Parents' Guide to

Mistletoe

By Kate Pavao, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Heartwarming holiday fluff for teens.

Book Hailey Abbott, Aimee Friedman, Melissa de la Cruz, Nina Malkin Coming of Age 2006
Mistletoe Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

This book is really four short stories with holiday magic at their heart. The characters have different struggles (one realizes she's fallen for her best friend's boyfriend, while another, in a twist on The Gift of the Magi, wishes she could afford a real gift for her guy). In the end, all the characters learn a lesson -- and get kissed.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

There's nothing too earth-shattering here, but MISTLETOE is a sweet collection of holiday stories. Each of the four tales -- written by a pack of teen series writers -- plays upon similar themes but is distinct enough to keep readers engaged. In the end, these stories may not be particularly literary, but there are enough heartwarming moments -- and smooches -- to keep teen readers sighing happily.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about some of the common themes in holiday stories: redemption, selflessness, and even finding true love. Can you think of other holiday movies and books that play upon these themes? We tend to think of this as a powerful time of year -- is this the truth or just a nice myth?

Book Details

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