10+ Best Christmas Books for 9-12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect festive read for your young reader? You're in the right spot! Our curated list of Christmas books for 9-12-year-olds is packed with stories that capture the magic and wonder of the holiday season. Whether they're into thrilling adventures or heartwarming tales, we've got something that will keep them hooked. Keep reading to discover our top picks for Christmas books that will surely light up your child's imagination and holiday spirit!

Fun Christmas Books for 9-12-Year-Olds

• The Girl Who Saved Christmas by Matt Haig, illustrated by Chris Mould
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Holiday
  • Synopsis: When Amelia wants a wish to come true, Santa finds himself in a rush to fulfill it. But with magic fading, he needs all the help he can get to make Christmas happen.
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends magical elements with heartwarming Christmas spirit, encouraging imagination and belief in the magic of the season.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magical adventures and the spirit of Christmas.

• Winterhouse by Ben Guterson, illustrated by Chloe Bristol
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Orphan Elizabeth Somers is sent to the mysterious Winterhouse Hotel, where she uncovers a magical book and a family secret.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a puzzle-filled mystery that captivates and stimulates the mind, perfect for developing problem-solving skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy puzzles, mysteries, and a bit of magic in their reading.

• The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher, illustrated by Shane Devries
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young boy named William Trundle embarks on a magical adventure with a dinosaur called the Christmasaurus on Christmas Eve.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique tale that combines dinosaurs with Christmas, offering both excitement and the timeless message of friendship and family.
  • Perfect for: Children who love dinosaurs and dream of magical Christmas adventures.

• Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Holiday
  • Synopsis: A collection of letters written and illustrated by Tolkien from Father Christmas to his children, detailing the magical events at the North Pole.
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases Tolkien’s creativity and whimsical writing style, which can inspire a love for reading and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in imaginative tales and fans of Tolkien’s other works.

• Greenglass House by Kate Milford
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: During winter vacation, Milo Pine and his parents find their inn unexpectedly filled with strange, secretive guests who all seem to be connected to the house’s past.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping mystery that encourages critical thinking and keeps readers engaged with its intriguing plot twists.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous readers who enjoy a good mystery and stories set during the snowy season.

Educational Christmas Books for 9-12-Year-Olds

• The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson, illustrated by Garth Williams
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Holiday
  • Synopsis: This heartwarming story is about a Parisian hobo named Armand who finds a family living under the bridge he calls home and how their presence changes his life during the Christmas season.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, cultural awareness, understanding of poverty and family values
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a touching narrative that highlights the importance of kindness and family during the holiday season.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy emotional stories that teach important life lessons.

• Nutcracked by Susan Adrian
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Holiday
  • Synopsis: Georgie gets the role of a lifetime as Clara in The Nutcracker ballet. However, when she discovers the magical Nutcracker Prince comes to life, she is thrust into an adventure beyond the stage.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of ballet and performing arts, imagination, adventure storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the magic of Christmas and the enchanting world of ballet, providing an engaging and fantastical read.
  • Perfect for: Young ballet enthusiasts and readers who love magical adventures tied to real-world traditions.

• The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
  • Genre(s): Family, Holiday
  • Synopsis: The Vanderbeeker children have only a few days to convince their grumpy landlord not to evict them from their beloved Harlem brownstone before Christmas.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, teamwork, community engagement
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming story about the power of community and family, set against the festive backdrop of Christmas in New York.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories about family dynamics and community spirit.

• When Santa Fell to Earth by Cornelia Funke, illustrated by Paul Howard
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Holiday
  • Synopsis: When Santa Claus loses his magical powers and crashes to Earth, it's up to a young boy named Ben to save him and Christmas.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, bravery, understanding of various Christmas legends
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an adventurous and whimsical take on the Santa Claus mythos, filled with peril, humor, and holiday spirit.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy fantastical tales with a mix of humor and adventure.

• The Christmas Genie by Dan Gutman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
  • Synopsis: After a mysterious meteorite crashes into a fifth-grade classroom, the students are granted a visit by a genie who offers them a single wish - what will they wish for?
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Decision-making, group dynamics, creative thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging story that explores the consequences of wishes and the true meaning of happiness during the holiday season.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy humorous stories with a magical twist.

Challenging Christmas Books for 9-12-Year-Olds

• A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig, illustrated by Chris Mould
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This is the story of Nikolas, a poor boy who embarks on a magical journey to the North Pole to find his father and discovers his destiny as Father Christmas.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves complex themes of loss, hope, and perseverance, challenging young readers to grasp deeper emotional and philosophical concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a magical origin story of Santa Claus that is both heartwarming and inspiring, encouraging readers to believe in the impossible.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy origin stories and magical adventures.

• The Clockwork Crow by Catherine Fisher
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: A young orphan named Seren finds a mysterious, magical crow that leads her into a thrilling adventure during the Christmas season.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book features a sophisticated plot with gothic elements and rich, descriptive language that demands close reading and interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating, atmospheric tale that combines mystery and folklore, perfect for readers who love suspense and magical realism.
  • Perfect for: Fans of mystery and dark fantasy.

• The Snow Merchant by Sam Gayton
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This tale follows Lettie Peppercorn who has never ventured beyond her isolated home until a mysterious alchemist arrives promising a snow that never melts, leading her on an extraordinary adventure.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex concepts of alchemy and entrepreneurship wrapped in a layer of fantastical storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel offers a unique blend of adventure and fantasy with a strong female protagonist, encouraging creativity and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers and budding scientists who enjoy a touch of magic in their tales.

• The Toymaker's Apprentice by Sherri L. Smith
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Stefan Drosselmeyer is a young apprentice toymaker who finds himself caught up in a magical adventure involving a nutcracker doll, a mouse queen, and a curse that needs breaking.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story incorporates intricate plot elements and historical contexts that require readers to engage with both the narrative and its underlying historical cues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It expands on the beloved Nutcracker tale with a rich, imaginative backstory, offering depth and a new perspective on the classic.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate fairy tales and historical narratives with a magical twist.

• The Girl Who Speaks Bear by Sophie Anderson, illustrated by Kathrin Honesta
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Folklore
  • Synopsis: Yanka has always felt out of place in her small village and after she wakes up one morning to find her legs have turned into bear legs, she sets off on a journey to discover who she truly is.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is layered with Slavic folklore elements and themes of self-discovery that challenge readers to think deeply about identity and belonging.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written, empowering story that intertwines folklore with a journey of self-acceptance and finding one's place in the world.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love folklore and stories of personal growth.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the festive world of Christmas books for 9-12-year-olds, it's a great opportunity to develop some solid reading habits that can enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the stories. Here are a few exercises that can help young readers like you get the most out of your holiday reading adventures.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many books or pages you want to read each week.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay motivated and make reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Choose a realistic goal that fits into your daily schedule.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special place in your home where you can curl up with your Christmas books.
  • How it helps: Creates a comfortable and inviting environment that makes reading more enjoyable.
  • Tips: Add some cozy pillows, good lighting, and maybe even some holiday decorations.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the books you are reading with your friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and gives you different perspectives on the story.
  • Tips: Organize a weekly book chat over hot cocoa to discuss your thoughts and predictions.

• Illustrate a Scene
  • What it is: Draw one of your favorite scenes from the Christmas book you are reading.
  • How it helps: Helps you pay closer attention to the details in the book and improves your understanding.
  • Tips: Don't worry about being a perfect artist; focus on expressing how the scene makes you feel.

• Write a Book Review
  • What it is: After finishing a book, write a short review summarizing what you liked and didn’t like.
  • How it helps: Helps you reflect on what you’ve read and develop your critical thinking skills.
  • Tips: Share your reviews online or with your school’s library to help others choose their next book.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine can make your journey through Christmas books even more magical and rewarding. Whether you're setting up a cozy reading spot or discussing plot twists with friends, each step builds habits that can turn you into a lifelong reader. So grab your next Christmas tale and let the festive reading begin!