🤫The books I'm actually gifting my kids for Christmas🤫

MBH no. 23

Instead of a more traditional gift guide, I thought it would be fun to share the books I’m actually getting my kids this year. Long book lists are helpful and necessary (I know because I write some of them 😂) but I also like seeing an edited list of more personal choices.

Although these books cater specifically to my kids and their interests, I’m hoping that you walk away with a title or two (or more!) that appeal to your readers too.

Unlike my other reviews, I’ve only read one of the books on this list. However, I’ve talked to friends about their kids’ favorite books, read lots of reviews, and honed in on a few I think my son (age 11) and my daughter (age 9) will love. 

Oh, and small favor: as you’ll see, I’m between two similar-sounding series for my son, so please–let me know in the comments below if you or your kids have read these books. As always, I love to hear your thoughts. 

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✨Books for Connor, age 11✨

Oh My Gods: (Mythlopedia): A Look-It-Up Guide to the Gods of Mythology

Connor is super into Greek mythology–his interest was piqued after reading Rick Riordan’s books a few years ago.

(He actually checked out The Odyssey from the library earlier this year and while I obviously encourage all reading, I DID mention to him that I didn’t read The Odyssey until my senior year of high school and maybe he’d want an abridged version, but nope. I think he made it through the first page. 😂) 

Anyway, this encyclopedia of the gods of Greek mythology sounds like it will be much more his speed. The book is part of the Mythlopedia series, where the “superstars of mythology meet the modern age” and features profiles, sidebars, and irreverent humor. Sounds perfect.

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An Atlas of Lost Kingdoms: Discover Mythical Lands, Lost Cities and Vanished Islands

For centuries, people have dreamed of finding the lost worlds of Atlantis, El Dorado, and the Seven Cities of Gold. As well as shedding light on these famously elusive places, this atlas contains maps and captivating illustrations to illuminate lesser-known destinations, from the lost island of Hy-Brasil to the desert city of Zerzura. You will learn about rich mythologies from different cultures, from the Aztecs to the ancient Britons, from the Greek legends to Japanese folklore. 

How cool, right?? I think this might be one of the more unique books I’ve come across. This atlas blends history and myth to explore the lost kingdoms, phantom islands, and legendary continents once sought by explorers. Maps, manuscripts, and carvings give readers “clues” to where these lost kingdoms might be. This is my first choice for Connor this holiday, and I just noticed it was shortlisted for the 2023 Children’s Travel Book of the Year.

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Murdle: Volume 1: 100 Elementary to Impossible Mysteries to Solve Using Logic, Skill, and the Power of Deduction

Murdle came on my radar via my good friend, who has a son Connor’s age—a voracious reader who loves logic-based puzzles. I picked the two kids up from school one day and they were totally engrossed in this book and couldn’t stop talking about it! (And honestly, it’s so nice to hear middle school boys discussing books so animatedly.) There are three Murdle volumes with puzzles that get progressively more difficult. 

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The City of Ember (series) or The Maze Runner (series)

These two survival series have been on my lists for a while—help me decide which would be a better pick for my 11-year-old!

The city of Ember was built as a last refuge for the human race. But now with terrifying blackouts sweeping through the streets, Lina and Doon know it’s only a matter of time before the lights go out and never come back on again. When Lina finds part of an ancient message, she’s sure it holds a secret that will save Ember. Together, she and Doon explore long-forgotten parts of their dying city as they race to solve the mystery. If they succeed, they will have to convince everyone to follow them into danger and an exciting new world. But if they fail? The lights will burn out and the darkness will close in forever.

This best-selling dystopian series sounds right up Connor’s alley. 

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He's welcomed to his new home, the Glade, by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone. Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It's the only way out—and no one's ever made it through alive. Join Thomas and the Gladers in all five books in the Maze Runner series as they uncover the secrets of the maze; discover WICKED, the shadowy organization who put them there; and fight to survive in a new and dangerous world.

This sounds totally intriguing and might be aimed at an older audience, but I just can’t decide!

Mother/Son Journal: A No Stress, No Rules Journal

I’m not sure how this will go over–Connor doesn’t journal in his spare time, and he enjoys giving me one-word answers about his life🙄. I do think this book will make him feel special, seen, and like I’m interested in his thoughts, so that’s what matters.

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✨Books for Piper, age 9✨

Fairy Atlas: Fairy Folk of the World

We’re still very much into magic and all magical things around here, and this illustrated fairy atlas looks gorgeous. The book features fairy folks in all shapes and sizes, from countries all over the world. The book covers fairy traditions, powers, sightings—and should you see one, how to treat fairies kindly. I love how the book explores fairy folklore on every continent, and I know my daughter will be absolutely fascinated by this book. 

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Leeva at Last

Leeva Spayce Thornblossom is a precocious little girl who wants to know:

What are people for?

Her parents are certain they know (Fame! Money!) but Leeva is determined to discover her own answer.

I read a review comparing the book's spirit and tone to Roald Dahl’s Matilda, and I was sold. A newly published title that has been on our “to-read” list since early this year.

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Ella Enchanted

When Ella of Frell was an infant, a well-meaning fairy bestowed the “gift” of obedience on her. Ella wants nothing more than to free herself of this curse and truly belong to herself. My daughter loves princess tales, especially those with smart, fiesty heroines. This retelling of the Cinderella story won the Newbery Award in 2010, and is on its way to becoming a classic. I can’t believe we haven’t read it yet! 

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The Kicks (series) 

12-year-old Devin loves to play soccer, so when she moves across the country, she’s anxious to join a great team at her new school in California. Instead, she’s stuck on the Kangaroos—and the team is a mess.

Piper is obsessed with this series from Olympic soccer star Alex Morgan. I read the first two books before sharing them with her and loved the emphasis on family, teamwork, and having a positive attitude. She tore through the first several books and now only needs the last three–but here it is as a 12-book set. A great choice for younger tween readers who love soccer. 

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Love, Mom and Me (Mother/Daughter Guided Journal) 

Can’t get a mother/son journal without getting a mother/daughter version, and although I don’t like to think about it—I know the day will come (and is probably coming soon) when she won’t tell me absolutely everything…

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That’s it! Hope this post gave you some inspiration and would love to hear your thoughts.

Wishing you hours and hours of reading magic,

Katie

P.S. Don’t tell my kids. 😉

P.P.S. As you all know by now, I am an Bookshop.org affiliate. This impactful organization donates all profits to local bookstores (more on that here). If you purchase through one of my links or by visiting my storefront, I earn a teeny tiny commission, which supports my work on this newsletter.