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2016 Holiday Gifts for Tween Readers Ages 9 – 12

by Melissa Taylor

Books make the best gifts, particularly books that hook kids from the first page. These 2016 favorites will grab your kids’ attention and keep them reading long after the last present is opened. Here you’ll find gift ideas for every type of tween reader on your holiday list whether she likes magical adventures or he loves humorous crime-solving dogs.

  • Arts and Science

  • Maker Lab

    by Jack Challoner

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    Created with the Smithsonian Institution, this National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA)-winning book is filled with 28 science experiments and crafts for our next generation of makers. With difficulty rankings and time estimates, kids (and parents) will know what they’re diving into with each project. Better still, young inventors can construct a solar system, build an exploding volcano, and race balloon rocket cars — and do it all (and much more) using only household items.

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  • Doodle Games Activity Book

    by Joe Rhatigan, illustrated by Anthony Owsley

    Grab a pencil and paper, invite a friend or work by yourself, then use your doodle skills for fun. Create masterpieces from random shapes, combine two animals to make a mutant creature, or use only five dots to draw a person. Whatever activity you pick, you’ll be creating delightful, artistic experiences.