Looking for some last-minute gifts for the children or teens on your list?

Books can make a great gift, even for older and more reluctant readers.

A well-chosen book can be an amazing gift — it shows that you’ve taken the time to consider the child’s interests, and can spark a passion that lasts well beyond the holiday season. The cold, lazy days of winter break are also a great time to start a new book or series.

To get started on the remainder of your holiday shopping list, check out these books recommended by local readers and library staff members.

Young children and early readers

“Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site” by Sherri Duskey Rinker

“There’s a Bear on My Chair” by Ross Collins

“Llama Llama Loves to Read” by Anna Dewdney

“Grumpy Monkey” by Suzanne Long

“Dragons Love Tacos” and “Dragons Love Tacos 2” by Adam Rubin

“Giraffes Can’t Dance” by Giles Andreae. An inspiring book for children facing everyday struggles: When a giraffe struggles to use his long legs and lengthy neck to dance like many of the other animals at the Jungle Dance, he finds his own rhythm and dance.

“Princess in Black” series by Shannon Hale

“‘The Princess in Black’ series is great for newly independent readers. The stories are exciting and the illustrations are colorful and fun,” said Lehighton librarian Melissa Hawk.

“These superhero princesses don’t wait to be rescued. They save the day!”

“Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” by Mo Willems

“Last Stop on Market Street” by Matt de la Peña

“What I Like About Me” by Allia Zobel Nolan

“I like Myself” by Karen Beaumont

Midlevel readers

“She Made a Monster” by Lynn Fulton

“The Zach and Zoe Mysteries: the Missing Baseball” by Mike Lupica

“The Boy, the Bird and the Coffin Maker” by Matilda Woods

“Dork Diaries” by Rachel Renee Russell

“The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown

“The Magic Treehouse” series by Mary Pope Osbourne is an adventurous series with dozens of books to choose from, each featuring different topics, people and historic events that can attract a wide variety of interests.

“Sisters Grimm” by Michael Buckley. “These fun twists on familiar fairy tales will appeal to kids who are ready for longer books and love an adventure,” said Hawk.

“Smile” by Raina Telgemeier

“Wonder” by R.J. Palacio

“Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas” by Jonathan W. Stokes

“Ranger’s Apprentice Series” by John Flanagan

Young adult

“Turtles All the Way Down” by John Green

“180 Seconds” by Jessica Parks

“Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library” by Chris Grabenstein

“Bridge of Clay” by Markus Zusak

“Dumplin’” by Julie Murphy

“Puddin’” by Julie Murphy

“Dumplin’” and “Puddin’” feature a new type of heroine in this powerful story about finding confidence by being yourself.

Hot this year: STEAM books

Shopping for a reluctant reader, or a child who would rather do hands-on projects than sit down with a book? Consider a nonfiction book about their favorite topic, or check out these STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) books that walk children (and a supervising adult) through fun experiments and projects.

“Maker Lab: Outdoors: 25 Super Cool Projects” is geared toward kids 8-12 years of age.

“The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments: Awesome Things To Do With Your Parents, Babysitters and Other Adults” is geared toward kids 5-12 years of age.

“Crafty Science: More than 20 Sensational STEAM Projects to Create at Home” is for kids 5-8 years old.

“STEAM Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Hands-On Projects for Exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math” is for kids 8-11 years old.

“Awesome Science Experiments for Kids: 100+ Fun STEM/STEAM Projects and Why They Work” is for kids from 5-10 years of age.

“All of these titles provide fun activities and explain the science or technology behind them. Common household items are used and clear instructions and photographs provide guidance,” said Hawk.

“To make it an extra special gift, pack up some of the materials to get them started or add a coupon promising your help with some of the experiments!”

“This is How We Do It” by Matt Lamothe

“13 Art Mysteries Children Should Know” by Angela Wenzel

“Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World” by Reshma Saujani

“Finance 101 for Kids: Money Lessons Children Cannot Afford to Miss” by Walter Andal

“Spilling Ink: A Young Writer’s Handbook” by Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter