Read Like a Librarian: Our Favorite Holiday Reads

As the festive season settles in, KDL librarians are excited to share the holiday stories they love most. These recommendations are meant to help you find the perfect cozy read for the season. Whether you’re seeking nostalgia, laughter or a heartwarming escape, our librarians have something special to brighten your holiday reading list.

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
This is the heartwarming story of a family that lives on 141st in New York City.   The family receives a notice that their grumpy landlord will not renew their lease and they must find a new place to live before the first of the year.    Devasted, the kids come together to plot ways to win over their landlord and keep the family home.  But, with the clock ticking and Christmas just days away, will their attempts be enough to make their holiday dreams come true?  This cozy holiday story is perfect for a family road trip.
-Nanette, Cascade Twp. Branch

The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch
This cozy warm hug of a book is like a magical Hallmark movie but make it a gay romance romp. The prince of Christmas and prince of Halloween must team up to compete for the many holiday kingdoms while trying to put a stop to a disastrous arranged marriage. It's just as silly as it sounds and so much fun!
-Nathan, Wyoming Branch

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Novik’s retelling of winter folklore is sharp and gorgeous, full of frost-rimmed forests, impossible bargains and complicated girls who carve their own futures.
-Aude, Walker Branch

I'm Dreaming of a Wyatt Christmas by Tiffany Schmidt
Noelle's dream is to attend Beacon, an elite ballet company, and go on to become a professional ballerina, but the tuition is looking like an impossibility for her family to afford. When her babysitting clients, and the parents of her long-time crush, Wyatt, invite her to come along to watch their younger son on their annual family skiing trip over winter break, at double her rate, she jumps at the chance. This clean YA is nothing but fun wrapped in a heartwarming coming-of-age and self-discovery bow.
-Taylor, Spencer Twp. Branch

The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
A cold, ancient magic wakes as the solstice approaches, and every page feels like standing outside in crisp December air listening for something old in the wind. It’s a book that understands the hush and weight of winter in your bones.
-Aude, Walker Branch

Grace & Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman
Grace and Henry both just lost their spouses a year ago, and so the upcoming holiday season looks especially bleak. After a humorous failed attempt by their mothers to set the pair up together, instead Grace and Henry discover a shared love of holiday movies. They decide to watch their favorite Christmas films together, and over time, come to recognize their friendship could be the key to new happiness. Deeply sad, deeply funny, and lots of movie references.
-Natalie, Byron Twp. Branch

Love You a Latke by Amanda Elliot
Hallmark meets Hanukkah in this cozy grumpy-sunshine read. What's a nonpracticing Jewish woman to do when she is tasked with arranging her small town's last-minute Hanukkah festival? Find someone else from the community on a dating app, naturally. And, of course, Seth is happy to assist - he's the most annoyingly helpful and cheery person she knows. But that help comes with an unexpected condition - pretend to be his girlfriend for his holiday trip home to his parents' house. All. Eight. Nights. Filled with food, festivities and tropes galore!
-Erica, Tyrone Twp. Branch

Whiteout by several contributing authors
The holiday rush, the crowded mall and a wild storm all come together to create havoc in the lives of these friends.  Somehow, they all band together to try to create a little magic and bring much-needed joy to two of the best people they know.  A page-turning, fun ride that will fill you with holiday spirit.
-Julie, Byron Twp. Branch

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
If you're in the mood for something that feels like Knives Out wandered into a winter rom-com romp, this one will absolutely *sleigh* you.
-Clare, Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch

All's Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon
Mackenzie and Jeremy are both chosen to be runners-up for the annual promotion at their graphic design firm, but when the winner is to be decided by who shows the most Holiday spirit, it turns into a holly jolly office rivalry — and possibly more. Tackling themes of overcoming social anxiety, single parenting, and the struggle of seeing a parent going through the stages of Alzheimer's, there's as much heart and meaning as upbeat Holiday cheer.
-Taylor, Spencer Twp. Branch

Krampus: The Yule Lord by Brom
A gritty and myth-rich story that asks whether we’ve forgotten the older winter gods in our rush toward modern holiday cheer. Brom paints Krampus with all the wild beauty and menace of an ancient spirit who’s been waiting too long.
-Aude, Walker Branch