“…a book that is by turns magical, moving and thought-provoking…Hannigan has offered parents a gift (maybe even a surpresent)—a delightfully written novel, populated by characters who will appeal to young readers, that tells an important story that parents and children can discuss together.” (Cedar Rapids Gazette, October 2011)

“Compassionate and powerful, this is sure to be a discussion-starter in book clubs.” (The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books)

“This is a book I want to hand to people and say ‘just read it,’ because it is so difficult to put into words how truly touching and tender this story is. It’s about a group of misunderstood loners, including one with a difficult secret, who find each other and are healed through friendship. Involved are a wonderful family, a secret ‘hideawaysis,’ a snarly cat, and even the game of basketball. Delly Pattison, an impossible-to-forget, self-avowed troublemaker with an imaginative and descriptive vocabulary, is the kind of character you’d like to leap off the page and into your life.” (Pam Stilp, Boswell Book Company)

#4—Top Ten Titles, Kids’ Indie Next List (Summer 2011) ---“Inspired Recommendations for Kids from Indie booksellers.”

#6 Amazon’s Best Books for Kids (May 2011)

“…Told in carefully crafted language that begs to be read aloud, the story runs the gamut from laugh-out-loud funny to emotionally wrenching.” (School Library Journal)

“Far from average, Delly makes her own vocabulary, dives into mischief without a pause, and finds herself misunderstood by most of the world—except her brother, who loves her like Christmas. Delly is one event away from school expulsion when she meets Ferris, who is a real mysturiosity (a mystery that inspires curiosity). Ferris is in the midst of more trouble than even Delly can imagine, yet their friendship proves to be a magical transformation for both of them.” (Learning Magazine, August 2011)

“As in her previous novel, Ida B, Hannigan’s strengths are in a richly conveyed setting, with much of the novel taking place outdoors, and in her ability to depict a…main character as well as several secondary characters with tremendous compassion. Delly’s profound change in her approach to the world is completely believable, and very touching.” (The Horn Book)