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Robbin' Around the Christmas Tree
Ice skating at Rockefeller Center is a must when visiting New York City at Christmastime — but be careful who you eavesdrop on.
When wannabe-author Nate Wilder overhears two other teens planning to steal the giant star from atop the world’s most famous Christmas tree, his trip goes from merry to downright scary. Nate finds himself sucked into a week-long scheme that not only sees him facing seventy-foot heights, Mortal Kombat cosplay, and possible jail time…but also, possibly, falling for the leader of this ragtag team of criminals-in-training.
When wannabe-author Nate Wilder overhears two other teens planning to steal the giant star from atop the world’s most famous Christmas tree, his trip goes from merry to downright scary. Nate finds himself sucked into a week-long scheme that not only sees him facing seventy-foot heights, Mortal Kombat cosplay, and possible jail time…but also, possibly, falling for the leader of this ragtag team of criminals-in-training.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2024
6829 people want to read
About the author
Sam Campbell
2 books34 followersSam Campbell began writing his first novel at the age of fourteen, which was (surprise surprise) total garbage. He hopes he has improved since then. When he’s not writing, he likes to read, work out, and watch movies with his family. He also suffers from a terrible addiction to McDonald’s frappes. Mocha, of course.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 29, 2024
Book Review 📖🎄🌟
thank you so much @samcamwrites for the gifted copy!!
Robbin’ Around the Christmas Tree
by Sam Campbell
About the book 👇🏽
When wannabe-author Nate Wilder overhears two other teens planning to steal the giant star from atop the world’s most famous Christmas tree, his trip goes from merry to downright scary. Nate finds himself sucked into a week-long scheme that not only sees him facing seventy-foot heights, Mortal Kombat cosplay, and possible jail time…but also, possibly, falling for the leader of this ragtag team of criminals-in-training.
🌟 My thoughts:
Such a feel good holiday story that can be read in one sitting! Did I read it in one sitting? No I didn’t but that’s only because it turned into a bed time story for my boys. They saw the cover and eagerly decided that’s what I’d be reading to them while we wind down at night. This is a quick read that pulls at your heartstrings and warms your heart all the same. The trio of teens will have you feeling so much nostalgia (if you’re no longer a teen), taking you right back to your adolescent self. When your dreams felt so attainable you could practically taste it… and maybe it’s a reminder that your dreams are in fact, attainable still. I loved the whole gang and my heart really went out to Clue. An absolute firecracker. Too old for her young age, when life should still be easy and your biggest worry should be whether or not you did your homework… but that’s not the cards she was dealt. And that’s the story for many. I loved Rodney’s loyalty, and the fact that Nate really pushed himself out of his comfort zone while he was visiting his aunt. This book made me really want to make a day trip to NYC happen this year in December to see the tree and visit the New York Public Library. My boys loved the story too and are also asking to see the tree… although I had to remind them we will NOT be stealing anything! If you’re looking for a wonderful story of found family, taking chances, and a hopefully future… you need to read Robbin’ Around the Christmas Tree!
Happy reading 📖🎄🌟
thank you so much @samcamwrites for the gifted copy!!
Robbin’ Around the Christmas Tree
by Sam Campbell
About the book 👇🏽
When wannabe-author Nate Wilder overhears two other teens planning to steal the giant star from atop the world’s most famous Christmas tree, his trip goes from merry to downright scary. Nate finds himself sucked into a week-long scheme that not only sees him facing seventy-foot heights, Mortal Kombat cosplay, and possible jail time…but also, possibly, falling for the leader of this ragtag team of criminals-in-training.
🌟 My thoughts:
Such a feel good holiday story that can be read in one sitting! Did I read it in one sitting? No I didn’t but that’s only because it turned into a bed time story for my boys. They saw the cover and eagerly decided that’s what I’d be reading to them while we wind down at night. This is a quick read that pulls at your heartstrings and warms your heart all the same. The trio of teens will have you feeling so much nostalgia (if you’re no longer a teen), taking you right back to your adolescent self. When your dreams felt so attainable you could practically taste it… and maybe it’s a reminder that your dreams are in fact, attainable still. I loved the whole gang and my heart really went out to Clue. An absolute firecracker. Too old for her young age, when life should still be easy and your biggest worry should be whether or not you did your homework… but that’s not the cards she was dealt. And that’s the story for many. I loved Rodney’s loyalty, and the fact that Nate really pushed himself out of his comfort zone while he was visiting his aunt. This book made me really want to make a day trip to NYC happen this year in December to see the tree and visit the New York Public Library. My boys loved the story too and are also asking to see the tree… although I had to remind them we will NOT be stealing anything! If you’re looking for a wonderful story of found family, taking chances, and a hopefully future… you need to read Robbin’ Around the Christmas Tree!
Happy reading 📖🎄🌟
November 18, 2024
This was an enjoyable and entertaining read. I feel as though this book could be made into a movie. Nate, Rodney, and Clue are quite the teenage group, and I found myself laughing aloud on several occasions. However, it is important to note that the book also addresses the serious topic of dealing with a family member with dementia. Ultimately, this book is a journey of self-discovery, love, family, and friendship.
❄️ I was smiling so hard in the last chapter; it was amazing! I highly recommend checking this book out, especially since it is just in time for the holiday.
❄️ I was smiling so hard in the last chapter; it was amazing! I highly recommend checking this book out, especially since it is just in time for the holiday.
November 3, 2024
A fun and quirky holiday heist set in New York City at Christmas time. With a highly detailed plan to hijack the brand new Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree star, what could go wrong??
Teens Nate, Clue and Rodney discover just how many things can go wrong during their star-snatching endeavor. Robbin’ Around the Christmas Tree takes you on one of those whirlwind New York City adventures you always dreamed of when you were a kid.
While I was reading I got the vibes of a mix between Home Alone and Dash & Lily. It felt like a teen Hallmark holiday movie!
*cough cough Hallmark/Netflix/Hulu*
The characters were relatable, quirky and lovable.
I would love to go out for a night on the town with Aunt Celeste…her vibes are top tier entertainment.
All in all this was a feel good, fun, holiday adventure. Giving heartwarming glimpses of navigating family heartbreak and the discovery of yourself and the friends (some possibly more than friends 😏) along the way.
Teens Nate, Clue and Rodney discover just how many things can go wrong during their star-snatching endeavor. Robbin’ Around the Christmas Tree takes you on one of those whirlwind New York City adventures you always dreamed of when you were a kid.
While I was reading I got the vibes of a mix between Home Alone and Dash & Lily. It felt like a teen Hallmark holiday movie!
*cough cough Hallmark/Netflix/Hulu*
The characters were relatable, quirky and lovable.
I would love to go out for a night on the town with Aunt Celeste…her vibes are top tier entertainment.
All in all this was a feel good, fun, holiday adventure. Giving heartwarming glimpses of navigating family heartbreak and the discovery of yourself and the friends (some possibly more than friends 😏) along the way.
December 28, 2024
I haven’t read YA in a while but this was a fun read for the season. You can tell the writer also really loves NY with the amount of detail he’s placed in the book. Very descriptive and easily helps you imagine it if you’ve never been there. I can very easily see this being turned into a movie too!
November 24, 2024
I'm a slow reader and this book was a super quick read. It read really easy and is very approachable for young adult, I'd even say some advanced-reading middle graders. No swearing that I saw and only 1-2 very chaste and sweet kisses.
This book is about 3 teens - 2 MMCs and 1 FMCs. One POV from one of male main characters. However, I really loved diving deeper into the female lead's backstory and her unique storyline. The synopsis brings our male perspective to NYC for the holidays to live with his aunt for a visit and he is dragged into this duo team of teens who are attempting to steal the spikes off the Rockefeller Christmas Tree star. Boy, do things send them on an adventure!
In some ways, I thought of Percy Jackson as I was reading this and I really enjoyed the ride. Thank you to the author for a gifted copy.
This book is about 3 teens - 2 MMCs and 1 FMCs. One POV from one of male main characters. However, I really loved diving deeper into the female lead's backstory and her unique storyline. The synopsis brings our male perspective to NYC for the holidays to live with his aunt for a visit and he is dragged into this duo team of teens who are attempting to steal the spikes off the Rockefeller Christmas Tree star. Boy, do things send them on an adventure!
In some ways, I thought of Percy Jackson as I was reading this and I really enjoyed the ride. Thank you to the author for a gifted copy.
December 21, 2025
3.5 stars
Received as a Goodreads giveaway, in exchange for an honest review. I am very late reviewing this, as I received it last year, but life got busy and I forgot to come back to it.
This is definitely a young adult book, which I wasn't aware of, even though the writing felt more middle grade level than teen. Nate is a 16 year old visiting his aunt in New York during Christmas time, and gets roped into stealing the star off of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree by two other teens. It's an okay book, the detail put into the setting is really good and the plot is cute for a teen book. The characters could have used a little more emotional depth, but their background stories were still gone into really well. Overall, it was a book I think teens would enjoy as a light read!
Received as a Goodreads giveaway, in exchange for an honest review. I am very late reviewing this, as I received it last year, but life got busy and I forgot to come back to it.
This is definitely a young adult book, which I wasn't aware of, even though the writing felt more middle grade level than teen. Nate is a 16 year old visiting his aunt in New York during Christmas time, and gets roped into stealing the star off of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree by two other teens. It's an okay book, the detail put into the setting is really good and the plot is cute for a teen book. The characters could have used a little more emotional depth, but their background stories were still gone into really well. Overall, it was a book I think teens would enjoy as a light read!
October 29, 2024
Robbin' Around the Christmas Tree is a stunning honor to the enchantment of New York City during the holiday season, when awe and sparkling lights dwell attached! Sam Campbell has written an entertaining adventure with romance drops that sent me to a funny and thrilling world, I settle in on a story as fascinating as the glittering star above Rockefeller Center!
.
Nate and Clue, two souls bonded in the splendor of winter and the brightness of Christmas lights, guided me on an enchanting, heart-stirring adventure through the library's magnificent halls and the cold streets of New York City! Romance and adventure connect to deliver a novel that is captivating and calming, making it hard to put down!
.
The story immersed me in the colorful world of Manhattan, where young dreamer Nate, whose head is full of stories, meets strong-willed lady Clue, who is determined to leave her mark on the city's skyline! From their unexpected meeting with Augustine Grant at the library to their bold plots for heists on chilly evenings, the city gleams like a setting for their adventures together! Each page is rendered with bold delight by the excitement of crawling into the Rose Main Reading Room or the tense ascent to the top of a skyscraper to recover a stolen Christmas topper. However, behind these thrilling adventures are poignant, life-changing events!
.
The quiet power of the individuals in the novel is just as compelling as its love gestures or spectacular robbery sequences. Anyone who has ever experienced the bittersweet tug of maturing and moving on will be able to relate to Nate's love for Clue, Clue's humor and commitment, and their shared adventure! This story shines as brightly as the Rockefeller Center tree during a season of lights and snow, of goodbyes and fresh starts, this left me with a warm heart and an urge for the streets of the city, a solid ten stars debut for Campbell, I really can't wait to read more from this outstanding writer!
.
Nate and Clue, two souls bonded in the splendor of winter and the brightness of Christmas lights, guided me on an enchanting, heart-stirring adventure through the library's magnificent halls and the cold streets of New York City! Romance and adventure connect to deliver a novel that is captivating and calming, making it hard to put down!
.
The story immersed me in the colorful world of Manhattan, where young dreamer Nate, whose head is full of stories, meets strong-willed lady Clue, who is determined to leave her mark on the city's skyline! From their unexpected meeting with Augustine Grant at the library to their bold plots for heists on chilly evenings, the city gleams like a setting for their adventures together! Each page is rendered with bold delight by the excitement of crawling into the Rose Main Reading Room or the tense ascent to the top of a skyscraper to recover a stolen Christmas topper. However, behind these thrilling adventures are poignant, life-changing events!
.
The quiet power of the individuals in the novel is just as compelling as its love gestures or spectacular robbery sequences. Anyone who has ever experienced the bittersweet tug of maturing and moving on will be able to relate to Nate's love for Clue, Clue's humor and commitment, and their shared adventure! This story shines as brightly as the Rockefeller Center tree during a season of lights and snow, of goodbyes and fresh starts, this left me with a warm heart and an urge for the streets of the city, a solid ten stars debut for Campbell, I really can't wait to read more from this outstanding writer!
December 8, 2025
An absolutely fun, easy, Christmas read. It has 90s Christmas movies vibes, complete with an absurd plot that makes it all the more fun. It's appropriate for middle grade readers and up. Definitely one you should read!
February 18, 2025
It was more of a teen book, but it was okay.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews