Holiday Book Recs, Day 4: If you have friends like these . . .

Have you ever watched a television show or movie and realized the character on screen is just like your best friend? Or maybe a character reminds you of the class clown who plays jokes in homeroom, or the school jock who runs laps around you in gym class?

When I watch Degrassi: The Next Generation, there are lots of characters I identify with, and lots who remind me of my friends. And since this is the holiday season, I got to thinking: what gifts would the characters on Degrassi like? And would my friends like them too?

So this holiday season, if you’re stuck on gift ideas and you have friends like the Degrassi kids, maybe these recommendations will help!

If you know an Emma:
On Degrassi, Emma starts off as the environmental activist who always stands her ground even when she's being teased. If you have a friend like Emma, encourage her activism with books like The Down to Earth Guide to Global Warming, the award-winning book from Laurie David and Cambria Gordon that offers simple steps anyone can take to help the planet.

If you know a Manny:
Sassy, strong, and a top-notch cheerleader, Manny is one of those girls who seems to find trouble at every turn. But she always comes through with grace. If you have a friend like Manny, give her The Accidental Cheerleader by Mimi McCoy, where a friendship is tested against a fun, competitive cheerleading background.

If you know a Marco:
Do you have a unique, true-to-himself friend who would do anything to help you even when he’s facing troubles of his own? Like Marco, a friend like that deserves a great gift. Try Knights of the Lunch Table: The Dodgeball Chronicles by Frank Cammuso, which follows Artie as he eases into his new life at Camelot Middle School. You’ll recognize some of his heroics!

If you know a Spinner:
Are you friends with the class goofball whose good heart is often overshadowed by his silly mistakes? On Degrassi, Spinner reminds me of a Weasley brother from Harry Potter. If you have a friend like him, I recommend The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J. K. Rowling, the much-anticipated book that fans learned about in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It’s just the kind of book Ron Weasley would enjoy! (And it's unveiled in stores today!)

If you know a Paige:
Fashion-forward and popular Paige is one of the queen bees of Degrassi. If you’re friends with a similar girl, I’m sure she’d like Miss Popularity by Francesco Sedita, where stylish, friendly Cassie moves to a new school and goes from A-list to nobody. It’s an entertaining read about finding new friends in a strange land!

Happy shopping, and happy reading!

— Morgan, Scholastic Staffer

Comments

[Comment #1]

i love the candy apple books my fave is miss popularity i think its fuuny

[Comment #2]

I love BEEDLE THE BARD stories. My favorite Habbity Babbity and her Cackiling stump.

[Comment #3]

I have read two of those bookss,The cheerleader one and the miss popular one to!. They're both amazing!