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Otherwise Known as Possum
Possum Porter has had it with change. First Mama and baby died, leaving a hole nothing can fill. And now, instead of trying to return to some kind of normal, Daddy's sending Possum to school. A real school, where you have to wear SHOES. Where some Yankee teacher will try to erase all the useful things Mama taught Possum during their lessons at home.
So Possum comes up with a plan. If she can prove that she already knows everything worth knowing, Daddy will let her quit school and stay where she belongs. She won't have to deal with snooty classmates, or worry about tarnishing Mama's memory.
But unfortunately, Possum doesn't shoot to the top of the class like she expected. Even worse, the unmarried Yankee teacher seems to have her eyes on someone . . . Possum's Daddy. With time running out, Possum decides to do something drastic to get away from school-and get Daddy out of Ms. Arthington's clutches-or risk losing everything that's keeping her broken heart glued together.
So Possum comes up with a plan. If she can prove that she already knows everything worth knowing, Daddy will let her quit school and stay where she belongs. She won't have to deal with snooty classmates, or worry about tarnishing Mama's memory.
But unfortunately, Possum doesn't shoot to the top of the class like she expected. Even worse, the unmarried Yankee teacher seems to have her eyes on someone . . . Possum's Daddy. With time running out, Possum decides to do something drastic to get away from school-and get Daddy out of Ms. Arthington's clutches-or risk losing everything that's keeping her broken heart glued together.
2 pages, Audio CD
Published February 28, 2017
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152 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 18, 2024
Possum, to me, is kind of a country Pippi Longstocking. Both young girls are wise to the ways of the world, if not properly educated. Tough, fiercely independent with lasting loyalty and a heart bigger than her small body should be able to hold, Possum is another exemplary young lady.
Certainly a smile-through-tears kind of story combining spunk, mischief and intuitive, undeniable kindness, I thoroughly enjoyed the bitter-sweet reflections from the late 20th century in this captivating Juvenile Fiction from Ms. Laso.
This mini-review was written for Buried Under Books by jv poore.
Certainly a smile-through-tears kind of story combining spunk, mischief and intuitive, undeniable kindness, I thoroughly enjoyed the bitter-sweet reflections from the late 20th century in this captivating Juvenile Fiction from Ms. Laso.
This mini-review was written for Buried Under Books by jv poore.
January 7, 2026
LizBetty "Possum" Porter is trying to get her life back to normal, but there is not (nor will there ever be) a normal for her.
"Around here, when folks die, people cook."
There are plenty of busy-bodies (or "Crows" as Possum calls them) who keep inviting themselves over to "support" her father, but Possum knows the truth.
"I knew Momma, most of all, would expect me to smarten back to usual in no unhuried way, even if the crack in my heart would never heal."
And soon Possum finds herself shipped off to school.
They were all-fired fixed on telling Daddy what to do. And not just what to do, but what to do with me! "Mister Porter, that child needs proper schooling."
On the one hand, she loves learning. Learning was something she did all day every day with her mother. She wants to know more - like where do the legs on the tadpoles go? Or why do dogs act the way that they do?
But on the other hand, her mother deeply distrusted the nearby schools and taught everything herself to Possum.
"At the ripe age of elevin-goin'-on-crazy - all questions and no answers."
Out of respect for her mother, Possum decides school is not for her.
"School would just wash Momma's teaching from my mind and heart like a washboard worries at a stain."
And out of respect for her father, Possum decides she WILL go to school...for now.
Ultimately - I liked this book...although it was near incomprehensible at times. Hilarious, but incomprehensible.
"I couldn't see no way out of going to school, but I was already fixin' to figure out how not to stay there. Sure as shirttails, I'd be back home before Teacher or those flappy Crows could do anything else to pull me and Daddy apart."
To explain - this book is set in the butter my biscuits south.
"Twitchy Miz Pickerel flapped like a jitter jack."
The southern idioms and grammatically incorrect sentences were fun and endearing at first... but the more those appeared, the more I just wanted to get to the point.
"...the biddies were, as usual, ruffling the air with their words."
I think it's hard to convey the truly obscene level of idioms and metaphors present in this book. But there were a lot. Like a lot, a lot.
"I did not want one more freckle to fall off my knee for fifty years. At least."
That being said, Laso does use them to her advantage many a time.
Some of them were downright hilarious!
And others just completely pulled at my heartstrings.
"Her lips, cracked and prunie, shaped a small, tight O that made me think of a chicken butt."
The way such a short and unconventional sentence conveys the truly huge amount of grief young Possum experiences.
"Bird-songing and bug-buzzing must have been about, yet I couldn't hear but a howling wind."
All in all - this was truly a unique story and it was rather enjoyable - just a bit heavy on the metaphors.
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March 28, 2017
This is a wonderfully touching story. It has much depth. A great book for discussion. I loved all of the characters. I felt their sadness and rejoiced as they found their way. Lovely lyrical writing. A terrific sense of place. I am crushed to know that this is all we will ever have from this talented author. I feel very lucky to have found it. I am forever grateful to Scholastic for sharing this beautiful book with me in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2017
Great line: "It's better to expect something good than to fear something bad."
I need to remember this quote when I am having a rough day. 😉
I need to remember this quote when I am having a rough day. 😉
June 24, 2017
Regular school is the last thing LizBetty, also known as Possum wants. Her Momma taught her at home before she and Baby died, and Possum wants to prove to her Daddy that she doesn't need school. She needs to be home, taking care of Daddy, especially since Possum thinks the new teacher has her eye on Possum's daddy.
The words were lyrical and put me in the midst of the Appalachian Mountain people.
When Possum is thinking about a boy, the author wrote: "Also, had his voice always been like July honey straight from the comb?"
Describing a kiss a neighbor, Mr. Justice, gives Mrs. Justice after a long absence: "He grabbed Miz Justice into such a lock that, had it gone on a second longer, I might have feared for their air supply."
As Possum's Daddy tries to shoo off a visitor in order to give his daughter, Possum, her Christmas present, Possum thinks: "Daddy put extra butter and syrup on the words, "my daughter."
The words were lyrical and put me in the midst of the Appalachian Mountain people.
When Possum is thinking about a boy, the author wrote: "Also, had his voice always been like July honey straight from the comb?"
Describing a kiss a neighbor, Mr. Justice, gives Mrs. Justice after a long absence: "He grabbed Miz Justice into such a lock that, had it gone on a second longer, I might have feared for their air supply."
As Possum's Daddy tries to shoo off a visitor in order to give his daughter, Possum, her Christmas present, Possum thinks: "Daddy put extra butter and syrup on the words, "my daughter."
August 26, 2022
I just happened to pick this book up at a discount store. The title and cover caught my attention and I’m so glad I bought it. It was hard to read at first because of the “country twang” but once I got through the first chapter I was good! It’s such a sweet story of love and how together you can get through pretty tough times. Such wisdom woven throughout these pages as well!
February 11, 2017
Possum is a delightful character, full of spunk and mischievous fun. A heart felt tail of growing up during the depression. Rich in history. Maria D. Laso writes with extraordinary vision. Don't miss this beautiful and fun story. There are phrases that will stay warm in your heart forever.
December 7, 2022
This book was such a refreshing change! Furthermore I can conclude this book can be a self-healing book for me because the main character, Possum, has to develop through the story with all of the change happening in her life. A true blessing in disguise 💖
July 6, 2017
There are books that steal into your heart, and OTHERWISE KNOWN AS POSSUM caught me today as I finished it. I slipped easy-like into the language, the locale, the world of plucky, tomboy, sad-hearted LizBetty, AKA Possum. A bewildered girl who has had enough change after her Momma died, fights off schoolin' and fears both she and her Daddy will lose the memories of their happy home if everything is different. But, of course, it is new and scary to be a young tween trying to navigate the world w/out your mother. Her trusty dog Traveler, her bet friend, Tully, and her " frenemy" all play their part to make Possum feel whole again. But Daddy's wonderful Christmas present, borne from pain and made by hand with love and memories, helps Possum see the miracle of life again.
As a writer, I admire the skill and the world Maria D. Laso has created for readers. I wept at the end. I'll turn her phrases, her lyrical language, and spot on voice over and over again. I aim to write a book like this one day.
As a writer, I admire the skill and the world Maria D. Laso has created for readers. I wept at the end. I'll turn her phrases, her lyrical language, and spot on voice over and over again. I aim to write a book like this one day.
August 11, 2017
I have to start with the caveat that I don't really connect with books in which the narrator speaks in the vernacular. They just don't work for me. Possum uses a lot of slang which makes the book fun, I suppose, but for me it's just a bit of a distraction. I think kids might enjoy it, although my ELL students may struggle with it. I'll probably add it to my collection, because there are students who do enjoy these types of books.
Possum lost her mother and baby brother, and she and her father are still trying to pick up the pieces. Now her father is trying to send her to school, where she has to deal with a mean girl and the fear that she is losing her best friend. Possum has some very funny observations of the folks around her, and she is brutally honest, which makes for some entertaining scenes. There is also an underlying current of sadness. So readers have an opportunity to explore the messy process of grief.
*I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher through my district library services*
Possum lost her mother and baby brother, and she and her father are still trying to pick up the pieces. Now her father is trying to send her to school, where she has to deal with a mean girl and the fear that she is losing her best friend. Possum has some very funny observations of the folks around her, and she is brutally honest, which makes for some entertaining scenes. There is also an underlying current of sadness. So readers have an opportunity to explore the messy process of grief.
*I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher through my district library services*
March 11, 2017
LizBetty Porter, who prefers being called Possum, is still mourning the loss of her mother and baby brother during the Great Depressions. Times aren't easy in the Appalachian Mountains where she and her father and their dog Traveler live, but they get by. However, when the local busybodies decide that it's time for Possum to attend school, she is completely disinterested. After all, didn't her Mama teach her everything she needs to know? Despite her disinclination to attend school, she reluctantly acquiesces to her father's wishes. She figures that she will prove she has no need for anything being learned in school. But the teacher has rules that are hard to follow, and she and one classmate in particular are at odds about everything. To add insult to injury, her best friend Tully actually likes--yes, likes likes--the girl. Plus, there are rumors that her father is courting her teacher, Miss Arthington. Could it be that he has forgotten Mama so quickly? When a beautiful book offered as incentive for an essay contest disappears, Possum and her enemy form an uneasy alliance in bringing it back to school. Possum is a sweetheart in many ways but also quite mischievous in other respects. The story itself brought to mind Ida B. and the many marvelous stories of Richard Peck featuring similar characters. The writing is filled with sensory language and a keen awareness of place and the importance of home and family. Of course, as often happens, Possum misunderstands many of the events around her, which adds to the humor and pathos because this is, indeed, a funny book in many respects. The teacher's motivations for coming to teach in that part of the country were somewhat vague, and I wondered just how prepared she was to handle the challenges of her job. I could have done without the passages in which Possum realizes that she might have certain feelings for Jump Justice, and I wasn't always sure what was going on with his father, but I found myself savoring the descriptions of Possum's world that filled the book. Sadly, the author died before the book was published, but still, the story is sure to linger in readers' hearts and minds, a savory sliver of place and time.
March 6, 2017
Read this Review and more on my blog.The Book Return Blog
‘Otherwise Known as Possum’ is a middle-grade historical fiction novel. The story takes place in the deep south during at the height of the great depression. The titular character, Possum Porter’s, mother and baby brother recently died in childbirth. Adding to Possum’s grief, her father decides to send her to the town school (up until then she had been homeschooled). Possum’s goals become to show her daddy that she is too smart for school and to keep her teacher, Ms. Arthington, away from her father.
‘Otherwise Known as Possum’ reminded me a lot of ‘Little House on the Prairie.’ There were major differences such as the setting and time period. However,the story just had the ‘Little House ‘feel to me. There were also obvious similarities such as ‘Mary Grace’ being the daughter of the town store owner and she constantly teases ‘Possum’. Also, the town Possum lived in had a ‘Walnut Grove’ type of atmosphere.
What I Loved…
I think that historical fiction middle-grade books are very important. In today’s time, where kids spend their time glued to devises, it’s important for them to take glimpses into the past. One of the best ways to do this is by reading a great historical fiction book. I liked the way infant and maternal loss in child-birth is addressed in the story. We take for granted how lucky we are that death during childbirth is relatively uncommon today. It is a super heartbreaking subject and I think that it was well handled in this book.
I also loved the special relationship that Possum had with her dog ‘Traveler’. Pets are important part of kids lives and I think Possum’s love for ‘Traveler’ was very endearing.
This novel also addressed other important topics such as bullying, mental illness, politics, and poverty. All of these subjects were handled well.
What Left Me Wanting More…
The biggest issue I had with the story was that although ‘Possum’ was sweet, endearing, and very relatable, she came across as somewhat stereotypical of someone from the deep south or Appalachia. This was especially clear in the number of metaphors used in her spoken and mental dialogue. Practically every page contained one or more ‘like’ metaphor.
My Final Verdict..
‘Otherwise Know as Possum’ is an interesting and unique story about an eleven year old protagonist who is grieving the death of her mother and baby brother. The story takes on many timely topics and handled them well. I think it should be required reading for todays middle-schoolers.However, it is a beautiful book for readers of all ages.
* I was hoping to read more from the author, Maria D. Las as ‘Otherwise Known as Possum’ was an amazing début novel. However, the author’s husband wrote an epilogue explaining that sadly the author passed away shortly after finishing this novel.
‘Otherwise Known as Possum’ is a middle-grade historical fiction novel. The story takes place in the deep south during at the height of the great depression. The titular character, Possum Porter’s, mother and baby brother recently died in childbirth. Adding to Possum’s grief, her father decides to send her to the town school (up until then she had been homeschooled). Possum’s goals become to show her daddy that she is too smart for school and to keep her teacher, Ms. Arthington, away from her father.
‘Otherwise Known as Possum’ reminded me a lot of ‘Little House on the Prairie.’ There were major differences such as the setting and time period. However,the story just had the ‘Little House ‘feel to me. There were also obvious similarities such as ‘Mary Grace’ being the daughter of the town store owner and she constantly teases ‘Possum’. Also, the town Possum lived in had a ‘Walnut Grove’ type of atmosphere.
What I Loved…
I think that historical fiction middle-grade books are very important. In today’s time, where kids spend their time glued to devises, it’s important for them to take glimpses into the past. One of the best ways to do this is by reading a great historical fiction book. I liked the way infant and maternal loss in child-birth is addressed in the story. We take for granted how lucky we are that death during childbirth is relatively uncommon today. It is a super heartbreaking subject and I think that it was well handled in this book.
I also loved the special relationship that Possum had with her dog ‘Traveler’. Pets are important part of kids lives and I think Possum’s love for ‘Traveler’ was very endearing.
This novel also addressed other important topics such as bullying, mental illness, politics, and poverty. All of these subjects were handled well.
What Left Me Wanting More…
The biggest issue I had with the story was that although ‘Possum’ was sweet, endearing, and very relatable, she came across as somewhat stereotypical of someone from the deep south or Appalachia. This was especially clear in the number of metaphors used in her spoken and mental dialogue. Practically every page contained one or more ‘like’ metaphor.
My Final Verdict..
‘Otherwise Know as Possum’ is an interesting and unique story about an eleven year old protagonist who is grieving the death of her mother and baby brother. The story takes on many timely topics and handled them well. I think it should be required reading for todays middle-schoolers.However, it is a beautiful book for readers of all ages.
* I was hoping to read more from the author, Maria D. Las as ‘Otherwise Known as Possum’ was an amazing début novel. However, the author’s husband wrote an epilogue explaining that sadly the author passed away shortly after finishing this novel.
April 12, 2020
Middle reader book set just after the Great Depression in West Virginia (that's where the hollers are, right?)
Possum's (not her real name) mother has just died in childbirth with her baby brother. Now it's just her and her dad and they are adjusting to a new life. She's trying to figure out why everyone keeps butting in and thinks she knows everything. Her best friends are a neighbor boy, Tully, and her dog, Trav. She grows up a lot in this book and figures out that all those around her really do want what's best for her.
This book reminded me of "Big Stone Gap" by Adriana Trigiani (but for kids) mixed with "Anne of Green Gables" by L.M. Montgomery.
Possum's (not her real name) mother has just died in childbirth with her baby brother. Now it's just her and her dad and they are adjusting to a new life. She's trying to figure out why everyone keeps butting in and thinks she knows everything. Her best friends are a neighbor boy, Tully, and her dog, Trav. She grows up a lot in this book and figures out that all those around her really do want what's best for her.
This book reminded me of "Big Stone Gap" by Adriana Trigiani (but for kids) mixed with "Anne of Green Gables" by L.M. Montgomery.
July 8, 2017
I loved the dialect and Possum's character. Possum is feisty, determined, and a good friend. While she wants life to never change after her mom passes away, she finds that life is not lived by standing still. A good choice for 3rd and 4th graders. Encourage readers to look at the author's note before reading. I was saddened to learn that Maria Laso has passed away and will not be able to write more stories. I would have liked to read more.
September 27, 2017
The writing is lovely, with pitch perfect language that rolls off the tongue.
October 2, 2017
Just a little too hokey for my tastes, but the story was good and I enjoyed it overall.
May 26, 2018
I love this book!!!
March 12, 2019
Lovely read!
March 30, 2020
A young girl whose just lost in her mother deals with the changes to her life as she and her father are now alone and she must go to school for the time. Sassy and heartfelt. Upper elementary.
January 5, 2024
I loved this book. The time period is one of my favorites and Possum is a gutsy girl trying to hold on to her memories of her mother.
Read
November 15, 2025once again another middle school read I still have on my shelf
February 12, 2017
Otherwise Known as Possum
I am very sad that this debut author's voice will not have a chance to be heard from again, but this one is special. With a down home country style, Possum's voices shines. Possum lost her sunshine and joy when she lost her mother, and she is desperate to keep things from changing any further. When her dad insists she start going to school in town, it feels a bit like a betrayal to all her mom taught her at home. Somehow Possum keeps moving forward, and with a unique spirt and determination, starts to find the gifts she has in her friendships and her ability to see the best in people. A lovely coming of age tale about loss, friendship and the struggle to overcome grief.
I am very sad that this debut author's voice will not have a chance to be heard from again, but this one is special. With a down home country style, Possum's voices shines. Possum lost her sunshine and joy when she lost her mother, and she is desperate to keep things from changing any further. When her dad insists she start going to school in town, it feels a bit like a betrayal to all her mom taught her at home. Somehow Possum keeps moving forward, and with a unique spirt and determination, starts to find the gifts she has in her friendships and her ability to see the best in people. A lovely coming of age tale about loss, friendship and the struggle to overcome grief.
March 1, 2017
I fell in love with Possum Porter from day one. A young girl growing up in a small town that doesn't have much but gossip. Still reeling from the death of her mother and baby brother, I was instantly thrust into Possum's world and didn't want to leave. Possum is quite the tom-girl, more comfortable in her cover-alls and bare feet, running through the woods and learning from the world around her.
But her father is lost without her mother. Deciding she needs to go to school, against her wishes he tells her she must attend the one-room school house. Determined to prove she doesn't need it, she goes up against the school bully, attempts to win an essay contest, and makes new friends. Learning all the way.
There are tons of great characters in the book that surround Possum. From the teacher, the school kids, and even one of their parents. Life was very different back then and I fell like Maria D Laso captured that feeling perfectly.
In the end, I bawled my eyes out. Yes, a middle grade book made me cry and I'm not ashamed to admit it. The last scene was beyond touching. It moved me in ways I find hard to explain. I think this book needs to be in every library and every school. Capturing this girl's moment in time was priceless.
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book**
But her father is lost without her mother. Deciding she needs to go to school, against her wishes he tells her she must attend the one-room school house. Determined to prove she doesn't need it, she goes up against the school bully, attempts to win an essay contest, and makes new friends. Learning all the way.
There are tons of great characters in the book that surround Possum. From the teacher, the school kids, and even one of their parents. Life was very different back then and I fell like Maria D Laso captured that feeling perfectly.
In the end, I bawled my eyes out. Yes, a middle grade book made me cry and I'm not ashamed to admit it. The last scene was beyond touching. It moved me in ways I find hard to explain. I think this book needs to be in every library and every school. Capturing this girl's moment in time was priceless.
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book**
December 27, 2016
Thank you to Scholastic Press for the ARC of this book received at NCTE. I started the book right after the conference in mid-Nov. and then put any chapter book reading to the side until winter break when I could truly focus and enjoy this book. The timing of reading the book - as the last chapters are during the Christmas holiday, was perfect!
Possum is a character you will love. The entire book is about helping our neighbors, education, and love. I've read a few reviewers saying that they could see this book becoming a movie - I agree.
There is another story, a true story of love and life within the covers of this book about the author. I'm thankful that this book was completed. I hope that the publisher will keep the letter from the editor and the author's husband in the book.
Possum is a character you will love. The entire book is about helping our neighbors, education, and love. I've read a few reviewers saying that they could see this book becoming a movie - I agree.
There is another story, a true story of love and life within the covers of this book about the author. I'm thankful that this book was completed. I hope that the publisher will keep the letter from the editor and the author's husband in the book.
September 24, 2016
There is so much to love about this book from its main story, to the background about the author, to the acknowledgment from her husband. Just an amazing book filled with strong characters and wonderful words of wisdom.
September 18, 2016
A very cute story that I can see being a movie one day. Touching story about the author too.
July 8, 2022
This book was not what I thought it was going to be about, and it was hard to follow and understand for me personally, but I like the theme that it was based around.
April 24, 2017
Really didn't get into it as much as I thought I would. Liked the story line.
May 15, 2017
I loved it! oh man. This book is so cute and so much fun. I listened to it on CD, and the woman's voice was absolutely perfect for Possum. I laughed with her, cried with her, agonized with her, and had an all around jolly good time. This is a perfect book for girls right on the cusp of puberty.
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