Book Review: Faith, Hope, and Ivy June

I think Faith, Hope, and Ivy June is the first Phyllis Reynolds Naylor book I've read since Sean and I finished reading her beloved The Boys Start the War series (a set of twelve books we couldn't wait to consume). This stand-alone novel was every bit as perceptive and faithful to a youthful spirit. The characters were sweet and endearing and the conflicts were serious and engaging. But, this book provided more depth than the fun and frolicking series.

Ivy June Mosley and Catherine Combs have been selected to participate in a two-week exchange program between their different schools in Lexington and Thunder Creek, Kentucky. Ivy June begins by staying in the city with Catherine for two weeks. It is a whole new world for Ivy June as she experiences daily showers in an indoor bathroom, is driven to Catherine's private school, and enjoys time at both a horse farm and a performance of Oklahoma. Catherine then visits the rural coal-mining town where Ivy June lives with her grandparents (due to the large number in her family home). She uses the outhouse (encountering a wild animal Ivy June's brother trapped inside for a prank), takes a bus to the country school, and observes the beauty of the mountains. Both Catherine and Ivy June have secrets to share and stereotypes to unravel.

The story provides an outstanding opportunity for discussion about prejudice and stereotyping, about similarities and differences between social classes, and about the importance of faith and hope when confronting situations beyond our control. I think it would make an excellent read-aloud selection for 5th-7th grade classes. I enjoyed the audio narration by Karen White and will happily keep my eye out for further opportunities to enter the fictional worlds created by this outstanding prolific author.