Parents' Guide to Let It Glow

Parents need to know that Let It Glow, co-authored by Marissa Meyer and Joanne Levy, is the tale (à la The Parent Trap) of two identical twins, separated at birth and adopted by different families. Aviva, narrated by Levy, was adopted by a biracial, mostly non-observant Jewish couple and has two brothers; she loves drama, performing, and being the center of attention. Holly, narrated by Meyer, lives with her single mom and her grandfather, an author, and they all celebrate Christmas; she's shy, bookish, and a budding writer herself. When they meet by chance and bond immediately, they soon hatch a plot of switching families for the holidays en route to a big reveal at the holiday pageant, and heartwarming shenanigans ensue. Also a sweet grandparent romance. The emphasis is on learning about each other's cultural traditions—lighting candles, eating latkes, trimming trees, going caroling— and the growing bond between the sisters, as well as their differences as people. There's a kid-level explanation of the Maccabees, and brief references to Nativity scenes in a pageant, but religion is otherwise unimportant, and no one sets foot in a church or synagogue. Lots of positive messages about being proud to be who you are while dealing with other people's misinformed notions, like Aviva's brothers who are both Black and Jewish. Lots of practical wisdom about enjoying other people's cultural traditions while honoring your own, like Aviva's grandmother, who teaches her the blessing for lighting the candles, but also describes herself as a Christmas tourist, a foreign visitor just enjoying the fun and pageantry. Strong messages of family (including the extended version), friendship, and also facing your fears.