Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Krawczyk
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Spring siblings shine in heartwarming holiday novella.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In THIS WINTER, it's Christmas Day at the Spring household. Charlie's home after his hospitalization for anorexia, and the whole family is navigating a new normal. Older sister Tori tries to be protective and understanding. Younger brother Oliver is just excited to be with his family, open presents, and play Mario Kart. Meanwhile, Charlie and his mom argue angrily and often. Also, some extended family are nosy and insensitive about his mental illness. Eventually Charlie needs to get away and heads to Nick's house. Christmas-day events are told in three sections from the viewpoints of Tori, Charlie, and Oliver. Things are tense, but the bonds are strong between the siblings. Will Tori, Charlie, and Oliver find togetherness and a happy ending on Christmas Day? Also included is a list of further resources for mental health and an extra section illustrating "The Twelve Days of Nick and Charlie."
Is It Any Good?
This novella is a sweet, heartwarming addition to the Heartstopper universe. In This Winter, the story takes place on Christmas day during the events of Heartstopper Volume 4. It's a moving holiday story and will definitely appeal to fans of the series. Although the difficult events of Charlie's mental illness, self-harm, and hospitalization are mentioned, the novella is more about the ups and downs of Charlie's healing and his relationship with his siblings. Author Alice Oseman brings a tender sensibility to the family's connections and struggles. Teens may relate to the difficulties of extended family gatherings, nosy or insensitive relatives, and disagreements with a loving but misguided parent. Charlie's awareness about his mental health and his commitment to therapy and positive coping strategies is inspiring. Readers will be cheering Charlie on along with his support system, especially his endearing siblings.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about communication in This Winter. Charlie's having a hard time telling Tori and other family members how he feels. He also struggles to ask for help when he needs it. Who encourages him to open up more and in what ways does Charlie do that? Have you ever struggled to tell someone that you need help with something?
Charlie and his mom argue angrily a few times in the book. Charlie's so upset that he leaves his family Christmas and goes to Nick's house for a while. How does Charlie's mom later show humility and admit she's wrong? Has an adult every apologized to you? How did it feel?
Charlie, Tori, and Oliver have some miscommunications and missteps, but they end up enjoying time together on Christmas. Do you have siblings or cousins? If so, do you enjoy spending time together? Why or why not?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Holidays
- Character Strengths : Communication , Humility
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic
- Publication date : September 5, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 128
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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