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by Ruby Smart

Originally published in the Chillicothe Gazette, December 8, 2019

My favorite part of being the Youth Services Manager at the library is picking out the books for teens and kids that you see on the shelves at all nine library locations in Ross County. While we hope you borrow books from the library, we understand that you also like to buy books and give the gift of reading.

To help you, here are some of my favorites from the past year that would make great holiday gifts.

For Preschoolers through 2nd graders:

• The Yasmin series by Saadia Faruqi
• Who Wet My Pants? by Bob Shea and Zachariah Ohora—my favorite picture book of the year!
• Unlimited Squirrels: Who is the Mystery Reader by Mo Willems
• Vroom by Barbara McClintock
• Another by Christian Robinson

For Tweens:

• The Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey
• The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney—Wrecking Ball was just released!
• White Bird by R.J. Palacio—if you liked Wonder, this is a must read!
• Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly
• Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds

For Teens:

• The Scythe Trilogy by Neal Shusterman—perfect for dystopian fans!
• Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
• Frankly in Love by David Yoon
• With Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
• Laura Dean Keeps Breaking up With Me by Mariko Tamaki

For the adults in your life, the December issue of BookPage has a great gift guide. The library provides free copies of BookPage at all of our locations, or visit Bookpage.com for a digital copy. You’re sure to find something for everyone.

Fiction for Adults:

• The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead—widely considered one of the best books of 2019.
• Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
• The Book Charmer by Karen Hawkins
• The Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
• Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton

Nonfiction for Adults:

• The Library Book Susan Orlean—a must read if you are interested in libraries.
• Atlas Obscura, 2nd Edition by Joshua Foer
• How to Raise a Reader by Pamela Paul and Maria Russo
• Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
• The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West by David McCullough—an in-depth look at Ohio history and its place in American history.

There are also gifts you can purchase from the library. Our new canvas bags are sturdy and have enough room to carry many books. If you’re shopping for a coffee or tea lover, we have library mugs. Both items are only $5.00 each. While you’re in the library, be sure to check out the Friends’ cart for great deals on used books.

If you are trying to cut down on the amount of “stuff” you give, consider putting someone “on the shelf.” You select the type and topic of the book, and we will place a bookplate inside to honor or memorialize a special person. Your donation of $20 to $30 is tax-deductible and goes to the Friends of the Library to help support library programs. For more information stop by any library and ask for a “Put Yourself on the Shelf” form.

Ruby Smart is a connoisseur of books for children. When she’s not reading them, she’s buying them for the library. Ruby can be found most days in the Main Library on Paint St.

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