by Abby Johnson (adapted)
Kids may be still stuck at home in this new year, but luckily there are plenty of great shows to stream- and good books to accompany them.
Alex Rider
IMDb TV via Prime Video. TV-14
After the death of his uncle, 14-year-old Alex Rider, who is British, continues his uncle's secret agent work in this action-packed series by Anthony Horowitz that's just been released as a TV adaptation. The first book, Stormbreaker, was published in 2001, and the latest, Nightshade, was just released in 2020.
READ-ALIKES
All Fall Down. ("Embassy Row" series). Ally Carter. 2015. Gr. 7 Up
Nobody believes the U.S. ambassador's 16-year-old granddaughter's claims that her mother was murdered. But when the murderer shows back up in her life, Grace must prevent him from killing again. This novel combines political intrigue with a high-stakes mystery.
Fake ID. L.R. Giles. 2014. Grade 9 Up
Nick Pearson (not his real name) is part of the witness protection program, and his father's continued dealings with shady characters keep exposing their family. When a fellow high school student turns up dead, Nick investigates the murder, even though it brings him closer to blowing his cover. This fast-paced thriller will keep readers at the edge of their seats, wondering whom they can trust.
Independence Hall ("I, Q" series). Roland Smith. 2008. Gr. 5-8
When 13-year-old Q goes on tour with his new stepfamily, he and his stepsister, Angela learn they're being followed- and that Angela's real mother is a former Secret Service agent. This high-octane thriller will please fans of nonstop action.
Animaniacs
Hulu. TV-Y7
The popular 1990s cartoon has been rebooted for Hulu, so a new generation of children can experience the wacky antics and funny humor Wacko, Yacko, Dot and friends.
READ-ALIKES
Akissi: Tales of Mischief. Marguerite Abouet. 2018. Gr. 2-5
This collection of comics depicts seven stories about Akissi and her misadventures around her Ivory Coast town. Readers who enjoy the naughty fun the Animaniacs get into will be absorbed by Akissi's antics.
Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas. Aaron Blabey. 2019. Preschool-Gr. 2
Readers who love to laugh will chuckle at this cartoony Australian import. Brian the piranha tries to get his fellow fish to eat fruits and vegetables instead of meat. Hand young fans Blabey's other witty books, too. (Read-aloud pro tip: Read "bananas" with an Australian accent to get the full effect.)
Miss Daisy is Crazy! ("My Weird School" series). Dan Gutman. 2004. Gr 1-3
While second grader AJ hates school, but he starts to like it more when his teacher, Miss Daisy, takes some of his wild ideas to heart in this early chapter book. This hilarious series is filled with zany exploits. And look for the graphic novel adaptations, coming this month.
The Little Kids Table. Mary Ann McCabe. 2015. Preschool-Gr 2
We all know that the little kids' table is way more fun than the adult table at family gatherings, and these rambunctious cousins prove it in this silly rhyming picture book. A funny tale with a large cast of characters that's perfect for a family read-aloud.
The Boy Who Crashed to Earth. Hilo: BK. 1. Judd Winick. 2015. Gr 2-6
In this fun science-fiction adventure, JD discovers an alien boy with superpowers who has just crashed to earth and must save the planet from an approaching enemy...if only he can remember what to do. A laugh-out-loud, action-packed graphic novel series starter.
Dash & Lily
Netflix. TV-14
Sixteen-year-olds Dash and Lily fall for each other as they use a notebook to trade dares that send them all over New York City during the holiday season. Based on the 2010 book Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn, this feel-good holiday romance series premiered on Netflix in November.
READ-ALIKES
Never Always Sometimes. Add Alsaid. 2015. Gr 9 Up
After being accepted to colleges, best friends Dave and Julia battle the senior slump by tackling all the items on the list of high school cliches they said they'd never do. As they take on the challenges, their feelings for each other heat up in this breezy romance. Readers who enjoy Dash and Lily's escapades will love seeing Dave and Julia taking dares of their own.
Somewhere Only We Know. Maurene Goo. 2019. Gr 9 Up
Lucky, a K-pop star, and Jack, and aspiring photographer, meet cute and spend one stolen day together around Hong Kong in this sweet teen romance. There are lots of urban adventures to love here.
My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories. Stephanie Perkins. 2014. Gr 9 Up
Readers who dig the romantic Christmas feels will devour these 12 holiday love stories by some of YA's top authors. Each story stands alone, making this collection perfect for dipping into during the busy holiday season or any time of year.
Kiss Me in New York. Catherine Rider. 2017. Gr 7 Up.
Charlotte and Anthony, both getting over breakups, meet on Christmas Eve at New York's JFK Airport. Discovering the book Get Over Your Ex in Ten Easy Steps at the airport bookstore, they spend an epic night together following the steps that take them around the city. Readers looking for another lighthearted, Christmas themed romance should pick this one up.
The Great British Baking Show
Netflix. TV-PG
Whether families are watching the latest season airing on Netflix or bingeing past ones on PBS, this gentle, cheerful competition show is currently inspiring many kids to take up baking.
READ-ALIKES
The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs. America's Test Kitchen. 2019. Gr 3-8
The kid-tested cookbook is perfect for children and teens who want to try their hand at baking. With sweet and savory recipes and testimonials from real kid bakers, it's a sure bet for Baking Show fans.
Pie in the Sky. Remy Lai. 2019. Gr 4-7
When his family immigrates to Australia, Jingwen feels like an alien because he doesn't speak English. To cope with his loneliness, he bakes elaborate cakes to pay homage to his late father, whose dream was to open a bakery. Readers impressed with the showstoppers on GBBS will be equally floored by Jingwen's sweet creations.
From the Desk of Zoe Washington. Janae Marks, 2020. Gr 4-7
Zoe dream of winning a spot on a kids' competitive baking show. She's spending her summer interning at a local bakery and strikes up a correspondence with her estranged, incarcerated father, though her mother wants her to stay away from him. This hopeful story about a young baker will appeal to readers interested in social justice issues.
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