December 2015

What does the world need more than anything? Less posturing and more understanding. Albom’s beautiful story of a clergyman and rabbi is one of those simple tales that causes one to pause, block out the madness of the world and re-focus on humanity.

I know! There’s a new Richard Paul Evans book out called The Mistletoe Inn, but at over 300 pages, I cannot include it on this list. Regardless, if you’ve never read one of his Christmas stories, you’re in for a treat.

A good companion to The Talent Code, this book provides 42 practical ways to improve performance with “proper” practice. My copy is out of shape from all of the dog-eared pages.

Who better to attract teens’ attention than the man who coached LeBron James in high school? Amazingly, Joyce went from knowing little about basketball to becoming one of the most successful high school coaches in America. I breezed through this book, and I know your boys, especially, will love it.

If you want to hear a familiar tale with a clever twist, there is no better author to put it in the hands of than the wonderful Neil Gaiman, especially when paired with terrific illustrator Chris Riddell.

The 15-year-old son of Leif Eriksson discovers the Vikings are not alone in the New World in this very easy-to-read coming of age story.

My kids adore Miyazaki’s movies, and I think this book should be in every classroom library to encourage kids to try their hands at illustrating in an education system that has become test-crazy.

A great addition to anyone’s self-help shelf. More adults should read motivational stories like this one.

Another in Reagan’s How to series with illustrator Lee Wildish, this book is sure to bring lots of holiday cheer. FYI – I enjoy funny books!

Goofy, clever read aloud that is always a hit with kids for its funny rhymes and assortment of holiday characters (from the Easter Bunny to the Tooth Fairy) for fill-in for Santa while he takes a needed vacation.