From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6–As an only child, Ida B has had plenty of time to indulge her creative bent. She makes miniature rafts, to which she attaches notes with questions such as, "What is life like in Canada?" Acres of apple trees are her friends, and she enjoys long conversations with Beulah, Pastel, Henry VIII, and other trees. She lives life to the fullest, firmly believing there is never enough time for fun. When her mother develops cancer, her parents sell part of the orchard and send Ida B to public school rather than homeschooling her. The changes leave her feeling fiercely angry and betrayed. With the help of a wise and caring fourth-grade teacher and the enduring love of Mama and Daddy, the girl slowly begins to heal. Ida B is a true character in every sense of the word. Through a masterful use of voice, Hannigan's first-person narration captures an unforgettable heroine with intelligence, spirit, and a unique imagination. The rural but otherwise undefined setting works well in taking a backseat to the characterization. With just the right amount of tension in the plot, a spot-on grasp of human emotions, and Ida B's delightful turns of phrase, this book begs to be read aloud. Regardless of how tight the budget, don't pass it up.
–Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From AudioFile
Ida B's childhood is idyllic--she is home-schooled by understanding parents on a family farm, surrounded by natural beauty. But this perfect world is shattered when her mother begins cancer treatment. Some acreage is sold to pay medical costs, and Ida B's beloved trees are cut down for new housing. Worse, she's forced to return to school, the same school that made her miserable during a brief stint in kindergarten. How this sensitive, creative girl comes to terms with the monumental changes in her life makes for a deeply moving story for all ages. Lili Taylor demonstrates a nuanced understanding for all of the characters and tells Ida B's story with perfect pitch, pacing, and love. E.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2005 ALA Notable Recording © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine--
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