If I had to buy a teenager a book this Christmas, I would have to select one of the Girlosophy books by Anthea Paul. Give the gift of self-esteem. I would purchase J. C Burke’s ‘The Story of Tom Brennan’, any of James Moloney or Michael Gerard Bauers recent books such as ‘Don’t Call Me Ishmael’ or ‘Lost Property’ are great novels. Maureen McCarthy and Brigid Lowrys’ latest releases were also great this year.

I have reviewed briefly all the books I have mentioned above and if you click on the young adult reading tag, you can browse through to find something that might interest your loved one. If you have a specific child in mind, email me with some info about them and I might be able to suggest something more specific. I would need age, interests, reading habits to make a really good choice. I am heading off on an adventure Saturday so better be quick!

I usually buy my kids a book at Christmas. I have been doing it for so long, they would miss it if I didn’t. In fact I buy every kid I buy gifts for, books. One year I thought I’d do something different and get beach towels, I felt I was being a bit selfish, because I love books so much and actually enjoy selecting them for the kids. Several complained that they were relying on my present for their summer reading, so I went back to my original strategy.

A book often doesn’t seem much to a kid when they first open it. So don’t expect too much instant gratitude. It’s often weeks or months later that you get the phone call or email to say what a great present it was and how much they loved it. I’ve never had that kind of feedback with other toys.