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A Smidgen of Sky: When a Southern Girl's Plan Spirals Out of Control for Kids
Whether she likes it or not, ten-year-old Piper Lee DeLuna is about to get a new family. Four years after the plane Piper's daddy was piloting disappeared, her mama is remarrying. The way Piper sees it, Mama's being plain disloyal. Besides, who'd want to get stuck with a prison guard for a stepdad and that weenie, Ginger, for a stepsister? But when Piper Lee hatches a foolproof plan to get the wedding called off, it quickly spirals out of control. And by the time Piper realizes what she’s done—and just how much she really cares about her new family—it might be too late. With a perfect blend of heartbreak and humor, this refreshing middle-grade debut explores opening one’s heart and learning to let go.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
11 people are currently reading
623 people want to read
About the author
Dianna Dorisi Winget
11 books116 followersDianna begin writing at nine years old, when she would stuff notebooks under her bed to prevent prying eyes from seeing her wonderful masterpieces. It wasn't until graduating from high school that she finally admitted her love for writing.
With the support of her parents, she was able to enroll in the Institute of Children's Literature, a well-respected correspondance school. After completing both the basic and advanced courses, Dianna began selling short stories and articles to magazines such as Clubhouse, U*S* Kids, Child Life, and Good Reading for Everyone.
It wasn't until 2012, that Dianna realized her dream of writing middle grade novels for kids with the publication of "A Smidgen of Sky," (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) followed by the sequel, "A Sliver of Sun." She is also the author of "A Million Ways Home" published by Scholastic Press in 2014. Dianna is repped by Lara Perkins at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency.
With the support of her parents, she was able to enroll in the Institute of Children's Literature, a well-respected correspondance school. After completing both the basic and advanced courses, Dianna began selling short stories and articles to magazines such as Clubhouse, U*S* Kids, Child Life, and Good Reading for Everyone.
It wasn't until 2012, that Dianna realized her dream of writing middle grade novels for kids with the publication of "A Smidgen of Sky," (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) followed by the sequel, "A Sliver of Sun." She is also the author of "A Million Ways Home" published by Scholastic Press in 2014. Dianna is repped by Lara Perkins at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 18, 2015
A well written children’s novel with amazing characters, Piper Lee portrayed how most children will react to their parent’s remarriage. She is an outstanding character who learns from her mistakes, and tries her best to fix what has been broken.
The writing contains casual words and phrases, such as “It's so boring is all,” ‘mama’, ‘is all’, etc. Other than that, the story runs smoothly and is a great book for ages 11-13, considering that it is a children’s book, and the vocabulary is quite easy.
Years after her father’s plane, the Piper Cub, crashed into the Atlantic, Mama is now getting remarried. However, Piper Lee isn’t really fond of the whole idea. She simply does not see any reason why she needs a stepdad, not to mention horrible stepsister, as she still holds hope that her father survived the crash.
Figuring a way to stop the wedding, things started to spin out of control. And after everything that has happened, Piper Lee learned that sometimes, it’s better to accept than to change things in life.
The plot is rather exciting. The entire story is written in first person, Piper Lee Deluna's point of view. So, readers can understand how she feels, and also her thoughts during the ups and downs of the events.
The plot, writing and characters are absolutely brilliant, Winget has done an excellent job with this book.
The writing contains casual words and phrases, such as “It's so boring is all,” ‘mama’, ‘is all’, etc. Other than that, the story runs smoothly and is a great book for ages 11-13, considering that it is a children’s book, and the vocabulary is quite easy.
Years after her father’s plane, the Piper Cub, crashed into the Atlantic, Mama is now getting remarried. However, Piper Lee isn’t really fond of the whole idea. She simply does not see any reason why she needs a stepdad, not to mention horrible stepsister, as she still holds hope that her father survived the crash.
Figuring a way to stop the wedding, things started to spin out of control. And after everything that has happened, Piper Lee learned that sometimes, it’s better to accept than to change things in life.
The plot is rather exciting. The entire story is written in first person, Piper Lee Deluna's point of view. So, readers can understand how she feels, and also her thoughts during the ups and downs of the events.
The plot, writing and characters are absolutely brilliant, Winget has done an excellent job with this book.
December 14, 2013
A Smidgen of Sky tells the story of Piper Lee, a spunky pre-teen tomboy who loves airplanes and getting her own way. The story begins, much to Piper's dismay, with her mom on the verge of marrying Ben, who will bring with him a daughter of Piper's own age, Ginger. Ginger's mom ran out on her and her dad just after she was born, and she is longing for a mother-figure. Partly because of this, and partly because of Ginger's girly ways, she and Piper do not get along. Piper Lee also lost her father a few years prior to a tragic plane accident, and because the body was never recovered she still holds out hope that maybe he is somewhere out there alive and will come back one day. Any moment of closeness between her soon-to-be step-father, Ben, and Piper feels like an act of betrayal, so as Piper sorts through these emotions, she is even more difficult than usual. As a way to thwart her mother's wedding plans and keep hope alive for her father's return, Piper Lee devises a plan to find Ginger's mother, bring her back into the picture and hopefully get her to lure Ben and Ginger away. The plan initiates a chain events Piper could never have anticipated, and that cause her to regret her decisions and rethink her attitudes toward her father's disappearance, mother's relationship with Ben and even Ginger. Overall, it's a sweet coming-of-age story with an enjoyable, sympathetic, Ramona Quimby-esque protagonist. Grades 4-7
January 15, 2013
Source: Received an ARC through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.
This is another book where I was lured in by its beautiful bright cover-isn't it sunny? It is making me feel better about the weekend being over and returning to work. And the plane is very appropriate for the story.
What is the story? Well, Piper is resentful of her mother's new boyfriend and his daughter because although her father has been gone for years, surely he'll return and their family life can resume. So she acts out against the guy and the daughter, including developing a plan that will throw off the wedding while also searching for more about her father. But what happens when you get exactly what you think you want?
As I said, I was mostly drawn to this book because of its cover but I enjoyed the contents with a caveat though. Piper is ten years old and as an adult, it was a little hard watching some of the decisions she makes and already being able to foresee the negative outcomes that would result. She is a stubborn and spunky kid; I admire her gumption but she's young and she makes some big mistakes that are thankfully fixable.
I guess that is what I ultimately liked most about this book-the underlying optimism and the sense that everything would end happily. As it's written for a younger audience, I found it to be a quick easy read with sympathetic characters and good life lessons. Although it does not shy away from the unpleasant aspects of life, there is also love and humor to balance them out, making for a great lazy afternoon read.
This is another book where I was lured in by its beautiful bright cover-isn't it sunny? It is making me feel better about the weekend being over and returning to work. And the plane is very appropriate for the story.
What is the story? Well, Piper is resentful of her mother's new boyfriend and his daughter because although her father has been gone for years, surely he'll return and their family life can resume. So she acts out against the guy and the daughter, including developing a plan that will throw off the wedding while also searching for more about her father. But what happens when you get exactly what you think you want?
As I said, I was mostly drawn to this book because of its cover but I enjoyed the contents with a caveat though. Piper is ten years old and as an adult, it was a little hard watching some of the decisions she makes and already being able to foresee the negative outcomes that would result. She is a stubborn and spunky kid; I admire her gumption but she's young and she makes some big mistakes that are thankfully fixable.
I guess that is what I ultimately liked most about this book-the underlying optimism and the sense that everything would end happily. As it's written for a younger audience, I found it to be a quick easy read with sympathetic characters and good life lessons. Although it does not shy away from the unpleasant aspects of life, there is also love and humor to balance them out, making for a great lazy afternoon read.
October 5, 2016
A girl named Piper Lee lost her dad in a plane crash four years ago in the Atlantic. Yet, she stills thinks her dad is alive. After the plane crash, she tired to mess up her mother's marriage with another man, Ben. Also... Ben's daughter, Ginger, is an enemy of Piper and she wants to ruin the wedding even more than Piper does. Piper Lee tried to get on a website to find her dad. When she put it on the internet, someone responded. They said, "I am a pirate and i think i might know about your dad. Can i meet you to talk about it more?" She was thrilled when she learned this! when she saw the man pull up, she was overly excited... Until she finds out that he was trying to kidnap her. But then Ben, her future step father, came and picked her up so that she could leave. When Ben went to work a few days later, in the prison camp, someone had escaped and held all of the prison guards hostage, even Ben.
Ginger, Piper Lee, and her mom all went to see if they had been released. When finally he was. Then Piper Lee, found out that her dad wasn't living anymore because her mom knew all along. After that, Ben and Piper Lee's mom got married and her and Ginger became friends after that. I love this book because it shows how Piper Lee and Ginger became friends. I would rate this book a five star.
I would definitely recommend this book for my classroom because It shows how enemies can become true friends... all you have to do is get to know them because you never know what a person's heart is like until you reach out to each other!
Ginger, Piper Lee, and her mom all went to see if they had been released. When finally he was. Then Piper Lee, found out that her dad wasn't living anymore because her mom knew all along. After that, Ben and Piper Lee's mom got married and her and Ginger became friends after that. I love this book because it shows how Piper Lee and Ginger became friends. I would rate this book a five star.
I would definitely recommend this book for my classroom because It shows how enemies can become true friends... all you have to do is get to know them because you never know what a person's heart is like until you reach out to each other!
April 29, 2013
Piper Lee's mama is getting married. She is going to marry Ben. Piper Lee isn't real happy about this. Her daddy disappeared in a plane crash several years ago and she still hopes that one day he will come home. Ben's daughter Ginger is happier about the marriage. Her mama left when she was a baby and she really likes Piper's mom, Heather. Piper decides that something must be done. She tracks down Ginger's mama, which causes all kinds of excitement. She also has a plan to find out more about her daddy's disappearance. Piper gets into all kinds of trouble and causes problems in the family, but it isn't until tragedy strikes that she realizes what she really wants.
I enjoyed this story. I thought Piper was pretty realistic for a ten year old. She doesn't always do the smart thing and she is often selfish, but she is definitely real. I liked the relationship between Ben and Heather and between Ginger and Piper. I thought everything was pretty realistic and could easily happen (and probably does happen). I did think there was a lot of extras thrown in. I am not sure we needed the whole stranger danger episode; sure it isn't out of the realm of possibility but it didn't seem necessary. Overall, this was a fun, quick read and I would recommend it for middle grades.
I enjoyed this story. I thought Piper was pretty realistic for a ten year old. She doesn't always do the smart thing and she is often selfish, but she is definitely real. I liked the relationship between Ben and Heather and between Ginger and Piper. I thought everything was pretty realistic and could easily happen (and probably does happen). I did think there was a lot of extras thrown in. I am not sure we needed the whole stranger danger episode; sure it isn't out of the realm of possibility but it didn't seem necessary. Overall, this was a fun, quick read and I would recommend it for middle grades.
July 27, 2015
I won this book off the goodreads free giveaways from the author! When I got the autographed book with a personalized note inside I was excited! The books cover is beautiful and drew my attention immediately because of the sunflowers. I love sunflowers!!! I started and completed this book in about 6 hours while I was at work. The amazing story captivated me from the beginning. Piper Lee is a 10 year old girl who lives with her mom and hasn't given up hope, that her father who has been missing for 4 years, is still alive. Enter Ben and Ginger, the new man in her moms life and his daughter - it makes for an interesting, emotional story. This would be a great book for kids of blended families. Kids who are going through a parent remarrying may take it pretty hard. I know I did! I feel this book would give them hope because Ginger and Piper are feeling the same way they would be about their new living situations, step-parents , etc.
November 19, 2017
I liked it.
February 11, 2018
A special book! Love this story about Piper Lee!
October 13, 2013
A Smidgen of Sky is one of those books that hook you almost from the first word. Immediately, I could hear Piper Lee’s southern voice in my ear as she tells me her story. Piper Lee is devoted to her daddy; a true daddy’s girl. In her heart, she refuses to believe he is gone, but in her head, she knows it’s true, but won’t allow herself to grieve. She is not ready for a new daddy when her real daddy just needs to find his way home.
I loved the scene where Piper Lee knows she’s not allowed to swim out to a rock island in the lake. She goes to the lake with Ben and Ginger—but without mama. Before they left for the beach, Piper had a row with her mama. She is now in a defiant mood and decides to attempt the swim. The distance turns out to be farther than Piper had envisioned. She barely made it to the rock and must now immediately return to shore. Before she can, Ben spots her and begins to swim towards Piper. Once they are back on the beach blanket, Ben sits quietly next to her. They have a tender, unexpected moment. Piper wants to ask Ben to take her to an air show but is reluctant to talk to him, begging mama to ask for her. Mama refuses. Ben knows this and brings up the airshow, as the two sat on the beach blanket recovering from the long swim to the island.
Ginger and Piper Lee may be the same age, but they are two opposites. Ginger’s ambition is to become a cheerleader. Piper Lee wants to learn to fly a plane. Ginger is a girly-girl, while Piper is a tomboy. They join forces to search for Ginger’s mother, who left shortly after Ginger was born. Problem is, each girl has a different motive for finding the elusive Tina. Ginger wants to talk to the mother that left her to her father when she was a young infant and never returned. Piper is hoping the return of Tina will mean Ginger’s family is reunited, then she and mama can return to their lives before mama meat Ben.
Miss Claudia is Piper’s confidant and friend. She lives in the apartment across from Piper Lee and is genuine southern lady. Piper Lee checks on the older woman, who in turn, keeps an eye on Piper Lee for her mama. Miss Claudia helps Piper Lee out of a huge jam, gives her wonderful advice, and delicious peach cobbler, but most importantly, she listens to Piper Lee and hears every word the young girl speaks. Piper Lee is a lucky girl. She has several people who care for her, look out for her, and listens to her. Sometimes Piper Lee forgets this blessing, but then, what kid doesn't.
The writing is wonderfully crisp. Each character has a distinctive voice that is clear from the moment they first speak. This is Ms. Winget’s debut and I have not read any debut that is better than A Smidgen in The Sky. Kids will get not only a rollicking story; they will get a glimpse of most of their parent’s youthful days. Ms. Winget touches on several subjects, including loss and grief, blended families, Internet predators, single parenting, and hostage situations. A Smidgen of Sky is also a coming-of-age story for Ginger and Piper Lee. Book clubs would enjoy all the available topics for discuss. Most importantly, A Smidgen of Sky is the perfect book for kids looking to read a family drama that is unique, but stays grounded in this world.
Originally reviewed at Kid Lit Reviews
http://kid-lit-reviews.com/2013/08/09...
I loved the scene where Piper Lee knows she’s not allowed to swim out to a rock island in the lake. She goes to the lake with Ben and Ginger—but without mama. Before they left for the beach, Piper had a row with her mama. She is now in a defiant mood and decides to attempt the swim. The distance turns out to be farther than Piper had envisioned. She barely made it to the rock and must now immediately return to shore. Before she can, Ben spots her and begins to swim towards Piper. Once they are back on the beach blanket, Ben sits quietly next to her. They have a tender, unexpected moment. Piper wants to ask Ben to take her to an air show but is reluctant to talk to him, begging mama to ask for her. Mama refuses. Ben knows this and brings up the airshow, as the two sat on the beach blanket recovering from the long swim to the island.
Ginger and Piper Lee may be the same age, but they are two opposites. Ginger’s ambition is to become a cheerleader. Piper Lee wants to learn to fly a plane. Ginger is a girly-girl, while Piper is a tomboy. They join forces to search for Ginger’s mother, who left shortly after Ginger was born. Problem is, each girl has a different motive for finding the elusive Tina. Ginger wants to talk to the mother that left her to her father when she was a young infant and never returned. Piper is hoping the return of Tina will mean Ginger’s family is reunited, then she and mama can return to their lives before mama meat Ben.
Miss Claudia is Piper’s confidant and friend. She lives in the apartment across from Piper Lee and is genuine southern lady. Piper Lee checks on the older woman, who in turn, keeps an eye on Piper Lee for her mama. Miss Claudia helps Piper Lee out of a huge jam, gives her wonderful advice, and delicious peach cobbler, but most importantly, she listens to Piper Lee and hears every word the young girl speaks. Piper Lee is a lucky girl. She has several people who care for her, look out for her, and listens to her. Sometimes Piper Lee forgets this blessing, but then, what kid doesn't.
The writing is wonderfully crisp. Each character has a distinctive voice that is clear from the moment they first speak. This is Ms. Winget’s debut and I have not read any debut that is better than A Smidgen in The Sky. Kids will get not only a rollicking story; they will get a glimpse of most of their parent’s youthful days. Ms. Winget touches on several subjects, including loss and grief, blended families, Internet predators, single parenting, and hostage situations. A Smidgen of Sky is also a coming-of-age story for Ginger and Piper Lee. Book clubs would enjoy all the available topics for discuss. Most importantly, A Smidgen of Sky is the perfect book for kids looking to read a family drama that is unique, but stays grounded in this world.
Originally reviewed at Kid Lit Reviews
http://kid-lit-reviews.com/2013/08/09...
April 5, 2013
{ The author kindly provided a hardcover edition of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Review originally posted on my blog, PidginPea's Book Nook. }
A Smidgen of Sky is everything I love about middle grade fiction. It has a fun, feisty main character with a unique voice and personality. It tackles big issues and really gets you in the main character's head, but it's done on an appropriate level for the character and for readers. It pulls you into the story from page one and wraps you up in the emotions, adventures, and misadventures of the main character, keeping you flipping the pages compulsively till you get to the warm and fuzzy end.
Piper Lee is having a hard time dealing with the loss of her dad after he disappeared flying his plane, and now her mom's getting remarried. And it doesn't help that she doesn't get along very well with her future stepdad, Ben, and stepsister, Ginger. She decides she's going to try to get answers to some questions she has, but she finds that her actions are affecting others in ways she did not anticipate...and in ways that she may not be able to fix.
Piper Lee is a great character, and Winget is a great writer - she really pulls you into Piper's world and her problems and makes you feel all her ups and downs right along with her. One of Piper's schemes involves meeting up with someone she met online, which I will admit made me a little uncomfortable when I first read it, but Winget develops it into a good message on internet safety. Being a southern girl at heart, I loved the southern touches Winget weaves throughout her characters' words and actions. I would pick up another middle grade book by Winget in a heartbeat!
A Smidgen of Sky is everything I love about middle grade fiction. It has a fun, feisty main character with a unique voice and personality. It tackles big issues and really gets you in the main character's head, but it's done on an appropriate level for the character and for readers. It pulls you into the story from page one and wraps you up in the emotions, adventures, and misadventures of the main character, keeping you flipping the pages compulsively till you get to the warm and fuzzy end.
Piper Lee is having a hard time dealing with the loss of her dad after he disappeared flying his plane, and now her mom's getting remarried. And it doesn't help that she doesn't get along very well with her future stepdad, Ben, and stepsister, Ginger. She decides she's going to try to get answers to some questions she has, but she finds that her actions are affecting others in ways she did not anticipate...and in ways that she may not be able to fix.
Piper Lee is a great character, and Winget is a great writer - she really pulls you into Piper's world and her problems and makes you feel all her ups and downs right along with her. One of Piper's schemes involves meeting up with someone she met online, which I will admit made me a little uncomfortable when I first read it, but Winget develops it into a good message on internet safety. Being a southern girl at heart, I loved the southern touches Winget weaves throughout her characters' words and actions. I would pick up another middle grade book by Winget in a heartbeat!
February 7, 2014
Ten-year-old Piper Lee is still reeling from her father’s death several years earlier in an airplane accident, and now her mom is getting remarried. If that wasn’t enough to deal with, she’s also gaining a stepsister with mommy issues. Piper Lee decides to take matters in her own hands to stop the wedding, but the results are more serious than she expected.
This book would be the perfect title to have on hand for any child dealing with grief, the loss of a parent, blended family issues, parental abandonment, or any child who might be trying to find or reconnect with a birth parent. So many issues are covered in a very succinct, engaging book that would appeal to boys or girls. In particular, the book includes a section where the main character encounters an online predator, providing an excellent teachable moment about sharing information online.
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it for upper elementary aged students. The themes, brevity, and reading level are appropriate for a wide age range. I also appreciated that the main character made a lot of mistakes that would be typical for a 10-year-old dealing with a lot of emotional issues, but she learns from them.
This book would be the perfect title to have on hand for any child dealing with grief, the loss of a parent, blended family issues, parental abandonment, or any child who might be trying to find or reconnect with a birth parent. So many issues are covered in a very succinct, engaging book that would appeal to boys or girls. In particular, the book includes a section where the main character encounters an online predator, providing an excellent teachable moment about sharing information online.
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it for upper elementary aged students. The themes, brevity, and reading level are appropriate for a wide age range. I also appreciated that the main character made a lot of mistakes that would be typical for a 10-year-old dealing with a lot of emotional issues, but she learns from them.
February 9, 2013
Honestly, when I read the synopsis, I didn't think I'd like it, with the classic kid selfishly doesn't want parent to marry, does drastic thing to break up, then after groveling, gets married. While this book had all of that and a stepsister, it was also touching and scary at times, and annoying and all the other things that make a great book. Through out the voice of a 11 year old, who doesn't think about the possible outcomes of her decisions, was evident. This author wrote real, the frustrations with being an only child and suddenly finding yourself with another sibling and another parent. What I really like is that even if the step parent took discplinary actions (in this book) she didn't scream, "Your not my father!" or something. I know many who are in that situation probably do, but it was refreshing to read something different in this case. Definitely will look for more by this author!
January 1, 2013
Four years after her father's disappearance (the plane he was piloting disappeared in the ocean during a storm), Piper Lee still holds out hope that he will come back. Thus Piper feels very threatened when her mother plans to marry Ben, who works as a prison guard and has a daughter of his own, Ginger. Piper decides to take matters into her own hands when she attempts to reunite Ginger with her mother who had abandoned her as a baby. Piper also hopes to get answers regarding her father's disappearance. Piper has to learn to be careful what she wishes for; she may or may not get the results she intended.
I found myself both disliking and liking Piper at the same time: I found her as very self-centered but also still grieving. Once she deals with her feelings and learns to let go, she becomes more accepting. Other appealing characters here make for a quick and satisfying read.
I found myself both disliking and liking Piper at the same time: I found her as very self-centered but also still grieving. Once she deals with her feelings and learns to let go, she becomes more accepting. Other appealing characters here make for a quick and satisfying read.
December 14, 2012
A Smidgen of Sky by Donna Dorisi Winget follows ten year old Piper whose Mother is getting remarried. Piper doesn't want a new father or a new stepsister. Her father went missing after a plane crash when she was young and Piper still hasn't come to terms with his death. After making some questionable decisions Piper realizes the mistakes that she has made and how she cares for her future stepfather and stepsister. Can she fix things?
This is a delightful middle grade novel that hits the topics of divorce and remarriage, honesty and internet safety. Piper was a great character, a girl in love with planes who is helpful to her neighbors. I was engrossed in the story and finished it quickly.
Appropriateness: There is no adult content in this book and there is a nice lesson on internet safety embedded in the story that is not too preachy. I recommend this book to readers 9-12.
This is a delightful middle grade novel that hits the topics of divorce and remarriage, honesty and internet safety. Piper was a great character, a girl in love with planes who is helpful to her neighbors. I was engrossed in the story and finished it quickly.
Appropriateness: There is no adult content in this book and there is a nice lesson on internet safety embedded in the story that is not too preachy. I recommend this book to readers 9-12.
January 6, 2017
I have to be honest (is there any other way to write a review?) when I started to read this book I thought, "This is not going to be my kind of book. I am sure the use of Mama and ma'am and story content are not my style." But deciding to give it a fair chance, since I loved Dianna Winget's, A Million Ways Home, I turned a few more pages. Then a few more and more and more. I found Dianna Winget has a beautiful way of recreating age old stories with enough of a twist that I had to keep reading. I couldn't put it down! Her unique verbs and great (yet short) scenery discriptions are what makes her writing stand out. She creates wonderful characters that feel real.
Am I glad I branched out and gave this book a try? You bet!
Am I glad I branched out and gave this book a try? You bet!
August 15, 2013
Piper's dad disappeared and is presumed to have died four years ago in a plane crash over the Atlantic. Still, ten year old Piper holds out hope that one day her Daddy will walk through the front door declaring, "Piper, I'm home." When her mom falls in love with Ben and they decide to get married, Piper's life starts careening out of control. Can she be loyal to her dad and accept this new situation too?
May 27, 2014
3.5 stars. Cute story about a little girl named Piper (10 yrs old) who's mom is getting remarried and the conflict Piper feels about it. A little bit of growing up as she realizes that her mom- and others- have feelings too, and that the world doesn't revolve around her. The story takes a surprisingly suspenseful turn towards the end and results in a satisfying climax.
Read
December 10, 2012I read this lovely middle-grade so that I could do an interview with the author for The Mixed Up Files blog. I hope many, many readers discover this gem!
Here's a link to the interview, if you're interested: http://www.fromthemixedupfiles.com/20...
Here's a link to the interview, if you're interested: http://www.fromthemixedupfiles.com/20...
February 7, 2013
Such a great book. I loved Piper Lee (even though I thought I wasn't going to).
The story was great and Piper was believable and I was about to give it five stars, but then it felt like too much happened at the end. It was a bit melodramatic. So, four stars.
The story was great and Piper was believable and I was about to give it five stars, but then it felt like too much happened at the end. It was a bit melodramatic. So, four stars.
March 16, 2013
Good book to address the issue of loss of parents, abandonment, blended families. The ending is a little too tied with a bow but generally a good book for 3rd - 5th graders struggling with these issues.
November 27, 2012
I was a First Reads winner of this book. Very sweet story, & I enjoyed it. I appreciated that Piper Lee was interested in airplanes & flying & didn't care about things that were more girly.
January 1, 2013
With characters to love, this story tugs at your heart making it such a satisfying read.
May 11, 2013
Loved the voice, the message, and the well-developed characters.
Just the kind of book my 11 yo loves to read.
Passing it on to her next! :)
Just the kind of book my 11 yo loves to read.
Passing it on to her next! :)
March 17, 2014
An honest look at the rollercoaster ride of blending families as seen through the eyes of 10-yr old Piper Lee DeLuna.
August 24, 2016
Great for younger (tween) girls.
April 18, 2013
This is a terrific book. I really liked it. I read it in 2 hours, so a fun read for kids.
January 28, 2025
This was a very sweet, fast paced book that I've been wanting to read since I was younger. I read it in one sitting, and it conveys lessons on blended families and absent parents very well. Would be a good recommendation for tweens and teens who are looking for this representation.
June 15, 2025
I love this book! It is a very good, bubbly summer read, perfect for by the pool! I is a quick read at the perfect length! I would definitely rate it a five!
September 27, 2025
Super cute, super fast read
March 24, 2017
A Smidgen of Sky tells the story of Piper Lee, a spunky pre-teen tomboy who loves airplanes and getting her own way. The story begins, much to Piper's dismay, with her mom on the verge of marrying Ben, who will bring with him a daughter of Piper's own age, Ginger. Ginger's mom ran out on her and her dad just after she was born, and she is longing for a mother-figure. Partly because of this, and partly because of Ginger's girly ways, she and Piper do not get along. Piper Lee also lost her father a few years prior to a tragic plane accident, and because the body was never recovered she still holds out hope that maybe he is somewhere out there alive and will come back one day. Any moment of closeness between her soon-to-be step-father, Ben, and Piper feels like an act of betrayal, so as Piper sorts through these emotions, she is even more difficult than usual. As a way to thwart her mother's wedding plans and keep hope alive for her father's return, Piper Lee devises a plan to find Ginger's mother, bring her back into the picture and hopefully get her to lure Ben and Ginger away. The plan initiates a chain events Piper could never have anticipated, and that cause her to regret her decisions and rethink her attitudes toward her father's disappearance, mother's relationship with Ben and even Ginger. Overall, it's a sweet coming-of-age story with an enjoyable, sympathetic, Ramona Quimby-esque protagonist. Grades 4-7
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