Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3--7--In the third installment of the "Peapod Farm" series, Jen is beginning to feel more at home in the country. She's learned to live with her difficult stepfather, Walter, and has grown close to her stepsisters, Andy and Reese. When the three are together, it feels like having real sisters--until Jen calls Reese her sister, and Andy corrects her: "She's MY sister, really." The moment leaves Jen questioning where she truly belongs. As the girls navigate the ups and downs of blended family life, they're also busy carving out their own paths. Andy prepares for her bat mitzvah, Jen joins 4-H and makes new friends, and Reese finds joy in cooking. This warm, character-driven story captures the complexities of growing up, including figuring out friendships, going to dances, and finding one's place in the world. Jen continues to clash with Walter, who among other things wishes she dressed more like a "typical girl," but she finds comfort in comics and drawing, even as the future feels uncertain. The artwork is bright and expressive, matching the tone of the previous books. Jen and her family are white. VERDICT An earnest, relatable addition to the series that is perfect for middle grade readers.--Amy Ribakove
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Review by Horn Book Review
This third installment of the graphic-novel series (starting with Stepping Stones, rev. 5/20) finds Jen, a budding cartoonist and sensitive "tomboy," adjusting to wintertime farm life with her newly blended family: her mother, her mother's partner, and his daughters Andy and Reese, who live with them on weekends. Jen views Andy and Reese as sisters, but she struggles with the ambiguity of how her new family members perceive their relationship. The bulk of the emotionally resonant narrative reflects Jen's everyday experiences (Saturdays at 4-H, farm chores, learning to make maple syrup, etc.), emphasizing themes of growth, change, friendship, and creativity. The family bonds as they blend their Christian and Jewish faith traditions with respect and cheer, and Jen is touched when she is thanked as a "sister" at Andy's bat mitzvah. Through it all, Jen is always drawing. Doodle-filled pages from a spiral-bound notebook connect chapters, and a clever moment of meta cartooning at the climax affords readers a glimpse at what Jen's future might hold. Soft illustrations in calming hues capture the cozy wintry setting with impeccable attention to detail. Back matter includes frequently asked questions about the author's childhood (the inspiration for the series), a recipe for maple snow candy, and encouragement for cartoonists-to-be. Elisa GallSeptember/October 2025 p.68 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Winter brings a sense of family to Peapod Farm. This third and final installment of the graphic novel series begins with Jen immersed in farm chores, hauling firewood, and caring for chickens in the winter snow. Since stepsister Andy is taking classes for her bat mitzvah in town, Jen's mom suggests she find a weekend activity, too, like 4-H. Her participation leads to a meltdown when an older boy tells Jen's younger stepsister, Reese, that the adorable bunny she's cuddling will soon be eaten. Jen comes to her sister's defense, which prompts Andy to remind Jen that "she's MY sister, really," leaving Jen feeling dejected. Knisley depicts the growing pains of a blended family learning to care for each other as they move through a rural winter with emotional insight. Jen figures out how to enjoy a school dance on her own terms and learns about the fun of making maple syrup. She even begins to envision a future that includes her beloved drawing. Jen and her Christian and Jewish family appear white, and there's racial diversity in background characters. Wordless full-page spreads effectively convey action and emotion, and the ending gently connects fictional Jen to the author. Understated and full of heart. (FAQ, maple snow candy recipe)(Graphic fiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
