A review by bluestjuice
Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer by Kelly Jones

4.0

I read this for my kid's Torchlight curriculum. It's a lot of fun, combining a good kid's narrative voice with just enough magical realism to be unusual. Sophie is a great main character, talking through her decision-making processes and making justifications for her decisions while, at heart, being a well-meaning kid who wants to do the right thing. There is also honest conversation about the realities of being a Mexican-American kid and the racist assumptions people make about her family, and how Sophie deals with that, all of which is gracefully and respectfully handled.

Also, the chickens' personalities are rather hilarious.

There is at least one sequel, and my kid requested it from the library to read voluntarily, so I'm calling it a win.