Woman in Real Life: A Book Lover's Christmas Gift Guide: Part II (with a Starbucks e-gift card giveaway!)

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

A Book Lover's Christmas Gift Guide: Part II (with a Starbucks e-gift card giveaway!)

As I said in part one of A Book Lover's Christmas Gift Guide, books make the best of gifts. And there's a book that's right for absolutely everyone you know! You simply have to give some thought to their interests, passions and preferences. And don't forget to consider an e-book for those who prefer them. I know my mom has trouble holding books now with the arthritis in her hands. She prefers e-books.

Seeing as I have an 11-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy, this second part to my book lover's guide focuses on books for teens and preteens. There are few things that make me happier than seeing a child put aside technology to indulge in a great book! It was my favourite pastime as a child.

For the Preteen/Teen:

Among the Giants: How One Underdog Pursued His Dreams & You Can Too! by Jesse LeBeau

I find it more difficult to find books for my son. I guess it's because, 1) I am a girl and 2) He doesn't like to read as much as his sister does. I know he loves basketball - he likes to play the game and he likes to watch videos of others playing the game. So I think he'll enjoy Among the Giants, in which Jesse LeBeau, once a 5'8" kid from an Alaskan fishing town, tells how he came to play against NBA superstar Kevin Durant for the Warner Brother's movie Thunderstruck. Far from being a primer on how to be a celebrity, Among the Giants offers inspiration and motivation to work hard and follow your dreams. Using his own experiences to provide narrative, LeBeau shares life lessons to help kids gain new energy and pursue their dreams.

Buy Among the Giants in Canada. Buy Among the Giants in the U.S.

Guinness Book of Records for Gamers

Who doesn't love to read Guinness World Records? It's fascinating stuff. And I know my son will be thrilled with this 2016 Gamer's Edition! It's packed full of new and updated records regarding all kinds of videogame titles. There's a whole section on Minecraft. It also looks at the success of certain gaming consoles and the hacking of huge gaming networks. The Guinness Book of Records for Gamers explores the evolution of Mario, the history of PAC-Man and the videogames spawned by LEGO. The book has loads of colourful pics and it's just lots of fun.

Buy Guinness World Records 2016 Gamer's Edition in Canada. Buy Guinness World Records 2016 Gamer's Edition in the U.S.

The Trouble in Me by Jack Gantos

Geared to ages 12 to 15, The Trouble in Me is an autobiographical novel capturing a pivotal couple of weeks in the life of 14-year-old Jack Gantos. The author reveals the moment he began to go off the rails as a teen who would a few years later find himself locked up in a federal penitentiary for the crimes detailed in his memoir, Hole in My Life. This cautionary tale seems like just the stuff to absorb a teen boy's interest. The New York Times Book Review says, "This is a tale of courage and redemption, proving that a bad start in life does not have to lead to a bad life story."

Buy The Trouble in Me in Canada. Buy The Trouble in Me in the U.S.

The Novice: Summoner, Book One by Taran Matharu

This is another eventful and exciting book for teens. The protagonist, Fletcher, is working as a blacksmith's apprentice when he learns he has the ability to summon demons from another world. Chased from his village for a crime he didn't commit, he must travel with his demon, Ignatius, to an academy where the gifted learn the art of summoning. The grueling lessons he is to endure will prepare Fletcher for a war against the savage Orcs. This is sure to captivate young readers.

Buy The Novice: Summoner: Book One (The Summoner Trilogy 1) in Canada. Buy The Novice: Summoner: Book One (The Summoner Trilogy) in the U.S.

Dream On, Amber by Emma Shevah

Suitable for children ages 9 to 12, Dream On, Amber tells the story of Amber Alessandra Leola Kimiko Miyamoto, a half-Japanese, half-Italian girl with a "ridiculous" name. Amber isn't feel molto bene about having to make friends at her new school. She's also struggling with the absence of her father, who left her family when she was little and isn't coming back. Amber must dream up a way for her and her sister to make it on their own. Great for anybody going through those emotionally challenging pre-teen years.

Buy Dream on, Amber in Canada. Buy Dream on, Amber in the U.S.

My First French Bakery by Barbara Beery

My little girl has this book on her Christmas wish list. She loves to bake, but also to set up shop in the kitchen, pretending to sell her crafts and baked goods. Who knows, maybe she'll have her own bakeshop one day! My First French Bakery offers plenty of inspiration with gorgeous full colour photos of French baked goods, sandwiches and savoury dishes and more. Recipes are identified as simple, a bit harder and a bit challenging. Creator Barbara Beery is the bestselling author of The Pink Princess Cookbook.

Buy My First French Bakery in Canada. Buy My First French Bakery in the U.S.

Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate

Geared to ages 10 to 14, Crenshaw is a story of family, friendship and resilience. Author Katherine Applegate is a winner of the distinguished Newbery Medal. In Crenshaw, she tells the story of Jackson, whose family has fallen on hard times. There's no money for rent or food and they're in danger of living in their minivan...again. Crenshaw is a large, outspoken and imaginary cat. He has come back into Jackson's life to help him with his troubles. But will Jackson's imaginary friend be able to help save his family from losing everything? Whether real or imaginary, friends matter.

Buy Crenshaw in Canada. Buy Crenshaw in the U.S.

Finding Serendipity by Angelica Banks

Tuesday McGillycuddy and her beloved dog, Baxterr, discover that Tuesday's mother, famous author Serendipity Smith, is missing. The two set out on a magical adventure to find Serendipity. Along the way they discover the mysterious place that stories come from, learning what it means to be a writer and how difficult it can be to get to The End. The pair encounter challenges and adventures on their journey, making for a magical tale that's perfect for kids in the 8 to 12 age range. I think my daughter's really going to like this one.

Buy Finding Serendipity in Canada. Buy Finding Serendipity in the U.S.

What kind of books do you enjoy getting or giving as gifts?

Starbucks $20 e-gift card giveaway!

You need to enjoy your new books with a cup of tea or coffee. That's why we're giving one Woman in Real Life reader in the U.S. or Canada a $20 e-gift card for Starbucks. Enter below until January 12th. This giveaway is not affiliated with Starbucks.

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