Copyright 2023 © GretchenGriffith.com
Picture book based on the author’s experiences with international
students and her own culture shock as a high school exchange student in
Lima, Peru. Big concept for a simple book about a boy coming to America
with his family and living near one of the Christmas tree farms in western
North Carolina.
When Christmas Feels Like Home is also
based on culture adaptation materials from the
orientation I conduct yearly for students
departing on a study abroad program. As
volunteer area team sending coordinator for the
Carolinas AFS, I am responsible for working with
candidates from application through departure,
and beyond.
Plot Summary
After moving from a small village to a town in the
United States, Eduardo is sure it will never feel quite
like home. The other children don't speak his
language and they do not play fútbol. His family
promises him that he will feel right at home by the
time Christmas comes along, when “your words float
like clouds from your mouth” and “trees will ride on
cars.” With whimsical imagery and a sprinkling of
Spanish vocabulary, Gretchen Griffith takes readers
on a multicultural journey with Eduardo who
discovers the United States is not so different from
Latin America and home is wherever family is.
“A gentle, lyrical story that can be read year-round as a sensitive exploration of the meaning of
home.”
Kirkus
"Faria's burnished paintings create a feeling of warmth and luminescence in every scene, while
Griffith's soothing, poetic language delivers a comforting message about traditions and
transitions."
Publishers Weekly
"More an affirmation of patience and fortitude than a Christmas story. . . .A charming and
worthwhile read for any time of year."
School Library Journal
“This delightful book proves that it is important for families to have rituals that tie the past and
the present together. Things like a Christmas box lend more definition to and appreciation of
home.”
Book review by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat for Spirituality and Practice
“We truly love it! We read it to our grandson last night. He could totally relate to being a new
kid in school and playing ball with other kids. Gretchen captured something VERY real and did a
beautiful sensitive job.”
From the grandmother of a bilingual first grader
When Christmas Feels Like Home