"A many layered story of near tragedies and funny incidents, family history and bonds, and a girl who comes to understand her family and how much she loves each member of it." -- School Library Journal (starred review)

"A choice coming-of-age story, whose telling is subtle and whose writing is vivid." -- Booklist (starred review)

"A new large paperback edition of what should be a classic and on the must read list for young adults." -- Bourbon Times

"The beauty of the book is the simple reading and the powerful story that Lyon presents." -- Floyd County Times

"Lyon never uses her first-person narrator to talk down to young readers. Instead, she provides a singular voice to tell an equally singular story." -- New York Times Book Review

"Lyon's simple yet penetrating observations on families and love convey truths as pertinent to adults as to youthful readers." -- Publishers Weekly

"Teens will admire Amanda's resilience." -- Southern Living