Publisher's Weekly Review
Watts, author of the picture book Keepers, displays sure footing in this strong foray into middle-grade fiction, about a 12-year-old black girl from Virginia navigating significant life changes. Set over the course of a year starting in the summer of 1963, Watts's epistolary novel consists of candid letters Kizzy writes to Miss Anderson, her soon-to-be teacher at a newly integrated public school, and journal entries addressed to her teacher during the school year. Kizzy is apprehensive about sharing a classroom with white students: she wears the hand-me-down dresses of one white girl, and another classmate is responsible for the accident that left her with a prominent facial scar. Prevalent racism threatens Kizzy's aspirations, as well as those of her athletic older brother, but with help from within and without-as well as the support of her beloved border collie, Shag-Kizzy prevails, and does so triumphantly. Watts offers an evenhanded, insightful evocation of a turbulent time and of a girl's perseverance, with Kizzy's writing exposing both widespread prejudice and the determination and will that countered it. Ages 9-12. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Segregation may no longer be legal in Lynchburg, Mississippi, in 1963, but from the viewpoint of Kizzy Ann, 12, the struggle is far from over. Not that she is into all that integration business. She does not want to leave her one-room schoolhouse for the white school. Her deepest bond is with her border collie, who is always there for her, including when a white boy's farm accident caused a sizable scar on one side of her face. Her personal narrative--first in letters exchanged with her teacher; then in her classroom journal in her new school--is simple and direct as if she is speaking ( You know what I mean. . . . Anyway ). But would a child really be so relaxed in writing? Along with the moving pet story, what will hold readers is the girl's on-the-ground account of the political struggle.--Rochman, Hazel Copyright 2010 Booklist
School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-During the summer of 1963, 12-year-old Kizzy Ann begins a correspondence with the woman who will be her teacher at the newly integrated school in rural Virginia. The first-person narrative is told in the form of letters and later classroom journal entries directed towards Miss Anderson. Kizzy Ann, who has attended a one-room all black school, writes about her fear of integration and her frustrations as the year progresses. She also shares her tender feelings towards her beloved border collie, Shag. When some of the girls in her class inform her that blacks will never be allowed to enter a dog show, Kizzy is disheartened. However, she connects with a neighbor who helps her to take Shag's training to a whole new level and introduces her to the world of dog trials. Kizzy Ann is a sympathetic, sometimes humorous, hopeful girl who demonstrates courage and determination. Her voice is somewhat inconsistent, sometimes feeling much older than her 12 years. Quincy Tyler Bernstine convincingly voices Kizzy, adeptly capturing both the hope and fear she feels during her first year at the integrated school. She also provides unique voices for the other leading characters. While the telling takes on the feel of an adult reminiscing at times, that may be more a function of the story rather than the narrator. Fans of historical fiction or dogs will enjoy Watts's touching story (Candlewick, 2012).-Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
With the abundance of stories about a boy and his dog, it's refreshing to see a tale of a girl and her dog. Outspoken Kizzy Ann Stamps is used to overcoming difficulties, from navigating the prejudice in her town to coping with the attention brought on by the scar on her right cheek. Now a new hurdle has arisen for Kizzy Ann: integration. Armed with a belief in facing problems head-on, Kizzy Ann writes to her new teacher, sharing that much of her strength comes from her extraordinary border collie, Shag. So Kizzy Ann is disheartened when she finds that Shag is ineligible to compete in dog shows. But hope unexpectedly comes in the form of neighbor Donald McKenna. Under his guidance, they train to enter a dog trial--a perfect choice for a "no-bow" girl and dog like Kizzy Ann and Shag...if Kizzy Ann can enter, despite the discrimination that would block her path. Through Kizzy Ann's letters to her teacher (from July 1963 to May 1964), Watts weaves a powerful story of strength and self-acceptance in the face of injustice. Though her introspective narration slips in and out of an adult voice, it always presents a strong, thoughtful and likable protagonist. The vivid historical setting of this short and satisfying read will leave readers feeling they have experienced life in Kizzy Ann's world. (Historical fiction. 9-12)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.