Faith, Hope, and Ivy June

If u don't know what to read, READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!! It is about friendship, and it is AWESOME!

The characters of this book serve as really realistic, and often, very good role models. What I find particularly awesome about this book is its character development; you notice, through journal entries, that Ivy June and Catherine learn about how, although they may seem miles apart, are actually quite similar, and go through the same struggles (most prominently not being with your loved ones). Despite the arguments and frustrations that both girls go through, they, at least at some point, succeed in helping each other cope with their feelings. That shows truly positive role-modeling, because it demonstrates the power of developing friendship and gaining trust in someone, no matter what your previous thoughts on how the person would be were. Stereotypes were discussed throughout the book, and the characters realized that sometimes, friendship can go beyond typical stereotypes, and that you can't always be judgemental on somebody you haven't met before based on whether they live in poor/rich neighborhood, and things like that. Honestly, I admire Ivy June's voice and personality throughout the book, and her reactions to the people that anger or hurt her. She is simply a good character, specifically shown when she was so straightforward with her apology to Catherine when she accidentally blurted Catherine's secret around several of Catherine's classmates (including Catherine's best friend); also when Catherine started insulting Ivy June and her family's lifestyle (probably not to directly hurt Ivy June, but to let go of the anger and fear of not being with her own mother during a life-threatening surgery, and instead being stuck with Ivy June), Ivy June did not let the argument escalate, and was completely forgiving, even confirming that they were still friends. I just love the way Ivy June controls her temper, since I have such a short fuse myself :b . The way Ivy June reacted to Catherine's grandmother, Rosemary, (who believes in the stereotypes of rural "hillbillies" and sometimes insults Ivy June) is also admirable. Without shooting off her mouth rudely, Ivy June chooses her words well and sets the level of respect she should have from Rosemary, and soon, Rosemary gets the point. Altogether, this was a lovely book to read, and I enjoyed the characters and themes that were included.

I think that this book teaches a great lesson to be happy with what you have!

I think the book is amazing. It taught me the real values of life. Happiness.

I think this is a very good book for kids 10 & up to read. Iloved so i think other kids would love it to.

I think it is very child appropriate and a amazing story

This book shows that people from two diffrent worlds can come together and become the best of friend. No matter how diffrent they are.

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.

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.

This book is great for any grade group that can read.