We’re gearing up for gift-giving season, and I bugged a few of my gracious middle grade author friends for ideas on what to pair with their books for some fun bundles. Kids love unboxing presents that have an element of YayNow (cool toy/food/drink!) and YayLater (book to cozy up with!), and these bundles are it!
Middle grade books are for readers ages 8-12. The books below have all been published within the last 3-4 years, and many are by diverse, best-selling, and/or award-winning voices. Happy reading (and gifting!)
Adrianna Cuevas‘s The Ghosts of Rancho Espanto + Texas-themed treats like Texas Lavender Lotion or a Berdoll Pecans tin
Alechia Dow’s Just a Pinch of Magic + King Arthur Baking Company Make Your Own Hot Cocoa Kit
Ali Terese’s Free Period + yarn and a crochet hook
Alyssa Colman’s The Gilded Girl + the National Geographic Mega Crystal Growing Lab
Derrick Chow‘s Ravenous Things + lights for navigating everything from dark subway tunnels to book pages, from the comfort of your favorite reading spot!
Erik Jon Slangerup’s Molly and the Machine + a robot building kit like the Lego Creator 3 in 1 Space Robot Building Toy
Janae Marks‘s A Split Second + a book nook kit
Julie Abe‘s Tessa Miyata is No Hero + Pocky Variety Pack
Kalyn Josephson’s Ravenfall + Trader Joe’s Drinking Chocolate
Misty Wilson’s Play Like a Girl and + Franklin Sports iColor Kids Mini Football
Sarah J. Mendonca‘s An Encantadora’s Guide to Monstros and Magic + Mudpuppy’s Bookish Cats 500-piece Family Puzzle
Tracy Badua and Alechia Dow‘s Their Just Desserts + a podcast & vlogging kit
Tracy Badua’s Ghoul Summer + a walking tour to learn more about little-known local history (like one by Meandering Maps, a new woman-owned tour company in the Washington, DC area)
Tracy Badua’s The Takeout + local restaurant gift card
Van Hoang’s Girl Giant and the Monkey King + a gift card to a favorite boba tea spot like Tastea
