The Holiday Switch (Underlined Paperbacks)
Underlined Paperbacks Series
on Goodreads (10,099)
What’s inside...
Lila Santos is ready for her last winter break of high school in her small town of Holly, New York. She is working at the local inn, which is the setting of her favorite movie, while also being an anonymous book blogger. Her holiday plans are disrupted when she starts working with her boss's nephew, Teddy Rivera, and they constantly clash. However, after accidentally switching phones, they discover each other's secrets, and an unexpected snowstorm may bring them closer together.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-17
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lila Castro
Teddy Veracruz
Discussion points
What do you think Lila learned about herself after swapping phones with Teddy? How can we apply that lesson to our daily lives?
Why is it important to understand and respect other people's perspectives, as seen between Lila and Teddy?
How do Lila’s experiences help her grow and change throughout the book? Can you relate to any of her changes?
What role do family and culture play in the story? How do they shape the characters’ holiday celebrations?
How did the mistakes made by the characters lead to important revelations? What does this teach us about handling mistakes in real life?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you explore each question, encourage your child to give examples from the book and relate them to their own experiences.
Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing different character perspectives and why they might feel or act in certain ways.
Discuss the cultural aspects presented in the book, and if possible, compare them with your own family traditions and celebrations.
Foster an open discussion about personal growth and learning from mistakes, drawing parallels to real-life scenarios your child might face.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: In 'The Holiday Switch', the characters learn the value of being truthful to build trust in relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by practicing honesty in their interactions with friends and family, understanding that trust is foundational in relationships.
Example Lesson: Understanding Cultural Differences
Explanation: The book features characters from diverse backgrounds, which showcases how understanding different cultures is important.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect their peers' different cultural practices and views, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Characters in the story are tasked with responsibilities that they must manage, teaching the importance of being accountable for one’s actions.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to take responsibility for their own tasks, such as homework or chores, understanding that reliability is key to personal development.
Example Lesson: Resolving Conflicts
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters encounter and resolve misunderstandings and conflicts, demonstrating effective communication skills.
Real-World Application: Children can use these strategies to address and solve disagreements with siblings or classmates, fostering a peaceful environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of Empathy
Explanation: The book portrays how characters empathize with each other’s situations, emphasizing the role of empathy in understanding others.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be empathetic towards friends and family, which can lead to stronger, more supportive relationships.