Here are the top 30 holidays & celebrations books for 12 year olds. Please click Read Review to read book reviews on Amazon. You can also click Find in Library to check book availability at your local library. If the default library is not correct, please follow Change Library to reset it.
1. Nancy and Plum
by: Betty MacDonald, Mary GrandPre, Jeanne Birdsall Release date: Oct 26, 2010 Number of Pages: 242 Find in Library Read Review |
and made all of Heavenly Valley smooth and white and quiet and beautiful.
So begins the story of two orphaned sisters at Mrs. Monday’s Boarding School. But nothing is heavenly for Nancy and Pamela (aka Plum): their parents died in a tragic accident years ago, they’re constantly punished by the cruel Mrs. Monday, and they’re all alone for the holidays.
Luckily, Nancy and Plum have each other, and though their prospects may be bleak, they’re determined to change their lot for the better. If their plan works, the spirited sisters will never spend Christmas at the cold, dark boarding school again. But what will they find on the other side of Mrs. Monday’s gate?
Adventure, warmth, unforgettable characters, and unexpected kindness abound in this classic story by Betty MacDonald, which was originally published in 1952. With illustrations by the acclaimed Mary GrandPré and an introduction by Jeanne Birdsall, National Book Award–winning author of The Penderwicks, this edition introduces the spunky, beloved heroines to a new generation of fans.
From the Hardcover edition.
2. Sunne’s Gift (unillustrated): How Sunne Overcame Bullying to Reclaim God’s Gift
by: Ama Karikari-Yawson, Rashad Davis Release date: Dec 09, 2015 Number of Pages: 10 Find in Library Read Review |
3. Lailah’s Lunchbox
by: Reem Faruqi, Lea Lyon Release date: Jun 01, 2015 Number of Pages: 32 Find in Library Read Review |
This gentle, moving story from first-time author Reem Faruqi comes to life in Lea Lyon’s vibrant illustrations. Lyon uses decorative arabesque borders on intermittent spreads to contrast the ordered patterns of Islamic observances with the unbounded rhythms of American school days.
4. Starry, Starry Night
by: Lurlene McDaniel Release date: Sep 13, 2011 Number of Pages: 272 Find in Library Read Review |
In the opening story, “Christmas Child,” 15-year-old Melanie feels cheated when her baby sister, born during the holidays, lives only a few hours. But the baby’s brief life shows Melanie the lasting value of love.
Brenda struggles between noble intentions and earthier desires when she becomes a dying boy’s final chance for happiness in “Last Dance.”
The closing story, “Kathy’s Life,” presents a 16-year-old who appears to have it all. Kathy is beautiful, intelligent, and has the perfect job as a live-in caretaker for a couple’s baby boy. But not everything is as perfect as it seems. Must Kathy give up the one person she loves most in the world?
Readers will be inspired, enlightened, and comforted by these moving stories that depict the many kinds of love in the world.
5. The Mysterious Visitor (Trixie Belden)
by: Julie Campbell Release date: Aug 26, 2003 Number of Pages: 272 Find in Library Read Review |
From the Hardcover edition.
6. Meowy Christmas
by: Gregory Bray, Holly Bray-Cook, Mark Rylander, Sarah Isaacson Release date: Oct 30, 2014 Number of Pages: 44 Find in Library Read Review |
At first he is excited about getting a present, but then he is sad that he didn’t get his family a present and doesn’t know what to do. After speaking with his doggy friend Charley, he realizes that there is more to the beauty of Christmas than just receiving presents.
Meowy Christmas by Gregory E. Bray is a warm and colorful children’s book that parents will love reading to their little ones over and over again to help them discover the true meaning of Christmas!
7. Going for the Christmas Tree:A True Story
by: Maryfran Stulginsky Release date: Jun 24, 2013 Number of Pages: 32 Find in Library Read Review |
8. A Christmas Carol: The Junior Novel (Disney’s a Christmas Carol)
by: Disney Book Group, Disney Storybook Art Team Release date: Sep 21, 2009 Number of Pages: 144 Find in Library Read Review |
9. A Visit on Christmas Eve: A Lesson in Secret Giving (Story Time With Windcrest Santa Book 1)
by: Karen Flinn, Angie Key, Angie Key, Arthur Flinn, Jim Key Release date: Oct 26, 2014 Number of Pages: 38 Find in Library Read Review |
*****Prefer a hard copy? Order yours at https://mkt.com/windcrestsanta
Learn how Santa gets into houses without chimneys, what he drives when his sleigh is in the garage, and how much he loves his little dogs. But most important, learn why Santa gives gifts to boys and girls around the world, and why we should all engage in Secret Giving. The perfect way to introduce the connection between Santa and Jesus, this story is sure to become a treasured part of your family’s Christmas legacy.
10. A Blue Chair Christmas
by: Uncle Poppy Release date: Dec 02, 2015 Number of Pages: 83 Find in Library Read Review |
It’s a great story for kids of all ages. It will make the perfect bedtime story for the twelve days leading up to Christmas.
11. Lulu in La La Land
by: Elisabeth Wolf Release date: Aug 06, 2013 Number of Pages: 274 Find in Library Read Review |
Lights! Camera! ACTION!
Lulu in LA LA Land
A screenplay by Lulu Harrison
Scene 1:
ZOOM IN on Hollywood mega stars LINC and FIONA HARRISON singing happy birthday to their daughter LULU. Lulu blows out the candles, and they all gather for a group hug—
CUT!
If only real life were like the movies. Instead, Lulu Harrison’s massively important eleventh birthday is just three weeks away—and her parents still haven’t RSVPed!
Lulu’s not like the rest of her glamorous Hollywood family. She likes tamales and they like tofu. She likes gardening and they like grooming. But all she wants for her birthday is for her whole family to be there. Together. So this year she’s planning a super fabulous SPA-tacular party. But what if trying to fit in leaves Lulu feeling even more like she was cast in the wrong family?
12. Kristoph and the First Christmas Tree
by: Claudia Cangilla McAdam, David Hill Release date: Oct 28, 2015 Number of Pages: 32 Find in Library Read Review |
13. Lulu’s Christmas Story: A True Story of Faith and Hope During the Great Depression
by: Ludmilla Bollow Release date: Oct 20, 2014 Number of Pages: 256 Find in Library Read Review |
Christmas is eagerly awaited by Lulu, a young girl living in a small Wisconsin town during the Great Depression. Anticipation is transformed into anxiety when Daddy loses his job, doubts about Santa flicker, and that Shirley Temple doll seems further away than ever. Mama reveals her own brutal Christmas as an orphan, adding new worries. But it’s Lulu’s deep faith and vibrant hope that keeps her looking forward to each new day and the glorious gift of Christmas. In her touching memoir, Ludmilla Bollow, an award-winning playwright and novelist, recounts the year before her family’s toughest Christmas. There’s a haunting encounter with freaks at a circus sideshow, the heartbreaking loss of the town’s recluse who was committed to finding true love, a disastrous Thanksgiving at Grandma’s, and, of course, the long-awaited Christmas! Lulu’s spirit of love and joy radiates throughout this emotional recall of family life during hard times.
(Ludmilla Bollow)
14. Dreidels on the Brain
by: Joel ben Izzy Release date: Oct 04, 2016 Number of Pages: 303 Find in Library Read Review |
One lousy miracle. Is that too much to ask?
Evidently so for Joel, as he tries to survive Hannukah, 1971 in the suburbs of the suburbs of Los Angeles (or, as he calls it, “The Land of Shriveled Dreams”). That’s no small task when you’re a “seriously funny-looking” twelve-year-old magician who dreams of being his own superhero: Normalman. And Joel’s a long way from that as the only Jew at Bixby School, where his attempts to make himself disappear fail spectacularly. Home is no better, with a family that’s not just mortifyingly embarrassing but flat-out broke.
That’s why Joel’s betting everything on these eight nights, to see whether it’s worth believing in God or miracles or anything at all. Armed with his favorite jokes, some choice Yiddish words, and a suitcase full of magic tricks, he’s scrambling to come to terms with the world he lives in—from hospitals to Houdini to the Holocaust—before the last of the candles burns out.
No wonder his head is spinning: He’s got dreidels on the brain. And little does he know that what’s actually about to happen to him and his family this Hanukkah will be worse than he’d feared . . . And better than he could have imagined.
From the Hardcover edition.
15. The Girls’ Revenge (Boy/Girl Battle)
by: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Release date: Sep 07, 1999 Number of Pages: 160 Find in Library Read Review |
16. HALLOWEEN STORIES (Books for Kids: Scary Halloween Stories for Kids): Scary Stories for Kids, Halloween Activities, Halloween Jokes, and More! (Haunted Halloween Fun Book 2)
by: Arnie Lightning Release date: Sep 09, 2015 Number of Pages: 44 Find in Library Read Review |
Scary Halloween Stories for Kids!
Halloween is upon us. For most, it’s a fun time of year where we dress up in our favorite costumes and get lots of candy. For others, it can be the most frightening time of year. In these five scary stories that’s the case. Prepare yourself. You have been warned!
- 5 scary stories for kids
- Just for fun activities included for extra fun
- 100+ spooky Halloween jokes for kids
These spooky ghost stories are great for reading aloud with friends and family. You will creep everyone out and scare the living daylights out of them with these scary stories. This book is lots of fun for Halloween!
These stories are especially great for campfire tales and to be read late at night!
Story & Activity List:
- The Legend of Jack O’Lantern Hill
- Just for Fun Activity
- Ellen’s Halloween Cat
- Just for Fun Activity
- The Mummy Doll
- Just for Fun Activity
- The Not-So-Grim Reaper
- Frankie’s New School
- Halloween Jokes
- FREE GIFT!
Best-Selling Children’s Book Author, Arnie Lightning
Arnie Lightning is a best-selling children’s book author with a straightforward goal. He wants his work to create a positive impact in the lives of others through children’s books.
Arnie has published over 100 children’s books and counting!
Scroll up and click ‘buy’ to get your hands on these spooky stories!
tags: halloween, halloween stories, scary, scary halloween stories, halloween books, spooky, children, kid, halloween books for kids, halloween books for children, kids books, books for kids, childrens books, childrens book, kids book, books for kids, childrens book, kindle book, kindle ebook, early reader, beginning reader, action, Halloween, scary stories, scary stories for kids, ghost stories, books for kids, kids books, adventure, magic, sword, sorcery, coming of age, ghosts, vampires, werewolf, shapesifters, witch, wizard, zombies, fantasy, magic, ebook, ebooks, ebooks for kids, e books, halloween, ages 6-8, preteen, paranormal, magic, fantasy, Halloween books for kids, kids halloween books, childrens halloween books, Halloween books for children
17. Have a Fairy Christmas (The Magic Library Book Series 2)
by: Kymberlee Miller Release date: Dec 06, 2013 Number of Pages: 97 Find in Library Read Review |
That’s what’s in store this holiday season for Holly Daniels. Two days before Christmas, she takes a special trip to the mall to see Santa Claus. He sends her to the library on a quest to find a book that could make her dreams come true.
Since moving to Montana, Holly hasn’t made any new friends. And, being an only child can be very lonely. All that could change when Holly meets Dylan, the princess of the Winter Court in the Fairy Realm.
Christmas fun and Fairy enchantment is on its way in,
Have a Fairy Christmas!
18. You’re Invited
by: Jen Malone, Gail Nall Release date: May 19, 2015 Number of Pages: 336 Find in Library Read Review |
Twelve-year-old Sadie loves helping her mom with her wedding planning business, and with Sadie’s mad organizational skills, she’s a natural! That’s why it’s so devastating when her mother “fires” her after a Little Mermaid–themed wedding goes awry.
Enter Sadie’s best friends: sporty Vi, ace student Lauren, and boy-crazy Becca. The girls decide that in order to get Sadie’s mom to reconsider, they have to make her see how amazing Sadie is at party planning. Except no one’s gonna hire a twelve-year-old to plan a wedding. A birthday party, though? Definite possibility.
Before long, RSVP—your one-stop shop for the most creative parties in town—is born. Of course, Sadie can’t wait to prove herself to her mom, but the other girls also have their reasons for enlisting: Vi has her eye on the perfect gift for her hardworking dad, and Becca’s all aflush at the thought of connecting with Ryan, the new Irish cutie in town. And though Lauren thinks she’s too busy with summer studies to “officially” join, she’s willing to help out in any way she can.
But in this particular party-planning business, nothing goes according to plan! Sadie’s mom is a perpetual no-show, Vi’s archrival is dead set on ruining her summer, Becca can’t seem to get Ryan to glance in her direction, and Lauren keeps choosing studying over her friends. Is the girls’ friendship strong enough to survive a business? Or does RSVP spell the end of these BFFs?
19. Kitten in the Cold (Animal Ark #13)
by: Ben M. Baglio, Shelagh McNicholas Release date: Nov 01, 1999 Number of Pages: 144 Find in Library Read Review |
20. Shooting at the Stars
by: John Hendrix Release date: Oct 07, 2014 Number of Pages: 40 Find in Library Read Review |
Also available by John Hendrix: Miracle Man
Praise for Shooting at the Stars
STARRED REVIEWS
“Few titles at this level convey the futility of World War I as well as this one does. A first choice.”
—School Library Journal, starred review
“Timed with the centenary of World War I but a lesson for always, Hendrix’s tale pulls young readers close and shows the human side of war.”
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
21. Big Honey Dog Mysteries HOLIDAY COLLECTION (Halloween, Christmas & Easter stories for kids): A dog detective holiday mystery adventure for children ages 9 to 12 years
by: H.Y. Hanna Release date: Oct 20, 2014 Number of Pages: 213 Find in Library Read Review |
“If you want to get your middle grade reader interested in picking up books, then this is a great place to start.” – Net Galley reviewer
Celebrate your favourite holidays with this collection of exciting short mysteries featuring Honey the Great Dane sleuth and her canine friends. In NIGHT OF FLYING SHADOWS, a creepy visitor on Halloween night sends the dogs on a dangerous mission through a haunted forest. Then Honey and her friends find themselves deciphering a mysterious note during a snowy Christmas in MESSAGE IN A BAUBLE. And in TREASURE FROM THE PAST, the dog detectives race to uncover a long-lost secret over an Easter weekend.
Perfect for fans of animal fiction, dog stories and classic mystery series like Nancy Drew and the Famous Five. Kids and dog lovers of all ages will love this action-packed collection filled with suspense and humour. A great middle grade read or a book for parents and children to enjoy together.
Collect the other books in this series:
– Curse of the Scarab (Book 1)
– A Secret in Time (Book 2)
——————————————-
PRAISE FOR THE BIG HONEY DOG MYSTERIES:
Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards 2014 – GOLD Medal Winner
Children’s Literary Classics Book Awards 2014 – GOLD Medal Winner
Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards 2014 – SILVER Medal Winner
The Wishing Shelf Independent Children’s Book Awards 2013 – Finalist
“Dog lovers young and old will love this rip-roaring, bark-serious adventure… highly recommended” ~ Midwest Book Review
“If you want to get your middle grade reader interested in picking up books, then this is a great place to start.” – Net Galley reviewer
“My daughter NEVER reads and couldn’t put this book down.” – Amazon reviewer
“The author has a great voice with a wonderful sense of humour.” – Indie Abode Book Reviews
“I just adored this mystery. Ms. Hanna knows how to hook her readers in, both young and old.” – Night Owl Reviews (Top Pick)
“We are loving this book. My 10 year old son who has a short attention span cannot get enough.” – Amazon reviewer
22. The Christmas Turkey Disaster (Hank the Cowdog (Hardcover))
by: John R Erickson, Gerald L Holmes Release date: Oct 09, 2015 Number of Pages: 121 Find in Library Read Review |
23. The Christmas Present
by: Alexander McCabe Release date: Nov 16, 2015 Number of Pages: 33 Find in Library Read Review |
You see, at the very moment you were born, Santa allocated you an elf. It’s true! Your very own elf who watches to see when you have been naughty and nice. Every year, just before Christmas, your elf reports to Santa so he can decide what presents you can have from your list.
Yet there are some people that don’t believe in Santa. I know, I know, it’s crazy… but it’s true! Once those people stop believing in Santa, then their elf’s are sent away from the North Pole and only allowed back when they start to believe in him again.
Gabriel the Elf is very worried. His child is beginning to think that Santa isn’t real. Gabriel the Elf doesn’t want to be banished from all his friends at the North Pole, so what can he do? There is only one thing he can do.
He must prove that Santa is real.
24. Cold Feet: A Short Story for Christmas (Hand-Me-Downs Book 2)
by: Meggan Haller Release date: Oct 13, 2014 Number of Pages: 18 Find in Library Read Review |
Another Christmas and nothing had changed for 5-year-old Jakob. Papa still had no job, the family still had no money, and Jakob still had the same pair of old, threadbare socks only now with holes in them. This was the Great Depression, a time of hardship for many families, the Strumpfs included.
Year after year, Santa brought nothing for the Strumpfs but a hand-written promise that next Christmas would be better. Jakob’s older brothers and sisters believed Santa would keep his promise and bring them a gift this year—even Mama and Papa believed—but Jakob doubted. When a sensitive boy loses heart, his family must help him find it.
These days, Christmas may be a season of abundance, but this solemn tale introduces young readers to an era of struggle. A generation after Bern learned to believe in Santa in Light in the Snow, Jakob carries on the Strumpf tradition of turning hardships into happiness. With contemplative and compassionate prose, this remarkable story reminds us that where there is love, hope can flourish despite poverty.
Cold Feet is a 4,300-word short story.
25. The Greatest Christmas Gift
by: Tiah Rodriguez-Crawl Release date: Oct 21, 2014 Number of Pages: 60 Find in Library Read Review |
26. Big Book of Christmas Jokes for Kids!: A Book of Giggles from The Little Holiday Helper!
by: Maxime-Alexandra Lavergne, Tara Palov Release date: Dec 13, 2014 Number of Pages: 94 Find in Library Read Review |
27. Clementine for Christmas
by: Daphne Benedis-Grab Release date: Aug 25, 2015 Number of Pages: 256 Find in Library Read Review |
Meanwhile, Oscar’s parents are fighting more and more–and so is he. He gets into trouble at school, and his punishment? Volunteer hours at the local hospital.
Gabby’s life seems perfect. She’s stylish, smart, and everyone looks up to her. But Gabby has a secret, one that could ruin everything.
Then, Clementine disappears, Oscar’s parents separate, and Gabby’s secret is uncovered. Together, can Josie, Oscar, and Gabby find a way to save the holiday, or will this be the worst Christmas ever?
Daphne Benedis-Grab, author of The Angel Tree, has created a heartwarming story that sparkles with humor, light, and Christmas spirit.
28. HALLOWEEN STORIES (Scary Halloween Stories for Kids): Scary Short Stories for Kids, Halloween Activities, Halloween Jokes, and More! (Haunted Halloween Fun Book 3)
by: Arnie Lightning Release date: Sep 13, 2015 Number of Pages: 44 Find in Library Read Review |
Scary Halloween Stories for Kids!
Halloween is upon us. For most, it’s a fun time of year where we dress up in our favorite costumes and get lots of candy. For others, it can be the most frightening time of year. In these five scary stories that’s the case. Prepare yourself. You have been warned!
- 5 scary stories for kids
- Just for fun activities included for extra fun
- 100+ spooky Halloween jokes for kids
KINDLE UNLIMITED members can read this book for FREE!
These spooky ghost stories are great for reading aloud with friends and family. You will creep everyone out and scare the living daylights out of them with these scary stories. This book is lots of fun for Halloween!
These stories are especially great for campfire tales and to be read late at night!
Story & Activity List:
- Purple Paradise Pie
- The Haunting of Herbie Palmer
- Just for Fun Activity
- The Halloween Witch
- Too Good to Be True
- Just for Fun Activity
- The Haunted Halloween Forest
- Halloween Jokes
- FREE GIFT!
- About the Author
Best-Selling Children’s Book Author, Arnie Lightning
Arnie Lightning is a best-selling children’s book author with a straightforward goal. He wants his work to create a positive impact in the lives of others through children’s books.
Arnie has published over 100 children’s books and counting!
Scroll up and click ‘buy’ to get your hands on these spooky stories!
tags: halloween, halloween stories, scary, scary halloween stories, halloween books, spooky, children, kid, halloween books for kids, halloween books for children, kids books, books for kids, childrens books, childrens book, kids book, books for kids, childrens book, kindle book, kindle ebook, early reader, beginning reader, action, Halloween, scary stories, scary stories for kids, ghost stories, books for kids, kids books, adventure, magic, sword, sorcery, coming of age, ghosts, vampires, werewolf, shapesifters, witch, wizard, zombies, fantasy, magic, ebook, ebooks, ebooks for kids, e books, halloween, ages 6-8, preteen, paranormal, magic, fantasy, Halloween books for kids, kids halloween books, childrens halloween books, Halloween books for children
29. A Haunted Halloween (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Galaxy Zack)
by: Ray O’Ryan, Jason Kraft Release date: Jul 28, 2015 Number of Pages: 128 Find in Library Read Review |
30. Hooray for the Holidays (The English Roses No. 7)
by: Madonna Release date: Sep 11, 2008 Number of Pages: 128 Find in Library Read Review |
Best Selling Books for 12 year olds:
- Action & Adventure
- Activities, Crafts & Games
- Animals
- Biographies
- Classics
- Comics & Graphic Novels
- Computers & Technology
- Early Learning
- Education & Reference
- Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths
- History
- Holidays & Celebrations
- Humor
- Literature & Fiction
- Mysteries & Detectives
- Religions
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Sports & Outdoors
- Children’s Cookbooks
Recommended Books for 12 year olds:
- Action & Adventure
- Activities, Crafts & Games
- Animals
- Biographies
- Classics
- Comics & Graphic Novels
- Computers & Technology
- Early Learning
- Education & Reference
- Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths
- History
- Holidays & Celebrations
- Humor
- Literature & Fiction
- Mysteries & Detectives
- Religions
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Sports & Outdoors
- Children’s Cookbooks
Best Selling Holidays & Celebrations Books for:
- 1 Year Olds
- 2 Year Olds
- 3 Year Olds
- 4 Year Olds
- 5 Year Olds
- 6 Year Olds
- 7 Year Olds
- 8 Year Olds
- 9 Year Olds
- 10 Year Olds
- 11 Year Olds
- 12 Year Olds
- Teen & Young Adults
Recommended Holidays & Celebrations Books for:
- 1 Year Olds
- 2 Year Olds
- 3 Year Olds
- 4 Year Olds
- 5 Year Olds
- 6 Year Olds
- 7 Year Olds
- 8 Year Olds
- 9 Year Olds
- 10 Year Olds
- 11 Year Olds
- 12 Year Olds
- Teen & Young Adults
Last updated: Monday, December 5, 2016 9:26 AM