"Endearing and imperfect, Stevie establishes immediate rapport with readers." -- Kirkus Reviews Praise for Dear Hank Williams : An Amazon Best Book of the Year "The strength of this novel lies in the insight Tate develops as she deals with tragedy and depends on the love of family. VERDICT Artfully told, this middle grade novel pleases on many levels." --Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH, School Library Journal , starred review "With tidbits of history woven throughout and the rich cast of characters, especially an endearing protagonist, Dear Hank Williams is a novel that sings from the heart." -- VOYA , starred review "Soulful and satisfying." -- Kirkus Reviews "A heartbreaking revelation at the book's end secures Tate's place as a lovable protagonist, while opening the door to a hopeful future." -- Booklist "While readers will find plenty to love and to revisit if encountering this novel on their own, the snappy pace, engaging tone, and epistolary format make this an engaging classroom readaloud, with the skillful exposition and the incorporation of historical details providing discussion fodder and potential curricular connection." -- The Bulletin Praise for When Zachary Beaver Came to Town : Winner of the 1999 National Book Award for Young People's Literature "This book packs more emotional power than 90% of the so-called grown-up novels taking up precious space on bookshelves around the country.
"-- USA Today "Holt may not take her readers on wild flights of fantasy, but her quiet novel offers a slice of life that's hard to resist."-- The New York Times Book Review "In her own down-to-earth, people, smart way, Holt offers a gift. It is a lovely--at times even giddy--date with real life."-- The Horn Book , starred review Praise for My Louisiana Sky : "An unusually auspicious debut."-- Publishers Weekly , starred review "This lyrical first novel brings fresh perspective to the guilt and anger and caring that surround the mentally disabled. All the characters . are drawn with warmth but no patronizing reverence."-- Booklist , starred review.