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Matthew Landis slays boredom wherever it lurks in his eighth-grade social studies classroom. He lives in Doylestown, PA, with his wife and four kids, thirty chickens, and hopes to one day achieve whatever level of fame allows his giant family to vacation in Cape Town and go on endless safaris.
"""With notes of O. Henry’s 'The Gift of the Magi' and plenty of winter weather mishaps in the lead-up to Christmas, this is a strong seasonal choice, but the universality of the protagonists’ struggles makes this a title with year-round appeal. A well-paced, engaging, heartwarming story."" —Kirkus ""Told in alternating perspectives, this sweet middle grade story focuses on friendship, courage, and community. Readers will be rooting for Ronny and Jo the whole way. Both main characters feel authentic, and the story is fast-paced. Landis excellently wraps up the story realistically . . . A wonderful realistic fiction addition to middle grade shelves."" —School Library Journal ""Landis spotlights variations on overwhelm in a feel-good story with Hallmark Christmas movie vibes . . . A rosy tone and wildly supportive community match the holiday setting, while distinct character voices sell the dual-POV narrative."" —Publishers Weekly ""From Ronny, Jo, and their friends to their teachers and the senior citizens, the characters are well drawn and convincing. The dual narrative unfolds in alternating first-person chapters, written from Jo's and Ronny’s points of view and offering useful insider/outsider perspectives on their challenges and experiences. With increasing tension in each story line, the pace never falters in this involving, uplifting novel."" —Booklist"
