A Winter Break Recommendation for Every Reader!
Winter break is a great time for readers to dive into their pile of books and check off a choice book! Although the School & Library team at Random House Children’s Books has a not-even-out-yet TBR list like you’ve never seen, we have some classic loves that are sure to keep readers engaged and thinking while out of school. Learn about our book recommendations!
Uni the Unicorn and the Dream Come True By Amy Krouse Rosenthal; illustrated by Brigette Barrager
Uni is back in this sparkly, magical sequel glowing with imagination and friendship!
“For all the children who wished for a pet unicorn, this picture book is the next best thing! Families will love cuddling up with this imaginative story that complements the sparkle and hope in the air during the holiday season.” –Lisa Nadel
Little Fox in the Forest By Stephanie Graegin
An utterly enchanting picture book in which two friends follow a young fox deep into the woods and discover a wondrous and magical world.
“A beginning reader will enjoy this book because there are beautiful illustrations but no words, so they can create their own story as they read!” –Sarah Murphy
When You Reach Me By Rebecca Stead
Three mysterious letters change how Miranda sees her friends, her family, and her world. The fourth one changes how she sees the universe.
“This is a wonderful book for any middle grade reader looking for a story about friendship, learning how to deal with new challenges, and adventure—all wrapped up in a puzzle.” –Adrienne Waintraub
Beautiful Blue World By Suzanne LaFleur
A thrilling and moving story of children who become a key to winning a war.
“A middle grade reader looking for a winter break adventure will love reading about Mathilde and the children of Sofarende as they predict battles, strategize attacks, and handle prisoners to save their war-torn country from defeat.” –Stevie Durocher
Grendel's Guide to Love and War By A. E. Kaplan
Perks of Being a Wallflower meets Revenge of the Nerds in this tale of a teen misfit who seeks to take down the bro-next-door, falls for his enemy’s sister and uncovers difficult truths about his family in the process.
“If a YA reader appreciates Holden Caulfield, thinks Beowulf is pretty cool, or has begged to read Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda for an independent reading book, please give them Grendel. I actually laughed out loud at the teenage quirkiness and revengeful outsiders, and I truly couldn’t put it down.” –Kristin Schulz
And I Darken By Kiersten White
Ambitious in scope and intimate in execution, And I Darken is a teenage Game of Thrones (minus the dragons) set in the Ottoman Empire.
“The perfect series to binge-read while waiting for the final season of Game of Thrones. Between the romance, epic battles, and compelling characters, this will start a new obsession.” –Emily Petrick
