By Kim Tano and Richard Corbett of Powell’s Books
What’s more magical than a book? Our friends at Powell’s picked their favorite board books, picture books, middle readers, graphic novels, YA, nonfiction, new author, and local author books for us. Perfect for holiday gifting, or for any-day reading.
Board Books
Haiku Night by Betsy E. Snyder
This is a wonderful warm celebration of night creatures that will be enjoyed by adults and little ones alike. Great for cuddling on winter nights.
Uni the Unicorn by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
A delightfully illustrated board book about a special friendship that shows how dreams and wishes can come true.
Picture Books (Best Illustrations)
Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers
A gorgeous and touching new picture book by bestselling author,Oliver Jeffers introduces children to the earth and its inhabitants. Beautifully done!
The Illustrated Atlas of Architecture and Marvelous Monuments by Sarah Tavernier and Alexandre Verhille
A wonderful tribute to space and structure featuring the world’s most famous architecture. A great gift for families!
Middle Readers
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
Told from the viewpoint of a tree, this is a unique, touching, small, gentle book of great importance, telling the true meaning of welcome, the power of wishes, and friendship. This powerfully written story is one to be shared and told. Great for ages 8 to 10.
Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk
This story, which takes place on an island, is one of sadness, hope, searching, friendship, love, and three people who will stay with the reader for a long time. This is a stunning achievement, with writing that flows like the sea. Great for ages 10 to 12.
Graphic Novels (all ages)
The Witch Boy by Molly Ostertag
A wonderful tale of Aster, a 13-year-old boy, and his magical community of witches and shapeshifters. Great world building and character development make this one of our favorite all-ages graphic novels.
Brave by Svetlana Chmakova
A charming and sweet story about a diverse group of students in middle school that’s funny and relatable. Great for ages 10 and up.
YA Fiction
All the Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater
A story about miracles and taking the risk to love a whole person with all the frailties and dangers they possess. Good for ages 12 and up.
When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
A novel that fuses Indian tradition and a modern story of friendship and love that is guaranteed to warm your heart. Great for ages 12 and up.
Non-Fiction
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls 2 by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo
A sequel to the popular Kickstarter book, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls with over 100 more biographies of amazing, influential, and powerful women through our history. Great for ages 8 and up.
Bees: A Honeyed History by Piotr Socha
A gorgeous oversize picture book about the scientific history of bees and their important role in our ecosystem. Great for ages 8 and up.
New Author
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
An amazing novel inspired by the #BlackLivesMatter movement. A timely and powerful story about a young girl who is the only witness to a police shooting of a young black man. Riveting and eye-opening for ages 14 and up.
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
An inventive fantasy of delights and wonders with a cast of characters that are unique and wonderful! A delightful story to read this holiday season. Great for ages 10 and up.
Local Author
Vera Brosgol. Author of the graphic novel Anya’s Ghost and the Caldecott honor picture book, Leave Me Alone, Vera Brosgol brings warmth and humor to all her books. Stay tuned for a new graphic novel by Vera in the spring.
Jory John. Author of several middle grade novels and many wonderful picture books, Jory John always brings his wry sense of humor to the text. Penguin Problems, one of my favorite picture books is a yearly holiday read!
Find more picks for holiday gift giving in our December issue of PDX Parent, on stands now.
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