Christmas Shopping for the Grandchildren

November 28, 2011

As the holiday season quickly approaches, I find myself thinking about what to get for my grandchildren. One of the things I always include in my gift giving for them is a book. I started this tradition many years ago when my first grandchild was born.

These past few months, I have read a few of the current Mark Twain Nominees including Storm Chaser written by Chris Platt, which was my favorite. Storm Chaser is a book about thirteen year old Jessica Warner and her family. They live on a ranch where they raise cattle and specialize in training horses. With cattle prices low, they can only train so many horses a year. The family has some serious financial problems. A new herd of horses is brought in from the range, and instantly, Jessica falls in love with one of them. She hopes that she can keep the mare for her own as her current horse is getting very old. Then during a storm, lightning strikes and a fire destroys the barn. It throws Jessica’s family into even more of a financial crisis. Along with selling all the new horses, the Warner’s decide to turn their home into a dude ranch to bring in extra income. Jessica thinks that it will be fun to meet guests her age, but after meeting an older girl who criticizes everyone, Jessica learns to be true to herself and her friends. Though this is a typical girl and her horse story, it has a powerful message of self-discovery and would reach any young girl, horse lover or not.

You know, this will make a wonderful gift for my youngest granddaughter who will soon be eight. There are many wonderful books out now. My grandchildren all look forward to seeing what I will pick out for them each year. Check out some of the other Mark Twain nominees to add to your shopping list this Christmas season.

Terri S.
North Oak Branch