I'll be posting themed book lists with book giving ideas for a variety of ages and interests every day Dec. 1 - 12. Check the label Twelve Days of Giving for all the lists. Shopping for someone specific? Drop me a comment with ages/interests (including adults!) and I'll be happy to make some suggestions. Don't forget your local indie bookstore and if you don't have a favorite indie, might I suggest ordering from The Bain Lair Bookstore?
There have been so many great books turned into movies recently! A book or series that's been turned into a movie or TV series makes a great gift because it's likely to be a title that all the kids are talking about. It's a great family activity to read a book together and then watch the movie together.
The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials series) by Philip Pullman (Knopf, 1996). This epic fantasy set in a version of Oxford, England was turned into a terrible movie many years ago (SKIP IT), but it's about to be turned into a wonderful-looking BBC/HBO series in 2019. Buy the boxed set of the series so your tweens and teens can read it before you all watch the series.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (Balzer + Bray, 2017). This powerhouse of a social justice teen novel has been on the New York Times Best Seller list for over 90 weeks and was turned into a movie released this fall. Make a date to take your favorite teen to this movie (or look for it on DVD, estimated January 2019) and grab coffee to have a talk about it.
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness (Candlewick, 2008). This teen dystopian novel is being turned into a movie slated to release in March 2019. Beloved by many, this is a particularly good pick for teens who enjoy dark dystopian fiction. Grab the series so your teen can read it before the movie comes out and everyone's clamoring for it.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (Crown, 2011). This science fiction novel is a great choice for teens and adults who love video games and/or pop culture. The movie came out this past spring and is on DVD and Blu-Ray, so bundle them up with the book. OR grab the audiobook, narrated by Wil Wheaton, for your next road trip or for teens who prefer to read with their ears.
Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli (Balzer + Bray, 2015). The movie Love, Simon, based on this book, came out earlier this year and is now out on DVD and Blu-Ray. Book and movie would make a great gift for teens who love inclusive romantic teen movies. It's sweet and touching. If your reader's already read this, maybe grab Albertalli's Leah on the Offbeat, a sequel focusing on Simon's best friend Leah.
To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han (Simon & Schuster, 2014). This teen romance novel was turned into a super sweet Netflix movie earlier this year. Pick up the entire trilogy for the tweens and teens in your life looking for a fun, funny read.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle (Farrar, Straus, & Giroux, 1962). This modern children's classic is a great addition to any home library and it's a story beloved by many. It was turned into a movie earlier this year, so another one you can bundle with the DVD or Blu-Ray. Buy the entire Time Quintet for readers who just can't get enough.
These books make a great pairing with the DVD/Blu-Ray of the movie or with a movie gift certificate and the promise of a movie date (or transportation for your reader and their friends!).