The way that the three of them are thrown together isn't overly forced (although I don't know how the principal of the school could mandate community service without even talking with Oscar's parents!), and they aren't friends immediately- in fact, they are wary of each other for most of the book! Gabby wants to retain her hard-earned popularity by dressing like the popular girls even though it takes ingenuity to stretch her money and is a physical hardship for her when her epilepsy becomes unmanageable. Oscar is angry at many things, and this shows itself in his behavior at school. Josie feels unpopular, even though she is happy with her homemade sweaters and ill-fitting jeans.

The characters in this book all reflect actual middle school students brilliantly. In the end, the three help each other out tremendously, even though there are missteps along the way.

Gabby is having trouble keeping her epilepsy under control, and is concerned that classmates will make fun of her just like they did din her old school, so she promises to help Josie organize the Christmas pageant, if she and Oscar promise to keep her condition a secret. When popular fashionista Gabby ends up as a patient in the children's ward, Josie and Oscar are a little surprised. He doesn't want to get into the spirit of things, wearing a costume and singing to children the way that Josie does, but does enjoy hanging out with Clementine, and slowly understands why Josie volunteers of her own choice. He also has to do community service, and ends up volunteering in the children's ward with Josie.

After a particularly harrowing morning at home, someone at school makes him angry, and he gets suspended for hitting another boy. Oscar, on the other hand, is NOT a fan of Christmas, since that is when his parents' arguments seem to become louder and more frequent. She loves everything about Christmas, from the wild sweaters her grandmother knits to the play that is put on at the hospital where she volunteers with Clementine. Josie is very grateful for Clementine, the dog she got for Christmas the year her father passed. Her father passed away from cancer and her grandfather has had hip surgery, so the extra support is appreciated by all the generations. Josie has a decent life in Frost Ridge, where she lives with her Vietnamese grandparents and mother. She loves everything about Christmas, from the wild sweaters her grandmother knits to the play that is put on at the hospital w E ARC from Edelweiss Above the Treeline Together, can Josie, Oscar, and Gabby find a way to save the holiday, or will this be the worst Christmas ever?ĭaphne Benedis-Grab, author of The Angel Tree, has created a heartwarming story that sparkles with humor, light, and Christmas spirit.moreĮ ARC from Edelweiss Above the Treeline Josie has a decent life in Frost Ridge, where she lives with her Vietnamese grandparents and mother. Then, Clementine disappears, Oscar's parents separate, and Gabby's secret is uncovered. But Gabby has a secret, one that could ruin everything. She's stylish, smart, and everyone looks up to her. He gets into trouble at school, and his punishment? Volunteer hours at the local hospital. Meanwhile, Oscar's parents are fighting more and more-and so is he. That is, until she learns that this year's Festival has been canceled. Josie loves dressing up in silly costumes, singing carols, and helping to prepare for the big Christmas Festival. Josie usually keeps to herself, but she comes out of her shell when she and her dog, Clementine, volunteer at the local hospital during the holiday season. That is, until she learns t An irresistible and timeless Christmas story by the author of The Angel Tree. An irresistible and timeless Christmas story by the author of The Angel Tree.

Clementine for mac review