Back to the 2020 Holiday Gift Guide
The first part of our list includes recommendations for middle grade readers (roughly ages 8-12). Dragon Hoops is best for 10-16. After that our recommendations are for young adult readers (ages 12/13+).
Lightfall is a brilliant series debut: a charming tale of adventure, friendship, and self-discovery, elevated to another plane entirely by Tim Probert's stunning artwork. --Talia
A heart-wrenching true story about growing up in a refugee camp, this is an incredibly important and eye-opening tale, especially in the midst of our current political climate. --Jen
A famous chef has gone missing! Don't worry though, because our two best alligator detectives Mango and Brash are on the case. Will they uncover the wild schemes that are afoot before it's too late? I don't know! Stop asking me and read the book! --Colin. (Check out InvestiGators #2: Take the Plunge also out this year!)
A coming-of-age graphic novel about blended families and farmer markets from the talented Lucy Knisley. --Elese
Bina's story lives on! (Check out book #1 All Summer Long) She's in middle school, she has a new best friend, she's writing songs, she's in a band -- what could go wrong? Well, of course, so very many things. Follow Bina as she tries to figure out her heart and find her voice. Fans of Raina Telgemeier and Shannon Hale, check out Hope Larson's graphic novels. You'll love 'em! --Elese
A quirky book about a young girl who discovers her magical powers, a budding interest in taxidermy and revelations about her family's past. Unusual, fun and charming. --Elese
SOLD OUT UNTIL JANUARY. An adorable graphic novel about magic and friendship set in modern-day Brooklyn. A hit with both of my boys (12 and 8) and this adult. --Elese
A great choice for a 5th-8th grader.
There's a lot of basketball in this book -- a great graphic novel read for middle schoolers on up that chronicles the real life high school season of a Bay Area basketball powerhouse.
Gar wants to be liked. He wants to be taller and stronger and impressive and respected. So when he finds out that one of the side effects of the supplements he's taken his whole life is stunting growth, he stops taking them. Now he's taller, stronger and getting everything he wants. At least at first. Don't miss this fun modern twist on Beast Boy's origins, or any in this series for that matter. --Lucia
This creepy and unsettling graphic novel is a fascinating ghost story, but also a heartfelt romance and a tale of sisters struggling with grief. Utterly original and beautiful! --Jen
Ngozi Ukazu's follow up to her first volume, Check, Please!: #Hockey, is sure to delight. Readers forewarned: you will salivate over pies, be completed enthralled by the narrative's hockey games, and might even shed a tear or two over the heartfelt romance. --Genni