The Christmas List

I was in the bookstore browsing for something new to read when I came across this book. It touched my heart to read that children were asked to write something they liked about their classmates. This book should be required reading for all school children and their families so that they understand the importance of kindness, compassion and understanding of others. If children were introduced to writing something kind about their fellow students on a regular basis, they would only appreciate their friends and acquaintances even more. A kind word is never forgotten.

I loved this book. I came across it in a local bookstore and picked it up not knowing what to expect but thought the premise sounded intriguing. First, Nelson is a first-rate writer who has created an incredibly moving and inspirational story without ever veering into sentimentality. James Engler and his family are such vividly drawn characters that I felt as though I'd spent the holidays with them. This is an ideal gift for anyone who likes a great story or needs a lift. The Christmas List will be a book that I will be sharing for years to come.