Whether you have already celebrated Hanukkah or are looking forward to Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or the New Year, cozy up with these holiday books for girls over winter break!
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street
Five days before Christmas, the Vanderbeeker children are wondering how to change their landlord’s mind. He has decided not to renew their family’s lease after the New Year, which means they’ll have to leave their Harlem home. When their plans to convince the landlord to let them stay go horribly awry, only a Christmas miracle can save them.
Cold-Blooded Myrtle
Twelve-year-old Myrtle is excited to see the annual reveal of the Christmas display at Leighton’s Mercantile — but something isn’t right. Someone has tampered with the display, and the owner of the store has unexpectedly died. Then the killer strikes again, each time leaving clues about his upcoming crime in the Christmas display. Even Myrtle’s own mother’s long-ago death appears to be somehow connected to the murders in this third book in the Myrtle Hardcastle mystery series (following Premeditated Myrtle and How to Get Away with Myrtle.)
The Legend of the Christmas Witch
Why should Santa Claus have all the fun? In this gorgeously illustrated book, a mysterious figure comes through town every year, leaving presents behind. She’s looking for her brother, who was torn away from her when they were children. Raised by a witch, Santa Claus’ long-lost twin must overcome her fear of her powers — or the fate of Christmas might hang in the balance.
Jewish Fairy Tale Feasts
Hanukkah may have come early this year, but that doesn’t mean the celebrating (or the food!) has to be over. Each story in this collection of Jewish fairy tales is paired with a recipe … yum!
Brave, Kind, and Grateful
At the end of the year, many people like to reflect back on what went before and to look toward the future. If you’re keen to start a new habit next year, consider gratitude journaling — writing down what you are grateful for every day. This journal is a great place to start, with gorgeous illustrations, thoughtful prompts, inspiring essays, and lots of room to grow.
More Holiday Books for Girls
To get laughing this holiday season, pick up some Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa mad libs.
Every received a really awful gift? Samantha Spinner can relate — her uncle left her sister millions of dollars, her brother a sports team, and Samantha … a rusty umbrella in Samantha Spinner and the Spectacular Specs by Russell Ginns.
December also marks the eightieth anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day, the bombing that brought the U.S. into World War II. Imagine what it might have been like to live through it in Alice on the Island: A Pearl Harbor Survival Story by Mayumi Shimose Poe.
What about you? Do you have favorite holiday or winter books? Have you read any of the books above? Let us know about it in the comments below!