THE CHRISTMAS CLASH

Two teens from competing families team up to thwart the destruction of their local mall.

As long as they can remember, high school juniors Chloe Kwon and Peter Li have been told to stay far away from one another. For more than a decade, their families have been sworn enemies in a feud of mysterious origin. Running in different social circles—self-effacing Chloe is in the artsy crowd and genial Peter is an athlete—their interaction in school is minimal, outside of some occasional banter. However, with working competing holiday jobs plus pitching in at their families’ restaurants—all at the local mall—their crossing paths is inevitable. And when Chloe and Peter discover a plan for the impending sale and demolition of the mall, they might just need a Christmas miracle. The pair team up in an attempt to save their parents’ businesses and change the landlord’s mind. Late-night forbidden food swaps, friendly favors, and research into tenant rights find their tentative truce transforming into a budding romance. Dual narration affords a candid look at the two protagonists as they deal with familial miscommunication, racism (Chloe is Korean American; Peter is Chinese American), community organizing—and falling for one another. Chloe’s narrative feels dominant as she balances another life-changing event: A subplot about a national youth photography competition sees her discovering her artistic voice. Peter’s character development and personal stakes feel less even.

A fun rivalry-to-romance romp.