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Let It Glow
When Aviva Davis and Holly Martin meet at the holiday pageant tryouts for their local senior’s center, they think they must be seeing double. While they both knew they were adopted, they had no idea they had a biological sibling, let alone an identical twin! The similarities are only skin deep, though, because while Aviva has a big personality and even bigger Broadway plans, Holly is more the quiet dreamer type who longs to become a famous author like her grandfather.
One thing the girls do have in common is their curiosity about how the other celebrates the holidays. What better way to discover the magic of the holidays than to experience them firsthand? The girls secretly trade lives, planning to stage a dramatic reveal to their families at the pageant. Two virtual strangers swapping homes, holidays, and age-old traditions–what could possibly go wrong?
One thing the girls do have in common is their curiosity about how the other celebrates the holidays. What better way to discover the magic of the holidays than to experience them firsthand? The girls secretly trade lives, planning to stage a dramatic reveal to their families at the pageant. Two virtual strangers swapping homes, holidays, and age-old traditions–what could possibly go wrong?
292 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2024
103 people are currently reading
18.5k people want to read
About the author
Marissa Meyer
98books129kfollowersI live in Tacoma, Washington, with my husband and beautiful twin daughters. Represented by Jill Grinberg. Learn more about me and my upcoming books at .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 412 reviews
November 3, 2024
4.5/5 stars
What an incredible holiday book!
This middle grade book focuses on the joys of both Christmas and Hanukkah. Written in alternating POVs this is such a perfect book for the holidays.
Aviva and Holly did not know that the other existed. But these 12 year old girls discover that they are twins. I loved how different they were from each other (Aviva is outgoing and loves to sing and Holly is shy and loves to write). I also absolutely their families (especially Aviva's Bubbe and Holly's Grandpa). And I really enjoyed the holiday pageant at the local senior's center.
This book was absolute perfection. And the Jewish rep was excellent. My only small issue has to do with the letter. But otherwise this is an amazing holiday read. And even though the main characters are young it did not feel too young to read as an adult. I loved it!
What an incredible holiday book!
This middle grade book focuses on the joys of both Christmas and Hanukkah. Written in alternating POVs this is such a perfect book for the holidays.
Aviva and Holly did not know that the other existed. But these 12 year old girls discover that they are twins. I loved how different they were from each other (Aviva is outgoing and loves to sing and Holly is shy and loves to write). I also absolutely their families (especially Aviva's Bubbe and Holly's Grandpa). And I really enjoyed the holiday pageant at the local senior's center.
This book was absolute perfection. And the Jewish rep was excellent. My only small issue has to do with the letter. But otherwise this is an amazing holiday read. And even though the main characters are young it did not feel too young to read as an adult. I loved it!
November 6, 2024
This gave The Parent Trap movie vibes in a holiday setting and in book form.
I listened to the audio, which has dual narrators, and I am sad to say I loved one of them, and the other not so much...
I listened to the audio, which has dual narrators, and I am sad to say I loved one of them, and the other not so much...
December 14, 2024
I honestly should’ve rated this lower than a four star, but I couldn’t stop reading it, it was super cute, and I loved all the characters.
November 15, 2024
Buddyread with Ashley, her review here:
/review/show...
Cozy, cute, and Heartwarming:) Loved all the characters 💖 (pictured Ian Mckellen as Gramps).
It was also nice how neither religion was pushed on readers.. each was allowed to shine.
The food for Hanukkah sounded delicious 😋!
The song at the end was wonderful, I would love to hear it recorded 🎶.
All in all, would recommend 👌 especially if you are in the minority like me and not into Christmas romance books
/review/show...
Cozy, cute, and Heartwarming:) Loved all the characters 💖 (pictured Ian Mckellen as Gramps).
It was also nice how neither religion was pushed on readers.. each was allowed to shine.
The food for Hanukkah sounded delicious 😋!
The song at the end was wonderful, I would love to hear it recorded 🎶.
All in all, would recommend 👌 especially if you are in the minority like me and not into Christmas romance books
October 29, 2024
This was a charming, feel-good middle grade holiday story that sees two adopted identical tweens meeting at an old age care home and signing up for the sole Jewish performance.
Full of a great cast of diverse characters and lots of Parent trap esque family swap vibes, this was an enjoyable story about found family, Jewish heritage, identity and traditions.
It was also great on audio and perfect for fans of books like Not your all-American girl by Madelyn Rosenberg and authors like AJ Sass and Jake Maia Arlow.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
Full of a great cast of diverse characters and lots of Parent trap esque family swap vibes, this was an enjoyable story about found family, Jewish heritage, identity and traditions.
It was also great on audio and perfect for fans of books like Not your all-American girl by Madelyn Rosenberg and authors like AJ Sass and Jake Maia Arlow.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
December 21, 2024
I don't read a lot of seasonal books. I only picked this up because a friend was interested in buddy reading it. Suddenly I flew ahead and finished it before her because I loved it so much? Strange. But also not really, because this isn't a 'christmas' book. This is the story of two identical twins who meet on accident and decide to swap families (they're adopted) to get to know each other better. It deals with culture, finding identity, coming to terms with hard things...and so much more. It's an absolutely delightful read. I see myself returning to this one day.
December 8, 2024
I actually enjoyed this one 🥰 great parent trap vibes and deeper messages
July 25, 2024
Marissa Meyer is an auto-read author for me at this point, and I am so glad I was able to read this e-arc of her upcoming book co-written with Joanne Levy, Let It Glow, thanks to Netgally!
This story is a new spin on the classic trope of identical twins meeting for the first time and then switching places! I really loved how in this story the twins had been separated by adoption rather than through a broken family situation.
A big theme through the story is learning about the different holiday traditions each twin was raised in (Christmas vs. Hanukkah) and how they were each able to embrace who they were as individuals while also celebrating each other. I think that is an admirable lesson and made for a sweet story!
I think it is important to note that in this story, the girls learn about the history of Hanukkah and Aviva learns to "feel more Jewish", but there is nothing said about the history of or meaning behind Christmas. Both holidays are treated by the families in the story as meaningful traditions, but there is no mention of God or any real religious significance on either part. I fully assume that was the intention of the authors, but I personally think that was a bit of a disservice to both Jewish and Christian beliefs, when a big part of the plot was centered around this topic, but so much was seemingly left out.
This story is a new spin on the classic trope of identical twins meeting for the first time and then switching places! I really loved how in this story the twins had been separated by adoption rather than through a broken family situation.
A big theme through the story is learning about the different holiday traditions each twin was raised in (Christmas vs. Hanukkah) and how they were each able to embrace who they were as individuals while also celebrating each other. I think that is an admirable lesson and made for a sweet story!
I think it is important to note that in this story, the girls learn about the history of Hanukkah and Aviva learns to "feel more Jewish", but there is nothing said about the history of or meaning behind Christmas. Both holidays are treated by the families in the story as meaningful traditions, but there is no mention of God or any real religious significance on either part. I fully assume that was the intention of the authors, but I personally think that was a bit of a disservice to both Jewish and Christian beliefs, when a big part of the plot was centered around this topic, but so much was seemingly left out.
Want to read
May 12, 2024SO excited for this - i'm really intrigued to see how marissa meyer's style will look when she's co-authoring a book!
November 23, 2024
Audiobook (8 hours) narrated by , and
Rebecca Soler is a fantastic narrator. I have listened to her in dozens of books, from The Empyrean series, beginning with , to the series that brought me here, Marissa Meyer's The Lunar Chronicles, beginning with . Love them all!
Gabi Epstein was fantastic as well. Although I am not familiar with her narrations, I have all the praise and no complaints. The two have great chemistry, working really well together to bring to life this beautiful holiday story.
The audio is good, with zero issues.
After reading Marissa Meyer's The Lunar Chronicles, my library tagged this book as something that might interest me and I though, sure, why not? I am glad that I did!
This is a collaboration with Joanne Levy, who I am not familiar with. Their end result product is really great. A story that starts off in a similar style to books like , a story from 1949 that was responsible for several movies including the popular with , with two young girls who look identical to one another, who run into each other and decide to switch places.
This story adds in the creative addition of one family celebrates Christmas and the other Hanukkah, which allows the authors to explore both holidays individually, compare and contrast them and otherwise write about the different ways that people act, react, and celebrate family traditions. IT's a beautiful story that includes a lot of family dynamics and relationships.
The novel is fairly marked as Children's, Middle Grade, Young Adult, and Family, as it is a story for everyone. There are multiple children from an under 10 year old (maybe 8, I forget the exact age, my bad!), the two 12 years olds, a teen, then parents, grandparents and a cat. The character development is based around the 12 year olds, and while there aren't huge dynamic backstories of the other characters, there are decent stories that are based on what you would expect most 12 year olds to know about their parents and grandparents.
The world is similarly done, with an eye of a 12 year old exploring the holidays. With extra glitter and flannel for the season!
It's sweet, but not overly syrupy sweet. It has the cadence of having problems that 12 years find challenging and feel that they can solve, thus the house switching, and for the rest you will have to read yourself.
I would recommend the book. It definitely brings out the holiday cheer and the warm feelings of closeness and comfort, like finding a whole new identical sister to love. Yes, I was a total sap for it and I am not mad about it!
Rebecca Soler is a fantastic narrator. I have listened to her in dozens of books, from The Empyrean series, beginning with , to the series that brought me here, Marissa Meyer's The Lunar Chronicles, beginning with . Love them all!
Gabi Epstein was fantastic as well. Although I am not familiar with her narrations, I have all the praise and no complaints. The two have great chemistry, working really well together to bring to life this beautiful holiday story.
The audio is good, with zero issues.
After reading Marissa Meyer's The Lunar Chronicles, my library tagged this book as something that might interest me and I though, sure, why not? I am glad that I did!
This is a collaboration with Joanne Levy, who I am not familiar with. Their end result product is really great. A story that starts off in a similar style to books like , a story from 1949 that was responsible for several movies including the popular with , with two young girls who look identical to one another, who run into each other and decide to switch places.
This story adds in the creative addition of one family celebrates Christmas and the other Hanukkah, which allows the authors to explore both holidays individually, compare and contrast them and otherwise write about the different ways that people act, react, and celebrate family traditions. IT's a beautiful story that includes a lot of family dynamics and relationships.
The novel is fairly marked as Children's, Middle Grade, Young Adult, and Family, as it is a story for everyone. There are multiple children from an under 10 year old (maybe 8, I forget the exact age, my bad!), the two 12 years olds, a teen, then parents, grandparents and a cat. The character development is based around the 12 year olds, and while there aren't huge dynamic backstories of the other characters, there are decent stories that are based on what you would expect most 12 year olds to know about their parents and grandparents.
The world is similarly done, with an eye of a 12 year old exploring the holidays. With extra glitter and flannel for the season!
It's sweet, but not overly syrupy sweet. It has the cadence of having problems that 12 years find challenging and feel that they can solve, thus the house switching, and for the rest you will have to read yourself.
I would recommend the book. It definitely brings out the holiday cheer and the warm feelings of closeness and comfort, like finding a whole new identical sister to love. Yes, I was a total sap for it and I am not mad about it!
November 8, 2024
Let it Glow puts a fantastic dreidel spin on the "Parent Trap" trope where long lost twins discover each other and switch places. Both girls know that they are adopted, but are shocked to learn that they have a twin. As someone raised Jewish who always had both a menorah and a Christmas tree, I love the recent diversity trend in children's literature that highlights interfaith families celebrating both cultures. Let it Glow comes close. When Holly and Aviva meet and switch places, they get know each other's family and learn about each other's culture. Marissa Meyer and Joanne Levy have teamed up to tell this cute story. I have enjoyed several books by Levy, but I am now a Marissa Meyer fan as well. They have created several well rounded believable characters. I love the fact that the twins may look alike, but they are exact opposites otherwise. The grandparents are portrayed as people who may face physical issues that come with aging, but still enjoy an active life. The other family members are all well thought out and the authors each wrote the chapters taking place in one home. Levy's descriptions of Hanukkah celebrations are spot on and made me hungry for latkes. Mayer's descriptions of a selecting and putting up a tree made me smile with recognition. Levy has woven in a few diversity issues that may hit home with some Jewish kids. She created a larger than life musical theatre nerd who questions if she is "Jewish enough" to perform in a Hanukkah number in a holiday program. Many kids raised in a relatively unobservant family who identify with their Jewish culture but don't go to synagogue on a regular basis face similar issues. Also Aviva's father and brothers are black, so most kids don't realize that her brothers are Jewish. With the duel narrators, and two holidays, this book is bound to appeal to kids from any background.
I alternated between the eBook and the audiobook for this novel. Narrators Gabbi Epstein and Rebecca Soler both did a fantastic job of giving different distinctive voices for the different characters. They played the twins with such feeling that I didn't want to stop listening. I will definitely be looking for more books read by these talented actresses. If you prefer audiobooks, or enjoy alternating formats to fit your schedule, this book is a great choice.
Because I love books by Joanne Levy, I was thrilled to get downloadable review copies of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This review is voluntary and the opinions are my own. I enjoyed this book just as much as Levy's other books, and I will be adding her coauthor Marissa Meyer to my must read list. I can honestly recommend this any kid in search for a holiday story. What kid doesn't occasionally wish for a twin?
I alternated between the eBook and the audiobook for this novel. Narrators Gabbi Epstein and Rebecca Soler both did a fantastic job of giving different distinctive voices for the different characters. They played the twins with such feeling that I didn't want to stop listening. I will definitely be looking for more books read by these talented actresses. If you prefer audiobooks, or enjoy alternating formats to fit your schedule, this book is a great choice.
Because I love books by Joanne Levy, I was thrilled to get downloadable review copies of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This review is voluntary and the opinions are my own. I enjoyed this book just as much as Levy's other books, and I will be adding her coauthor Marissa Meyer to my must read list. I can honestly recommend this any kid in search for a holiday story. What kid doesn't occasionally wish for a twin?
November 14, 2024
The ending saved this book for me... *barely,* but it was the ending that made me laugh out of the entire story. I do believe this could have been cut down from 53 chapters of dual first-person points of view to 50, if not less. The pacing was a bit off for me, making it a difficult read, but I pushed through. Having read Celia Krampien's "The Bellwoods Game" I should've seen her artwork in the cover, but it was a fun surprise to learn from the acknowledgements. Overall a very sweet story, it just didn't get interesting for me until near the end. And the swap doesn't happen until almost a third of the way through the book. Still, not a bad read, just not my favorite.
December 1, 2024
3 1/2 stars, rounded up. I definitely wanted more from the ending of this one. It ended abruptly and we never found out what was in the letters! Maybe an epilogue one year later would have done the trick? I also liked Holly as a character far more than Aviva. Holly’s relationship with Gramps was so cute. I liked seeing Holly and Aviva swap lives and learn about a culture different from their own. Overall it was a cute read.
_______________________________
Is this what I think it is??? Is one of my all time favorite YA authors writing a CHRISTMAS BOOK???
This is SO EXCITING and I can't wait for it!
_______________________________
Is this what I think it is??? Is one of my all time favorite YA authors writing a CHRISTMAS BOOK???
This is SO EXCITING and I can't wait for it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2024
This was so cute! I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did, but it was a delightful read. I really related to Aviva as someone who didn't celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah growing up. I also related to Holly and her introverted-ness. I'm a big fan of the original twin swap story, Lisa and Lottie, and this was a lovely rendition of it. Definitely recommend to anyone who wants a cute middle grade read with holiday vibes!
December 22, 2024
When two strangers Holly and Aviva run into each other at a holiday pageant tryout they are both shocked to learn that they look exactly alike; and have the same birthday!
When they decide to switch places in each other’s families to learn about their holiday traditions, not only does a lot of learning take place-but definitely a lot of hilarity too. This was a fun holiday read that I will be glad to hand on to my students!
When they decide to switch places in each other’s families to learn about their holiday traditions, not only does a lot of learning take place-but definitely a lot of hilarity too. This was a fun holiday read that I will be glad to hand on to my students!
January 6, 2025
I meant to finish this during Chanukah, but at least I finished it by the twelfth night of Christmas. 😉
This was so cute and sweet!! As someone who celebrates both holidays, the representation was representationing, and I loved every moment. 😍 The actual swap element and all the deception did stress me out, but I thought there was a nice ending to it. Gramps was my favorite character. 🤍 And the sisterhood was amazing!
I'll be recommending this to everyone next season. 😇
This was so cute and sweet!! As someone who celebrates both holidays, the representation was representationing, and I loved every moment. 😍 The actual swap element and all the deception did stress me out, but I thought there was a nice ending to it. Gramps was my favorite character. 🤍 And the sisterhood was amazing!
I'll be recommending this to everyone next season. 😇
December 9, 2024
3½�
This was such a sweet little story. Not sure why but in my head it was little Lindsay Lohan playing the sisters. Maybe because it had some parent trap vibes.
The story did feel a bit to predictable and obvious, but I think Middle Grades would love it.
This was such a sweet little story. Not sure why but in my head it was little Lindsay Lohan playing the sisters. Maybe because it had some parent trap vibes.
The story did feel a bit to predictable and obvious, but I think Middle Grades would love it.
November 15, 2024
Thanks TL for reminding me about this one! I loved Aviva and Holly and all of the supporting characters. If you're looking for something cozy for the holidays, this is the perfect choice.
December 18, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
July 14, 2024
I recently introduced my girls to The Parent Trap and It Takes Two� they are fascinated by long lost twin stories so this was a fun one to read aloud and have a bit of a Holiday in July moment.
I think the target audience will absolutely love this story about Aviva and Holly. Adopted and separated at birth� they met in an unexpected way and decided to switch homes for a few days. Embracing one another’s families and traditions.
Thank you Feiwel & Friends
Releases 10/1
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I think the target audience will absolutely love this story about Aviva and Holly. Adopted and separated at birth� they met in an unexpected way and decided to switch homes for a few days. Embracing one another’s families and traditions.
Thank you Feiwel & Friends
Releases 10/1
Follow me on Instagram:
December 2, 2024
I just�.don’t know what to say. I’ve read almost every book she’s written and I just can’t seem to get the same enthusiasm for any of it since the Renegades trilogy. I have high hopes and was let down by the thinnest premise for this story along with so much suspension of belief, it just wasn’t enjoyable. Overall I really like her style and pacing but the content just isn’t there. I get that it’s middle grade but it’s so vapid and full of stereotypes, all while contradicting itself constantly.
There was no time spent even figuring out if they were really sisters…or how they lived in the same place all their lives and never met? And in what world would you not just talk to a parent?!
The characters were all over the place and inconsistent in their motivations. They start out disappointed that they don’t get to celebrate their own holidays and then abandon them all together.
I hated how both holidays were described in the and how the families “celebrated� them. If you can even call it that. It’s like they had someone write this that wasn’t Christian or Jewish and make it up based on what they think people do.
I desperately want to like her future books but I fear I’m never going to find the magic that was cinder and renegades.
There was no time spent even figuring out if they were really sisters…or how they lived in the same place all their lives and never met? And in what world would you not just talk to a parent?!
The characters were all over the place and inconsistent in their motivations. They start out disappointed that they don’t get to celebrate their own holidays and then abandon them all together.
I hated how both holidays were described in the and how the families “celebrated� them. If you can even call it that. It’s like they had someone write this that wasn’t Christian or Jewish and make it up based on what they think people do.
I desperately want to like her future books but I fear I’m never going to find the magic that was cinder and renegades.
June 30, 2024
Cute story of twins that were separated at birth and happened to find each other at a senior center. Each knew they were adopted, but neither knew they were a twin, which makes this a fun twist for the families as well. The girls decide to trade homes for a couple of days, which makes for some quirky opportunities, but one that I think kids will enjoy reading.
I will definitely be purchasing this book for the library at my school as I know my students will enjoy it. I also really think the cover is beautiful!
Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends, for the ARC.
I will definitely be purchasing this book for the library at my school as I know my students will enjoy it. I also really think the cover is beautiful!
Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends, for the ARC.
January 6, 2025
Any book that makes me cry is automatically 5 stars!
This was such a wonderful, heartfelt, yet fun middle-grade story. I loved how each sister had a close relationship with one of their grandparents. I loved seeing the sisters' understanding of each other grow when they switched places and learned more about their families and religions. Moreover, this was just a perfect middle grade that shows the duality of this age: they're silly and they make rash decisions (switching houses on a whim!), but they also are dealing with real life issues of family and identity: one sister not feeling "Jewish Enough," the other struggling as her grandpa's health declines: both sisters trying to find their place in the world. There were several scenes with the grandpa that had me tearing up and reminded me a lot of my grandfather. This was the perfect book to end the holiday season. It's not overly Christmas-y, and actually focuses a lot on Hanukkah, which I really enjoyed. I highly recommend this for any tween or adult fan of middle grade!
This was such a wonderful, heartfelt, yet fun middle-grade story. I loved how each sister had a close relationship with one of their grandparents. I loved seeing the sisters' understanding of each other grow when they switched places and learned more about their families and religions. Moreover, this was just a perfect middle grade that shows the duality of this age: they're silly and they make rash decisions (switching houses on a whim!), but they also are dealing with real life issues of family and identity: one sister not feeling "Jewish Enough," the other struggling as her grandpa's health declines: both sisters trying to find their place in the world. There were several scenes with the grandpa that had me tearing up and reminded me a lot of my grandfather. This was the perfect book to end the holiday season. It's not overly Christmas-y, and actually focuses a lot on Hanukkah, which I really enjoyed. I highly recommend this for any tween or adult fan of middle grade!
November 9, 2024
A rip off of "The Parent Trap" with the twist of no one involved having known that a twin ever existed.
Cute look at the feelings of children for the holidays they are and are not part of. Should have been enough at that. Instead, it is seeded with many serious issues put into the mix but then glossed over. Not to forget the situation that caused or allowed identical twins to be adopted out separately! Any of these could have made for a good book, together they are just noise, making the tale feel about 70 pages too long.
The incidental-meet insta-connection "let's swap places" doesn't ring true at all, for children still defining their identities, especially in the context of all these adult challenges intruding in their lives. Curiosity? Yes. Instant 100% trust? Not at 12 years old. Also, neither girl appears to have a single actual friend?
In particular, it is concerning that the girls exhibit such different fundamental behaviors and their PARENTS don't notice or intervene quickly. Normally, going from neat-freak to slob overnight, or avoiding libraries to being anxious to get to one, should raise some real questions for parents. (New friends, drugs?, problems at school/home?) As should a pet doing a complete about-face towards a family member. (Ill? injured?) But these parents are 'busy' and 'don't notice' such things.
Cute look at the feelings of children for the holidays they are and are not part of. Should have been enough at that. Instead, it is seeded with many serious issues put into the mix but then glossed over. Not to forget the situation that caused or allowed identical twins to be adopted out separately! Any of these could have made for a good book, together they are just noise, making the tale feel about 70 pages too long.
The incidental-meet insta-connection "let's swap places" doesn't ring true at all, for children still defining their identities, especially in the context of all these adult challenges intruding in their lives. Curiosity? Yes. Instant 100% trust? Not at 12 years old. Also, neither girl appears to have a single actual friend?
In particular, it is concerning that the girls exhibit such different fundamental behaviors and their PARENTS don't notice or intervene quickly. Normally, going from neat-freak to slob overnight, or avoiding libraries to being anxious to get to one, should raise some real questions for parents. (New friends, drugs?, problems at school/home?) As should a pet doing a complete about-face towards a family member. (Ill? injured?) But these parents are 'busy' and 'don't notice' such things.
December 14, 2024
Sister, Sister meets The Parent Trap in this adorable MG holiday book by @marissameyerauthor & @joanne_levy_
👯
Aviva Davis could only be described as a vivacious aspiring actress so when her Bubbe’s retirement home is hosting a holiday pageant, she knows it’s her time to shine in the Hanukkah number she plans on creating for this show. Holly Martin can be found with her nose in a book or writing the next great American novel, but when her Grandpa suffers another fall she and her mother decide to tour a retirement home to see if he’s a good fit for the place. Once there, Holly and Aviva run into each and realize they look exactly alike! Once discovering they’re both adopted and have the same birthday, it’s obvious they’re twins separated at birth. They decide to switch places to see what the other’s holiday traditions look like from the inside. Will anyone notice?
👯
Okay this was precious. I adored the Jewish representation in relation to their religion, culture, traditions and the Yiddish shared as well. We need more books with Jewish representation, period. Not just Hanukkah but Passover, Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, Purim, etc. I loved both girls� voices and what they loved and stood for. Can’t wait to get this in my middle school library Thanks @librofm for the ALC.
CW: religious bigotry, injury, blood, medical content, antisemitism, racism
👯
Aviva Davis could only be described as a vivacious aspiring actress so when her Bubbe’s retirement home is hosting a holiday pageant, she knows it’s her time to shine in the Hanukkah number she plans on creating for this show. Holly Martin can be found with her nose in a book or writing the next great American novel, but when her Grandpa suffers another fall she and her mother decide to tour a retirement home to see if he’s a good fit for the place. Once there, Holly and Aviva run into each and realize they look exactly alike! Once discovering they’re both adopted and have the same birthday, it’s obvious they’re twins separated at birth. They decide to switch places to see what the other’s holiday traditions look like from the inside. Will anyone notice?
👯
Okay this was precious. I adored the Jewish representation in relation to their religion, culture, traditions and the Yiddish shared as well. We need more books with Jewish representation, period. Not just Hanukkah but Passover, Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, Purim, etc. I loved both girls� voices and what they loved and stood for. Can’t wait to get this in my middle school library Thanks @librofm for the ALC.
CW: religious bigotry, injury, blood, medical content, antisemitism, racism
December 29, 2024
4.5*
This is such a cute holiday book! I had the pleasure of meeting Joanne and Marissa on their book tour, and it was a blast! I really enjoyed this book and learning all of the different traditions. Learning about Hanukkah was so much fun! I want to try all the food now because it sounds so delicious! The parent trap element was super fun! I was slightly stressed about how Holly and Aviva would pull it off without giving it away. I really enjoyed how both of them were written. They were similar yet different at the same time! I loved Aviva’s big personality and her love for the performing arts. Her dramatics were hilarious, and I love that she brought a bolder side out of Holly. Holly’s creativity and quietness provided a great balance to Aviva. They learned a lot from each other and grew throughout the book. I loved Holly and Aviva’s dynamic together and seeing how creative they were. This book was just a ball of fun because of their personalities and the storyline! I loved the side characters so much. I loved Aviva’s family, especially Aaron. Seeing their interactions were adorable. I’m happy both Holly and Aviva got to enjoy different holidays while appreciating their own. There were heavier elements in this story that made the book captivating and provided necessary depth and development. Super fun and great for the holiday season! It’s perfect for your middle-grade reader!
This is such a cute holiday book! I had the pleasure of meeting Joanne and Marissa on their book tour, and it was a blast! I really enjoyed this book and learning all of the different traditions. Learning about Hanukkah was so much fun! I want to try all the food now because it sounds so delicious! The parent trap element was super fun! I was slightly stressed about how Holly and Aviva would pull it off without giving it away. I really enjoyed how both of them were written. They were similar yet different at the same time! I loved Aviva’s big personality and her love for the performing arts. Her dramatics were hilarious, and I love that she brought a bolder side out of Holly. Holly’s creativity and quietness provided a great balance to Aviva. They learned a lot from each other and grew throughout the book. I loved Holly and Aviva’s dynamic together and seeing how creative they were. This book was just a ball of fun because of their personalities and the storyline! I loved the side characters so much. I loved Aviva’s family, especially Aaron. Seeing their interactions were adorable. I’m happy both Holly and Aviva got to enjoy different holidays while appreciating their own. There were heavier elements in this story that made the book captivating and provided necessary depth and development. Super fun and great for the holiday season! It’s perfect for your middle-grade reader!
December 23, 2024
A sweet little Christmas book about identical twins who were adopted by different families. Holly and Aviva had no idea the other one existed until they ran into each other at Christmas pageant tryouts at a local assisted living community. Holly and Aviva decide to swap families to experience each other holiday traditions (Christmas and Hanukkah). The set up was really fun and I enjoyed it overall, but it wasn’t anything earth shattering.
October 6, 2024
What a very cute story! Leave it to marissa meyer to write a heartfelt story that captures everyone's interest. I loved it from the very beginning, and throughout the story there were elements woven into the storytelling that made me love it even more. Definitely a book that I can recommend, especially in the build-up towards christmas/hanukkah.
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April 18, 2025If you like the shows Sister Sister, The Parent Trap, Suite Life with Zack and Cody and holiday shenanigans you’ll love this! It’s also eye opening about sensitivity and acceptance of Jewish holidays and those who families look different from our own.
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