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Faith, Hope, and Ivy June (by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor)

common sense media says

Similarities trump differences in true friendship.

parents & educators say
See all 9 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there are some quarrels within families, as well as between friends, but that there isn’t too much to worry about. There are also issues of loss and grief, as each girl comes close to losing a close family member, one to sickness and one to a mining accident.

Positive messages: A lot of reflection on the importance of overlooking differences to form friendships based on what really matters. Characters focus less on materialism as the novel progresses.
Positive role models: Catherine and Ivy June each decide to learn about, accept, and put aside the differences of the other, even rejecting some of the beliefs of their own families and friends to do so.
Violence: A mining accident is described in detail and a few deaths are mentioned. A main character's mother falls very ill. Families quarrel.
Sex: Relationships stay at the “crush” level, with some flirting and kissing between the middle schoolers. Some talk of boyfriends, flirting, kissing, and bras. One mention of an illegitimate pregnancy: “…except being pregnant without a husband.”
Consumerism: Jell-o and a few other brand names are mentioned.
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More on Faith, Hope, and Ivy June

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about accepting what one has instead of wanting the material items or family dynamics of another. Is it better to appreciate aspects of your own house?
  • How important are material items to your family? What's more important?
  • Do you have friends from different backgrounds? Is it possible to set aside differences to become friends, like Ivy June and Catherine?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Although they live only a few hours apart in Kentucky, Ivy June Mosely and Catherine Combs come from two drastically different homes. Ivy June lives in the mountains of Thunder Creek, where she resides in her grandparents’ rural house with no cell phone reception and just enough means to get by. Catherine comes from a more suburban neighborhood, with white shutters, brand-name clothes, and significantly more income. To broaden their horizons, the two girls participate in a student exchange program through their middle schools to see how another girl their age lives. The two write in journals throughout the broadening journey, reflecting on their differences, but more importantly, their similarities.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
In this touching tale of an unlikely friendship, the message of "the grass isn't always greener" comes through clearly. So do deeper messages of self-acceptance and the importance of being a good person over having the nicest clothes -- all great concepts for middle school girls who are constantly comparing themselves to their peers.

The vast chasm between the two girls’ lifestyles seems a bit exaggerated, and borderline politically incorrect -- most rural homes nowadays don't have outhouses. But the suburban/rural exchange premise is plausible.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication date: June 15, 2009
Number of pages: 288
Hardcover price: $16.99
Read Aloud: 9
Read Alone: 9
This review was written by Becca Weinstein
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

LaynieSkywalker
teen, 14 years old
10
 
a book that gives kids hope in the characters problems
this book is all about a exchange progam that two schools are doing, Thunder Creek, and Lexiton all girls school. Ivy June and Catherine Combs go on a out of this world trouble Catherines mom is sick and Ivy Junes grandpa works in the mines. Tragedy happens on the same day for Ivy June and Catherine Combs. Both of the girls get a taste of the others life and the differences in their lives that they lived.
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helped me decide (14) | had useful details (16) | read my mind (16)
prettymix12
kid, 13 years old
10
 
strangers come together
I think this is a very good book for kids 10 & up to read. Iloved so i think other kids would love it to.
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helped me decide (13) | had useful details (16) | read my mind (16)
emniki422
kid, 12 years old
9
 
A Good Book With Good Messages
I think this book was very good. It proves that no matter how different people are, they can still be great friends. The mining accident was scary, and I could not put the book down until I found out what happened. Some deaths are mentioned. I think that this book was very good.
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helped me decide (15) | had useful details (16) | read my mind (14)
lovehopeand ...
teen, 16 years old
10
 
This book shows that people from two diffrent worlds can come together and become the best of friend. No matter how diffrent they are.
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helped me decide (16) | had useful details (12) | read my mind (16)
Mrs.Tulowitzki
teen, 13 years old
8
 
It has a positive message and it is vey kid appropriate.
I think it is very child appropriate and a amazing story
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helped me decide (15) | had useful details (14) | read my mind (13)
bookwormbrat
kid, 12 years old
8
 
One of the best books ever
This book is great for any grade group that can read.
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helped me decide (13) | had useful details (15) | read my mind (14)
Taylor<3
teen, 13 years old
12
 
Amazing Book to read
I think the book is amazing. It taught me the real values of life. Happiness.
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helped me decide (11) | had useful details (11) | read my mind (11)
dragonsrule
kid, 12 years old
10
 
A MUST READ
I loved this story! 'Faith, Hope, and Ivy June' tells a heart-warming story about two girls, Ivy June and Catherine. These two girls lead different lives, and from each girl you learn about there life. The girls have a couple of fights, but they have their fights just like regular people. At one point in the story Catherine's mom goes to the hospitable, WHILE Catherine is at Ivy June's very remote town. At the same time Ivy June is very scared for her grandpa, Papaw, who works in a mine, and was in it while the mine flooded! I think this is a good book for kids aged ten and up, as there are some parts that nine year olds most likely won't understand and won't make sense to them, and other parts that they won't enjoy, and will seem unreasonably silly to them.
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helped me decide (8) | had useful details (11) | read my mind (11)
beatricestar
kid, 11 years old
10
 
Great message
I think that this book teaches a great lesson to be happy with what you have!
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helped me decide (7) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (9)

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