Just in time for Cyber Monday, here’s your list of must-have books. These titles make great gifts or sneak a few in for yourself, too. Happy shopping!
Preschool and Elementary Picture Books
Still Stuck by Shinsuke Yoshitake
A little one gets stuck in his shirt and panics. Who can’t relate? Great for preschoolers and their adults.
Little Millie Ford and her New Skateboard by Ashley Norris and Jess Lowcher
A brave girl gets her confidence shaken up after receiving her first skateboard. Beautifully illustrated.
Mother Bruce By Ryan T. Higgins
A grumpy bear unexpectedly becomes responsible for a flock of geese. Clever, funny story. You’ll be reading this one again and again.
Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall
A blue crayon doesn’t match his red wrapper. An original story about staying true to your inner self and following your own path despite what others might say.
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beatty
Ada is a curious young scientist who uses the scientific method to solve the mystery of a an unpleasant odor. Also check out Rosie Revere, Engineer and Iggy Peck, Architect.
3rd – 6th grade Chapter Books
Phoebe and her Unicorn series by Dana Simpson
A graphic novel series (there are 8 so far) with themes of friendship and adventure. Kids love them because they are quick reads and they are funny. Recommended for 3rd, 4th grade.
The Secret Series by Pseudonymous Bosch
A highly-addictive, super popular series about adventures of Cass and Max-Ernest. These books should probably be read in order. Recommended for grades 3-6.
My Life as a … Series by Janet Tashjihan
If you like Diary of a Wimpy kid, you’ll like this series. Follow protagonist Derek’s hilarious adventures as described in text and cartoons. These books can be read out of order.
For Middle School Readers
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series by Rick Riordan
Magnus Chase is a 16 year old dead homeless kid who unexpectedly finds himself a key player in Norse mythological adventures. engaging, funny story. Would also make a great audio book read on a holiday road trip. Make sure you read these books in order.
Sports Beat series by John Feinstein
Teen reporters go to sports events and cover stories. Recommended to read these books in order, so start with the first one.
Gallagher Girls series by Ally Carter
Spy adventure plus girl power, this series will keep readers hooked throughout. Should read in order starting with I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You.
For High School Readers
All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely
Written by two authors, this book shares alternating perspectives of an act of police brutality. An intriguing must-read for teens and adults that tackles race and police brutality in a teen-friendly way. Then a must-discuss.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
If you have not heard of this book you must be living under a rock. Protagonist Starr witnesses the shooting of her childhood best friend. Read the book before you see the movie.
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
A gripping novel about 16 year old Aza. Mental illness, anxiety.
For Elementary Teachers
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
A warm, happy book that shares a message of inclusion and diversity in classrooms.
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael Lopez
A beautiful picture book with a message that supports children who feel like they don’t measure up to others.
Adult Books
Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover
The journey of an uneducated child who grows up in a junkyard in Idaho and eventually goes to Harvard and Cambridge.
Feel Free: Essays by Zadie Smith
Smart, funny essays on topics like social media, libraries, global warming.
The Guns of August: The Pulitzer Prize-winning Classic About the Outbreak of WWI by Barbara W. Tuchman and Robert K. Massie
Brilliantly written account of the first month of World War I.
It is so hard to narrow my picks for posts like this, so if you need more recommendations, email me and I’ll load you up.
Elizabeth Swaggerty
Associate Professor of Literacy Education & Bookaholic
swaggertye@ecu.edu