November 30, 2021
Now that we’re well into winter, many schools across the UK will be decorating their classrooms in preparation for lots of exciting winter celebrations. This month our team have put together a list of books that allow younger readers to explore a variety of winter holidays, whatever they may celebrate at home. Check out the list below for our favourite fiction and non-fiction, along with the books’ Accelerated Reader quiz information.
The Best Diwali Ever by Sonali Shah, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat
LY | Quiz # 241148 | BL 4.2 | Scholastic Children’s Books
This year, Ariana has plans to make Diwali an extra special celebration. Everything would go perfectly to plan if it weren’t for Rafi, her annoying little brother, always up to mischief. Will he ruin Diwali too?
The Hanukkah Magic of Nate Gadol by Arthur A. Levine, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
LY | Quiz # 239388 | BL 4.4 | Walker Books
On Christmas Eve during a tough winter in 1881, spirit Nate Gadol must help Santa and the Glasers, a family who always help their neighbours in need.
Shubh Diwali! by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Charlene Chua
LY | Quiz # 239000 | BL 1.7 | Albert Whitman & Company
Diwali has arrived! Rangoli art decorates the floor and strings of flowers hang around the doors. A sweet introduction to the Hindu festival of lights.
Kwanzaa by Lisa J. Amstutz
LY | Quiz # 233221| BL 1.0 | Raintree
It’s time to celebrate Kwanzaa! Light the kinara. Eat a big feast with your family. During Kwanzaa, people come together to celebrate their heritage.
Happy New Year by Helen Chapman
LY | Quiz# 238002 BL 2.9 | Collins
Find out how the start of a New Year is celebrated in different ways all over the world.
The Birthday of Guru Nanak by Shalini Vallepur
LY | Quiz # 240102 | BL 4.4 | BookLife
Take a step-by-step journey through the celebration of the birthday of Guru Nanak, learning all about the stories and traditions people follow as well as all the tasty food they eat! So come and celebrate!
The Very Merry Murder Club by Serena Patel and Robin Stevens
MY | Quiz # 241555 | BL 5.0 | Farshore
This collection of thirteen short stories will take readers on a snow-covered journey of Christmassy crimes, festive foul play and murderous mysteries.
The Midnight Guardians by Ross Montgomery
MY | Quiz #239378 | BL 4.6 | Walker Books
When Col’s imaginary friends come to life and warn him that his sister Rose is in danger, he must race to London facing great dangers both from the world he knows and from the world of magic.
The Dog that Saved Christmas by Nicola Davies
MY | Quiz # 234318 | BL 4.0 | Barrington Stoke
Christmas is a nightmare for Jake. He hates the bright lights, all the noise and the disruption to his routine. Then he finds a lost dog and adopts her as his own. He forms a special bond with her that helps him cope with the things that stress him out.
Why not get in touch via Twitter to let us know which festivals and holidays your school is celebrating this winter? If you have some titles you’d like to see quizzed, please use the request a quiz form.
Happy holidays!