"[Airgood] introduces irrepressible Prairie Evers, a 10-year-old country girl whose skill at turning bad situations into good ones is as impressive as the size of her heart. . . . Radiates warmth and wisdom."--Publishers Weekly
"Issues of individuality, peer pressure, family support, and considering the feelings of others are all cogently addressed here. Those who miss Eva Ibbotson will find comfort in Airgood's world."--Booklist
"Airgood has created a bright, spunky, independent thinker who traverses the ups and downs of friendship with optimism and loyalty. . . . A great book to recommend to readers who like a lively heroine and an intelligent, refreshing, and unpretentious plot."--School Library Journal
"The situation will intrigue kids, who will understand the specter of outsiderdom; the book also compellingly explores Prairie's navigation of the ins and outs of a first best-friendship. . . . Ivy's tough family life may also strike a chord with kids in similarly bleak positions . . . both compassionate and authentically complex."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Heartwarming. . . . Uplifting story with strength in characters, setting, and, especially, Prairie's voice. Readers will love Prairie's independent spirit and care about her relationships."--Library Media Connection
"Easy-going, earnest story of friendship and family. . . . Spirited narration. . . . Thoughtful readers will no doubt sympathize with Prairie's feelings of loneliness and celebrate the new friendship she finds, even--or perhaps especially--when it gets complicated." --
Kirkus Reviews "[Airgood] introduces irrepressible Prairie Evers, a 10-year-old country girl whose skill at turning bad situations into good ones is as impressive as the size of her heart. . . . Radiates warmth and wisdom." --
Publishers Weekly "Issues of individuality, peer pressure, family support, and considering the feelings of others are all cogently addressed here. Those who miss Eva Ibbotson will find comfort in Airgood's world." --
Booklist "Airgood has created a bright, spunky, independent thinker who traverses the ups and downs of friendship with optimism and loyalty. . . . A great book to recommend to readers who like a lively heroine and an intelligent, refreshing, and unpretentious plot." --
School Library Journal "The situation will intrigue kids, who will understand the specter of outsiderdom; the book also compellingly explores Prairie's navigation of the ins and outs of a first best-friendship. . . . Ivy's tough family life may also strike a chord with kids in similarly bleak positions . . . both compassionate and authentically complex." --
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "Heartwarming. . . . Uplifting story with strength in characters, setting, and, especially, Prairie's voice. Readers will love Prairie's independent spirit and care about her relationships." --
Library Media Connection
A sweet, spirited ten-year-old embarks upon the adventure of first friendship in this sparkling debut
Prairie Evers is finding that socialization isn't all it's cracked up to be. She's been homeschooled by her granny and has learned the most from traipsing through nature. But now she has to attend public school, and feels just like her chickens--cooped up and subject to the pecking order. School is a jolt for Prairie until she meets Ivy, her first true friend. But while raising chickens and the great outdoors have given Prairie wisdom and perspective, nothing has prepared her for the give and take of friendship. When Prairie finds out that Ivy's home may not be the best place for Ivy, Prairie must corral all her optimism and determination to hatch a plan to help.
Fabulous writing and a narrator full of personality distinguish this lively middle-grade novel.
(And don’t miss The Education of Ivy Blake, the wonderful companion to Prairie Evers!)