Member Reviews

This is probably my favorite in the Peapod Farm series. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s/Random House Graphic for providing me with an early copy!

This final volume follows Jen and her family through a winter on the farm. She joins the 4-H club, hauls wood, and grows closer with her sisters. And they even make their own maple syrup.

This one felt so cozy to me. Taking place in winter and having the warmth shine through all the cold was a spot on way to end the series. It addressed the one fault I had with the first book, Walter, letting the reader know Jen was okay and learning to accept that Walter was part of her life but not accept how he treated her. His character also improved throughout the three books so he wasn’t as horrible. The heart of this story was with the three sisters. They helped each other, supported one another, and just shared so much love. As a reader, I could also see Jen’s appreciation for farming and the hard work that goes into where our food comes from. The maple syrup side of the story was very cute.

I especially loved the wintery color palette used in the comics. The art was cute, as always. The journal entries and small fourth wall break were perfect. I think the pacing and flow of the story worked well. Overall, a solid read.

Honestly, this series just got better and better. I think it’s a perfect read for kids going through big transitions. And this last volume was so heartfelt and sweet and I’m glad I got to read it early.

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"Sugar Shack" is the third book in Lucy Knisley's Peapod Farm middle grade graphic novel series. Jen is enjoying her life on the farm with her two stepsisters, but when Reese calls her "sister," Andy reminds her that she is just their stepsister, not real sister. Knisley works in more information about farming, nature, where food actually comes from, along with the main themes of family and friendship. An excellent portrayal of stepfamily dynamics and middle school interpersonal relationships, this book is a must buy for middle grade graphic novel collections, especially those that have the first two books.

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Sweet third installment of the PeaPod Farms graphic novel series. Jen is navigating country living more successfully, but is worried about starting school. Things the family front seem smoother too, until Reese upsets Andy by referring to Jen as her sister. Jen figures out school, her sisters, and new farm schools in this title.

Great realistic fiction story for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Jennifer L. Holm's "Sunny" series.

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Another fun middle grade graphic novel. Jen's experiences on the farm, as a stepsister, and as a new member of 4-H are occurrences many middle schoolers will identify with.

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Loved it! I wished it could've been longer though since it's such a great story with fully fleshed out characters. Definitely will be a good recommendation for kids who love animals and farming.

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*Deep Breath* I. Loved. This. So. Much. So so much. Every single page was just wonderful. I found myself pausing to relish every detail, every line and every colour. For the few hours I spent reading this book, I felt transported to a simpler life and almost felt as if I was part of that family.

The story tackles topics such as found family, adapting to a new family, discovering one's identity and those of their loved ones alongside introducing the reader to cute tidbits about life on the farm, how maple syrup is made and sustainable farming.

The characters are so well-done, yes, including Walter. The pacing was so well done. The humor was wonderful. It honestly felt like being wrapped up in a cozy blanket, handed hot chocolate and just allowed to sit under a tree for a while.

I really need to go back and read the other books (I assume they exist since the characters refer to past events). I need to also buy a physical copy for my library because I think it needs to be a part of my winter reading list every year.

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I adore this series by Knisley and will continue to read it as long as she writes it.
I like the look at found family and finding a place to fit in. I like the community in these stories too.
I liked watching the girls find their own clubs and new places to belong.
The showing of how maple syrup is made and comes from the trees was really cool too.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!

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This middle grade graphic novel captures a cozy, snow day feeling, along with encapsulating a lot of what it means to grow up. Jen finds herself trying to figure out exactly what it means to be a sister in a blended family as she also navigates the beautiful and not so beautiful sides of her new life on a farm. The art is signature Lucy Kinsley and transports you to a snowy New England winter. One of my favorite aspects of the book was the behind the scenes FAQ at the end, as well as Lucy's message to young authors and artists.

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Another fantastic installment in the Peapod Farm series! . My family makes syrup so the title alone hooked me into wanting to read this book. I loved the development of Reese, Andy, and Jen and how their relationship grows through the series from enemies, to friends, to sisters. Andy is studying for her Bat Mitzvah, and Jen is navigating tricky friendships with other farm kids through 4H. I greatly enjoy the way the author portrays the dynamics of a blended family, and I hope there are more Peapod Farm stories to come!

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