Publishers Weekly
In a starred review, PW said, "The author probes the sixth-grade mindset pithily and perceptively. Charming, yet by no means flawless, Agnes is a heroine nearly everyone can embrace." Ages 10-up. (Nov.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal
Gr 4-6-From bullies to best friends to first love, the trials and surprising joys of sixth grade unfold in this light but vividly told narrative. First-novelist O'Dell deploys familiar material (trick-or-treating, oral presentations in class, the family-next-door's crisis) in ways that engage readers and keep the pages turning. Agnes Parker doesn't realize it, but she's gutsy, kind, and, in the end, proves herself to be a good friend. Her attraction to Joe, a new kid in class who is part Native American, is well realized. This satisfying and good-humored story will leave readers hoping for Agnes Parker's return.-Susan Patron, Los Angeles Public Library Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
Eleven-year-old Agnes is on a mission to become the kind of girl who can stick up for herself. If she can get the attention of the cute new boy in class in the meantime, maybe this year full of broken arms and new glasses might not turn out so bad. Agnes wants to be clever like her best friend, Prejean, who never seems at a loss for things to say to the bully, Neidermeyer. It is not until she gets to know Joe, the new boy in school, that she begins to realize that her troubles with classroom bullies, brand-new glasses, and a bright purple cast on her arm are pretty small compared to the difficulties that surround others. Facing the recent death of his mother and the oppressive depression inflicting his father, Joe is floating through the sixth grade. True to her kind spirit, Agnes tries to help Joe, but also true to form makes some missteps along the way. In a few short months, Agnes succeeds in beginning the long journey that will take her where she wants to go. A story of growth and acceptance, Agnes's spirit shines through as she is forced to face some difficult challenges and surprises herself with her own strength. Inspirational and realistic. (Fiction 10-13)
