"Altebrando brings rich, realistic depth to all of her characters. It's a smart, sensitive portrait of an age when change is in the air, for better or worse." --Publishers Weekly "Altebrando's clear, intelligent writing captures the sweet details that comprise Julia's everyday life. charming and authentic". --School Library Journal "This quietly empowering story. is a refreshingly honest take on bullying. Julia is a flawed but earnest girl, and she learns how deal with mean girls at her own pace and with cheer-worthy dignity. Readers searching for something similar to Beverly Cleary or Judy Blume should look no further.

" --Booklist "This book would be a safe read for girls on the verge of adolescence or struggling with friendships, and would be a good addition to an elementary library or for young middle school readers." --VOYA "Sweet humor, deftly written characters, and a realistic plot make this a great story that is perfect for an upper grade read-aloud." --Children's Literature "Altebrando has a keen sense for the way preteen girls struggle for primacy . and Julia is a plausible mix of sinned against and sinning. A solid middle-grades friendship story, this will suit readers not quite ready for Dowell's The Secret Language of Girls ." --BCCB.