Prairie Evers - Hardcover

Ellen Airgood grew up on a small farm, and for the past nineteen years she and her husband have run a diner together in a small town in Michigan. She also wrote the adult novel South of Superior, and Prairie Evers is her first middle-grade novel. She lives in Grand Marais, Michigan.

"Easy-going, earnest story of friendship and family. . . . Spirited narration. . . . Thoughtful readers will no doubt sympathize with Prairie's feelings of loneliness and celebrate the new friendship she finds, even—or perhaps especially—when it gets complicated." — Kirkus Reviews

"[Airgood] introduces irrepressible Prairie Evers, a 10-year-old country girl whose skill at turning bad situations into good ones is as impressive as the size of her heart. . . . Radiates warmth and wisdom." — Publishers Weekly

"Issues of individuality, peer pressure, family support, and considering the feelings of others are all cogently addressed here. Those who miss Eva Ibbotson will find comfort in Airgood’s world." — Booklist

“Airgood has created a bright, spunky, independent thinker who traverses the ups and downs of friendship with optimism and loyalty. . . . A great book to recommend to readers who like a lively heroine and an intelligent, refreshing, and unpretentious plot.” — School Library Journal

“The situation will intrigue kids, who will understand the specter of outsiderdom; the book also compellingly explores Prairie’s navigation of the ins and outs of a first best-friendship. . . . Ivy’s tough family life may also strike a chord with kids in similarly bleak positions . . . both compassionate and authentically complex.” — The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

“Heartwarming. . . . Uplifting story with strength in characters, setting, and, especially, Prairie’s voice. Readers will love Prairie’s independent spirit and care about her relationships.” — Library Media Connection