Best Bearily Bear Books : 2019 Holiday Gift Guide

I’ve been thinking about putting together a book list for awhile now for some of my favorite picks from 2019 that I love as giving gifts. They range from everything from raising confident girls, celebrating diversity, kindness to one other, and caring for the environment.

Now, that I’m launching Bearily Bear, I finally have a place to put my first curated list of books that you can give as gifts for this holiday season.

Favorite Books for Empowering Girls:

1. Sofia Valdez Future Prez

The newest picture book from the Questioneers series. The book features a community leader who stands up for what she believes in. It’s a great addition to the Ada Twist, Rosie Reverse, and Iggy Peck series. I also love that it is available in audio for those impossibly long car rides.

Purchase the book or audiobook here on Amazon.

If you’re looking for a great stocking stuffer to go with those books you can get the

Merry Makers Ada Twist Scientist Doll or the Rosier Revere Engineer Doll.

2. HO’ONANI HULA WARRIOR

Another favorite story tells the story of a girl named Ho’onani who dreams of leading an all-male troupe of dancers. This inspiring book is based on a true story, is a celebration of Hawaiian culture, and female empowerment.

Purchase the book here on Amazon.

3. Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman

This is one of my favorite stories of perserverence and will and what it takes to achieve greatness. It’s not a new book but always makes an amazing gift.

Purchase the book here on Amazon

Books that celebrate Diversity

4. Sulwe

The beautiful illustrations in this book by Lupita Nyong blew me away. This is my favorite book from my childrens’ book fair. The story focuses on a little girl who addresses colorism and self-esteem within the context of an easy to understand book. She’s just little different than the rest of her family, but eventually finds herself. I have bought these one as a gift for all my friends’ daughters.

Purchase the book on Amazon

5. We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga

The word otsaliheliga is used by members of Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. The book explores how we show gratitude for each other, animals, birds, fish, and the land around us and very timely for the holidays.

Purchase the book on Amazon.

6. Fry Bread

This is a sweet story that connects culture and food told from the view of a Native American family. When you are done reading the book, your child will want to try fry bread.

Purchase on Amazon here.

7.The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh

The story focuses on a little boy named Harpreet who had trouble adjusting to life after his family moves to a new city. The story balances colors with emotions and portrays Sikh culture in a beautiful story.

Purchase on Amazon here or my favorite book store, Books of Wonder.

Books on Climate Change:

8. Our House is on Fire: Greta Thunberg’s Call to Save the Planet

Purchase on Amazon here.

9. Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth

Purchase the book on Amazon here or your local bookstore.