Reviews
for The Dog Days of Charlotte Hayes
“This gentle, appealing story covers the better part of a school year in which Charlotte not only becomes a dog person but also discovers that people who seem scary at first—Luanne, the silent new girl at school; the 84-year-old Petunia Parker—can become friends. The gradual change in her family, as her baby brother grows and her mother recovers from postpartum depression, is believable, and the small-town West Virginia setting forms a convincing backdrop. Even for certified non-dog lovers, the familiar family and friendship issues and satisfying resolution make this an agreeable read.”
—Booklist
“Following the excellent Me and the Pumpkin Queen (2007), Kennedy returns with another original novel for young readers... (Charlotte's) first-person, present-tense voice captures perfectly the emerging moral awareness of young teens as it comes up against the impotence of late childhood. Another fine effort, perhaps this entertaining read will serve to catch the attention of children everywhere living with too-easily neglected pets that have outgrown cute.”
—Kirkus
“Charlotte's story is often funny, but with a poignant undertone that just may cause readers to sniffle as they read to the end. Author Marlane Kennedy does a wonderful job with characters who are so realistic, the reader expects to bump into them at the grocery store... In fact, this book has everything: a sympathetic heroine with a goal who keeps being thwarted at every turn, but doesn't give up; a distinct sense of place; unexpected alliances; and interesting secondary characters... A delightful and compelling read...topped off with a satisfying conclusion. Very highly recommended.”
—Kidsreads.com
for Me and The Pumpkin Queen
“This marvelously heartwarming story deserves a big blue ribbon!”
— BookPage
“...a heartwarming and genuine offering that demands little and gives much.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“…fleshed out with characters the reader will both understand and fall in love with. Mildred is a very appealing, very real eleven year old...This is a refreshing and uplifting story that will have wide appeal for middle grade readers.”
— Children's Literature
“Kennedy's straightforward narrative is as solid and unadorned as a pumpkin, yet lovely in its own way.”
— Booklist
“The author combines the art and science of horticulture with a gentle family story, a feel for a child in mourning, and just the right amount of humor and tension...”
— School Library Journal