Parents' Guide to

Faith, Hope, and Ivy June

By Becca Weinstein, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Similarities trump differences in true friendship.

Book Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Friendship 2009
Faith, Hope, and Ivy June Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 1 parent review

corie.texas08
corie.texas08 Adult
May 24, 2012
age 9+

Faith, Hope, and Ivy June

I'm a teacher and used this as a book club book for my 4th grade class. It is an easy way to show kids what it would be like to have to move to a school where you were the outcast. It also shows kids an obvious example of the differences between cultures within the U.S. as well as how material goods may not be the most important thing in life.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Too much consumerism
See all 1 parent review

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?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (11 ):

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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?

Book Details

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