It's that time of year again-- time to find the perfect holiday gifts for loved ones near and far! Have no fear, as the Children's Librarians are here to help with our recommendations for terrific books to give to the young readers in your life. You can find more literary gift suggestions for young readers in our gift guides from 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016.

If your gift giving generosity extends to New York City readers, consider the best gift of all: NYSL membership. Imagine the joy they will experience all year long when readers have the benefits of membership in our community of readers, writers, researchers, and families. To give a gift of membership, click here for membership information.

Fiction and Graphic Novel Recommendations

The Crossover | Alexander, Kwame  Recommended for ages 10 and older
This Newbery Award winner from 2015 features a wonderful mashup of poetry, sports, and family life. Even if you aren’t a fan of free verse or basketball, you’re guaranteed to cheer to this story’s final shot.

Draw | Colon, Raul Recommended for ages 3 to 8
In this wordless picture book, a boy fills his sketch pad with lions and elephants, and then imagines himself going on a safari. A great inspiring and imaginative read that shows budding artists the power of the pencil. 

The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate | Kelly, Jacqueline Recommended for ages 8 and older
In this sequel to 2009’s The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, 12 year old Callie discovers her life’s path and what stands in her way as a young Texan girl growing up with six brothers in 1900. Give this, or the first book, to any gal eager to tap into her girl power!

Hug Machine | Campbell, Scott Recommended for ages 2 to 6
Watch out world, here he comes... The Hug Machine! Whether you are big, or small, or square, or long, or spikey, or soft, no one can resist his unbelievable hugs! Give this irrestistible story to someone you love to hug.

Dragons at Crumbling Castle: And Other Tales | Pratchett,Terry Recommended for ages 8 to 13
Fans of the late Sir Terry Pratchett, as well as fans of Roald Dahl, will love this collection of mischievous and funny stories. They are perfect for all young readers, especially those new to works by Pratchett.

And Tango Makes Three | Richardson, Justin and Parnellm Peter Recommended for ages 4 to 8
Based on a true story, this picture book features two male penguins from New York City’s Central Park Zoo that join together to raise an abandoned egg and start a family. This wonderful story reminds readers that all families center around the same element: love.

Carry On | Rowell, Rainbow Recommended for ages 14 and up
After creating her own "fan fic" characters in Fangirl, Rowell returns to the "magickal" world of Simon Snow and his blood-sucking roomate/arch enemy Baz. She manages to build their entire world and blow it apart in just 500 pages. A must read for Harry Potter veterans!

Grasshopper Jungle | Smith, Andrew Recommended for ages 14 and up
Austin Szerba narrates the end of humanity as he and his best friend accidentally unleash an army of giant, unstoppable bugs and uncover the secrets of a decades-old experiment gone terribly wrong. Sound crazy? This 2015 Printz Award Winner is indeed mad and so much fun!

Lost in NYC | Spiegelman, Nadja  Recommended for ages 8 and older
After getting separated from his class during an outing to the Empire State Building, new kid Pablo learns how to get around his new home, New York City. This graphic novel provides many fascinating facts about the subway for locals and tourists alike!

Goodbye Stranger | Stead, Rebecca Recommended for ages 11 to 15
During a year filled with twists and turns, tweens and teens navigate friendships, test limits, and reinvent themselves. Readers are bound to connect with the richly drawn characters in the latest book from the Newbery Award winning author.

Non Fiction and Biography Recommendations

El Deafo | Bell, Cece  Recommended for ages 8 to 12
This graphic novel memoir follows the author (portrayed as a rabbit) through her early childhood struggles with being deaf. Though finding comfort in a hearing world is often difficult, Cece never gives up and imagines herself as El Deafo, a superheroine with lip-reading super powers.  

Animal Teachers | Halfmann, Janet Recommended for ages 4 to 8
How do animals learn? Find out in this sweetly illustrated volume for young animal lovers.

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom | Lowry, Linda Blackmon Recommended for ages 10 and older
This memoir recounts the experiences of the youngest member to march from Selma to Montgomery, detailing her frequent imprisonments and the reactions she encountered while she participated in non-violent Civil Rights events. This memoir will delight history buffs and newbies alike.

10-Minute Puppets | MacLean, Noel Recommended for ages 6 and older
An experienced puppeteer presents step-by-step instructions for creating your own puppets. The book also includes guides on how to build a puppet theater and put on shows. It’s time to light the lights…

Underworld: exploring the secret world beneath your feet | Price, Jane Recommended for ages 7 to 12
With detailed illustrations, informative text, and wide appeal to a variety of ages, this book illuminates what's underground--from buried treasure to subway systems and volcanoes to dungeons.

Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos | Sisson, Stephanie Roth Recommended for ages 5 to 8
A picture book biography about the famous scientist, perfect for stargazers young and old. Featuring a variety of illustrations and a fun fold-out page, this book explores our universe in many directions.

Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh | Walker, Sally M. Recommended for ages 6 to 8
This heartwarming non-fiction book looks into the real story behind Winnipeg, the bear that was adopted by a British soldier and later given to The London Zoo. There, the bear often played with Christopher Robin, and became the inspiration for Winnie-the-Pooh. 

I Am Malala | Yousafzai, Malala Recommended for ages 11 and older
After almost losing her life to the Taliban in 2012, Malala recommitted herself to raising awareness of injustices. This book is an incredible autobiography of the young woman who knew from a young age that she wanted to change the world, and she did.

Poetry Recommendations

A Pond Full of Ink | Schmidt, Annie M.G. Recommended for ages 6 to 10
This delightfully humorous collection of poems offers children and the young at heart a refreshing, inventive look at the world. The whimsical and rich illustrations add to the joy of reading —and rereading— these kid-pleasing poems that beg to be read aloud.

Hi, Koo! | Muth, John J. Recommended for ages 4 to 10
Twenty-six poems celebrate each letter of the alphabet and the cycle of seasons as lived by Koo, resident panda bear, and his human pals. Young readers will be charmed by these very short poems accompanied by wonderful illustrations, especially of Koo.

Still need more ideas? See our extended list of gift-giving ideas here. Do you have a great idea for a children’s book to give as a gift? Please share your gift recommendations in the Comments section below.