I'm dreaming of a Wyatt Christmas

Gr 8 Up--Noelle lives for Christmas. Since her mother's death, she and her father have always made a point of making her favorite holiday extra special. But this year is different; her dad barely notices her, and when he nearly misses all of her Nutcracker performances, Noelle decides to accept a babysitting job that will take her to Vermont for the entirety of winter break. Incredibly, instead of insisting she stay home, her father enthusiastically agrees to this plan. Noelle heads out to spend Christmas on the ski slopes, away from all of her favorite traditions. When the dreamy older half-brother of her babysitting charges shows up at the family ski cabin, though, will all of Noelle's dancing fantasies come true, or is she in over her head? This is exactly what readers want in a holiday romance--light and fun, with just enough drama to keep things interesting but not feel overwhelming. While the family Noelle babysits for seems too perfect at the outset, all of the characters are nuanced and well-rounded. Noelle's sweet relationships with each of the children really shine, and the different family dynamics will resonate with teens. Overall, though, this is a fun, snowy retreat of a book. The fact that it gracefully tackles fears of fitting in with one's family and of the future is an added bonus. VERDICT Recommended for all collections.--Chelsey Masterson, New York P. L, NY

A young dancer struggles with challenges in her career and her life. Pennsylvania high school freshman Noelle Partridge lost her mother six years ago; she lives with her distant, workaholic father. Noelle relishes all the trappings of a traditional Christmas, one highlight being dancing in The Nutcracker, but this year Noelle's mom-inspired Christmas extravaganza is feeling stale. Then she's invited to spend the holidays on a ski trip with her favorite family to babysit for. Enter love interest Wyatt Kahale, an accomplished 15-year-old ballet dancer and hunky heartthrob, who arrives unannounced at his family's luxurious Vermont cabin. Wyatt, whom Noelle has long crushed on from afar via family photos and online dance videos, attends the high-end ballet academy where Noelle has been offered an audition. But while she dreams of attending, he's thinking of dropping out, defying his pushy mother and hoping for more time with his dad and half siblings. The complicated chemistry between Noelle and Wyatt, and between Noelle and the Kahale family, is well drawn. Noelle's anxieties and embarrassment over the situations she encounters are funny, relatable, and help to drive home the ultimate message of the story--that embracing the unpredictable and appreciating one's friends are the most important things in life. Each chapter opens with a babysitting tip from Noelle. Mr. Kahale and Wyatt are cued as Native Hawaiian; Mrs. Kahale and Noelle read as White. A sweet, charming story about navigating life's changes. (Romance. 12-16) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.