Imagine being the only sister in a household with five brothers. Such is Beth’s lot, but not to worry. The independent and outspoken 10-year-old gives as good as she gets in this early chapter debut. Author York looks to her own youth as she brings together a set of short, episodic tales that share the ups and downs of life in a large, blended family. Peppered with playful, expressive grayscale drawings accented with blue, this collection of loosely connected chapters shares everyday experiences that will resonate with and entertain readers who are new to the chapter-book format. The stories involve common touch points, such as getting hand-me-down clothes, going on a field trip, delivering newspapers, and getting stung by a wasp. Readers will enjoy diving into Beth’s adventures and see her as a sister in fun. A good addition for libraries where Barbara Park’s Junie B. Jones and Sara Pennypacker’s Clementine are popular, this will please readers who are partial to spunky protagonists.
—Booklist
Beth is the only girl in a family with five brothers, and though money is tight, her mom and stepdad, Bob, do their best to provide. Beth often wears hand-me-downs, but her family finds joy in everyday life, giving her a childhood full of heart and humor. Told through a series of short stories, this chapter book highlights the ups and downs of big family life. Some chapters loosely connect, while others feel like standalone vignettes. There is not a clear time line or stronger overarching plot to help maintain momentum, but the format allows readers to dip in and out of the book with ease. Each chapter includes a simple illustration in black, white, and blue that captures a moment from the text and supports reader comprehension. The language and chapter length are accessible, making this a solid choice for developing readers. . . .
—School Library Journal
Beth holds her own in her large, tightknit family.
York offers a spare and simple episodic portrait of her childhood self, a lively girl growing up with five brothers. Of her hardworking mother, Beth observes, “She is tough. She don’t play.” Beth’s stepfather, Bob, who amusingly signals his agitation by hiking his trousers up high, is also stern but handy. Though money may be hard to come by, this family is resourceful—their bikes were built by Bob, using materials from the dump. And when Mama buys Beth a puffy white jacket, she’s ecstatic to finally have an item of clothing that isn’t a hand-me-down from an older brother. But as Mama reminds her, it cost as much as a month’s groceries, and when big sibling Sam damages it while playing with his bow and arrow, the pair conspire to fix it to avoid Mama’s wrath. Seemingly ordinary adventures are imbued with wonder and enthusiasm, whether Beth’s helping Sam with his paper route or suffering a painful sting after poking a wasp’s nest. References to boom boxes and banana-seat bikes suggest a ’70s or ’80s setting, and though neither Beth’s race nor ethnicity is explicitly mentioned (she and her family appear light-skinned in Newsome’s expressive grayscale art), hers is a diverse community, filled with no-nonsense but deeply loving parents and kids who get up to a healthy dose of mischief.
A humorous, warmhearted peek at a childhood defined not by material possessions but by joyful experiences.
—Kirkus Reviews
