Prairie Evers

by Ellen Airgood

A sweet, spirited ten-year-old embarks upon the adventure of first friendship in this sparkling debut

Prairie Evers is finding that socialization isn't all it's cracked up to be. She's been homeschooled by her granny and has learned the most from traipsing through nature. But now she has to attend public school, and feels just like her chickens--cooped up and subject to the pecking order. School is a jolt for Prairie until she meets Ivy, her first true friend. But while raising chickens and the great outdoors have given Prairie wisdom and perspective, nothing has prepared her for the give and take of friendship. When Prairie finds out that Ivy's home may not be the best place for Ivy, Prairie must corral all her optimism and determination to hatch a plan to help.

Fabulous writing and a narrator full of personality distinguish this lively middle-grade novel.

(And don’t miss The Education of Ivy Blake , the wonderful companion to Prairie Evers !)

Genres: Realistic Fiction, Middle Grade, Fiction, Friendship, Juvenile, Family, Childrens

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 24, 2012

About the author

I grew up on a small farm, the youngest of four children. My father was a blacksmith and a schoolteacher. For the last nineteen years I’ve been a waitress in Grand Marais, Michigan. I was twenty-five when I came to this tiny, Lake Superior town, on a camping trip with my sister, and fell in love with the man who made my cheese sandwich and chocolate malt at the local diner. We met, exchanged assessing, almost challenging gazes, and six months later we got married. I told my sister we would, on the way back to our campsite that first day. “You’re crazy,” she said worriedly. But pretty soon she grinned, shook her head, started getting into the spirit of it. “Well,” she said. “This is going to be interesting.” And it has been.

I’ve never been sorry. My husband Rick and I run a diner together, a job which is always consuming, often punishing, and hugely fulfilling. Most of what I know about maturity and compassion, not to mention story, I’ve learned from waiting tables. We work eighty to a hundred hours a week together almost year around, and one way or another we’ve faced the constant barrage of setbacks and frustrations and equipment failures that restaurant work is, the high stress and long hours. There is so much satisfaction in it, though: the goodness of hard work, the joy of feeding people a meal they love, the delight of long friendships, the pride in a job well done. All kinds of people come here from all kinds of places, and we get to meet them, to hear their stories, and pretty often we get to make them happy for the time that they are here.

This is the route I took to becoming a writer. I didn’t get an MFA or study writing in school. I could have learned about life anywhere, but fate brought me here, to the end of the earth and a tiny town that time forgot. My customers have given me good practice as a storyteller, too. It’s a matter of survival. If I can entertain people, draw them over to my side, they won’t murder me when I’m the only waitress of the floor and the cook is swamped and the wait is long and we’re out of silverware and I didn’t know the fish was gone when I took their order.

Reviews

[JeNeal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book doesn't tell a story so much as it tells feelings. The best skills that the author uses are in expressing thoughts and emotions and a sense of feelings for each of the characters. This enabled the story to have personalities that were alive with the sense of wonder, or uncertainty or confidence or whatever feelings were called for because of the circumstances. Amazing that this can be done with all the generations in the story. Grammy is such a wonderful characterization and is the pivot point for the posterity. The teaching and true education begin with her. Prairie's parents are also so well drawn and insightful and the lessons they slip in are equally valued and filled with wisdom and timeliness. Prairie and Ivy are the blessed beneficiaries of both challenges and opportunities and their recognition of the highs and lows, the good and bad, the "happys" and "sads" that comprise living and growing are so beautifully portrayed. This book opens the heart and stays.

[Reading is my Escape · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet Realistic Fiction Story  
 

I thought, You are my earth. How will I grow up any more without you?
- Chapter 1
 
A library is a wonderful thing - all of our books combined couldn't hold a candle to the number of books a library has...
- Chapter 3
 
"Crying don't get the oil changed"
- Chapter 16
 
...that was the silver lining in the cloud. Grammy always told me to look for the good even in bad situations. It's a challenge, but pretty often you can find something if you look hard.
- Chapter 24
 
In a pack of coyotes, everyone watches out for one another: they are a team. It works that way with coyotes and cats and chickens, and I think it ought to work that way with people too.
- Chapter 28
 
 

This is a sweet story about a young girl whose family moves from North Carolina to New York state. She has been home-schooled for her whole life so far and when her parents decide she should go to school, she is scared. She doesn't want to go. She dreads the bus, the other students, sitting in school all day... But, she finds something at school that she never had before... a best friend. 
 
Young girls will love this sweet story about friendship, dealing with change, and discovering who you are.
 
Recommended to:
Grades 3 - 5, fans of realistic fiction.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book about friendship and learning empathy and how to care about other's feelings.

[Evelyn Boley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prairie Evers was a fun book to read, I loved how it had a lot of things to do with chickens (which happen to be one of my favorite animals) I also loved how it was written in first person so it felt like the character was the one writing it, it kinda felt like I was reading a diary or a journal. One of the other things was that I liked how, SPOILER ALERT! Prairie was helping her bestie get through the rough life of not having a father figure and her mom being not abusive but not taking care of her daughter like a good mother should. But to sum things up I totally recommend this book for ages 8+ it was a good read but definitely felt like a younger level. Thank you Hannah for letting me borrow this :)

[babyhippoface · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't want to read this. I mean, chickens? Really? No, thanks. But I decided to give it a few pages, and before I knew it, I was a good 50 pages into the story. Prairie sucked me right in. Turns out, chickens aren't so bad (as long as I just get to eat them and their tasty by-products, not actually be in the same general area as live ones).

Prairie Evers' world is changing too quickly. First she is dragged away from her North Carolina home to live in the hills of upstate New York. Fine. She dealt with it. Then her beloved grandmother, Grammy, tells the family she misses North Carolina too much, and is moving back home. This is almost too much for Prairie to bear. Grammy is her very best friend. But she adjusts. Then the final straw: her parents are sending her to public school. For the first time ever in her life, she will not be homeschooled. This is nearly too much for Prairie to bear.

After the first few dreadful days, however, she learns school isn't so bad. It's even better if you have a friend, and Prairie (who isn't so fond of kids her own age, to tell the truth) finds one: Ivy. Both girls are thrilled to have found a true friend. But Ivy's home life isn't a happy one, and something needs to be done about it.

You have five main characters here: Prairie, Ivy, Grammy, and Prairie's parents. Loved 'em all. I loved her mother's quiet, loving strength and the relationship between Ivy and her dad (seen often in her attempts to get him to give up smoking, and his response to her). I loved Grammy, who reminded me of Miss Eula in Love, Ruby Lavender, and her down-home wisdom. I loved quiet Ivy's shyness but desire to love and be loved. And I loved Prairie and her clever ways, determination, and zest for life.

This is an excellent debut novel. I hope to see more for elementary from Ms. Airgood.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd new book I brought home to read this weekend which also was about a girl having an adjustment to a new life and the inclusion of rural life. I really liked this a lot and can see many readers who like Joan Bauer enjoying this book. Prairie is an interesting character-her rural homeschooled upbringing and old-fashioned demeanor and outlook give you lots to remark on. As a keeper of chickens myself I enjoyed watching Prairie find out what it's like to raise chicks and take care of a flock. There was a lot to enjoy here, not the least of which was the inclusion of a fairly heavy topic. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel about her friend Ivy and also sharing this book with students. I'm sure some people might find the resolution too neat or unlikely, but I can tell you it's exactly what I would want to read as a child and I would (and did) find it tremendously satisfying.

[Brenda Kahn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quirky, independent main character? Check. Unusual first name? Check. Okay, let's see how many issues mc has to deal with recent move from North Carolina to upstate New York, beloved grandmother about to move back south, about to attend school for the first time, no friends, newly found friend in fellow outcast, new friend has a secret. I liked, but did not love or connect emotionally with this story. There were moments of lovely writing, Prairie was spunky. The chapters were short, and had cute titles, but there was a somewhat episodic feel to it and I felt it did a lot of skating over details and character development that might have made for a richer story. Still, it's a gentle, middle grade story that is sure to find many fans.

[Faith M:) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read this a few years ago, I thought it was good- minus one part that freaked me out when I was 10😂😂😂 Apparently it has a sequel I didn’t know about. Will have to check it out when I go to the library:)

Also- is Prairie not the coolest name ever?!?

[KIWest · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a girl who is homeschooled for her entire life and then has to go to public school because her grandma moves away. Prairie does not like it because she can't do things like she's used to. I feel like I understand her a little bit, as I was public schooled for a while then homeschooled, instead of being homeschooled then public schooled. It was ... not scary, but a whole lot different than you're used to. So, I understood this book. It was interesting.

[Jessica Lumsden · Rating 3 out of 5]

eh.

[Donna Oster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable story, quick read. YA book written by a favorite Michigan author of mine.

[Jerry Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellen Airgood is a story teller. This book is engaging, realistic, and complex. That is a pretty darn good mix for a middle-grade novel. Her character development is strong. Granny, Prairie, and Ivy were spot on. The issues explored are important and relevant. I recommend it to kids in 3rd or 4th grade through 7th ish. And I recommend it as a family read aloud. There is potentially a lot to talk in this story. Enjoy!!!

[Stephanie A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the sequel first, it's nice to have the first half of the story. Prairie is more brash and plainspoken than Ivy, but I still soaked up all the warmth of her family (especially Grammy Evers) and their lovely homestead, loving the happy, carefree days before school sets in, and sympathizing with her aghast response to having to go and be around children.

Was hoping for a little more about the chickens, but they certainly have a presence; I liked seeing their names and a few notes on their personalities, especially Fiddle. The writing is great at capturing her rambunctious, outdoors-loving personality. The friendship that springs up with Ivy is so sweet. And I LOVED the circular ending, with Prairie putting pencil to paper to begin...the story you have just read.

I thought that what I'd like to do was write it all down, so that I'd never forget how glad I felt right at that very moment.

[Katie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting while camping near Grand Marais. I actually met Ellen Airgood, the author and owner of West Bay Cafe, while having breakfast. I loved this book. Prairie is a mature ten year old, thanks to the influence of her grammy and her parents. Prairie's insights about life and her realistic struggle with emotions wholely connected with me. I immediately thought of many of my 6th grade students who would benefit from this example of being strong in one's self, friendship, and family much like Are You There God? It's Me Margaret did for me when i was a tween.

[Arminzerella · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Prairie’s parents move them to New York (from North Carolina) to take over Prairie’s grandparents’ farmstead, Prairie isn’t thrilled – especially when her Grammy, who lives with them, announces that she’s moving back to NC. And things don’t improve immediately, either. Prairie also has to go to public school for the first time in her life and the kids there tease her about her name (and because she’s new). The only thing Prairie has to look forward to are her chickens (she convinces her folks to let her raise chickens, so she can sell eggs at the farmers’ market alongside them – they sell artistic birdhouses and quilts as they work on getting the farm up and running). Then, Prairie makes a friend. Ivy is in her class at school and they have a lot of similar interests, and once they become friends they spend all of their time together. Ivy has problems of her own, though. Ivy’s mother isn’t the best of moms to her, and once she remarries, she’s even less available to Ivy. Prairie and her parents hatch a plan that allows Ivy to live with them (at least for the rest of the school year) and the girls are thrilled. Well, mostly. It turns out that they don’t have everything in common and being almost like sisters means that sometimes you fight.

This junior fiction novel explores some serious issues without getting too gritty or depressing (it’s told from Prairie’s point of view and she has a strong family and support network – not so for Ivy). Prairie is a very practical, observant girl, whose heart is in the right place. She’s sensitive (most of the time) to people’s feelings, and she’s a good listener/communicator. Great character. This wraps up very neatly, which some may find unrealistic, but others will find satisfying. Readalikes: So B. It, Ida B, Because of Winn Dixie (and others with strong girl characters/children who are dealing with more adult problems).

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

When her parents move from the South to the North to live off the land her mother has inherited, ten-year-old Prairie Evers isn't particularly thrilled. But things get even worse once her grandmother leaves to go back home and her mother takes a job that leaves her with no time to continue to homeschool Prairie. Prairie hates school from the beginning and would prefer to spend her days with the chickens she is raising on the farm. She cannot stand the loud yellow bus that picks her up every morning or her unfriendly classmates, some of whom make fun of her dark skin and make whooshing wind noises to make fun of her name and dislike how eager she is, at first, to participate in class. She eventually makes friends with Ivy Blake, and the two help each other through their daily struggles. It would be virtually impossible not to fall in love with Prairie's innocence and kindness as she savors her daily blessings and reaches out to help Ivy. I'm not sure how likely Ivy's mother would have been to let her stay with the Evers family or how social services failed to get involved, but I was also relieved that Ivy was given a chance at a better life. The author makes it clear that friendship has ups and downs, and part of being a good friend means being patient with others and recognizing that as like as the two of you may seem at times, there will also be plenty of differences. The writing was filled with wonderful descriptions that made me want to read more about those chickens of which Prairie became so fond. After a promising start, they became less important to the storyline than I expected them to be. The author does a great job of nailing the small-mindedness of those in small towns who never let anyone live down anything from the past.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was really good! It was about Prairie Evers having to go to school when she's been home schooled her whole life. She thought it was going to be the worst but then she met Ivy and they became inseparable. Ivy was going to have to move with her mom and her new husband George. Neither of them really like Ivy. Prairie's mom convinced Ivy's mom to let Ivy stay with them. They had so much fun everyday! Them Prairie's Grammy came back. It was a happy ending!

[Steffaney Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here it is, my favorite book of 2012! The chicken tie-in (pecking order!) is too cute! Great conversation and characterization. Prairie learns what being a true friend is all about, also something she needs as she tackles public school after being homeschooled for so many yearsP. Good read-aloud for grades 4 and up.

[Diane Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've only read two of the William Allen White nominees for 2015-- but I know I could vote right now. Hands down the best middle-grade book I've read since I was a kid. And the main character raises chickens!!! What more could a reader want?!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a former homeschooler, I was disappointed with how the parents looked down on homeschooling, fearing that their daughter was spending "too much time with old people," and wouldn't be properly socialized. It annoyed me that these were the only reasons that they sent Prairie to "real school." But that's just my opinion.

I quite liked how guns and hunting were dealt with in this story. While Prairie only ever handles a BB Gun in the book, there is a bit of gun safety hidden throughout these pages. The idea of hunting, target practice and defending yourself with a gun was not looked down upon as is the case with so many books today. Even after Prairie discovers why Ivy doesn't want to use the gun, she states that she doesn't take it out while Ivy is around, not that she never uses it.

*Parental warning*

While there's no language or out-right violence in the book, Prairie's best friend, Ivy, comes from a difficult household where - when Ivy was quite young - she witnessed a killing. There are no graphic details and I felt it was handled quite delicately, but some parents may not wish their children to read a story involving this type of plot.

Overall, it was a very cute book. While I had some personal issues with it, I would recommend it as Prairie is a great character and the book as a whole gives off the vibe of a wholesome, country tale.

[Emily Pope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prairie Evers, by Ellen Airgood, the theme for me on this book, is when life gives you lemons make lemonade. I think the author wanted me to get this idea, because of all the changes Prairie goes through during the book, and how she learns to accept it. I think the book has definitely accomplished this.

The genre of this book is realistic fiction. The setting in this book is New Paltz, New York. I think the author didn't really make me feel like I was there necessarily, but they did a good job with everything else, so it wasn't really necessary for the author to. I think the main characters are definitely believable for this book, mostly because of all the details the author puts, makes them easy to picture.

I think a big strength of this book how Ellen really gives her audience a good idea of how she feels. An example, is in the first few chapters when Evers is pretty bummed about something. I really like the author's writing style because it helps me get a good idea of what is going on, but it also keeps me interested.

I would definitely recommend this book, because its super cool, just because it is a novel of what someone else's story is. I think a lot of readers will enjoy this, except maybe someone who isn't a fan of books without make belief characters, or books that are not part of a series. I also think that people should try this book, to see if they'll like it or not, because you may be surprised.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story about fifth-grader Prairie Evers, who is the new kid in New Paltz, New York. She hadn't wanted to leave North Carolina, but the fact that her Grammy came with them made it more bearable. But when Grammy decides to return home and Prairie's parents make her, a previously home-schooled kid, go to school, she is worried. How will she have time to properly take care of her chickens? Who will help her parents at all the farmer's markets and craft bazaars? And most importantly, will she find a friend? Does she even want one?

Then Prairie meets Ivy Blake, and the friendship becomes a lifeline for both girls. Followed by a companion book, The Education of Ivy Blake.

[Bell Of The Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.
Such a sweet story that comes full circle from start to finish.

Plus this book was very special feeling to me as not just a few sisters and one precious niece shared a love for chickens and homeschooling. 💓

I loved Ivy and her no-nonsense attitude.
Her strong intelligences.
And her love for learning -her ways.

She also learns how to adjust, as public school comes into her life, along with a new wonderful relationship with a true sister-friend.

Having been blessed with such a great loving and supporting family she must accept that not all kids are.

All in all, a complete and beautiful story for any age.

[Kelly Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellen Airgood, you've done it. Prairie Evers is precocious, but endearing. Smart, creative, unique, caring, outspoken, the list of qualities goes on and on. She is everything I hope my own daughter becomes, and I only wish that we had land where she could raise her own chickens.

There are so many special things about this book:
- Prairie's relationship with her Grammy
- the way Prairie cares for and protects her best friend Ivy (but still learns deep lessons from)
- Friendship is not romanticized. I love that the girls go together "as well as peanut butter and jelly," but they still experience conflict because of their different upbringings and home lives

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unusually good read-aloud. This book is unique in that it deals with some serious issues in a way that is interesting, sensitive, and age-appropriate (I'd say 8 or 9+) without being too depressing and also without glossing over too much. Readers are confronted (or reminded) that there are people, even children, moving through life with traumatic and violent incidents in their past. Another issue this book deals with is that perennial girlhood fantasy of wishing your best friend could be your sister... presented in Prairie Evers with realistic complexity.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like to read children's books every now and then for a refreshing change of pace. They are generally an easy read, delightful and they have the added plus of bringing you back to your childhood. Ellen Airgood, the author lives in Marquette Michigan and runs a restaurant there with her husband. Her first book for adults is called "South of Superior". I have that book and that will be my next read. Prairie Evers is a

[Donna Linton-Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a beautifully written book for young readers, with a focus on the 8 - 12 year age group. I think this would make a wonderful 'Chapter' book to be read aloud by teachers in school to their classes. There would be lots to discuss and ideas to be shared by a group of children after the reading of each chapter. It is a story of kindness, friendship, life challenges and decisions that can be made to make our corners of the world a better place.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing and story are great but I think there are other ways to introduce drama without having a mother kill a father in a book for 10-12-year-olds. I bought this book for my granddaughter and I'm so glad I read it before I gave it to her. That plot line might be real-world but I know that I wouldn't introduce it to my family this way and shame on any school that includes it in their curriculum. Shooting is such a complicated topic and it's handled very shallowly. No.

[Kelani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AMAZING. OH THE FEELS! A student let me borrow their copy because I said I had wanted to read it. (She shares my love for reading!)
Prairie is a free spirited, fun loving, lover of all things learning, curious spirit. It is easy to feel exactly as Prairie feels throughout the WHOLE book. AMAZING!! Must read.

[Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that will get you to think about family, friends, and overcoming obstacles.

While the backdrop is a farm, with chickens!, the story could have taken place in just about any town and at just about any point in time.

Prairie is a character that you can root for to rise above the others and make something out of a presumed bad situation.