Pretty great -- 4 girls of different backgrounds and interests, with different challenges, come together to protest against killing birds. Great activist message, great activist consequences. I loved that each of their stories felt very realistic and were different in significant ways. I loved that they initially don't really bond, but do eventually become friends. The setting, a small town in Florida, was wonderfully evoked. The message of activism and the ways to pursue it and what might happen if you do was well done. Enjoyed it! ( )

This is a fun story of friendship and activism, as the main characters learn to stand up for their beliefs, even when it means making waves (or should I say ruffling feathers?!). I would love to read this with students, and I plan to do so, as the book explores the intricacies of friendship during middle school in a fresh way that is both timeless and very current! The main characterś Cuban American identity features prominently, as does the heritage of other main characters. Absolutely a pleasure to read, and a sunshine feel-good read that is ideal for this month of cozy reading! ( )

diverse middlegrade fiction (four 12-y.o. girls form their own alternative scout troop, making a stand for environmental issues).
a bit formulaic (one girl cooks, one girl birdwatches, one girl wants to be a journalist, and the other is an street artist/rebel) but heartfelt and sweet story that teaches young kids about activism (decide if it is worth the risks, and also make sure you try safer options first), and even touches on their towns disparity between rich (white) side of town and the poor side of town.
bonus backmatter included--who doesn't want to earn a scout patch of their own design? ( )

Lane is spending the summer with her grandma as her family falls apart with an impending divorce. She reaches out to try to find friends. What she finds is a passionate, multi-talented group who decide to take a stand for justice, create some sabotage, and try to change things in a group in their Florida town. Ofelia is a budding writer who is inspired by the muck-rakers. She's desperate to let her over-protective parents let her apply to a journalism contest in NYC. Cat is a Flora, but she is also a bird lover who can't stand the group's devotion to a hat that represents cruel treatment to birds for fashion in the past. Aster has long been home-schooled by her grandpa, an activist, and she loves baking. The group of strong girls are inspiring as are the bonds they build over the summer.
A readable, engaging book. ( )