September 1, 2026 by Scholastic Inc.
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Jules Fitgerald's life has been upended, but she's trying to be positive about the changes. Her father has taken a new job in Texas and moved the two away from family and friends in Chicago. Since her mother died when she was very young, it's just been the two of them, so she's a little jealous when next door neighbor Theo Boutros has been hanging out with her dad. Her father signs her up for a winter break camp, which doesn't make her happy, but she does make some new friends, including Mia and the cute Oliver. He also fosters a large dog, Sparky, and she tries to warm to the idea of a pet. It's not easy to stay positive, but with Christmas approaching, Jules tries to make the holiday special by following a list of her mother's that she has found in a box. Theo is amazingly helpful, and as his mother struggles with taking care of his grandmother Rima, the two spend a lot of time at each other's houses, eating delicious Lebanese food, taking care of Sparky, and decorating for the holiday. A massive winter storm threatens a camp dance after Jules finds out information about Theo from Mia. Christmas proves to be one disappointment after another as her cousins have to cancel their visit and Sparky keeps eating decorations and gift wrapping. Theo often comes to the rescue, and when Jules can no longer put a brave face on things, he is the one in whom she confides. Will there be a Christmas romance? (Spoiler: YES!)
Strengths: Dogs, Christmas, and romance are a tried and true formula for success; look at Taylor Garland's work or this author's own The Twelve Strays of Christmas. Theo is a great character who has faced his own challenges, but wisely doesn't tell Jules about them. Both families are warm and welcoming, and it makes perfect sense for Jules and Theo to hang out at each other's houses. I liked that Jules made friends at the camp, and that Oliver was interested in her. Why aren't there more middle grade books where the main character has more than one admirer? I remember people in middle school changing romantic interests frequently. The Christmas traditions will be a strong draw for readers who can't get enough tree decorating and cocoa drinking. If you're having a book fair before Christmas, make sure to request a whole box of this title! (Which is also available in prebind through Follett.)
Weaknesses: This would have been better without the dead mother. Perhaps the mother could have been... back in Chicago while waiting to move. On a work trip. Caring for elderly relatives. In jail or the hospital. Even having her deployed would have had some interesting connections to another character. But, no. Had to be dead. At least the dog lives. I'm also not the greatest fan of the enemies to lovers trope or the current SEL push to let people know when you're sad or struggling, but young readers will enjoy both of these more than I did.
What I really think: Romance. Check. Christmas. Check. Cute dog. Check. I have already put a prebound copy of this on my order for September, and it will be hugely popular. Nice use of green on the cover! It was fun to learn that the author worked on the television show of Ellen Miles' The Puppy Place! Fans of Greenwald's Absolutely, Positively Natty will appreciate Jules' stalwart attempts at trying not to complain.
Weaknesses: This would have been better without the dead mother. Perhaps the mother could have been... back in Chicago while waiting to move. On a work trip. Caring for elderly relatives. In jail or the hospital. Even having her deployed would have had some interesting connections to another character. But, no. Had to be dead. At least the dog lives. I'm also not the greatest fan of the enemies to lovers trope or the current SEL push to let people know when you're sad or struggling, but young readers will enjoy both of these more than I did.
What I really think: Romance. Check. Christmas. Check. Cute dog. Check. I have already put a prebound copy of this on my order for September, and it will be hugely popular. Nice use of green on the cover! It was fun to learn that the author worked on the television show of Ellen Miles' The Puppy Place! Fans of Greenwald's Absolutely, Positively Natty will appreciate Jules' stalwart attempts at trying not to complain.
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