Need to buy a gift, but do not know what to get?! Well, you can’t go wrong with the gift of books! Here are our recommendations for the best book gifts.
The requirements we set for ourselves were: a) books published within the last year or two, and b) books that would be appreciated of all ages, regardless of the category they are listed in.
Children’s Literature/Picture Books
Ricki’s Pick: The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
My husband and I giggled as we read this one when it first came out. It is sure to delight!
Kellee’s Pick: Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla by Katherine Applegate
An important story told in the perfect way.
Upper Elementary/Middle Grade Literature
Ricki’s Pick: Wonder by R.J. Palacio
This book made me want to be a better person. Henry will be reading this book when he is old enough to understand it.
Kellee’s Pick: Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin
Beautiful story. Rose’s voice will stick with you long after you finish reading.
(I almost picked brown girl dreaming, but I figured that it’d be on most lists. I decided to spread the love.)
Young Adult Literature
Ricki’s Pick: Dr. Bird’s Advice for Sad Poets by Evan Roskos
I think every high schooler should have access to this book.
Kellee’s Pick: Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina
This book will make you feel. All teens should read it.
(The AEWA2014 books are great choices too, but I wanted to switch things up.)
Adult Literature
Ricki’s Pick: The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
It’s a book about life, and it is beautifully written.
Kellee’s Pick: Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Gaiman has a way with words and a way to suck you into a story. His most recent is no different. Bonus: The audiobook is phenomenal too.
Which books would you recommend as holiday purchases?
and 
I score a “1” on the list above. Fortunately, I completely agree with your review of Gaiman’s Ocean at the End of the Lane, and especially about the wonderful, quirky way he reads it. Months later, his turns of phrase and inflection stick with me. Happy reading!
Steve, it isn’t about score! It is about sharing! I am glad you enjoyed that one. We’d love to hear your recommendations!
Some lovely titles you two. I agree that those picture books will be adored by anyone. I have a volunteer who heard one of my girls read Crayons aloud to her in my classroom and I think she has since gifted it five times (including once to herself)as a hostess gift.