REVIEWS
Top reviews from the United States
Carol
5.0 out of 5 stars Looking for the next Holiday book
Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2026
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
Most enjoyable book to share by adults and middle schoolers. Reminiscent of holiday celebrations for the adult and a historic, fun presentation for youth. Additional exploration of emotions, projects and puzzles make this a perfect book for a classroom. Well done Laura Craig.
Nancy
5.0 out of 5 stars A wholesome must read!
Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2025
Format: Hardcover Verified Purchase
A truly dear book that entertains and enlightens the reader! As if time has been frozen, these characters, their home, their school, and their neighborhood are reminiscent of days from my childhood. The imagery made every scene and story element come alive; such a talented author! The shared backstories were delightful, and the vocabulary enrichment was spectacular. If I were still a classroom teacher, this book would easily become a read-aloud…endless possibilities!
One person found this helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A Warm Hug from a Bygone Era
Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2025
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
This is such a sweet story! I absolutely adored the main characters Emma and Aunt T and found them both so relatable. Many of the settings, especially the attic, felt like real places that I couldn’t wait to get back to in between reading sessions. I think it would be ideal as a read-aloud: the story for the kids and the author’s “backstory” asides for the grownup. The whole book is just a warm hug from a bygone era, and I can’t wait for book two!
Elizabeth Hemmer
5.0 out of 5 stars A New Author of Note!
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2025
Format: Kindle Turn back time and step into the small town/Catholic school community where the Holliday family lives. I couldn’t help but think of Ralphie (“You’ll shoot your eye out.”) from “A Christmas Story”. Like Ralphie, the main character in this tale, Becca, delightfully narrates her own life! You’ll remember your own stories and mishaps from “kid-dom” as you navigate with Becca through the travails of this sweet, innocent sixth-grader’s year.
Although things like “slam books” aren’t commonly seen these days, group chats, Snapchat and Facebook can all be employed the same way slam books were back in the 1950’s and 60’. So those lessons on bullying are relevant and important today.
The author shares many footnotes, which she calls “backstories” throughout the book. Some are helpful and illustrative of a point being discussed. Some are an insight into the author’s history and allow the reader a glimpse into the writing process. This makes for some additional discussion points.
The book includes vocabulary words with definitions and even has crossword puzzles utilizing those words. It’s the “extra” that makes this a fun story AND a learning tool, too! If you’re looking for a read-aloud story for your kids at school or home, pick this one up before it sells out!
Julia
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book to make you smile
Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2025
Format: Paperback
Very entertaining -made me laugh!
I have also emailed you pictures of the changes.
I thought the whole thing looks great! It exceeded my expectations!
