I love looking back over the books that I’ve read in the past year to create this gift guide (and also to pick Christmas gifts for my nieces!). Find something for all the young people on your list (and maybe something for yourself too)!

To read during the season

Little Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens envisioned and illustrated by Joe Sutphin

Sutphin is one of the most talented illustrators of our generation. (Okay, he’s a friend, so I may be just a bit biased.) I love how he’s bringing classics back to life like Watership Down and Little Pilgrim’s Progress. You won’t want to miss his version of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

Picture book for the littles

I Worked Hard on That by Robyn Wall illustrated by A.N. Kang

I haven’t read many picture books recently, but this one certainly stands out. My friend Robyn Wall created a beautiful story that’s also a kind of guidebook to the creative life. Even though it’s a more fleshed out story, this book gives me The Rabbit Listened vibes, which is high praise. I’ve written a full review of I Worked Hard on That HERE.

Non-fiction for your fact driving kids and teens

Mythmakers by John Hendrix

This book was probably my top read of the year! It’s a non-fiction graphic novel about the friendship of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. A friendship that perhaps birthed the modern fantasy genre. But this book also contains a fictional spine story featuring a lion and wizard who act as avatars for Lewis and Tolkien. It’s so creative and well done, that just about anyone on your Christmas list would be happy to receive this (adults included!).

Middle Grade Fantasy for your imaginative kids and tweens

Inkling by Kenneth Oppel

This is not a new book but was new to me this year. I love any story with a theme of creativity, so this one was in my sweet spot. It’s also got one of the best sibling relationships I’ve read in a long time. I’ve got a full review HERE if you want to check it out.

The Inkwell Chronicles by J.D, Peabody

While I’ve only had a chance to read the first book in this series, I think it will sweep your kids away into a wonderful adventure. Along the way, they’ll meet some of the Inklings (C.S. Lewis and friends) who serve as mentor characters for the young heroes. I’ve got a full review of book one, The Ink of Elspet HERE.

New Green Ember story: The Lost Key by S.D. Smith

I’m going to assume you’re already familiar with the Green Ember series! You only thought the series was complete, but there’s a whole new side series of Lost Tales. The Lost Key comes out just in time for Christmas.

The Wilderking Trilogy by Jonathan Rogers

This fantastic fantasy trilogy is celebrating twenty years with all new editions including gorgeous new covers and fantastic interior illustrations. Read my original review HERE.

The Restorationists Books by Carolyn Leiloglou

If you haven’t heard me talk about my Restorationists series, you’re probably new here. But you don’t have to take my word about these books. Here’s what others have to say:

“A delightful adventure, excellent for reading aloud. This book will make you want to study Van Gogh and get out the paintbrushes!”

Sarah Mackenzie, Founder + Host, Read-Aloud Revival ® Author, The Read-Aloud Family

“Certain to captivate and delight your creative kids.”

S. D. Smith, author of The Green Ember Series

If you’d like to learn more, I’ve written some introduction posts for Beneath the Swirling Sky and Between Flowers and Bones. And in case you’ve been jaded by other series that never finished, the final book, Beyond the Far Horizon, is complete and with the illustrator. It releases September of 2025, and there’s a sneak peek of the first chapter in the back of book two!

Realistic fiction for your more practical kids

The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry by Anna Rose Johnson

If you have kids that love Anne of Green Gables, the imaginative Lucy Landry is a character they’re sure to love. Plus, there’s a mystery waiting to be solved. It’s not terribly long, so it’s also great for kids who are slower readers.

The Tumbleweed Thompson Books by Glenn McCarty

Glenn McCarty is a fantastic writer, and his Tumbleweed Thompson books are ready to pull your kids into a fantastic adventure in the old west. I’ve got a full review of The Misadventureed Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson HERE. The Golden Road of Tumbleweed Thompson just released from Story Warren Books.

(Glenn is also a good friend. Don’t hate me if all my friends happen to be amazing writers!)

The Found Boys by S.D. Smith

This story, set in the 1980’s, addresses race and friendship. It’s a short read, and boy age nine and up will be especially drawn to it. This is S.D. Smith’s first historical fiction.

A Super Hero story to inspire

The Minor Miracle by Meredith Davis illustrated by Billy Yong

This superhero/spy story where the characters can manipulate gravity really captured my 11-year old’s imagination this year! The Minor Miracle is published by my same publisher, WaterBrook, and the sequel will be out in May 2025! Read my full review of The Minor Miracle HERE.

Young adult (for your teens or yourself!)

Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

This fun fantasy romp takes readers to a fascinating world where the sea is made of spores that become dangerous when wet. This was a book my teens read first and told me I had to read. I wasn’t disappointed! There’s some light romance, but it’s spice-free, so you can feel comfortable handing it to your teens.

Treat yourself or give away

Finding Home by Susan Macias

Here’s a book that surprised me this year. It’s a retelling of the parable of the prodigal son. But makes this book stand out is how every character is fleshed out and made so very real. My general jam is fantasy, but I couldn’t put this one down!

What about you? Have you found a book you love this year and can’t wait to give away for Christmas? Let me know about your favorite books for Christmas in the comments!