Children’s Reads
Oh, What a Christmas!
By Michael Garland
When the harness to Santa's sleigh breaks mid-flight, Dasher, Dancer and the rest of the reindeer fly off into the night ... leaving Santa and all of his presents stranded. Who will guide Santa's sleigh and save Christmas now? (Ages 4-8)
My Two Holidays—a Hanukkah and Christmas Story
By Danielle Novack
When Sammy's classmates take turns talking about which holiday they celebrate, Sammy becomes very nervous. Some people celebrate Christmas and some people celebrate Hanukkah. But Sammy celebrates both! (Ages 4-8)
A Christmas Sonata
By Gary Paulsen
A young boy and his mother spend Christmas 1943 with relatives in northern Minnesota while his father is fighting in the war in Europe. He knows this will be the last Christmas he will spend with his cousin, who is dying. In a grand gesture, the boy's uncle restores the children's faith in the spirit of the season. (Ages 9-12)
Miss Fox’s Class Shapes Up!
By Eileen Spinelli.
When Miss Fox realizes that her students do not have healthy habits, she teaches them that healthful living is fun and rewarding, which they find to be true on Field Day. (Ages 5-8)
Ms. Leaky is Freaky!
By Dan Gutman
Kids are getting too unhealthy, so Ella Mentry School has hired a health teacher to help the kids eat right and exercise. She turns out to be a real health nut! (Ages 7 and up)
Adult Reads
A Christmas Memory
By Truman Capote
In this beautifully written story, a young Capote reminisces about gathering pecans with his old-maid eccentric cousin, Sook. Together, Truman and Sook will bake thirty fruitcakes to deliver during the holiday season in the midst of the Great Depression. A favorite to read and reread every year.
The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog
By Dave Barry
It’s 1960, and playing the shepherd in the annual St. John’s Episcopal church pageant is just the beginning of young Doug Barnes’ troubles. The family dog, Frank is not doing well, and little sister Becky loves that dog more than anything else. Count on Dave Barry to present a delightful and nostalgic holiday read, complete with vintage photos.
In the Dark Streets Shineth
By David McCullough
Christmas Eve, 1941. Few times were bleaker than those, just days after Pearl Harbor. Noted historian McCullough brings the story of how British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and President Franklin D. Roosevelt met at the White House and how the speech they delivered that night brought hope to the nation. Filled with many photos and a bonus DVD, the short (a mere 34 pages) In the Dark Streets provides a glimpse of how the Christmas spirit brightened a dark period in American history.
Holidays on Ice
By David Sedaris
For those in need of a little irreverence (or even a lot of irreverence), check out Sedaris’ collection of stories; the best-known is “SantaLand Diaries,” in which Sedaris details his stint as Crumpet-the Christmas-elf. Definitely not for the kiddies, Sedaris will have you laughing out loud with his tales of hungover Santas and unhousebroken toddlers. Try the audio book version—the author himself reads.
Extra Lean Family—Get Lean and Achieve Your Family’s Best Health Ever
By Mario Lopez
With the realization that what you eat affects those closest to you, Lopez has expanded on his healthy eating plan to include the entire family. Filled with recipes and hints, Lopez shows that eating healthy can also be delicious.
You Are Your Own Gym: The Bible of Bodyweight Exercises
By Mark Lauren
Special Ops trainer Lauren has trained over one thousand recruits for the military. In this easy-to-follow book, Lauren demonstrates how to get super-fast fitness results using your own bodyweight’s resistance.