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Blizzard Besties: A Wish Novel
Debut Latina author Yamile Saied Méndez joins the WISH list with a wintry adventure in the vein of Hot Cocoa Hearts and Pugs and Kisses . Vanesa Campos can't wait for winter vacation. Skiing on the slopes, sipping hot cocoa . . . her week at Pinecloud Lodge promises to be cozy and perfect. And maybe she can make some new friends! Never mind that glamorous Beck writes off Vanesa right away; twins Emma and Eric are ready to join the fun out in the snow.But when the flakes start falling, everything changes. Vanesa's little brother, Hunter, might be stranded out in the blizzard! Vanesa will have to team up with all the kids -- plus one giant dog -- to rescue him. Can she save her brother and discover which real friends will weather the storm with her?
272 pages, Paperback
Published December 26, 2018
19 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Yamile Saied Méndez
44 books723 followersYamile (sha-MEE-lay) is a fútbol obsessed Argentine-American. She’s the mother of 5 kids and 2 adorable dogs. Yamile’s an inaugural Walter Dean Meyers Grant recipient, a graduate of Voices of our Nation (VONA) and the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA Writing for Children program.
She’s represented by Linda Camacho, from the Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency.
She’s represented by Linda Camacho, from the Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 10, 2019
Blizzard Besties: A Wish Novel
is a mix of wonder, adventure, and pre-teen angst that could only be found in a Middle Grade. The story follows a young girl named Vanesa Campos, who’s spending her holiday break skiing with her family, which is comprised of Mami, Papi, and her little brother. Hunter. However, Vanesa’s had what we call “una mala racha,” or, a string of bad luck. On her past birthdays and holidays, bad stuff has happened to her or someone close to her, and thus Vanesa’s trying not to mess things up for her family. All the while, she’s trying to regain membership of a friendship group via snaps and messages to a groupchat after getting kicked out by one of her so-called friends.
Vanesa struggles with balancing what it means to be a good friend and an exemplary sister and daughter, and it doesn’t help that she has foot-in-mouth disease. She’s also a young girl still learning about the world and how it works. Vanesa is headstrong and smart, even when making bad decisions she thrives. I related to her relationship with Hunter, seeing as she found him an annoying little brother while still having inside jokes and being fiercely protective of him, much in the same way I used to find my relationship with my younger brother.
When a snowstorm falls upon the lodge Vanesa’s staying in, she fears Hunter may have gone out into the storm without telling anyone. She has to turn to two girls she’s just met, one affable and the other antagonistic toward Vanesa, in order to find Hunter and survive the storm that’s sure to fall upon them. But it might take the perfect storm for Vanesa to start becoming a distinct person and own up to her strengths and flaws.
Blizzard Besties is a fast-paced story that’s enjoyable and fitting for people who love the beginning of High School Musical (ski resort, anyone?), fleshed out secondary characters, and tales of family and true friendship. It reads as a Disney Channel movie in book form (kind of like Stories from East High if it were set in the Winter holidays), which is what I loved in middle school.
Even though Blizzard Besties is Yamile Saied Méndez’s debut Middle Grade novel, I can already sense she will continue to grow as a writer and that she has many more amazing stories making their way into our bookshelves.
Thank you to Yamile and the team at Scholastic for providing an ARC for me to read! Happy reading!
Vanesa struggles with balancing what it means to be a good friend and an exemplary sister and daughter, and it doesn’t help that she has foot-in-mouth disease. She’s also a young girl still learning about the world and how it works. Vanesa is headstrong and smart, even when making bad decisions she thrives. I related to her relationship with Hunter, seeing as she found him an annoying little brother while still having inside jokes and being fiercely protective of him, much in the same way I used to find my relationship with my younger brother.
When a snowstorm falls upon the lodge Vanesa’s staying in, she fears Hunter may have gone out into the storm without telling anyone. She has to turn to two girls she’s just met, one affable and the other antagonistic toward Vanesa, in order to find Hunter and survive the storm that’s sure to fall upon them. But it might take the perfect storm for Vanesa to start becoming a distinct person and own up to her strengths and flaws.
Blizzard Besties is a fast-paced story that’s enjoyable and fitting for people who love the beginning of High School Musical (ski resort, anyone?), fleshed out secondary characters, and tales of family and true friendship. It reads as a Disney Channel movie in book form (kind of like Stories from East High if it were set in the Winter holidays), which is what I loved in middle school.
Even though Blizzard Besties is Yamile Saied Méndez’s debut Middle Grade novel, I can already sense she will continue to grow as a writer and that she has many more amazing stories making their way into our bookshelves.
Thank you to Yamile and the team at Scholastic for providing an ARC for me to read! Happy reading!
May 18, 2019
This one was not as good as I expected. Too much teen drama and not enough about the dog.
January 8, 2021
2.5 stars, rounded up
A cute read, but a little too over the top with the clueless and ineffectual adults. Even if the parents knew that the kids were safe enough in the kids cabin, why would they leave them there, alone and unsupervised, during a blizzard? Bryce was only 15 and incompetent, and the rest of the kids were 13 and under, one with a medical condition. I liked that Vanesa learned to not care about impressing the mean girls at school though.
A cute read, but a little too over the top with the clueless and ineffectual adults. Even if the parents knew that the kids were safe enough in the kids cabin, why would they leave them there, alone and unsupervised, during a blizzard? Bryce was only 15 and incompetent, and the rest of the kids were 13 and under, one with a medical condition. I liked that Vanesa learned to not care about impressing the mean girls at school though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2019
The Campos family is finally on vacation! After a long time of saving up money, they get to stay at the Pinecloud Lodge. Here, Mami and Papi can relax with massages, and have a well deserved break. Meanwhile, Vanessa and Hunter can have some fun by skiing, eating s’mores, and watching a big-screen movie with other kids.
No one is more excited about this winter get-away than Vanessa. For years, she has been dreaming about the Pinecloud Lodge, and the perfect vacation she would have. However, Vanessa is haunted by the thought that she will mess it up. She has a past of wrecking many family events, from holidays to birthdays. Vanessa is determined to let nothing ruin her vacation.
While Vanessa thinks that her vacation at the Pinecloud Lodge is a dream come true, her friend group, the Sunshine Darlings, think otherwise. They would much rather tan in the sun, then bother with the cold. After an incident between Vanessa and Amber, the leader of the Sunshine Darlings, Vanessa is put on probation, and must be at the girls’ beck and call, even during her vacation.
Vanessa’s time at the Lodge introduces her to new people. She meets Beck, a fabulous and snobby teen, as well as Emma and Eric, kindhearted and funny twins. Vanessa even becomes friends with the resort dog, Rocky, even though she has a huge fear of big dogs.
Things seem to be going smoothly, until Vanessa leaves seven year old Hunter unattended during a nap. Not wanting to waste her ski lesson, she decides to leave Hunter in their room. When she returns, however, Hunter is no where to be found! Vanessa is frantic, and must find Hunter before her parents begin to worry. Meanwhile, the snow blizzard outside, rages harder every second. With the help of the rest of the resort kids, Vanessa searches for her brother before it’s too late.
Will Vanessa put aside her differences with Beck, and find her brother? Or will she ruin this vacation, and all future vacations to come? Get snug, and find answers as you read Blizzard Buddies.
Blizzard Buddies is a fun, seasonal read that tells a story of true friendship, and how to solve even the most dire problems. The story is fast paced, and action packed, but is still a light read. It is easy to understand, and is perfect for kids eight and up. The characters are all well-developed, and have like-able personalities, and flaws. In the beginning of the book, Vanessa shows flaws such as: inconsiderateness, and recklessness. Over the course of the story Vanessa grows as a person, and discovers her true self. These flaws originally cause Vanessa to be a slightly overbearing character, but as she recognizes this, she becomes the person she wants to be. Overall, she is a lovable character.
The book is highly descriptive, and tells of the beauty of winter perfectly. It’s imagery draws the reader into the story, and makes it hard for readers to put down. It’s use of foreshadowing and symbolism adds an element to story that makes it an even better read. For every object previously brought into the story eventually makes a reappearance later on. One particular use of foreshadowing is a plush, toy deer. The deer foreshadows a later occurrence with a family of real deer. Deer are an adorable symbol that reoccur throughout the book.
This book is a great read, from its attention-grabbing story, to its well written characters. This book is deserving of five stars.
Reviewed by Tessa H.,13, Oklahoma Central Mensa
No one is more excited about this winter get-away than Vanessa. For years, she has been dreaming about the Pinecloud Lodge, and the perfect vacation she would have. However, Vanessa is haunted by the thought that she will mess it up. She has a past of wrecking many family events, from holidays to birthdays. Vanessa is determined to let nothing ruin her vacation.
While Vanessa thinks that her vacation at the Pinecloud Lodge is a dream come true, her friend group, the Sunshine Darlings, think otherwise. They would much rather tan in the sun, then bother with the cold. After an incident between Vanessa and Amber, the leader of the Sunshine Darlings, Vanessa is put on probation, and must be at the girls’ beck and call, even during her vacation.
Vanessa’s time at the Lodge introduces her to new people. She meets Beck, a fabulous and snobby teen, as well as Emma and Eric, kindhearted and funny twins. Vanessa even becomes friends with the resort dog, Rocky, even though she has a huge fear of big dogs.
Things seem to be going smoothly, until Vanessa leaves seven year old Hunter unattended during a nap. Not wanting to waste her ski lesson, she decides to leave Hunter in their room. When she returns, however, Hunter is no where to be found! Vanessa is frantic, and must find Hunter before her parents begin to worry. Meanwhile, the snow blizzard outside, rages harder every second. With the help of the rest of the resort kids, Vanessa searches for her brother before it’s too late.
Will Vanessa put aside her differences with Beck, and find her brother? Or will she ruin this vacation, and all future vacations to come? Get snug, and find answers as you read Blizzard Buddies.
Blizzard Buddies is a fun, seasonal read that tells a story of true friendship, and how to solve even the most dire problems. The story is fast paced, and action packed, but is still a light read. It is easy to understand, and is perfect for kids eight and up. The characters are all well-developed, and have like-able personalities, and flaws. In the beginning of the book, Vanessa shows flaws such as: inconsiderateness, and recklessness. Over the course of the story Vanessa grows as a person, and discovers her true self. These flaws originally cause Vanessa to be a slightly overbearing character, but as she recognizes this, she becomes the person she wants to be. Overall, she is a lovable character.
The book is highly descriptive, and tells of the beauty of winter perfectly. It’s imagery draws the reader into the story, and makes it hard for readers to put down. It’s use of foreshadowing and symbolism adds an element to story that makes it an even better read. For every object previously brought into the story eventually makes a reappearance later on. One particular use of foreshadowing is a plush, toy deer. The deer foreshadows a later occurrence with a family of real deer. Deer are an adorable symbol that reoccur throughout the book.
This book is a great read, from its attention-grabbing story, to its well written characters. This book is deserving of five stars.
Reviewed by Tessa H.,13, Oklahoma Central Mensa
April 10, 2024
I loved the story, but this book is not my type. Would recommend, though.
May 22, 2019
I can't wait for the launch of this wonderful tale of friendship, familial love, and loyalty. Set at a ski resort during a blizzard, Mendez' rich writing takes us directly into the heart of a storm both personal and physical and when we emerge, we are the better for it. Coming soon!
April 27, 2019
Utterly charming story about a girl who learns what kinds of friends to value during a storm-crossed winter vacation. The descriptions of the mountains are so beautiful they make me want to visit Utah!
February 16, 2019
It was very unexpected for beck to be so nice in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2019
Yamile Saied Mendez is this generation's Gary Soto. BLIZZARD BESTIES is an action-packed adventure featuring Latinx kids. The majority of my students are Latinx, and though they enjoy novels that deal with the struggles of being Latinx, they also enjoy a good, fun read that features a protagonist who looks like them. And they also enjoy when there's maybe a ghost.
Although I've finished the book, my students are a little better than half way through it and they are eating it right up. It's been a magical experience to watch some of my students fall in love with a book for the first time. They often make comparisons between this story and Disney shows they've seen and we've talked a lot about how "a book is a show you get to have inside of your head." Everyone in my class agrees, BLIZZARD BESTIES would make a great movie, but I'm eternally grateful that it's a BOOK they're reading and enjoying.
Although I've finished the book, my students are a little better than half way through it and they are eating it right up. It's been a magical experience to watch some of my students fall in love with a book for the first time. They often make comparisons between this story and Disney shows they've seen and we've talked a lot about how "a book is a show you get to have inside of your head." Everyone in my class agrees, BLIZZARD BESTIES would make a great movie, but I'm eternally grateful that it's a BOOK they're reading and enjoying.
March 11, 2019
I love stories that are well written, fast-paced, with well-developed characters—Blizzard Besties is all this and more. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down. It’s a story that reminds us of the good around us and the importance of true friendship. I hope that Ms. Mendez will write more stories featuring Vanesa and her friends.
August 17, 2025
This book was about this girl, Vanesa Campos. She is on winter vacation. She's extremely excited for skiing on slopes, sipping hot cocoa, and the coziness. She is not so excited to meet new people and make new friends. Little does she know she'll get stranded out in a blizzard and has to team up with the other kids to save her brother.
December 29, 2018
A fun, suspenseful story of adventure, friendship, and finding one's self when things get rough.
July 20, 2020
Fun and playful adventure story with a strong protagonist who grows in the course of the story. Has a good adventure story line too. Set in Utah
May 21, 2021
Cute story... provides a little tension for the reader without actually being scary. Addresses some important themes about friendship and family.
January 24, 2023
Very good 4.5 stars action packs but sill made sence.
March 24, 2025
Beautiful lessons were taught; like always trust your instincts, what is friendship, do the best you can, and above all else stay true to yourself.
5/5 page turning, never bored, 0 romance
Great character arc for Vanesa
If you’ve already read the book or is a parent please continue scrolling
To parents: In this book there is talk about ghosts so if your kid is scared of ghosts this might not be for them. Now parents can stop but folks who have read it please keep scrolling
To the people who want to hear what I have to say about the characters will Include spoilers: okay so Eric gives me Bow from She-Ra vibes, and then Bryce while trapped reminds me of Bruno from Encanto. And I know that Beck and Vanesa are just friends now, but what if they were together? I don’t know why, and don’t judge me but I ship Beck x Vanesa.
5/5 page turning, never bored, 0 romance
Great character arc for Vanesa
If you’ve already read the book or is a parent please continue scrolling
To parents: In this book there is talk about ghosts so if your kid is scared of ghosts this might not be for them. Now parents can stop but folks who have read it please keep scrolling
To the people who want to hear what I have to say about the characters will Include spoilers: okay so Eric gives me Bow from She-Ra vibes, and then Bryce while trapped reminds me of Bruno from Encanto. And I know that Beck and Vanesa are just friends now, but what if they were together? I don’t know why, and don’t judge me but I ship Beck x Vanesa.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews