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sierra_color's review against another edition
5.0
This book was a wonderful read-- an odd yet sweet mixture of cozy, sad, and heartfelt. I really loved how relatable Ivy is. Her problems with her mother are portrayed in a way that's realistic. The feelings that you get when a loved one, especially your own mother, are shown in this book perfectly. The author of this book didn't need to tell me the shame, anger or hurt Ivy felt, because I felt it with Ivy. I love that, so, so much. I also love how, by the end of the book, Ivy stands up to her mother, and decides to make a life for herself. I find it so cathartic when characters stand up for themselves, especially in this case, Ivy's mother is a TERRIBLE mother. Sorry, but I had to say it. Not only does she hurt her daughter constantly, but she puts her in dangerous situations too!
Exactly like my mother did to me! And as someone whose live was very similar to Ivy's, I can't help but feel happy that emotional abuse/ neglect was represented in a way that SHOWED that this behavior wasn't expectable, and that nobody should be having to go through this. It also showed that there are people out there who are more than willing to help, and that just made me love this book even more.
Ivy is a realistic character, and so is her story, I can't wait to read from this author again! I heard her other book is good, so I might give that a try. I also have to say, I love how oddly cozy certain settings in this book are, such as Ivy's home(s) (I'm trying my best not to spoil anything lol) and I love how the setting around her is cozy too, and also beautiful. The way Ivy sees the world is brilliantly written in this book, and she has such a unique vision. You can tell that this author knows her characters well, and loves them dearly. The way that Ivy is written is again, realistic, and you feel her pain of wanting to not only speak up about how she feels, but also the pain she has about said feelings, you also feel the optimism that she has about the future, and seeing her grow more and more determined to make something out of herself throughout the book is amazing! I just love her character! I'd definitely read this book again, it was a total tear jerker, full of well written and emotional moments. It was a wonderful read that I couldn't put down, and I'd definitely recommend it.
Exactly like my mother did to me! And as someone whose live was very similar to Ivy's, I can't help but feel happy that emotional abuse/ neglect was represented in a way that SHOWED that this behavior wasn't expectable, and that nobody should be having to go through this. It also showed that there are people out there who are more than willing to help, and that just made me love this book even more.
Ivy is a realistic character, and so is her story, I can't wait to read from this author again! I heard her other book is good, so I might give that a try. I also have to say, I love how oddly cozy certain settings in this book are, such as Ivy's home(s) (I'm trying my best not to spoil anything lol) and I love how the setting around her is cozy too, and also beautiful. The way Ivy sees the world is brilliantly written in this book, and she has such a unique vision. You can tell that this author knows her characters well, and loves them dearly. The way that Ivy is written is again, realistic, and you feel her pain of wanting to not only speak up about how she feels, but also the pain she has about said feelings, you also feel the optimism that she has about the future, and seeing her grow more and more determined to make something out of herself throughout the book is amazing! I just love her character! I'd definitely read this book again, it was a total tear jerker, full of well written and emotional moments. It was a wonderful read that I couldn't put down, and I'd definitely recommend it.
peterpokeypanda's review against another edition
3.0
This book felt less focused than Prairie Evers, which I didn't like (I like a focused story!), but I liked how the story felt so different and so connected. It suited Ivy, just like Prairie's book suited her. I appreciated the happy and hopeful ending, too.
oneangrylibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't realize this was a sequel of sorts to Prairie Evers (which I haven't read). I don't often dip my toe in realistic fiction but I thought this novel was great for young readers. The author does a wonderful job turning small phrases into something poetic and profound. This is a book that I can see being a great family read-aloud due to the complex emotional battles that Ivy (main character) experiences throughout the novel. While an enjoyable quick read, I found I never had a great grip on how the progression of time worked. At times it feels like you just got snips of Ivy's life. However, these moments shine in both brutal honesty and the power of family. This was a book I just randomly picked off my library shelf and it was a great find. If you are looking for a book that proves that family is one of the strongest bonds and does not just come from blood, this is a great personal story for you. Now I have to read the first one!
froggylibrarian1's review against another edition
4.0
When I got this book from the library to review for the Maine Student Book Award, I did not know it was considered a companion to the author's previous book Prairie Evers. Prairie Evers was on the MSBA list in 2013 - 2014. That was my first year on the committee. I was so furiously reading new books for the next year's list that I was unable to read all the books on that year's list. Follow??? I never got a chance to read Prairie Evers. All that to say - I feel like this book was able to stand on its own.
In this book Ivy, who has been living with the Evers - mom, dad, Prairie, grandma - is faced with a new dilemma. Her mom shows up and wants Ivy to come live with her again. Ivy is torn between her love for her mom and her hope that things will turn around and her love for the Evers family. Because she feels like she is a burden and because the Evers are expecting a new baby, Ivy decides to try things out with her mom again. But that means a new school, a new home, and limited time with Prairie. When things start to deteriorate with her mom Ivy has to decide if she will give up on herseelf and who she can really trust.
This was really good. Ivy could have listened to the voices (mostly mom) telling her she would never amount to anything but instead she chose to be courageous. In the end she made some difficult choices but found a place to belong. Quite a good book (now I may need to read Prairie Evers as well).
In this book Ivy, who has been living with the Evers - mom, dad, Prairie, grandma - is faced with a new dilemma. Her mom shows up and wants Ivy to come live with her again. Ivy is torn between her love for her mom and her hope that things will turn around and her love for the Evers family. Because she feels like she is a burden and because the Evers are expecting a new baby, Ivy decides to try things out with her mom again. But that means a new school, a new home, and limited time with Prairie. When things start to deteriorate with her mom Ivy has to decide if she will give up on herseelf and who she can really trust.
This was really good. Ivy could have listened to the voices (mostly mom) telling her she would never amount to anything but instead she chose to be courageous. In the end she made some difficult choices but found a place to belong. Quite a good book (now I may need to read Prairie Evers as well).
suzannedix's review against another edition
3.0
Meh. I was thinking this would pack more of an emotional punch. A decent realistic fiction about broken homes and broken families.
Grades 5 and up.
Grades 5 and up.
yapha's review against another edition
4.0
In this companion book to Prairie Evers, Ivy's mom has left her boyfriend and decided she wants Ivy back. In a very realistic decision, Ivy leaves the Evers' home that she loves, and tries to make things work with her mother. But her mother has not changed -- both her drinking and her anger are still out of control. Ivy slowly begins to listen to the people around her, instead of her mother's voice telling her that she will never amount to anything. A heart-wrenching book. You do not need to have read the first one, but it helps. Recommended for grades 4-7.
angeldevoursliterature's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
corncobwebs's review against another edition
She didn’t know about any of this. So far the movie seemed choppy, and the story a little bit silly ... Still, the movie was dear to Ivy. And no matter how it turned out, she knew she’d always love it for being her very first one. First but not last, she was determined.
scostner's review against another edition
4.0
I definitely need to have a talk with the folks at Penguin Young Readers. Why do they keep picking books to highlight through their Author Live Chats that make me cry? (This and others such as The Secret Hum of a Daisy, Nightingale's Nest, and The War that Saved My Life have all made me keep the tissues close.) Actually Penguin can't take all the blame, because a friend had already recommended Prairie Evers, which is the book that first introduces the character of Ivy Blake.
Why all the tears? Because Ivy's life is a mess, or her mother is anyway. Ivy has been living with Prairie's family, but her mother shows up and wants Ivy to come back to live with her in the rental house she has found. Even though she would rather stay with the Evers family, Ivy decides it is the right thing to give her mother a chance. As you might guess from the crying, things do not go well. The police come to the house several times, Prairie gets her feelings hurt because Ivy is hiding things (ashamed of the trouble her mother is in), and Ivy begins to feel hopeless.
But this is not a depressing book, there are just sad parts. As Grammy Evers knows, Ivy is determined and curious, good at waiting, independent, a survivor - just like the heron Grandmother nicknames her for in Cherokee, "Knasgowa." And there are more people than just the Evers who care about her; some are kids and some are adults, but when Ivy finally realizes what she wants to do, they all pull together for her.
This is a wonderful story of resilience, of trying to see the best in people, of rising above your circumstances, and of following your dreams. It shows the power of friendship and love. For readers who enjoy realistic fiction, perhaps books like Faith and Hope and Ivy June, this is a title they should try.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
Why all the tears? Because Ivy's life is a mess, or her mother is anyway. Ivy has been living with Prairie's family, but her mother shows up and wants Ivy to come back to live with her in the rental house she has found. Even though she would rather stay with the Evers family, Ivy decides it is the right thing to give her mother a chance. As you might guess from the crying, things do not go well. The police come to the house several times, Prairie gets her feelings hurt because Ivy is hiding things (ashamed of the trouble her mother is in), and Ivy begins to feel hopeless.
But this is not a depressing book, there are just sad parts. As Grammy Evers knows, Ivy is determined and curious, good at waiting, independent, a survivor - just like the heron Grandmother nicknames her for in Cherokee, "Knasgowa." And there are more people than just the Evers who care about her; some are kids and some are adults, but when Ivy finally realizes what she wants to do, they all pull together for her.
This is a wonderful story of resilience, of trying to see the best in people, of rising above your circumstances, and of following your dreams. It shows the power of friendship and love. For readers who enjoy realistic fiction, perhaps books like Faith and Hope and Ivy June, this is a title they should try.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
hsquared's review against another edition
4.0
This companion to Prairie Evers focuses on Prairie's introverted yet determined friend Ivy. Ivy loves her life with the Evers family, but though they've never made her feel unwelcome, she can't help feeling like an extra, especially with a new baby on the way. So when her mom shows up out of the blue to move to a new town, Ivy leaves with her. Readers will relate to Ivy's worries and self doubt, as she tries to make her own way in the world. Fans of Joan Bauer and Polly Horvath will want to snatch this heartfelt but honest portrayal of a girl trying to figure out the fine line between the life you're given and the life you choose for yourself.