Ex-mas

October 26, 2009
When 17-year-old Lila's plans to throw the
party of the year are derailed by her third-grader brother, Cooper, her revenge involves a news article about melting polar ice caps, which strikes terror into his Christmas-loving heart. So when Cooper and a friend head for the North Pole to save Santa, Lila must chase the kids up the Pacific coast with her indie rocker ex-boyfriend. Readers will easily predict the story's trajectory—this is the stuff of romantic, made-for-TV holiday specials—which is as conventional and crowd-pleasing as the candy canes on the cover. Ages 14–up.

October 1, 2009
Gr 9 Up-High school senior Lila Beckwith has worked hard to be popular for three years. She has the coolest BFF, the most desirable boyfriend, and shes planning "the" hot holiday party. So what if she had to give up comfortable clothing, singing, and her oddball boyfriend/former best friend, Beau? When her little brother (who still believes in Santa Claus) tattles to their parents about the proposed party, she retaliates by showing him an article about Santa being in danger because of melting polar ice caps. Eight-year-old Cooper and his friend Taylor get on a train heading north to try and save Santa, leaving Lila and Taylors older brother Beau to head off on a crazy road trip from LA to Seattle in pursuit. Some under-age drinking, a few innocent kisses, and massive evidence of conspicuous consumption occur. Clothing, electronics, and music are all up-to-the-minute, which gives this romantic comedy a rather short shelf life. In the end, its a little hard to believe that shallow Lila has truly changed her ways, but hey, its a holiday fantasy, and there will no doubt be an appreciative audience out there."Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library"

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