Best Children’s Literature Books December 2024

The Last Olympian

Percy Jackson’s sixteenth birthday looms, and with it, the fate of Olympus hangs in the balance. As the half-blood hero faces his destiny, New York City becomes a battleground for gods and monsters alike. Kronos’s army advances, and Percy must rally his friends to defend their home. Amidst the chaos, he grapples with prophecies, betrayals, and the weight of his choices. Riordan’s thrilling conclusion to the series blends humor, heart, and high-stakes action, leaving readers breathless until the very last page.

The Battle of the Labyrinth

Percy Jackson’s fourth summer at Camp Half-Blood promises to be his most perilous yet. The evil Titan lord Kronos is growing stronger, and his army threatens to invade the camp through an ancient maze. As Percy and his friends embark on a treacherous quest to navigate the Labyrinth, they face monsters, gods, and their own inner demons. With each step, the stakes grow higher, and Percy must confront his destiny as the prophecy looms. Riordan’s blend of humor, heart, and mythological mayhem keeps readers on the edge of their seats in this gripping adventure.

The Titan’s Curse

Percy Jackson’s winter break isn’t going as planned. A dangerous mission to rescue two demigods leads him face-to-face with a terrifying monster, and his friend Annabeth vanishes. As Percy and his allies race against time to save her, they uncover a sinister plot involving the Titan lord Kronos. With the winter solstice deadline looming, Percy must make an impossible choice that could change the fate of Olympus forever. Riordan’s wit and imagination shine in this thrilling adventure that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

The Serpent’s Shadow

Dive into the thrilling conclusion of the Kane Chronicles as Carter and Sadie face their greatest challenge yet. Riordan weaves Egyptian mythology with modern-day adventure, creating a spellbinding tale that kept me up all night. The siblings’ witty banter and growth throughout the series tugged at my heartstrings, while the high-stakes battle against Apophis had me on the edge of my seat. A satisfying end to a magical journey that left me both exhilarated and a little sad to say goodbye.

The Red Pyramid

I was skeptical when Dad dragged us to the British Museum on Christmas Eve, but I never expected it would lead to an ancient Egyptian god possessing him. Now my sister Sadie and I are on a wild adventure, racing to save Dad and stop the rise of chaos. With magic awakening inside us and mythical monsters on our tail, we’re in way over our heads. But we have to succeed – the fate of the world depends on it. At least we have a wise baboon and a grumpy cat goddess on our side…I think.

The Great Good Thing

Twelve-year-old Sylvie lives within the pages of a storybook, yearning for adventure beyond her scripted role. When a reader’s imagination transports her into the real world, she discovers a realm of endless possibilities. Navigating this strange new landscape, Sylvie grapples with her identity as both character and explorer. Townley’s enchanting tale blurs the lines between fiction and reality, inviting readers to ponder the magic of storytelling and the power of imagination. A whimsical journey that will captivate book lovers of all ages.

A Dog’s Life

Squirrel never knew life beyond the streets until a kind family took her in. Through her eyes, we experience the joys and hardships of a stray’s existence. From scavenging for food to seeking shelter from harsh weather, Squirrel’s tale is both heartwarming and eye-opening. Martin’s vivid storytelling brings this canine perspective to life, reminding us of the resilience and loyalty of man’s best friend. I found myself tearing up at times, rooting for Squirrel’s happiness.

Rain Reign

Rose Howard, a fifth-grader with high-functioning autism, finds solace in homonyms and prime numbers. Her world is turned upside down when her beloved dog, Rain, goes missing during a storm. As Rose embarks on a heartfelt search, she discovers unexpected courage and learns valuable lessons about family, friendship, and embracing change. Martin’s touching narrative offers a unique glimpse into the mind of a child with autism, weaving together themes of love, loss, and personal growth in this poignant tale of a girl and her dog.

Fish in a Tree

Ally has always been different, but she’s never understood why. Struggling to hide her inability to read, she uses humor and mischief to distract from her academic shortcomings. But when a new teacher sees through her facade, Ally’s world begins to change. With patience and understanding, Mr. Daniels helps her discover her true potential, proving that being different isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. This heartwarming tale of self-discovery reminds us that everyone’s mind works uniquely, and that’s what makes us special.

Stanley Will Probably Be Fine

Stanley Fortinbras has always been a bit different. His anxiety makes crowded spaces unbearable, but he finds solace in comics and trivia. When his school announces a citywide scavenger hunt, Stanley sees it as a chance to prove himself. Teaming up with his new friend Liberty, he navigates bustling streets and his own fears. As they decipher clues and uncover secrets, Stanley realizes that bravery comes in many forms. With humor and heart, this story celebrates the power of friendship and self-discovery in overcoming life’s challenges.