwarming and adventurous middle-grade graphic novel with friendship, bravery and Christmas magic.
Teen
“This Day Changes Everything”
by Edward Underhill
Abby and Leo, two queer teens from different states and marching bands, are both in New York City to march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Abby, a clarinetist from Missouri, is determined to confess her love to her best friend Kat, and Leo, a trans boy from North Carolina, just wants to avoid being outed to his extended family on national TV. When a wrong subway ride strands them together and Abby loses her carefully prepared gift for Kat, they turn the day into a scavenger hunt across Manhattan. Amid the chaos, their grumpy/sunshine dynamic evolves into friendship and romance, as both teens discover self-acceptance, trust and the magic of being seen for who they truly are.
“Eight Nights of Flirting”
by Hannah Reynolds
Shira has one goal for Hanukkah: find the perfect boyfriend. Her sights are set on Isaac, her great-uncle’s assistant, but there’s a problem — Shira is terrible at flirting. Enter Tyler, her former crush and nemesis, snowed in with her during the first night of the holiday. She strikes a deal that Tyler will give her flirting lessons in exchange for career connections with her media mogul great-uncle. As the lessons progress, Shira discovers she might be falling for Tyler instead, all while navigating her hilariously large and loving extended family, Hanukkah traditions and Nantucket winter adventures in this cozy and swoony romantic comedy.
“All the Jingle Ladies”
by Beth Garrod
Fifteen-year-old Molly Bell has spent her whole life hiding from that time she starred as the adorable little elf in her parents’ viral Christmas hit, “Love Your Elf!” She hoped moving to a new town would provide relief, but the song is back in the spotlight as the theme for this year’s hottest holiday rom-com. Molly must navigate fame, friendship and the chaos of the season. When she meets Kyle, a fellow teen hiding from the holiday spotlight, sparks fly, but both have secrets to keep. This heartwarming and funny holiday romance is about embracing who you are, the magic of friendship and finding love in the most unexpected places.
