Favorite Teen Holiday and Winter Books

I just started reading Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan. This is their third book they have written together, after the wonderful Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (which was made into an also great movie) and Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List. All of their collaborative books are delightful romps through New York City, that alternate between his and her viewpoint. Dash and Lily's Book of Dares just happens to also take place over the Christmas break.

This makes me think of some of my favorite holiday and winter books.

I adore Terry Pratchett's Tiffany Aching books, so naturally Wintersmith, where Winter falls in love with a teenage girl is a must read. (Though it is the third in the series, so you will probably want to order Wee Free Men, Hat Full of Sky and the upcoming I Shall Wear Midnight, too!)

Jingle Boy by Kieran Scott is one of my favorite Christmas teen fiction books, in which a holiday lover finds his cheer sorely tested.

If you want a good laugh, I highly recommend David Sedaris's Holidays on Ice, the hilarious story of the author getting a temporary job as an elf in a department store. Even better, download the audio to here him tell the story in his own voice!

But if you are sick of all this holiday stuff and want a book that captures the harsh reality of winter, the cold, the dark, the DANGER...they you should totally read The Trap by John Smelcer. It is a totally awesome survival story taking place during the short days and long nights of deepest Alaska! Great stuff.

What are your favorites? Do you know of any good holiday books for teens who don't care about or do Christmas? I couldn't find any Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or New Years Eve books for teens. Should there be? Or does no one care?

Hope you have a lovely winter break, with plenty of time for reading!