Saint Ivy: Kind at All Costs

by Laurie Morrison

A thoughtful middle-grade novel about caring for others and for yourself––and what it truly means to be kind and vulnerable

Thirteen-year-old Ivy Campbell has always been a good kid: She supports her soccer-star brother, bakes with her nana, and puts her friends’ needs before her own. So of course, Ivy is 100 percent supportive when her mom decides to be a gestational surrogate, carrying and giving birth to her friends’ baby. But when Ivy finds out the surrogacy treatment worked and her mom is pregnant—and has been for weeks—she’s shocked that she’s jealous and worried about what others will think. And most of all, she’s ashamed that she isn’t reacting to this news in the right way. The Ivy way. Ivy is determined to prove to herself that she’s just as unselfish as she’s always believed, and she gets the chance to do that when she receives an anonymous email from someone who needs her help. But the more Ivy dives into helping this anonymous person, the further she gets from the people she loves—and from the person who she wants to be.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary, Fiction, Childrens, Family

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Laurie Morrison is the coauthor of Every Shiny Thing and the author of Up for Air, Saint Ivy, Coming Up Short, Keeping Pace, and Where Ella Went (coming April 14, 2026). Laurie’s books have received starred reviews and been chosen as Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections and finalists for state award lists. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and she lives with her family in Philadelphia, PA, where she teaches middle school language arts. You can visit her website at lauriemorrisonwrites.com

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally just finished Saint Ivy. I truly love this book. It is filled with so much heart. Ivy’s story is one that kids need to hear right now as they navigate not only a pandemic but finding their unique place in this world — who they are and who they want to be. It will be a welcome addition to my classroom library.

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this heartfelt and engaging story! Readers will relate to Ivy, who wants so badly to be liked that she tends to push down her wants, needs, and emotions. Laurie Morrison is a master of the middle grade voice, and I was immediately drawn into Ivy’s life and her relationships with friends and family. It’s so rewarding to see how much Ivy grows in the span of the book. Highly recommended!

[Lindsey Stoddard]

Oh Ivy will stay with me for a long time. She is so relatable, and her journey in this story, toward self-kindness and the allowance for real feelings, is so important.

[Laura Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saint Ivy: Kind at All Costs by @laurielmorrison is a lovely, compulsively readable, emotional MUST READ. 🎉
Out one week from today!
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Ivy is known for being kind, but when her mother becomes pregnant as a surrogate for family friends, Ivy has confusing, conflicted emotions...and then a bit of an identity crisis. This is compounded when Ivy's friends start to find new interests and Ivy doesn't know what her interests are. She doesn't even know if she and her old friends make sense anymore. Meanwhile, Ivy is getting anonymous emails from someone who needs her help. She thinks she knows who they're from, but she might not be right. In general, Ivy is confused about who she is and what she feels -- can she live up to her title of Saint Ivy?
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I flew through this book and just loved it. Ivy is a relatable, real character that readers are going to love. Saint Ivy effectively gets at some essential middle grade questions -- Who am I? What makes me special? (of course these are lifelong questions, am I right? I mean, I could relate...)
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I also loved the infusion of Jewish culture and cooking (Ivy is Jewish on her mother's side). In putting together booklists of Jewish American Heritage books in our library this month, I'm noticing how few #mglit books have Jewish protagonists, excluding those focused on the Holocaust. #representationmatters
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#middleschoollibrarian #middleschoollibrary #library #librarian #futurereadylibs #iteachlibrary #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #librariesofinstagram #librariansofinstagram #librariesfollowlibraries #librarylife #librarianlife #schoollibrarian #middlegrade #middlegradebooks #iteach #librarylove #booksbooksbooks #amreading #bibliophile #schoollibrariansrock #bookreview #bookrecommendation #igreads #saintivy

[Melanie Sumrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurie Morrison does it again! A pitch-perfect story for those Upper MG readers, Saint Ivy takes on the story of a girl who tries to think of everyone else first, while ignoring her own feelings. Ivy must navigate her mom's surrogacy, first crushes, peer pressure and changing friendships (all so relatable for 8th graders as interests change and friend groups break and new friendships form). There's also a mystery element with an anonymous emailer! Highly recommend this one for kids who need to learn that self-kindness is just as important as kindness toward others.

[Kathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss+ for an eARC of this book.

I loved the author's first solo novel, UP FOR AIR, so I was very excited to get an early copy of this book. Her experience as a classroom teacher helps her capture that upper middle grade experience so well, and I'm SO glad this novel will be out there for kindhearted kids who need to see how important it is to extend some of that kindness to themselves.

Ivy is used to playing the role of support for her friends and family, but when she discovers her mom has been keeping her pregnancy a secret for several weeks (she's a gestational surrogate for her best friend), Ivy is upset that she wasn't told. She starts to pull away from her mom because she doesn't know how to deal with her feelings. She prides herself on being kind to others, but these messy feelings of jealousy and embarrassment leave her feeling disappointed in herself. At the same time her two closest friends are bonding and pulling away from her, and she isn't able to find an outlet for her feelings. She goes out of her way to prove her kindness to a girl having a hard time, and to an anonymous emailer who tells her how much they appreciate her support, and makes assumptions that lead to misunderstandings and pushes her ability to give beyond the breaking point.

The author does a great job of capturing that middle grade voice; the changing friendships, first crushes, withdrawal from a parent, and a supportive family to which Ivy won't reach out are well captured. Ivy's dad and his partner, Leo, are actively involved in the lives of Ivy and her brother, Will, as is Ivy's grandmother. I love that there's a mystery about the identity of the anonymous emailer, and like Ivy, the reader jumps from one conclusion to another about who it might be. I really loved how the author portrayed a number of different reactions to Ivy's giving nature, not all of it positive. I found the perspective of Ivy's friend who was upset with her because she never vulnerable enough to share and be a "true" friend to be illuminating, and I think it might be a wake-up call for readers to see this as a consequences of Ivy's behavior.

I think this is an important addition to a middle grade collection because grown ups tend to praise kids for this giving behavior, and as a result many adults are unable to put their own needs before those of others. I think a story such as this gives a much-needed perspective aimed at an age group that needs to hear it.

[Cassie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Drama. Nana didn’t like that word. Ivy had used it once in front of her— she couldn’t remember why— and Nana had said it “minimizes legitimate feelings and conflicts, and people only use it when they’re talking about girls.””

I remember so vividly the way it felt to be the “third wheel” with friends. Ivy trying to find her way back in to her best friend group was cringey, but in a way that I could relate and I’m 31 years old. I know students are still experiencing this on a daily basis. It’s tough.

Ivy’s empathy is so similar to how I feel I have always been. Always wanting to “fix” everyone and their problems. I had to learn the hard way that people’s problems are just that, theirs. No matter how much I gave advice, or was present for them - they ultimately had to make the decision to change.

A story all about using your voice in moments that your voice needs to be heard. Understanding that you can’t save, or fix, everyone - sometimes you need the advice and the support just as much as you want to constantly give the support to others.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to see that Laurie Morrison had another book coming and Saint Ivy definitely lived up to my expecations. I read almost the entire book in one sitting and didn't want it to end! Ivy is struggling with finding out what is the 'thing' she is good at and will be know for among her friends and family. In the past, it has always been being kind to others--which is where the nickname SAINT Ivy came from. Lately though, she doesn't feel very kind and is struggling with a lot of friend and family issues. When her mom becomes a surrogate for a family friend, Ivy tries very hard to be happy about it, but that proves to be easier said than done. Saint Ivy is a heart-warming story and gave me all the feels! Readers who love Jess Redman, lynda Mullaly Hunt, and Dusti Bowling books will fall in love with Ivy! And if you haven't read Laurie's other MG novel, Up For Air, what are you waiting for??

[Bonnie Grover · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Is it possible to be too kind?” Ivy Campbell is a middle school girl doing her best to fit in. She is not the smartest or the most athletic, but she can always be counted on to be there for her friends. Her mom decides to be a surrogate for a family and this leaves Ivy feeling disconnected and jealous. Ivy is trying to understand the complicated web of friends as she finds herself in the third-wheel position. Spending time baking with her Nana is how she tries to sort through life’s complexities.
When she receives an anonymous email from someone who needs her help, she gets a chance to be needed, to be important. The more she tries to help this person and the people around her, the more she neglects her own feelings and needs and the further she drifts from her own family.
Laurie Morrison is a master of the middle grade voice. I found Ivy and her relationships relatable and I enjoyed watching her grow and accept herself. I highly recommend this book to my middle grade readers.

[Jes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ivy is all about kindness. It's her thing. So, when Ivy receives an anonymous email she's determined to help the sender. Using clues she does her best to figure out who the sender is and helps however she can. But it isn't always easy to be kind. Ivy feels distant from her two best friends and her mom is acting as surrogate for her best friend. All of this change makes Ivy feel uncertain and guilty when she finds herself thinking unkind thoughts. As Ivy puts others before herself, she finds it harder and harder to continue being Saint Ivy.

Ivy is thirteen but the reading level for this book feels lower to me. I think a younger audience is more likely for this book rather than thirteen-year-olds. But with the structure of the story and the way Ivy's character grows, I think this is an appropriate story for younger kids and could be a helpful transition for kids who are moving into or just starting middle school or junior high.

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivy believes that being kind is what she does best—so much so that some kids have taken to calling her “Saint Ivy.” The nuanced nature of kindness comes to the fore as Ivy navigates her complicated life, which includes her parents’ divorce; her dad’s partner, Leo; her mother’s decision to become a gestational surrogate; and her own changing friendships in middle school.

[Amy Makechnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurie Morrison took me right back to middle school with SAINT IVY: KIND AT ALL COSTS. What a great read! I could FEEL the awkwardness, the uncertainty, the insecurity. I could relate to 13-year-old "Saint Ivy," who's just trying to do the right thing, but sometimes annoys others for trying to be so "good" all of the time. Laurie tackles difficult situations of today, like having divorced parents, a gay dad, a mom as a surrogate mother, a brother in therapy learning to cope with his emotions - and she does it so well!

Loved this exchange:
Ivy sighed. "It's complicated."

Lila stuck out her tongue. "Ugggggh. I hate it when people say that....it's such a cop-out. It doesn't mean anything. Everything is complicated. It's just something people say when they don't want to answer a question but they aren't brave enough to come out and say that. No offense."

Ivy's jaw tightened. "Not everything is complicated. And I hate when people say 'no offense' as if that gives them permission to be rude."

And to Ivy's surprise, Lila laughed.

"You're right, it's completely obnoxious. Sorry about that."

Well done, Laurie! Highly recommended middle grade-high school-adult read!

[Jenn Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Saint" Ivy is brimming with compassion and kindness. She's the first to notice hurt feelings among her peers, and she's always there to the rescue with baked goods. But how in touch is she with her own feelings? What does it mean to be kind to yourself?

Laurie Morrison is one of my favorite authors writing for young people -- she just gets that middle school audience. SAINT IVY: KIND AT ALL COSTS is a book with so many entry points for kid readers, from its mystery plot-line (who *is* the mysterious person emailing IVY?) to Ivy's multi-faceted struggles (her parent's separation, changing friendship dynamics, not knowing what her "thing" is yet). Hand to fans of Lynda Mulally Hunt and Kate Messner.

[Laurie Hnatiuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher Amulet Books for a digital ARC of this title to read.

I knew nothing about Saint Ivy: Kind at All Costs, but I did know I would read it because of how much I enjoyed Up for Air. I did not read any blurbs or background, and based on the title thought maybe about doing good deeds. I just dove in and was a bit surprised because I had not read a book that tackled this theme.

Ivy, the main character, is struggling to find "her thing." She believes that being nice is what she is known for and so that will be her thing. When a mysterious email arrives, stating how Ivy had been kind and made her day better, it reinforces this identity of being kind. Now Ivy is even more determined to help others and be kind. However, there is a fine line between being kind and people-pleasing at your expense.

In addition, Ivy's life is changing. Her parents have recently divorced, and her dad now lives with Leo. Her two best friends Kyra and Peyton, have spent the summer at camps and seem to have more in common with one another than with her. Her mom is a surrogate for friends of the family, and Ivy is worried about her mom being older and pregnant. When some of the details of her mom's pregnancy are not shared, Ivy is conflicted with negative feelings rather than her usual happy-go-lucky thoughts and is not sure how to handle herself. She feels the need to figure out the anonymous email sender to continue to support them, and at the same time, try to be a good person helping the new girl at her school, Lila. Ivy has a lot on her plate.

Lots going on within the story and the added mystery of the emails help to drive the plot in different directions as Ivy suspects different characters being the author. The constant push to please and help everyone, even those remotely connected, comes at a cost. And this is the lesson that many need to hear and learn (including adults) and the beauty of Laurie Morrison's storytelling. Laurie Morrison introduces readers to situations and characters they know but never been explicitly dealt with in a middle-grade novel until now. At what point is doing for others too much? If you are the one constantly giving, when can others shine? These are the themes explored, and from personal experience, I can identify with - sometimes, those on the receiving end need the chance to help those we care about and love.

Equally strong is the presence of all the supportive adults in Ivy's life, even though, at times (like a typical teenager, she is pushing back). The relationships she has with the adults in her life always mean someone is there to support her. Despite the divorce, her dad and his partner Leo are there for her, and this helps Ivy when she starts to push her mom away when she feels that she is not sharing with her openly and honestly. Her relationship with her nana provides some relief to the heavier problems that Ivy is facing. Her nana's matter-of-fact, tell-it-like-it-is attitude while providing Ivy with Jewish baking lessons preserving and teaching Ivy about her culture is heart-warming.

Relationships are a priority at this age and explored realistically. Ivy is figuring out who her friends are and how she can be a good friend and is not always successful. She is far from perfect. How she reacts to her friend's crush and how she neglects to share her true feelings about her mom's surrogacy causes turmoil amongst the three friends. The surrogacy subplot is another novel theme presented and allows readers to explore this topic or see themselves.

Saint Ivy: Kind at All Costs is a unique heart-filling story, providing readers with the character of Ivy, who they will recognize, connect and learn some life lessons. Saint Ivy: Kind at All Costs will be a great addition for homes, classrooms and libraries to start some great discussions about familiar and new topics.

FIRST LINE: The first anonymous email wasn't that big a deal.
PICTURE BOOK PAIRINGS: Nine Months: Before a Baby Is Born, The Good Egg (The Bad Seed, #2) The Three Questions and Stella Brings the Family
SIMILAR TITLES: The List of Things That Will Not Change, Rule of Threes, and The Best Man
OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR: Up for Air and Every Shiny Thing
SUBJECT HEADINGS/TAGS: Friendship, Family, Siblings, Identity and Self-Esteem

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from ABRAMS Kids through NetGalley.
Charming story of a middle school girl learning to accept and cope with the full range of her emotions and responses to situations. Ivy doesn't have a "thing" or passion like her friends and others in her life. She feels her thing is to be kind so she works to be kind to everyone even when that means suppressing her own emotions. She doesn't let others see what she is feeling as she doesn't want to acknowledge the less than kind feelings and thoughts she experiences. Her situation would cause any of us to feel a wide gamut of emotions. Her parents have been divorced for three years, her dad is in a relationship with Leo, her mom is now a surrogate for close friends, her brother is struggling to learn how to cope with his emotions, and her best friend dumps her. All of this is woven into the framework of Morrison's story. The title is terrific and captures the motto Ivy lives by. Her classmates have nicknamed her Saint Ivy as she is always willing to listen and does thoughtful things for others. At the same time, she won't let them in and share how she truly is feeling. She's afraid to let them see anything beyond her kindness. A new girl arrives and Ivy takes some risks to listen to her and open up to her before the book ends.
A lovely though bit slow paced and wandering plotline. Middle grade readers will see themselves somewhere in the characters. It's interesting to see the dimensions in the other characters contrasted with the image Ivy projects about herself.

[Allie Fullerton (thelightfilledreader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the premise of this story, loved the unique and often forgotten topic about how helping others can sometimes be selfish. The mystery aspect was also a great surprise. However I found the book failed in making that point and missed opportunities to show children those lessons through Ivy's story. I also felt like there were some plot issues in general where the same small micro tensions were happening chapter after chapter.
This book has several plot premises involving relationships that are complicated, and I appreciate that. I know children readers will, too. Ivy and a childhood best friend grow apart, and while she is sad, she recognizes that this happens for various reasons and it can be okay. Ivy also wrestles with her parents divorce even though it happened three years before the book takes place and struggles to reconcile the fact that her dad still loves her but is happier in a way now that he is gone. These are complicated emotions for children and adults, and it is important to acknowledge them as this book does, helping kids see that sometimes it isn't until these complicated emotions are out in the open that we can process and heal.
It is also worth noting that Ivy's dad has a male partner and Ivy's new friend Lila has two moms. These relationships are portrayed in the book as being normal and good.

[Karen McKenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how Laurie Morrison captures the voice of middle school so well. Ivy is a true 13 year old: first crushes, changing friendships, unanswered questions about who she is and where she fits. There were several times that her cringe-worthy attempts to be kind at all costs had me grimacing and laughing and connecting all at once. As a middle school teacher for 9 years, I think Laurie nailed a really unique character with a great lesson- can one be too kind? How can trying to always be there for others cross a line? Can we care so much about being (or looking) kind that we actually miss what people need most? How can we be kind to ourselves?

I loved the complexity of the characters (the grandma was my favorite!) and the mystery starting with the first line really draws you in. Who is sending Ivy anonymous emails? Why were they having a hard time? How can Ivy help them? Along the way, Ivy keeps changing her mind about who the mystery emailer is, and her attempts to be "kind" get out of control. I loved how at the end, there is a lot to analyze about how Ivy ends up the pickle she is in and how she can grow to be better to herself and her friends.
Thanks for sharing a copy with #LitReviewCrew!

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivy is one of those kids who just wants to do the right thing and help others…always. But sometimes wires get crossed and “nice” is misunderstood or causes unexpected problems, especially when the over-helping means no being true to yourself. Middle grade readers will see themselves in at least one of the many characters that live within Ivy’s sphere and certainly they will see situations that are similar to their own or to people they know. Some of the book’s resolution is expected but there are likely to be a few surprises, as well. Well-developed characters with changes over time make this a great choice for literature circle reading for those in grades 5-8 and with many male characters alongside female main character Ivy, even boys will find something to connect to as they read. Morrison’s book is free of profanity, violence, or sexual content, however with a surrogate mother who is impregnated via IVF, questions may arise among some readers. Representation notes: strong family ties even after divorce; two same sex couples among main characters’ families; Jewish heritage and culture clearly present; races are fairly ambiguous but with cover art, default for main character seems to be Caucasian. Thanks for sharing a copy of your book with #BookAllies Twitter group, Laurie!

[The Keepers of the Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Struggling with her identity, 13-year-old, Ivy decides to focus on being known for being kind. Navigating the nuances of being kind and the complicated life of a middle schooler, some of her friendships get put to the test and she begins to realize that sometimes too much kindness is a bad thing. When she meets Lila, daughter of two mothers, Ivy sees herself in her. Having a father whose partner is also male, Ivy feels she can relate. Will Ivy find a balance between being herself and being kind? A story of self-discovery, friendship, and family, readers will relate to Ivy’s struggles. Characters are well-developed, but some readers may be put off by some of Ivy’s sublimation of negativity. This book contains a variety of people from diverse backgrounds, including Ivy being Jewish. A good addition to collections where such books are popular. 3 stars, Grades 6 to 8

Please note: This was a review copy given to us by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No financial compensation was received.

[Bexa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that makes me glad that I never have to go through middle school again.

Ivy is always kind. Ivy always helps. Ivy doesn't say mean things to anyone. Ivy also doesn't let people know what is really bothering her.

Things are changing for her family. It's been a few years since her parents divorced and her dad started living with Leo. Now, her mother is being a surrogate for a her best friend, and Ivy is super worried about it. She doesn't say anything in order to make sure her mom isn't stressed, but it's causing more problems for Ivy. Also, there's an anonymous email that keeps sending Ivy messages about how much she has helped this person, and Ivy tries to figure out who it is, while being super nice to everyone. To the detriment of herself.

It isn't until multiple blow ups that Ivy finally talks to her parents and lets them know what is bothering her. There's a positive but not completely happy ending. A good book for kids to learn how being a people pleaser won't lead to completely positive outcomes.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I never read a middle grade book before with a girl coping with her mom acting as a surrogate. I like how this book explores how this affected her daughter and the implications it had on her life. I think it’s good for kids to be exposed to different families. I do wish Ivy’s mom involved her more in this huge decision beforehand and considered her own kids before agreeing to help her friend. There were several instances where it was clear that Ivy was too nice for her own good, helping people that didn’t deserve it and ignoring her own feelings at the expense of others. Ivy would get pressured into doing things just to be nice, but in the end, she only ended up hurting herself. Books like Wonder really push the virtue of kindness, but this book is unique in that it reveals the problems with being too kind and how sometimes it’s necessary to worry about doing things for yourself.

[Wendi Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet middle grade novel.

Ivy just wants to be nice to everyone!! There has been a lot of upheaval in her life, with her parents' divorce and her mother deciding to be a surrogate for a friend's baby. She's determined to be cheerful and pleasant to everyone, going out of her way to help others who are struggling. But her new nickname, "Saint Ivy," isn't always a positive. Ivy's friends feel like they can't really talk to her anymore, Ivy is receiving anonymous emails from someone asking for help, and she isn't able to fully communicate how she's REALLY feeling.

I think it's a pretty common trap for girls to feel they need to be nice, helpful, and pleasant at all times. Even as an adult, I can relate to Ivy. Great novel, great message for middle graders.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

[Tiffany]

I really enjoyed Saint Ivy and I think so many middle schoolers will be able to connect with the things she thinks and is going through.
Ivy is thoughtful and always looking to help those around her, especially if they seem like they are going through tough times. One day she receives an email from an anonymous person reaching out for her support. Ivy isn’t quite sure who it is, but wants to continue to be there for them. Meanwhile her mom has decided to be a surrogate for her friends and is not communicating everything to Ivy, and she’s starting to feel left out. Ivy is constantly trying to help those around her whom she thinks need it the most, and may end up pushing away the ones who really need her.
I loved all of the Philly references, and there’s a lot of baking (yum!). Some great character development and life lessons woven throughout. Check it out!!

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was super excited to get an eARC of Saint Ivy from the author and publisher through Netgalley. I’m already a fan of Laurie Morrison and her previous work, and this new novel did not disappoint.

Saint Ivy is exactly the kind of beautifully nuanced book about family, friendships, and figuring out who you are as a person that I wish I had as a middle schooler. I absolutely loved reading it! The messages and plot of the novel feel fresh and new, even as we watch Ivy navigate situations and emotions that are very familiar. Oh, and there’s lots of baking, which automatically makes it a winner for me!

This immensely satisfying work of realistic fiction deserves a wide audience. It’s one that I’m really looking forward to recommending to middle school students when it’s released in May 2021.

[Denise Forrest · Rating 3 out of 5]

All families are different but just about every imaginable difference appears in this book. Ivy’s parents are divorced and her dad now lives with his new male partner. Her friend lives with her two moms and Ivy’s mum is acting as a surrogate for her best friend.

Ivy is struggling with all the changes around her and when she receives some anonymous emails, she goes out of her way to befriend and be extra nice to those who she thinks sent them.

There are some lovely moments in the story. I really liked the relationship Ivy has with her grandmother and their Friday afternoon baking sessions. However I began to find Ivy really irritating. I wasn’t really that interested in who the emails were from and just wanted her to get on with her life.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Brigit Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

In SAINT IVY, seventh grader Ivy experiences empathy on overdrive and almost always neglects her own feelings. When her mom takes on the role of surrogate and becomes pregnant, Ivy feels a simmering resentment that makes her uncomfortable. Meanwhile, someone is writing her anonymous emails thanking her for all her acts of kindness, and Ivy is determined to uncover who it is. As always, Laurie Morrison writes beautifully, channeling the inner lives of middle schoolers with eloquence and heart. Lots of kids will relate to Ivy's struggles, seeing themselves in her people pleasing ways and her tendency to use kindness as protection from her own pain. Emotional authenticity reverberates throughout the entire novel. This book is going to have a constant home on middle school bookshelves for many, many years to come. I loved it.

[Jenny Adelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stellar upper middle grade book from Laurie Morrison! As a 7th grade teacher, I appreciate how easily Morrison makes it for kids to connect to the characters. This book is for anyone who has ever felt the need to please others. Ivy is 13 years old and her thing is being kind. So much so, that she's earned the nickname Saint Ivy. During her 8th grade year, however, Ivy has to balance a lot of emotions related to friends and family and being kind at all costs is causing a strain on many of her relationships. I loved how easily plot points where woven together to gain a full picture of Ivy's world. I highly recommend this book to readers, especially now with so many pressures students may be feeling. They will find comfort in getting to know Ivy. Thank you to NetGalley, Abram Kids and Amulet Books for providing an eArc.

[Katlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saint Ivy reminded me of myself as a middle schooler. Ivy, like so many eighth grade girls, is looking for her place in the world. The many layers of this book, family, friends, school, will all be relatable for middle school students. I love the way Laurie Morrison writes for middle school students and includes older teens in the story to satisfy that middle school curiosity about what is to come. Additionally, I have never read a book in which a parent is a surrogate! The information about Ivy’s mom’s pregnancy would also be useful for kids who know any pregnant grownups! I can’t wait to put this book into students’ hands

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great upper middle grade novel about trying to find your place in the ever-changing world of middle school and how "just be nice" isn't always the solution people would like it to be. Laurie Morrison gives Ivy realistic problems and pressures - ranging from shifts in friendships and sibling relationships, questions about a seemingly settled divorce, and worries about her mom's health as a gestational surrogate. Morrison also shows how a solution like "be grateful and kind" stops working if you never allow yourself to feel how you are really feeling. A good book for kids who like a character-focused story.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

With thanks to NetGalley and ABRAMS Kids for an early copy in return for an honest review.

Ivy is struggling to figure out what her "thing" is and so she devotes herself to being incredibly kind to others so that kindness can be her thing. This doesn't always work out the way she planned and sometimes her kindness backfires. She is also dealing with some tricky situations at home, her parents' divorce, her mom's surrogate pregnancy, and friendships.

Although I enjoyed this story, due to the themes and content (dating, middle school setting) I likely won't recommend this book to my students (3rd and 4th graders) but think older MG readers would enjoy the story.