• Michael L. Printz Honor Book
• Selected for the 2008 USBBY-CBC Outstanding International Books List
• "Special Recognition" received from The Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College (Paterson, NJ) for the 2008 Paterson Prize for Books for Young People.

 "Writing with the same warmth and humor that characterized her earliest novels (the Al Capsella series), Clarke introduces a new cast of endearingly eccentric characters who are drawn together to enjoy 'one whole and perfect day.' ...Filled with surprising turns of events and serendipitous encounters with strangers (who ultimately take on significance in the story), this book celebrates rekindled friendship and blossoming romance."
     —Publishers Weekly

 "Clarke's sharp, poetic prose evokes each character's inner life with rich and often amusing vibrancy. ..."
     —Horn Book

 "While Lily's voice dominates, this quiet, moving novel rapidly shifts points of view, giving each family member as well as several secondary characters a voice. As in Kalpana's Dream (BCCB 4/05), with which this book shares characters, the eloquence lies in the perfect, fluid movement from character to character and the success with which the book ties all of those characters together in a conclusion riddled with elements of coincidence and destiny. Reminiscent of Perkins' Criss Cross (BCCB 9/05), this Australian import will appeal especially to fans of strong character development and alternating points of view; the birthday-party plotline lies secondary to the portrayal of the characters' internal lives, and readers willing to follow that development will wholly embrace the gentle pacing and pointed exploration of the way lives interconnect."
     —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

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 "Writing with the same warmth and humor that characterized her earliest novels (the Al Capsella series), Clarke introduces a new cast of endearingly eccentric characters who are drawn together to enjoy 'one whole and perfect day.' ...Filled with surprising turns of events and serendipitous encounters with strangers (who ultimately take on significance in the story), this book celebrates rekindled friendship and blossoming romance."
     —Publishers Weekly

 "Clarke's sharp, poetic prose evokes each character's inner life with rich and often amusing vibrancy. ..."
     —Horn Book

 "While Lily's voice dominates, this quiet, moving novel rapidly shifts points of view, giving each family member as well as several secondary characters a voice. As in Kalpana's Dream (BCCB 4/05), with which this book shares characters, the eloquence lies in the perfect, fluid movement from character to character and the success with which the book ties all of those characters together in a conclusion riddled with elements of coincidence and destiny. Reminiscent of Perkins' Criss Cross (BCCB 9/05), this Australian import will appeal especially to fans of strong character development and alternating points of view; the birthday-party plotline lies secondary to the portrayal of the characters' internal lives, and readers willing to follow that development will wholly embrace the gentle pacing and pointed exploration of the way lives interconnect."
     —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"The third-person narration alternates among the many characters’ experiences, offering the reader an omniscient view of interconnecting lives in a down-to-earth, Australian setting."
     —Booklist

"Australian Clarke takes readers into the minds of each member of a very large cast of characters as they learn to be less judgemental and more forgiving. Unfortunately this lack of focus detracts from the story. Subplots about Lonnie's girlfriend and her parents, who also are not speaking; his girfriend's roommate; and a homeless girl on the train keep readers from becoming attached to any one character. In addition, the reasons behind the family rifts seem insubstantial, and some major issues, such as the grandfather's racism, are solved too quickly and simply. It leads, through a number of improbable coincidences, to a large extended family reunion at Pop's birthday party. The novel can be suggested to younger teens or those looking for books with no objectionable content. Even with that criteria, though, there are more engrossing choices dealing with family relationship, such as books by Joan Bauer."
     —Voice of Youth Advocates

"Clarke’s characters are fully realized both physically and emotionally. The pace of the plot is gentle and there are no real unexpected twists. Though readers will foresee the events to come, this does not detract from the enjoyment of the book. Some of the Australian idioms may be unfamiliar, but they won’t deter most readers."
     —School Library Journal

"Sharp, poetic prose...deadly, amusing accuracy."
     —Toronto Star