Most of my friends know of my obsession with books, so I’m often asked for book recommendations. I’ve already bought many books for my family this year, and even worked on some theme related shirts.  But if you’re stuck on ideas, here are a few. I tried to list a few popular ones you can’t go wrong with, and others if your kids are looking the next book after finishing a great series. If I’ve missed your favorite, please add it below.

Middle Grade Books

Rick Rordian is still huge.

One shirt on my son’s list

If your kids have already devoured his books you can try his special compilations Percy Jackson’s Greek God and Percy Jackson’s Greek Heroes.

Still want more mythology? Try out the Goddess Girls or Heroes in Training by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams. There are geared for a younger audience but my kids love them.

Potter fans? You have a new illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s stone that is very popular right now.

Or try the Iron Trials by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare. Two great authors that give their own spin to the wizarding world, with action and adventure that will keep you or your kids flipping the pages.

HP bracelet on Amazon

My kids also love the Spirit Animals, which showcase a variety of NY Times bestselling authors.

Young Adult

There are so many great young adult books right now this list could go on forever. I’ll start with some new releases that are climbing the charts on goodreads.com

For the sci-fi fan, you can never go wrong with Brandon Sanderson who had the second installment in his Reckoners series, Firefight, out this year.

For fans of Hunger Games, try the 5^th Wave. It is a captivating about an alien invasion written  by New York Times best seller Rick Yancey, and will soon be on the big screen.

One on my list for Santa (hint, hint) is  An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir . It’s inspired by ancient Rome, and has the action, loyalty and love which draws me in.

Here are some of my favorites that I can pick up more than once:

*Sci-Fi: Scott Westerfield’s Uglies Series or Airborn by Kenneth Opal for a steam punk twist.

*Fantasy: Melissa Marr has a great fairy series, Wicked Lovely. Shannon Hale has so many clean, fun almost fairy tale like fantasy for any age, especially The Books of Bayern. I also love Grace Mercy by Robin LeFever which intertwines intertwines the history of medieval France with a coven of young assassins.

*Historical Fiction: Blood Red Horse by KM Grant is an exciting adventure as it goes through the Crusades with multiple points of view.

*Fiction: John Green captures the heart and soul of teenage years so well. You can’t go wrong with The Fault in our Stars, or Paper Towns.

This list could go on and on-I haven’t even touched adult fiction- but I have some Christmas shopping to get to. If all else fails, a gift card to a book store is always a treat for any bibliophile. I want to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season and hope it is filled with love and peace.