I struggled only with the expressing of tensions since these were times within my own school career that were not dear to my heart and personality. I have always attempted to dismiss tension with humor and that is what I continue to encourage with my writing.
Cheryl Babirad – 30 November 2025
The Back Flap
New friendships, school drama, and a dash of Christmas magic-The Jingle Bell Pact is a feel-good middle grade novel perfect for readers who love heartwarming holiday stories with real-world lessons about kindness and courage.
When Julia moves from Kansas to New York, she’s ready for a new start-until she runs into Francesca, leader of the “Gridlock Girls,” a group that rules the halls of Bellows Middle School. Luckily, Julia quickly bonds with Savannah, a spirited science lover from Georgia, and the two become inseparable.
But as the holiday season approaches and the school begins planning its annual Jingle Bell Dance, tensions rise. Can Savannah and Julia melt the ice between the “in-crowd” and the new kids by spreading a little Christmas cheer? Or will old grudges ruin their season of joy?
Through laughter, challenges, and the power of friendship, Julia and Savannah learn that the truest gifts aren’t wrapped under a tree-they’re found in the people who stand by you when things get tough.
About the book
What is the book about?
My book, The Jingle Bell Pact is about new friendships, school drama, kindness, courage with a dash of Christmas magic. Through laughter, challenges and the power of friendship middle grade readers will learn that the truest gifts are found in the people who stand by you when things get tough.
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing the book actually three years ago.
How long did it take you to write it?
I would say it took a year to write the original story before finding the best publisher and beginning the editing process.
Where did you get the idea from?
The idea came from my memories of my own school days and those of my son and daughter. Memories of my teaching years enhanced the story as well and of course, my love of the Christmas season and its desire to bring people together as family and friends helping each other and others.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
I struggled only with the expressing of tensions since these were times within my own school career that were not dear to my heart and personality. I have always attempted to dismiss tension with humor and that is what I continue to encourage with my writing.
What came easily?
What came easily was the humorous banter between students and the learning that came between the students and the senior citizens they came to know and appreciate. It came easily imagining the “Magical Four” who came from the North Star to follow the students in their journey to spread Christmas cheer!
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
My characters are fictitious and borrowed from real world characters I have known and used in a purely imaginative fashion.
Do you have a target reader for this book?
My targeted reader is the middle grade reader and those who are forever young and enjoy the memories!
How was writing this book different from what you’d experienced writing previous books?
Writing this book was different because it was my first middle grade story and opportunity to relive, share those particular memories.
What new things did you learn about writing, publishing, and/or yourself while writing and preparing this book for publication?
I learned how much I enjoy writing for middle grade students but I also enjoy the variety of my writings because they all bring back memories of different times in my life. I love adding imaginative people and events to those memories. I also learned, when writing, how much more comes from the interplay of the characters’ discussions, rather than narration.
End of Interview:
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Get your copy of The Jingle Bell Pact from Amazon US or Amazon UK.