The book Cliques, Hicks, and Ugly Sticks by KD McCrite starts off by introducing us to April Grace Reilly, an eleven year old girl from the Arkansas countryside. She is presented with many new experiences: she starts middle school for the first time, her Mama is not feeling well, and she has to deal with good-for-nothing Isabel St. James and her husband Ian, who happen to be living with the Reillys at the moment. The book tells the story of how April Grace copes with the new things life throws at her, all the while learning that trusting God is the best thing to do in a new situation.
I really enjoyed this book. It kept me laughing throughout with the hilarious narrative of April Grace and the funny antics of the middle school girl and her sister. I was very pleased with how McCrite developed the characters over the course of the book, and the lessons they learn will stick with everyone. The characters were well planned, with the perfect traits for what the author was trying to do with the story. The plot sped along at a good speed, and it didn’t take me long to finish. Overall, I was very pleased with the book, and I think it would appeal to an audience of all ages, but particularly to the tween age, for whom it seems the story was aimed. It shows the presence of God without being overwhelmingly religious. I recommend anyone should get a copy of the book and read it over the weekend.
Also, thanks to BookSneeze for providing me with a free copy in return for this review.
