"A young girl finds purpose in life after losing a loved one in Bird's debut middle-grade novel... Bird craftily balances the family's story with beautiful descriptions of Wisconsin landscapes while focusing on Clare's emotions and realizations as she learns to believe in herself and to accept the loss of a loved one. The characters are relatable and sometimes quite funny, and Clare's ruminations are thoughtful yet appropriate for a girl her age... An evocative story about recovering from grief for readers of any age." -Kirkus Reviews

"Healing and self-realization come from unexpected places in Bird's outstanding debut middle grade novel... Bird paints a vivid and profound picture of Clare's loss and lingering grief after she loses her grandfather, and she's equally compelling at portraying Clare's journey thereafter that challenges her to find her inner strength and voice. Along the way, she celebrates the kindness of the tight-knit community of Wisconsin, with the richness of its small-town culture and resilient spirit. Both a poignant exploration of the tough reality of recovering from loss and an inspiring journey of self-discovery, the novel makes for a must read." -The Prairies Book Review

"Laura Anne Bird gives middle grade readers a multifaceted story that examines a feisty young girl's upward momentum as she works through her grief and faces new tests and opportunities during a summer that changes everything... This realistic account of loss and adjustments stands head and shoulders above most middle grade stories of family grief. It recounts not just Clare's adaptations and challenges, but those of her family, as everyone makes different, new decisions for their futures." -Midwest Book Review, D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer