Publisher: Candlewick Press

Publication Date: April 12, 2016

The incomparable Kate DiCamillo has written a deeply personal story of love, loss, and friendship in Raymie Nightingale.  Raymie Clarke comes to the realization that everything depends on her.  Her father has left the family, but she has a plan.  She is going to win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition and when her picture is in the paper, her father will realize what he is missing and come home.

I fell in the love with the character of Raymie.  She is sweet, determined, and just a little bit broken (reminding me a little of me when I was her age).  Her unlikely friendship with Lousiana Elefante and Beverly Tapinski develops over time, and through unusual and semi-traumatic situations.   In the end, the Three Rancheros come to each other’s rescue in the most unexpected ways.

Here is a video of Kate explaining how Raymie came to be:

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review.

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