Welcome to this years Christmas Gift Guide: 2021: Books for Boys & Girls Part One. I received each of these books in exchange for a spot in this years Guide.
The Santa Spirit published by Yvonne Vissing
This beautiful picture book for children of all ages explains what the Santa Spirit is and how it can be shared by anyone and everyone. Embracing diversity and inclusion, it provides a history of how Santa Claus came to be, how he has transformed over time, and why he continues to be the spirit of happiness and generosity.
The Santa Spirit can be found around the world in a variety of Winter celebrations. Uplifting our heart, this book shows how the spirit of loving kindness can bring joy and gratitude into all of our homes and lives during the December Holiday Season. It is a keepsake classic.
Choose Your Own Adventure The Citadel of Whispers by Kazim Ali
“Several challenging and compelling stories to explore, and YA readers will love them all.” –Wil Wheaton, Stand By Me, The Big Bang Theory
YOU are Krishi, a Whisperer studying ancient, Secret Magic at the Citadel. A secret visitor arrives late one night with news of the encroaching attack by the powerful Narbolian empire, who are poised to possess all of the kingdom of Elaria. Will the decisions you make protect the many wondrous people of this rich, fantastic world?
The Other Half of Happy by Rebecca Balcarcel
Meet Quijana, a half-Latina, half-Anglo seventh grader who does not speak Spanish, does not like Don Quixote, and is definitely not going to Guatemala for Winter break! But is she happy being half?
Luna Finds Love Everywhere: A Self-Love Book for Kids By Dr. Shainna Ali
Celebrate the joy of learning to love yourself with Luna and friends!
Meet Luna, a little girl who loves playing outside, helping her family, and learning new things. As Luna goes through her regular daily routine, she realizes how much love there is to appreciate around her and within herself too. She learns kindness, sharing, and even what to do when things don’t go her way.
With simple prompts and activities scattered throughout the story, children will be able to explore the principles of self-love into their own lives. Kids will have a blast learning along with Luna as they discover the importance of loving each other and oneself!
Mermaid Tears (A Michaels Middle School Story) By Susan L. Read
There’s no such thing as normal.
Sarah has always been a hard-working student, even if she has felt her grades don’t reflect her efforts. She is a good friend, a kind daughter, and she loves being creative. But lately she is struggling with school and friendships, and nothing brings her much joy. Her family doesn’t seem to understand what’s happening, and neither does Sarah. Everyone keeps telling her to do better, and Sarah is trying her hardest, but when her first year of middle school begins, what was supposed to be a fresh start turns into a disaster that quickly spirals out of control.
Sarah, who can’t understand why she is feeling this way, begins to seriously wonder if the world would be better off if she was no longer alive. Sarah has always felt a connection with Mermaids, and she now wishes she was a Mermaid herself, so she could just slip under the Ocean and Swim away, disappearing from everyone’s lives forever.
Finally, Sarah reaches her breaking point, and in desperation, seeks help from a trusted teacher. Everyone in Sarah’s life reaches in to pull her from her own drowning emotions, and with the help of her family, friends, teachers, and Mental Health Professionals, Sarah learns there is a name for what she is feeling.
She develops tools, not only for coping, but for thriving. In learning about her condition and gaining the support she needs for managing it, she begins the long journey back to her life.
Rewarding, memorable, and deeply evocative, this gorgeously written story about a girl who learns to navigate the choppy and scary waters of her Mental Health, is nothing short of remarkable.
Wish (Otherworld) By Victoria Harris
Most humans have forgotten their sparkle . . . hypnotized by the darkness that obscures it.
Twelve-year-old Cara O’Reilly always thought her father was teasing when he said she and her sister had fairy magic. But it’s been nearly a week since he went on a Mountain Hike and vanished-right after an argument with Cara. She wished him gone, and now he is.
Cara’s little sister Bri hasn’t spoken a word since his disappearance. In fact, Cara feels like her whole family is under a curse. And it seems like all the adults in their family are keeping some sort of secret.
Her world further tumbles into chaos when, after a close encounter with a living, breathing Fairy, Cara realizes the old stories are all true. Now, she must find the door to the Otherworld to retrieve an Ancient Treasure. But can she battle the darkness to save her family-and the entire world?
God Gave Us Prayer by Lisa Tawn Bergren
From the creator of God Gave Us You, God Gave Us Christmas, and God Gave Us Easter comes a story that teaches young readers how to talk with God about anything that’s on their mind.
Little Pup discovers Mama sitting silently by the lake, Praying. But what does that mean? And how does Little Pup go about praying to God? And what do you say to God?
Little Pup’s questions spill out as he and Mama walk through the woods. Mama patiently helps Little Pup learn the importance of Prayer, forgiveness, gratefulness, and compassion toward others.
With guided Prayers for children to use and inspiration to help them create their own, God Gave Us Prayer gently models the ACTS method of prayer: adoration, confession, thanks, and supplication.
In the familiar voice that millions have grown to trust from her God Gave Us series, Lisa Tawn Bergren introduces kids to the power of prayer.
The College Bucket List by Kourtney Jason
Maximize your college experience with this helpful guide to living the best college life possible, from finding amazing courses and creating life-long memories to challenging yourself to bold new experiences.
Are you ready to experience the best four years of your life? Take a shot at half of the exciting ideas in The College Bucket List and your first years of freedom will be absolutely legendary.
•Go on an epic road trip
• Throw an ugly sweater party
• Organize a student protest
• Buy your professor a drink
• Find the best late-night taco truck
• Audit a cool class just for fun
• Kiss someone you just met
• Do a summer internship
U Buddha 108 Mindful Lessons By Victoria M. Parachin
A GO-TO GUIDE FOR CONQUERING THE OBSTACLES OF MODERN COLLEGE LIFE USING TIMELESS BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES
What’s the secret to surviving College? Staying calm and focused—what a Buddhist would call mindfulness. Whether you feel lost, overwhelmed or depressed, Buddha U teaches the healthy perspective that will keep you on the path to a great college experience.
Divided into 108 straightforward lessons that approach life day by day, Buddhist principle by principle, this book will transform your college life into a well-managed, stress-free experience.
As you put them into practice, you will find yourself ending one Academic year with immense satisfaction and anticipating the new one with great enthusiasm.
Goodnight Dorm Room: All the Advice I Wish I Got Before Going to College By Sam Kaplan & Keith Riergert
Gift high school graduates with a bittersweet and humorous guide to college life featuring practical tips combined with funny, full color illustrations in this bestselling faux children’s book for soon-to-be freshmen.
With over 30,000 copies in print, this heartwarming gift book for high school graduates is the perfect way to celebrate their achievement and launch them into their college experience with helpful, insightful advice for making the best of their new academic experience.
You’re off to college—it’s gonna be life-changing! Follow this book’s advice to make it amazing!
• What to pack, what to leave behind
• Which classes to pick
• How TAs can save your brain
• Why flip flops are a must
• How often to change your sheets
• Where to make new friends
• How to balance class and fun
• And more!!!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
