Judah is 10 (and ¾!) and is a super reader. He devours books like I have never seen so long as they fit his interests. He’s really into young adult fantasy – particularly dragons. After several requests, he’s begun working on a running list of books he loves so he can share his passion with you. If you’re looking for detailed insight, you can look over his book list here. He will continue to add to it. 

When we asked Judah what he wants for Christmas, he literally wrote a multiple-page list of books. In light of the Holiday season at hand, we thought we would synthesize his recommendations to help you find the perfect gift for your adventure-book-loving kiddo!

On purpose, this list doesn't include titles you're likely already familiar with: there are no Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Chronicles of Narnia, or Tolkien works on this list. Those are all fantastic, but we wanted to reach a little deeper into Judah's repertoire to find, perhaps, some delightful new gems for your household.

by Tui T. Sutherland

This is a 15-book fantasy Dragon series. There are 3 series of 5 books, each written from a different dragon’s POV. The first five books have also been made into graphic novels. If your kiddo loves dragons, this is the perfect series to hold their attention for a long time!

The first series of five books is The Dragonet Prophecy and introduces readers to the world of Pyrrhia--a world of unique dragon tribes with skills that befit their environment. The five main tribes are at war after the Sand Queen died under suspicious circumstances and none of the other Queens could decide on which of the three daughters should succeed the throne. 

Then came the Dragonet Prophecy, claiming that five dragons - one from each tribe - would come together to end the war and save the dragon world.

The adventure takes readers to all corners of the map, and introduces characters you will come to love and hate, as the heroes make difficult choices along the path to saving the world.

by Kieran Larwood

A six book series chronicling a fantasy world of rabbits. Three young siblings are on the run from the villainous Gorm tribe who have killed and enslaved their clan. Podkin, once destined to be clan leader, has always been spoiled, but now he must act bravely as he, his older sister, and baby brother flee for their lives. This series is adventurous and heart warming – the third book is at the top of Judah’s Christmas wishlist!

The first book introduces Podkin One Ear. Podkin One-Ear is a revered figure in rabbit society, renowned for his prowess in combat. But what led to his ascent as a warrior? A traveling bard arrives at Thornwood Warren on Midwinter night and, in exchange for food and lodging, regales the rabbits with the tale of Podkin's rise to fame. The story details the young rabbit's encounter with a formidable adversary and his ultimate triumph, solidifying his place as the greatest fighter in the land.

The adventure is grand and offers lessons in courage, bravery, and a sense of self.

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia

Tristan Strong is a middle grade fantasy novel. The story follows Tristan Strong, a seventh grader who loves comics and storytelling. When Tristan's grandmother passes away, he is sent to stay with his grandfather on a farm in Alabama. Tristan is devastated and misses his home in Chicago, but his grandfather helps him to find solace in the stories and traditions of their ancestors.

One night, Tristan finds a mysterious bottle containing a mysterious shadow. After accidentally breaking the bottle, he punches the tree in anger, creating a wormhole into a new world. Tristan is transported to the realm of Alke, a world of African American folklore and mythology. In Alke, Tristan meets Anansi the spider god, who is also known as the trickster god. Anansi tells Tristan that he has been chosen to help save the world from the evil god of chaos, Tariku.

Tristan is hesitant at first, but he quickly realizes that he is the only one who can help. He teams up with John Henry to embark on a dangerous journey to defeat Maafa and restore order to Alke. Along the way, Tristan learns about the power of storytelling and the importance of his own cultural heritage. With the help of his new friends, Tristan must find the strength and courage to overcome the challenges ahead and save the world of Alke.

Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse

The book is based on Diné (Navajo) mythology and follows Nizhoni Begay, who has the self-proclaimed power of detecting monsters, as she adventures with her brother, Mac, and her best friend, Davery Descheny, through a series of trials to the House of the Sun to find her father, who was taken by the mysterious Mr. Charles.

In Nizhoni Begay's world, monsters are real and she is the only one who can see them. After spotting one at her basketball game, she tells her younger brother, Mac. When the monster kidnaps her father to lure Mac into servitude, kill Nizhoni, and destroy the world, she seeks help from her biracial best friend, Davery. The three embark on a journey to save Nizhoni's dad, with help from a talking stuffed toy named Mr. Yazzie and characters from Diné culture. 

With powers inherited from monster-slaying ancestors, assistance from Holy People, and weapons from the Sun, Nizhoni must believe in herself and sacrifice what's most important in order to succeed. The novel incorporates elements of Diné culture and features a strong female protagonist.

Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee

The series follows Min, a teenage fox spirit, who runs away from her home in order to figure out what happened to her lost brother, Jun. After leaving home and stowing away on a cadet training ship, Min learns that they are quickly approaching the Ghost Sector, in which the lost powerful Dragon Pearl is said to have been laid to rest. The series is based on Korean folklore and blends seamlessly with science fiction to bring a fast-paced and magical story to life.

Thirteen-year-old Min comes from a long line of fox spirits who must hide their magical abilities and appear human at all times. Min feels stifled by the household rules and resents the endless chores and the judgment of her aunties. She dreams of escaping her neglected, impoverished planet and following her older brother, Jun, into the Space Forces. When he is reported missing, she flees home in search of the truth.

Min is aided on her journey by two other supernatural Space Force cadets: Haneul, a female dragon, and Sujin, a nonbinary goblin. The three form a close bond as they face challenges and danger together. As they travel through the lawless Ghost Sector and encounter various mythological creatures, they must work together to uncover the truth about Jun and the Dragon Pearl. Along the way, Min grapples with issues of identity and the consequences of using forbidden magic. She also learns about the power of family and the importance of standing up for what is right.

The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes

The book follows Zane Obispo, a 13-year-old boy who lives in the New Mexican desert with his mother and their dog, Rosie. Zane has always felt a strong connection to the dormant volcano near his home, and he spends much of his time exploring it. However, he doesn't realize that the volcano is actually a prison for the god of death, Ah-Puch, and that he is at the center of a powerful prophecy.

On his first day at a new school, Zane meets a mysterious girl named Brooks who tells him that he is destined to release an evil god from an ancient Maya relic. She warns him that if he doesn't find and remove the relic first, the god will be unleashed and bring about the end of the world. Zane and Brooks set off on a dangerous journey to find the relic and save the world, aided by a cast of mythical creatures and gods from Maya mythology.

As they search for the relic, Zane learns that he is part of a prophecy that has been foretold for centuries. He also discovers that his father is a powerful god and that he himself has special powers that will help him in his quest. Despite his limitations – Zane has a limp and uses a cane to walk – he must overcome his fears and doubts and become the hero that the prophecy foretells.

This is an exciting adventure story that is packed with action and full of mythical creatures and gods from Maya mythology. 

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

The books focus on 12-year-old Aru Shah who is a mischievous girl who has always been in the shadow of her successful and perfect mother. When she is left alone at home, she decides to light the Lamp of Bharata, an ancient artifact that is forbidden to be touched. However, when she lights the lamp, she releases the Sleeper, an ancient demon who was trapped inside the lamp by her mother.

Aru is shocked and scared, but she soon learns that she is the reincarnation of a Pandava warrior and is the only one who can stop the Sleeper from destroying the world. She is joined on her quest by Mini, a girl who is also a Pandava warrior, and they set off on a dangerous journey to find the pieces of the shattered lamp and put an end to the Sleeper's reign of terror.

Along the way, Aru and Mini face a variety of challenges and obstacles, including mythical creatures and gods from Hindu mythology. They must use their intelligence, courage, and resourcefulness to overcome these obstacles and save the world.

"Aru Shah and the End of Time" is an exciting and action-packed adventure story that is full of mythical creatures and gods from Hindu mythology. It will appeal to fans of Rick Riordan's books and anyone interested in learning more about this ancient culture.

The Green Ember is a beloved children's novel by S.D. Smith. The story follows a young rabbit named Heather and her brother Picket as they navigate a dangerous world filled with injustice and evil. Heather and Picket are forced to flee their home when it is attacked by a group of vicious wolves, and they soon find themselves caught up in a rebellion against a tyrannical ruler. Along the way, they encounter a wide array of interesting characters, including wise old rabbits, brave soldiers, and ferocious birds of prey.

As the siblings journey across the land, they must use all of their wits and courage to survive. They must also learn to trust each other and rely on their friends and allies in order to overcome the many challenges they face. The Green Ember is known for its captivating storytelling, richly detailed world-building, and complex characters. It is the first book in a popular series, and has spawned several sequels and spin-off novels.

Overall, The Green Ember is a thrilling and exciting adventure story that will captivate young readers. It is a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure, and is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it. Whether you are a child or an adult, The Green Ember is a novel that will transport you to a magical world and keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Peter Nimble and his Fantastic Eyes is a captivating adventure by Jonathan Auxier. Peter is a blind orphan who is trained in the art of thievery by a beggarmonger named Mr. Seamus. One day, while breaking into the carriage of a mysterious Haberdasher, Peter discovers a box that contains three sets of eyes. Trying on the first pair, he is transported to a reclusive island, setting him on a fantastic journey. 

Throughout his journey, Peter encounters a variety of magical and fantastical characters, including a talking knight/horse/cat named Sir Tode, a group of crows who can speak, and a giant sea monster. 

As Peter sets out on his quest, he faces many challenges and dangers. He must outwit and outfight a variety of foes, including pirates, thieves, and evil knights. He also encounters several riddles and puzzles that he must solve in order to progress. Along the way, he learns more about himself and his own abilities, and begins to discover his true identity and place in the world.

It contains elements of nonsensical fantasy similar to Alice in Wonderland, but also has similarities to Peter Pan. The book is written in a way that makes readers feel as if the author is telling the story to them, drawing them in and creating a sense of intimacy.