Xmas Book Picks for the Xbox Generation

I have a kid. A rough and tumble, Xbox playing, iTouch texting, nerf shooting tween boy.

And you know what? He loves books.

Year after year, they’re on his Christmas list, alongside the video games, Lego sets, and foam darts. Yes, you heard me right. A boy. Who reads. Want to know my secret? How I created such a budding bookavore?

I’m sneaky. I lurk. I watch and observe. I find out what games and movies he loves and then I fiendishly offer books which complement them. Why fight pop culture, when you can pair up interactive media and a good book like tender steak and a fine Cabernet?

This holiday, why not encourage your own XBox kids to enjoy one of the following picks?

For the tween/teen obsessed with HALO, pick up a copy of ENDER’S GAME by Orson Scott Card (an amazing classic) or Brian Yansky’s riveting new adventure, ALIEN INVASION AND OTHER INCONVENIENCES. Both are guaranteed to please kids (and adults!)  into the whole rocket launching, would-be saviors of earth thing.

So your reluctant reader is more into zombies and ghosts, ala FALLOUT 3 or ALAN WAKE? No problem. Middle grade readers will enjoy Neil Gaiman’s THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, full of the supernatural adventures of a boy named Bod. Olders teens are sure to devour Jonathan Maberry’s smash PATIENT ZERO or his latest, ROT & RUIN.

**NOTE: Not that I’m biased or anything, but it should go without saying that any of A. Lee Martinez’ books (THE AUTOMATIC DETECTIVE, GIL’S ALL FRIGHT DINER)  are home run hits with the monsters vs. aliens crowd, too.**

For hardcore FINAL FANTASY or FABLE aficionados, I suggest Garth Nix’s SABRIEL or MISTER MONDAY. Both begin  fantastic, magical series. Arthur Slade’s steampunk-tastic THE HUNCHBACK ASSIGNMENTS will satisfy a hunger for epic adventure as well.  Many other great fantasy titles can be found here.

In the comments below, I’d love to hear what terrific books do you recommend this Christmas for the Xbox crowd.

Hungry for more?

Try this recipe for Snarf Worthy Caramel Brownies, one of my fave holiday snacks.