Volunteer State (Tennessee)

2005-2006

Book Award Master Reading List

Book of Note —Tri State YA Review Committee of PA, DE, NJ

2004

School Library Journal

"Jill's perception of her arrogant, seemingly perfect sister and independent brother, and her struggle to bond with them through their adventures is a wonderful example of family life and the need to find one's place. The girl is a strong heroine who is likable for her spirit and earnest nature. "

Kirkus Reviews

"A sweetly episodic novel.... [N]ewcomer Foreman scrupulously avoids the saccharine, allowing Jill's voice to carry the novel with its emotional honesty and growing understanding of her family's dynamics.... Warmly, quietly memorable."

Publishers Weekly

"The theme of family closeness resounds loudly over the current of the siblings' frequent bickering, and the descriptions of catching frogs, fishing or even playing Monopoly have an old-fashioned appeal."

School Library Journal

"Jill's perception of her arrogant, seemingly perfect sister and independent brother, and her struggle to bond with them through their adventures is a wonderful example of family life and the need to find one's place. The girl is a strong heroine who is likable for her spirit and earnest nature. "

Kirkus Reviews

"A sweetly episodic novel.... [N]ewcomer Foreman scrupulously avoids the saccharine, allowing Jill's voice to carry the novel with its emotional honesty and growing understanding of her family's dynamics.... Warmly, quietly memorable."

Publishers Weekly

"The theme of family closeness resounds loudly over the current of the siblings' frequent bickering, and the descriptions of catching frogs, fishing or even playing Monopoly have an old-fashioned appeal."

Booklist

"There's more triumph than tragedy in this country idyll, which doesn't seem so idyllic for middle-child Jill, whose two older sibs, both deep in the throes of adolescence, treat her with scorn one moment and affection the next. … With its sturdy, likable preteen narrator, a cast of recognizable characters (plus one notably mercurial milk cow), and a sunny emotional climate wracked by intense but passing storms, this will appeal to readers in search of stories that are not about broken homes, abuse, ugly secrets, racial prejudice, or (with the exception of a pet) death."

Washington Parent

"Lyrical writing and strong characterizations are two important strengths of this first novel.... Readers will be sorry to turn the last page and bid good-bye to Jill, her three siblings and their small family farm so lovingly evoked."