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Best books of the year along with some holiday favorites

Posted at 1:47 PM, Dec 01, 2015
and last updated 2015-12-01 15:47:23-05

Brent Jensen, creator of Sir Owen: the little free library, shares a fun new tradition as well as some of his favorite books with us.

"Azzi in Between" by Sarah Garland - Picture/story book for young readers that tells the tale of a young refugee girl and her family who must flee their home country and resettle in a strange new land, trying to find safety and normalcy in chaotic circumstances. Although a serious and potentially scary topic for younger children, it is written simply and touching in an approachable way that will evoke empathy in young readers.

"I am Malala: How one Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (Young Readers Edition)" by Malala Yousafzai - This is Malala's story, the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy for girls' education, peace, and human rights, specifically adapted for younger (middle-grade) readers. Inspiring and true story about how one girl stood up for the right to education, and is helping change the course of a country.

"A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens - Everyone knows the story and has seen multiple versions, but very few have read the Dickens original: the classic Christmas tale about the power of redemption and second chances.

"The Man Who Invented Christmas: How Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol Rescued His Career and Revived Our Holiday Spirits" by Les Standiford - With Christmas decorations and holiday preparations seeming to appear earlier and earlier every year, it's hard to imagine a time when Christmas was considered a relatively minor holiday and its celebration had somewhat fallen out of favor. This book tells the story of how Dickens revived his career and in many ways revived Christmas as a holiday through the writing and renown of his classic, "A Christmas Carol".

Everyone is invited to come decorate Sir Owen's Christmas tree this year. You can stop by, pick up an ornament, write your favorite book title on it and hang it on the tree. You can even send a Facebook message if you live far away. You can get more information here. Sir Owen is located at 2460 W. Van Ross Drive in South Jordan.