Reviews

Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer by Kelly Jones

sc104906's review

3.0

After Great-Uncle Jim dies, Sofia and her parents move from the city to care for his farm. Even though Great-Uncle Jim left the farm in a disorganized state, Sofia jumps into the task of getting it up and running again. She soon discovers Jim’s unusual chickens, which leads her on a funny journey in caring for them.
This epistolary novel is punctuated by hilarious illustrations and brief worksheets on the care of chickens. Not only does this book successfully include a variety of media to express the story, but also the main character is multiracial, which adds an important layer of diversity and multiculturalism. Fantasy and realistic readers will all have a laugh with this novel.

itabar's review

4.0

I listened to this and liked it well enough, but I gather I should have read it since there pictures which really add to the book's charm. I will get it from the library and update stars if warranted.

oneangrylibrarian's review

3.0

Cute book but the repetitive nature of the letter entries got to be a bit annoying for me. I think my students will love this quirky book and the fun chickens. I enjoyed it, just didn't fall in love with it.

wiseowl33's review

5.0

I loved this book. Very fun story. Happy ending. Great characters. My kids at school will enjoy this!

shighley's review

4.0

Enjoyed learning about chickens and deducing things from Sophie's letters. At times I thought the shift into fantasy could be a little confusing for students (I read the part about the raccoon/statue several times) Almost made me want to raise chickens.... And what about the character of Sue Griegson? Maybe it shows that someone is neither all good nor all bad, but it seemed a little confusing as well.

silea's review

5.0

Wonderful. Delightful. Perfect. Handles heavy topics with a light touch. This book should be in every elementary school's library.

fyziksgirl's review

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Incredibly fun book that keeps you wanting to turn the page to find out what happens next, which also normalizes and processes hard topics like death, financial insecurity, racism, microaggressions, moving, and more. Thoroughly enjoyable, and also a great window for us. Highly recommend!

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Content Warnings

Minor: Racism, Death, and Grief

The main character is writing to her dead grandmother, who she misses, and is receiving letters from a person you find out at the end is a ghost. Grief is a theme. You also see microaggressions because the mc is latina and moves to a small white farming town.

msmelisa's review

5.0

Written in letters to a deceased grandmother, uncle and one (alive?) chicken supplies distributer this book is stellar! Never sentimental and a true fish out of water this little girl forges a new path for herself and some very special chickens. Highly recommended!

xemilyx's review

4.0

I 90% loved this book and 10% want to know what the story is with Ms. Greigson.

andreaclouse's review

5.0

I don't know why I loved it but I did. The randomness of the chickens really cracked me up. I can't wait to read the sequel.