The holidays have always been one of my favorite times of year. Families gather, schedules slow down, and life settles into a gentler rhythm. It is a season that invites us to reflect on who we are, who we are becoming, and what really matters. Over the years, I have learned that leadership is not built only through training and business books. It is shaped by the stories that first taught us about courage, kindness, resilience, and integrity. Many of those stories come from the books we held as children.
This holiday reading list is designed to help you rediscover the lessons that shaped your character long before you ever thought of yourself as a leader. These children’s and young adult books carry powerful truths about empathy, responsibility, self-belief, and perseverance. Whether you are reading them for yourself, with your family, or as thoughtful gifts for the young people in your life, each book offers something meaningful for this season.
In the sections ahead, you will find recommendations grouped by age, along with the leadership themes each book inspires. The holidays are the perfect time to revisit the stories that formed the foundation for the leaders we become.
Stories from early childhood and elementary years often contain some of the most profound lessons we will ever learn. Whether you read them decades ago or are discovering them with your children or grandchildren, these classic books help us reconnect with empathy, wonder, and courage.
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
A gentle tale about what it means to become real through love, loyalty, and authenticity. Leaders grow stronger when they allow themselves to be genuine, vulnerable, and committed to the people they serve.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
A simple story that celebrates curiosity and the joy of discovering the world. Leaders thrive when they continue to explore, learn, and stay open to new experiences.
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
This story teaches children how to navigate big emotions and return to the people who love them. Emotional intelligence and the ability to self-regulate are essential leadership traits.
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
A colorful lesson on generosity, friendship, and finding joy in giving. True leadership is grounded in service to others.
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
A quiet reminder of gratitude and the beauty of simplicity. Leaders often overlook the importance of peaceful moments that anchor the soul.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
A touching story about friendship, sacrifice, and loyalty. It teaches that great leadership is built on relationships and compassion.
Matilda by Roald Dahl
A celebration of intelligence, resilience, and standing up for what is right. Leaders grow stronger when they use their gifts boldly and challenge injustice.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
A tale of healing, growth, and the power of renewed perspective. Leaders need hope, patience, and the ability to nurture possibilities in others.
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
An unforgettable story of survival, courage, and resourcefulness. It reminds leaders that strength grows from perseverance and adaptability.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
A magical journey about bravery, love, and overcoming darkness through light. Leaders are called to act with courage even when circumstances feel uncertain.
These timeless books continue to offer wisdom long after childhood has passed.
As children grow into young adults, the books they read begin to shape their identity, morality, and understanding of the world. These stories challenge the mind and strengthen the character, making them perfect choices for teens and young leaders stepping into their future.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
A powerful story about faith, courage, sacrifice, and standing up for what is right. Leaders must be willing to act with integrity even when the cost is high.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
A thought-provoking look at individuality, freedom, and the importance of memory. Strong leaders understand the value of tradition, history, and the wisdom of those who came before them.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
A fun and adventurous series about destiny, teamwork, and discovering one’s strengths. Leaders thrive when they understand both their gifts and their responsibilities.
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
A story of friendship, imagination, loss, and emotional growth. Leaders must learn to process difficult emotions with strength and compassion.
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
A joyful story about optimism, creativity, and embracing one’s unique personality. Leadership requires authenticity and the courage to bring your true self to the table.
These books speak to the heart. They teach courage, empathy, justice, and perseverance. They help young people form values that guide their decision-making well into adulthood.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
A profound look at justice, equality, and compassion. Every leader should learn from Atticus Finch’s example of moral strength and quiet courage.
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
A story about class, brotherhood, identity, and seeing the humanity in others. Leaders grow when they learn to understand people whose experiences differ from their own.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
A moving tale that illustrates the power of words, courage, and resistance in the face of darkness. Leaders must understand the weight and influence of their voice.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
A journey of unexpected bravery, loyalty, and growth. Leaders often discover strength they did not know they had once they begin their adventure.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
A compelling story about courage, justice, and standing up against oppressive forces. Leaders must sometimes take bold action to create meaningful change.
Oh, the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss
A perfect graduation gift full of hope, honesty, and encouragement. Leaders must learn to navigate both the victories and the valleys.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
A timeless story about destiny, perseverance, and following your personal legend. Leaders thrive when they pursue purpose over comfort.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
A poetic reminder about love, responsibility, and seeing with the heart rather than the eyes. Leaders who understand the importance of connection inspire trust and loyalty.
Educated by Tara Westover
A powerful memoir about overcoming adversity, seeking truth, and choosing your own path. Leaders must be willing to question limits and pursue the knowledge that transforms them.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
A story about friendship, courage, and discovering one’s identity. Leaders are often formed through community and the challenges they face together.
These stories help young adults step confidently into their future with clarity and resilience.
Children’s literature carries a light that is often missing in adult life. The right story can restore hope, spark imagination, and help you see your life with fresh gratitude. Whether you read these stories alone or with family, they lift the spirit and strengthen the heart.
Books like The Little Prince, Oh, the Places You’ll Go, The Velveteen Rabbit, and The Snowy Day remind us to look for joy, embrace simplicity, and value connection. Stories such as The Alchemist or Harry Potter call us to pursue courage and purpose. These books help leaders stay grounded, hopeful, and inspired. They remind us that the world is still full of beauty and possibility.
No matter where you stand, the holidays offer something rare: They give us time to breathe.
Reading during the holiday season creates a natural pause. It becomes a gentle way to reset your perspective, renew your energy, and reconnect with the values that guide your daily decisions. Children’s books are especially powerful during this time because they return us to the simplest truths of leadership. Be kind. Be brave. Be honest. Be curious. Be the person others can rely on. These are lessons adults never outgrow.
Leadership development does not always require a conference or a course. Sometimes all it takes is a quiet evening, a warm blanket, and a story that reminds you who you want to be.
You do not need a complicated routine to enjoy a meaningful reading tradition. You only need intention and a little consistency. Here are a few easy ways to build a holiday reading ritual that uplifts your entire family.
Books have a way of slowing us down and connecting us to what really matters. Your reading ritual does not have to be long. It only has to be meaningful.
This holiday reading list is more than a set of book recommendations. It is an invitation to return to the stories that shaped your character and to pass them along to the next generation. These books carry timeless lessons about courage, kindness, resilience, integrity, and faith in the good that still exists in the world.
Leadership is built through insight and experience, but it is also built through the stories that teach us who we can become. Whether you choose a picture book for a young child, a powerful novel for a teen, or an inspiring title for a young adult stepping into adulthood, every book on this list holds wisdom worth revisiting.
I hope this holiday season brings you quiet moments to read, to reflect, and to reconnect with the values that guide your life. And may the stories you share become part of your family’s legacy for years to come.
Happy Holidays, and I’ll see you at the top!
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“The scarcest resource in the world is not oil, it’s leadership.”
As Co-CEO of the largest independent financal services company in North America, John Addison’s skill as a leader was tested and honed daily. He retired in 2015 after taking the company and it’s people to massive heights. He’s just not done helping people get to the top. Today, he’s at the helm of Addison Leadership Group, INC working daily to mentor and educate new leaders.
Awesome lists for different ages! As always, your leadership is spot on and timeless! Thank you, very much, John! I am so graeful for you!
Aida! Thank you so much for taking the time to read and share! Children’s literature is such a treasure trove!
John, this list makes me smile.
As a voracious reader, I read many of these stories throughout my childhood, and I was pleased to have the opportunity to teach from them decades later as a substitute teacher. The time that brought me the most joy was when I was allowed to share The Snowy Day with a class of 1st graders. It has always been my favorite.
Lawaun! Thank you so much for sharing that with me! Substitute teachers do not get enough credit for what they do. I am so pleased to hear you were able to weave these storied into your work!