Looking for the perfect gift for the book lovers in your life? Our faculty and staff have curated a list of books for holiday gift-giving. With fiction, nonfiction, and picture books spanning a variety of topics, there’s something for everyone on your list!
Picture Books for All Ages
Hike It: An Introduction to Hiking, Camping, and Backpacking in the USA
Written by Iron Tazz, Illustrated by Martin Stanev
Recommended by Jamie MacDougall, Assistant Head of School & English Teacher
“A gorgeously illustrated guide to hiking, camping, and backpacking in the U.S. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned adventurer, this picture book is a delight for all outdoor enthusiasts.”
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I Am Emily
Written by Dineo Dowd, Illustrated by Milcah Lugumbay
Recommended by Jamie MacDougall, Assistant Head of School & English Teacher
“This picture book tells the inspiring true story of Emily and her dog, Diggins. Follow their adventures from garden tending to racing in the Iditarod. Perfect for animal lovers and adventurers alike.”
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Fiction for the Imaginative Reader
Cathedral of the Sea
By Ildefonso Falcones
Recommended by Mercedes Muñiz Peredo, Spanish Teacher
Set in 14th-century Barcelona, this historical fiction follows Arnau Estanyol’s journey from poverty to prominence, set against the backdrop of the Santa Maria del Mar cathedral’s construction. Great for both adults and students.
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True Biz
By Sara Novic
Recommended by Ashley Crockett-Lohr, Director of Admission
A beautifully written novel offering a glimpse into the lives of the deaf community while exploring identity, resilience, and connection.
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Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
By Gabrielle Zevin
Recommended by Ashley Crockett-Lohr, Director of Admission
A story of friendship, love, and the power of creative collaboration, told through the lens of video game designers.
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Before the Coffee Gets Cold
By Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Recommended by Alicia LaMagdeleine, Head of School
“The whole series is a collection of interwoven stories dealing with loss and connection. It’s beautiful.”
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Memoirs and Personal Reflections
We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story
By Simu Liu
Recommended by Jamie MacDougall, Assistant Head of School & English Teacher
“Simu Liu’s fast-paced, humorous account of his life will inspire and entertain. We highly recommend the audiobook, narrated by Liu himself.”
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Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man’s World
By Lauren Fleshman
Recommended by Ashley Crockett-Lohr, Director of Admission
A thought-provoking memoir blending athletics, feminism, and personal growth.
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Wintering
By Katherine May
Recommended by Nila Nealy, Director of Communications
“Wintering encourages us to honor our natural need for rest and seasonality. Katherine May’s beautifully written reflections, including her experiences with autism, make this a thoughtful and meaningful read.”
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The Book of Delights
By Ross Gay
Recommended by Nila Nealy, Director of Communications
“This book is itself a delight! Ross Gay writes lovely essays about the small wonders in his day-to-day life. It’s a great reminder to notice what’s right in front of us and find joy in the little things.”
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Books for Nature and Science Enthusiasts
The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World
By Robin Wall Kimmerer
Recommended by Jamie MacDougall, Assistant Head of School & English Teacher
“Blending science, Indigenous teachings, and wisdom, Kimmerer’s latest work explores the beauty of reciprocity in nature.”
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Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Nature, Science, and Spirit
By Lyanda Lynn Haupt
Recommended by Nila Nealy, Director of Communications
“The day after visiting Glacier National Park, I began reading this exploration of the interconnectedness of all living things. Haupt blends science with a kind of secular spirituality, offering a call to deepen and nurture our relationships with nature.”
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The Human Cosmos: Civilization and the Stars
By Jo Marchant
Recommended by Nila Nealy, Director of Communications
“A fascinating exploration of how humanity’s connection to the stars has shaped civilizations throughout history, blending science, culture, and philosophy.”
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Books About Animals
Animals in Translation
By Temple Grandin
Recommended by Stacey Summitt-Mann, Assistant Head of School & Science Teacher
A fascinating look into the minds of animals from an expert in animal behavior.
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Inside of a Dog
By Alexandra Horowitz
Recommended by Stacey Summitt-Mann, Assistant Head of School & Science Teacher
Exploring the world from a dog’s perspective, this book is a must-read for dog enthusiasts.
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Alex & Me
By Irene Pepperberg
Recommended by Stacey Summitt-Mann, Assistant Head of School & Science Teacher
The heartwarming story of a scientist and her extraordinary parrot.
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The Photo Ark
By Joel Sartore
Recommended by Stacey Summitt-Mann, Assistant Head of School & Science Teacher
A stunning photographic journey through the animal kingdom.
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Thought-Provoking Nonfiction
The Emotional Lives of Teenagers
By Lisa Damour
Recommended by Alicia LaMagdeleine, Head of School
“If you didn’t read this when Dr. Damour visited campus, it is worth a read now. As a teacher and a mom, I found some of her tips and reminders very helpful.”
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Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed
By Dashka Slater
Recommended by Ashley Crockett-Lohr, Director of Admission
A compelling story exploring the consequences of racism in the digital age and the complexities of accountability.
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An Emancipation of the Mind: Radical Philosophy, the War over Slavery, and the Refounding of America
By Matthew Stewart
Recommended by Dave Vesper, Associate Head of School
“A new perspective on the role of religion and slavery in America from the late 1700s to the Civil War. A fascinating read for history enthusiasts.”
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Cassandra Speaks
By Elizabeth Lesser
Recommended by Erica Posthuma, Science Teacher
“An exploration of how society might differ if women had been the storytellers throughout history.”
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Let’s Talk: An Essential Guide to Skillful Communication
By Mudita Nisker and Dan Clurman
Recommended by Nila Nealy, Director of Communications
Written by communication experts, this book offers clear, practical advice on improving personal communication to strengthen relationships and increase satisfaction.
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For Food Lovers
A Meatloaf in Every Oven: Two Chatty Cooks Share Their Favorite Recipes
By Frank Bruni and Jennifer Steinhauer
Recommended by Kathleen Armato, Math Teacher
“Chuck [Webster] loved the book and gave it to several people (including me). It’s fun to read—even if you aren’t going to make meatloaf.”
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