Make gift-giving easier with these book recommendations

With the help of area readers, writers and librarians, ease the stress of holiday shopping using this grab-and-go book list. Many of these titles are available locally at Barnes & Noble, Target and Walmart or can be ordered from Amazon or other online book sites.

Book gift ideas for children

From Cassidy Duck, Children's Coordinator, Webster Parish Libraries

“Home in the Woods” by Eliza Wheeler. “After a big family has been dealt a hardship, a mother and her eight children are forced to pick up and move away from the only home they have ever known… This book made me realize the hardships others face and how you can always make the best of each situation if you decide to think positively. This picture book is also based on a true story which makes it even more special.”

From Jenny B. Jones, Arkansas author, former school librarian, mother of a 5-year-old

Her son is getting “a big stack” of “Scooby Doo” mysteries by James Gelsey, author of 45 chapter books and counting. Another gift choice: “The Day the Crayons Quit” series of picture books by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers. “Book 1 is older by now, but it’s my favorite book to gift small children/babies/parents and is the most fun for ‘doing’ voices... Our nightly reading is a chapter book series called ‘The Dragon Masters’ by Tracey West. It has beautiful illustrations too. We are on book 13 out of many. It involves a group of 10-year-old kids who are destined as ‘dragon masters,’ children who are each matched with a unique and special dragon to protect their kingdoms. Lots of action and teamwork and magic.”

From Kristin Kennedy, Community Engagement Librarian, Youth Services, Bossier Parish Libraries

“The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats. “A classic children's story about a little boy's exploration of and joy for snow that had fallen the night before.” “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg. “This one has become another classic children's story about a fantastical train ride to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus on Christmas Eve and the power of belief.”

From Kathie Rowell, former Shreveport Times features editor; owner, Kathie Rowell Media

“Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life in Balance” by Simone Biles, Michelle Burford. “I gave it to a great-niece, and she loved it.” This is an inspirational autobiography of the Olympic gold-winning and record-setting gymnast, who shares how faith, family, passion and perseverance made her one of the top athletes in the world.

From Lisa Wingate, NYT bestselling author who lives in Texas

“For kids, a few classics that are sweet, and I will get for my granddaughter: The ‘Billy and Blaze collection’ by C.W. Anderson, about a boy and his first pony, for kids ages 5-8, and for girls who love horses, the classic Marguerite Henry books. Also, ‘Hank, the Cowdog’ series by John R. Erickson, for kids and adults ages 7 and up. They’re hilarious. And ‘The Little Blue Truck’ books by Alice Schertle, illustrated by Jill McElmurry, for ages 1-3. For babies and toddlers, ‘Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb’ by Al Perkins, illustrated by Eric Gurney. It’s a classic for sure. Great rhyming. Kids love it.”

Books for adults:

From Audra Bartholomew, Haughton Branch Manager, Bossier Parish Libraries

“A Flicker in the Dark" by Stacy Willingham, a thriller set in Baton Rouge, “I have recommended it to several patrons, and they loved it also.

This is her debut novel. Her second novel is coming out in early 2023.”

From Anne Madison, Associate Director, Public Services, Bossier Parish Libraries

“I recommend a thrilling and inspiring historical novel I recently read, ‘The Rose Code’ by Kate Quinn, for those interested in the heroic roles women played during WWII. The book is based on real events and people.”

From Shelley Masog, Resource Administrator, Webster Parish Libraries

“The Light We Carry” by Michelle Obama. “If you enjoyed reading ‘Becoming,’ you might like Michelle Obama’s next book, out in time for the holidays.” “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig.  “Nora visits a library that allows her to make different choices and to live other lives, and in doing so she learns more about herself and actually living her life.”

From Kim Sentell, Director of Marketing/Community Liaison, Webster Parish Libraries

“Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson. “Once I finished reading this wonderful book, I realized why they say ‘books can transform lives.’ Moving-on has ever been a tough thing for me, but with this book by my side, I accept change a lot more gently and sensibly. I’ve cherished this book since 10th grade. And I have also passed its wisdom to friends who found it hard to deal with change.”

From Karen Soileau, 2021-22 Caddo Parish High School Teacher of the Year, Caddo Magnet High, history, judicial processes and comparative politics

“One of my favorite authors who writes with compassion and intrigue is William Kent Krueger. ‘Ordinary Grace’ and ‘This Tender Land’ are two of my favorites. Krueger also has a series of compelling mysteries… My latest favorite novel is ‘The Island of Missing Trees’ by Elif Shafak. She writes in a lyrical manner about displacement of both people and plants from the island of Cyprus. I usually have a difficult time keeping my plants alive. But after reading this novel, I simply don’t look at my plants in the same way. I can’t wait to read more of Shafak’s work.”

From John Corey Whaley, National Book Award finalist, author of YA novel “Noggin,” former Caddo teacher

“The classic, of course, that I like to give is ‘Holidays on Ice’ by David Sedaris. I think it’s hilarious, and ‘Santaland Diaries’ is a story I read every single Christmas and like to share.”

Accepting nominations for 2022 Book Lover of the Year!

Deadline for nominations has been extended to Monday (Dec. 12). Email your nomination: judy@judychristie.com.

Book columnist Judy Christie is the author of 18 books and co-authored “Before and After: The Incredible Real-Life Stories of Orphans Who Survived the Tennessee Children’s Home Society.” See: www.judychristie.com. Follow her on Facebook at JudyChristie/Author.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Judy Christie 2022 book gift ideas