The 12 Dares of Christa: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids

“Inspiring, cozy, and full of heart!” —Lisa Greenwald, author of 11 Before 12 and the Pink & Green series

A thirteen-year-old girl spends her first holiday away from home completing a heartwarming scavenger hunt that takes her across Europe in 12 Dares of Christa, a feel-good middle grade contemporary novel from Marissa Burt, author of Storybound.

Christa is a holiday junkie. What’s not to love? There’s decorations! Gifts! Caroling with friends! But thanks to her parents’ recent separation, Christa’s favorite time of year is now filled with the heartache of coping with change. And when her mom announces that she’s taking her on a mother-daughter trip to Europe over winter vacation, Christa knows she should be excited. She just can’t imagine spending the yuletide season without her dad.

However, waiting at her hotel in Italy is a special package from her father: the first of twelve dares that take Christa to landmarks in three beautiful countries. This European adventure will introduce her to new friends and a first crush, and show her that hope is alive in the strangest of places. 

Funny, genuine, and feel-good to the core, The 12 Dares of Christa is one fa-la-la-filled journey that fans of Wendy Mass and Lisa Greenwald will love.

• A perfect Christmas story about finding your way after a divorce
• Filled with the joy of a European adventure and the wonder of a first crush
• A delightful holiday gift for readers who love friendship stories

“Dare you to try to put this fabulous book down!” - Heather Vogel Frederick, author of the Mother-Daughter Book Club series

PRAISE FOR STORY’S END: “Hits the ground running. There are a lot of compelling plotlines, and the book ends with an all-out bang.” - ALA Booklist

PRAISE FOR STORYBOUND: “An appealing fantasy. Strong writing and interesting characters make Una’s journey enjoyable, and the overall result will have readers on the lookout for the planned sequel.” - Publishers Weekly

“A richly imagined world. Readers will enjoy the mind-bending fun of puzzling together small details.” - ALA Booklist

“Readers who love fantasy may see an opportunity to snuggle up with a cup of cocoa and unravel the plot, which twists and turns in on itself, with happy surprises.” - Kirkus Reviews

“With its unique twist (her roommate, for example, is a snooty Snow White), Una’s adventures should charm those who enjoy fairy-tale reboots, and the cliff-hanger ending could ensure demand for a sequel.” - School Library Journal

“Inspiring, cozy and full of heart—The 12 Dares of Christa is absolutely lovely!” - Lisa Greenwald, author of 11 Before 12 and the Pink & Green series

PRAISE FOR A SLIVER OF STARDUST: “Burt employs highly descriptive world building and plenty of action.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“I dare you not to love this heartfelt and funny book!” - Jenny Lundquist, author of The Charming Life of Izzy Malone