Becoming a grandparent is one of those magical moments in life—an opportunity to pass down wisdom, tradition, and hard-won experience. People fortunate enough to become grandparents are usually understandably thrilled at the prospect—but that doesn’t mean there isn’t an ongoing learning curve, or that there aren’t moments of doubt, confusion, and possibly panic. After all, we need to grow with our grandchildren. Whether the situation is ‘new grandparenting’ or you just want to understand more, the best way is to read—or at least to have the right reference materials on hand. These books will ensure you’re ready for whatever your grandkids throw at you—literally, and in a pinch they can be used to decorate your bookshelves. Ha! 

For Grandparents!

Becoming Grandma: The Joys and Science of the New Grandparenting
Lesley Stahl
If you’re a first-time grandparent, Stahl’s exploration of her own status as a grandmother will be an eye-opening and comforting journey to share, offering up her own hard-won wisdom alongside a thorough journalistic dive into what grandparenting means to men and women across the country, from all socioeconomic backgrounds. What Stahl finds is that grandparents today are younger, and their roles within families is changing—which means if you’re uncertain what your status as a grandparent means for you and your family, you’re not alone. That by itself makes this book invaluable.

The Orchid and the Dandelion: Why Some Children Struggle and How All Can Thrive Hardcover 
by W. Thomas Boyce MD
In Tom Boyce’s extraordinary new book, he explores the “dandelion” child (hardy, resilient, healthy), able to survive and flourish under most circumstances, and the “orchid” child (sensitive, susceptible, fragile), who, given the right support, can thrive as much as, if not more than, other children.

The Highly Sensitive Child: Helping Our Children Thrive When The World Overwhelms Them 
by Elaine N. Aron Ph.D.
In this pioneering work, parents will find helpful self-tests and case studies to help them understand their HSC, along with thorough advice on:

• The challenges of raising a highly sensitive child
• The four keys to successfully parenting an HSC
• How to soothe highly sensitive infants
• Helping sensitive children survive in a not-so-sensitive world
• Making school and friendships enjoyable

For the Grandchildren!

The Heart of a Boy: Celebrating the Strength and Spirit of Boyhood
by Kate T. Parker
Boys can be wild. But they can also be gentle. Bursting with confidence, but not afraid to be vulnerable. Ready to run fearlessly downfield—or reach out to a friend in need. In this empowering, deeply felt celebration of boys being—and believing in—themselves, see the unguarded joy of a little brother hugging his big brother. The inquisitive look of a young scientist examining a bug. The fearless self-expression in a ballet dancer’s poise. There are guitarists, fencers, wrestlers, stargazers, a pilot. Boys who aspire to be president, and boys whose lives are full of overwhelming challenges, yet who bravely face each day as it comes.
With inspiring and joyful quotes from the boys themselves, this book spreads a heartfelt, uplifting message of openness, self-confidence, and warmth.
Strong Is the New Pretty: A Celebration of Girls Being Themselves 
by Kate T. Parker 
Girls being fearless. Girls being silly. Girls being wild, stubborn, and proud. Girls whose faces are smeared with dirt and lit up with joy. So simple and yet so powerful, Strong Is the New Pretty celebrates, through more than 175 memorable photographs, the strength and spirit of girls being 100% themselves.

Grandma’s Girl: Celebrate the Special Bond Between Granddaughter and Grandma this Christmas! 
by Susanna Leonard Hill 
There are so many marvelous things a girl will experience and become in her life, and Grandma understands it all—because she’s been there once too. This little book of love brings the generations together and celebrates that one-of-a-kind connection only grandmothers and granddaughters share and all of the things a grandma wishes for her girl. Featuring diverse families, beautiful illustrations, and heartfelt rhymes, this inspiring picture book makes an incredible keepsake to cherish for years to come!