Subway Reads: The Holiday Gift Guide. 18 and under

To say these are exclusively for the wee ones would be misleading. I've read and enjoyed each one. A few were written for kids but transcend that limitation, and others, well, think of it as your duty as aunt, uncle, or cousin to help shape the young, malleable aesthetic of a teen/preteen in your life.

For the wild ones (or the ones who wish they were wild):

Cathy's Book: If Found Call 650-266-8233
by Sean Stewart and Jordan Weisman

This book took a lot of heat for alleged "product placement," whatever you think about the color of Cathy's lipstick, it's a fun, adventurous read for preteen girls and even for those who managed to escape adolescence.

For those who still believe that fairy tales are beautiful:

I, Coriander
by Sally Gardner

Get her hooked on historical fiction early with a splash of magic. Although the ending might not hold up to an adult's expectation, the book as a whole is captivating.

For the punk-in-training:

Bazaar Bizarre: Not Your Granny's Crafts!
by Greg Der Ananian

Greg's been craftin' long before these other books were mere twinkles in the eye. To prove it, he cross-stitched the cover. Really. Inside there is a range of crafts designed to teach the basics, so you, ahem, your loved one will be ready to tackle any project. (better buy two... just in case)

For the romantic/goth/comic enthusiast:

The Illustrated Dracula
by Bram Stoker, illustrations by Jae Lee

The horror classic that started it all gets 40 illustrations from comics master Jae Lee.

A very nice companion to ...

The Illustrated Jane Eyre
by Charlotte Bronte, illustrations by Dame Darcy

Get her hooked on feminism and d.i.y. all in one handy volume! Underground comic grrl Dame Darcy eloquently accompanies Bronte's famous prose.

For the religously minded:

Seek Find: The Bible for All People
by American Bible Society

Yep, the Good Book with a pretty cover. They'll be the envy of the youth group (oh wait ...)

Subway Reads is off for the holidays today, so today's installment will probably be the last. Happy hunting ...

Find your local bookseller here.